So rather than a "Best Games of 09" list, this will chronicle any and all games that I've enjoyed. Release dates don't matter. Hopefully this list will be a little more interesting and not look too samey.
This game is the main reason I went gold on Xbox Live. And I don't feel the least bit ripped off. I've spent countless hours playing online versus and offline co-op campaign. And every single time I've played, I've enjoyed it.
If Left 4 Dead was my #1 most played game this year, then #2 would be Animal Crossing: City Folk. So much activities and thousands of items to collect. Also the irresistible charm warms my heart.
Currently the front runner for my Game of the Year. NSMBW is a great balance of new and old. The creative level design of Mario games past feels very fun and fresh in this iteration. I also loved all the fanservice.
When it comes to pick up and play time wasters, Trials HD is king. The tracks and skill games are a total blast. Plus I kept finding myself peeking at the leaderboards and making sure I remained on top. Fantastic replay value.
Another quick fix title that I couldn't stay away from. Addictive gameplay and the always daunting task of surviving a million made me fire this one up whenever I could. I stand by my claim of this being the best five bucks I've ever spent on a game.
Nobody ever seems to talk much about this game, but it blew me away. I quit pretty early on Ninja Gaiden Black, but with Sigma I stuck it through. I'm so happy I did. I would have missed out on an action packed fast paced ninja game that was difficult and satisfying at the same time.
The news of this game making it over to the states made me so happy. Just classic run and gun 2d gameplay with frantic shit on screen. It's the type of game that makes you grow chest hair instantly.
I'd probably had my fix of Rock Band around this time last year. But the constant DLC is a great reason to revisit it over and over again. Plus the local multiplayer is so perfect with company around.
A game that came out of nowhere during the early/middle of the year game drought. Probably the best looking fighter out there. And the awful exaggerated voice over work just sealed its awesomeness.
An oldie but a goodie. Downloaded this from the Virtual Console and couldn't put it down. Probably the best SNES game that I don't have the cart for. Fun and challenging with amazing music and classic for the series gameplay.
Never played the Sands of Time trilogy. Let's get that out of the way now. But even without a point of reference, I took to this game a lot. Great art style and fun acrobatic platforming. To me this is a AAA title that is often overlooked.
I was so unsure about picking this title up at first. But finally playing through it beginning to end, I knew I experienced something very special and unique. Too many good things about this title to list. Set the bar for downloadable titles way high.
If you are a wrestling fan then it's hard to deny that No Mercy is still the best wrestling game to date. The gameplay has easily stood the test of time for me. Outdated graphics and roster make no difference. When I want to play a wrestling game, I turn here.
I'm incredibly late to the party on this one. But I have to say Half-Life 2 is the definitive 1st person shooter. Great storytelling and fun physics make this experience have no equal.
The grindhouse feel of this title only enhances the B-movie vibe and atmosphere. Some might point out the repetitive gameplay and short length but I still smile thinking about that first playthrough. Surprisingly intentional funny dialogue and an end boss fight that I won't forget. Great third party Wii title.
I wrote this game off pretty early. Stupid no skill required casual game. Replace stupid with addictive and the statement will speak more truth. Peggle defines inexplicable fun.
One day I woke up and realized that I didn't have my favorite video game of all time on my Wii. 10 bucks later problem solved. Still holds up and still fun to play, Super Mario 64 is the revolutionary 3d platformer that runs circles around most of it's modern day competitors.
I must be insane but this game made me so envious of PS3 owners. I fell in love with the franchise on the 360 with Beautiful Katamari. But seeing the more varied missions and cleaner graphics made me feel like I was missing out on the definitive experience. Glad the situation got rectified.
Another late to the party title. But oh man I forgot how gaming can quickly become an obsession. I got hooked on the XBLA version really bad. A couple sleepless nights of exploring Dracula's castle defines this epic adventure. I made it a point to complete this game backwards and forwards. Easily top ten of all time material.
