Here is my "Best of 2009". I didn't play all that many games that were actually made this year, but I think this list represents the best of '09. 2009 was a pretty great year for games, and this list represents what in my opinion are shining examples of this year's greatness.
I know, I know (as a lot of people who also have this on their lists do); Persona 4 came out last year in North America. And just because it came out in Europe this year shouldn't make it applicable in my list, since I'm Canadian. But I played it this year, so it's going in.
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 is a triumph, pure and simple. It transcends all limitations and expectations. A last generation, turn-based RPG/dating simulation may not sound that...enthralling to the FPS/action game crowd, but they should obviously give it a chance. This game will go down as one of the Playstation 2's all-time greats, and will most likely go down as one of the best RPGs to come out this decade. Persona 4 presents some of the most memorable and genuine characters in an emersive, interesting world; with rewarding turn-based roleplaying and inventive simulation socialization to bring it all together. Persona 4 (for lack of a better term) rules, and represents one of the best experiences in a game I have had this year.
Mario & Luigi's second RPG on the Nintendo DS turns out to be their most hilarious and best outing yet. Combining the best turn-based RPG system ever designed (in my opinion) with a stellar script and amazing characters, (the return of Fawful, anyone?) Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story proves that the DS has something to offer that can't be accurately duplicated by it's console cousins.
Arkham Asylum is the current highwater mark of comic book video games. Every part of A.A. is amazing, from the combat/stealth systems, to the amazing world Rocksteady has created. A few nagging issues keep this game from reaching true greatness, (ie: lacklustre boss fights and a letdown of a finale) but can not keep it from being one of my "Best of 2009".
MUA 2 makes incremental (and fantastic) improvements on the greatness that was the first MUA. Combining a far better and dynamic story (even the ending IMO) than the first's "everything but the kitchen sink" approach in MUA 1, MUA 2 builds something great on the foundation formed by its predecessor. MUA 2 is a remarkable and addictive game that kept me coming back for more. CARNAGE RULES!!
'SLODE! The summer of arcade brought a few great (and one not so great) games to the XBLA, but the best of the lot was Twisted Pixel's amazing, 'Splosion Man. Utilizing classic 2D platforming to create a one-of-a-kind (challenging) experience, 'Splosion Man 'splodes as one of 2009's best.
The description "Diablo with guns" may seem to sell this game short, but really doesn't. Borderlands brings together stellar FPS action, comic book style graphics, amazing multiplayer and loot-mongering to create something that must be experienced by everyone. Diablo guns = one of the best of 2009. Period.
Note: Nominee is the DS version, as I haven't played the PSP version.
The GTA phenomenon comes to the DS in oriental fashion, with amazing results. Chinatown Wars brings something old and something new to Nintendo's handheld, combining "the old fashioned" GTA look and stellar writing/characters with the DS's touch-screen capabilities. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is not only one of the best DS games to come out this year, but also one of the year's best overall.
XBLA just got "Threepwood" ... terrible. The Secret of Monkey Island finally arrives on XBLM and is a welcome addition. Now in HD, Monkey Island combines classic point-and-click adventure gaming with a great script and fantastic characters. The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition is a classic and is one of the best releases this year.
Containing some of the best puzzles in puzzle gaming, Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box builds on Curious Village's foundation. The puzzles are more puzzling, the mystery is more mysterious, and Layton is more ... Layton-y. Diabolical Box comes together as one of the best puzzle games out this year. "Layton's assistant strikes again!"
