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The 10 top video games of 2009
Vito Pilieci
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Rated: T for Teens
Here is one title every PS3 owner should have. The game, which I gave five out of five stars, combines mystery, great game play and incredible graphics to create what many are calling the "Game of the Year." Assume the role of fortune-hunter Nathan Drake as he searches for the lost city of Shambhala and the riches it holds. Drake loots, runs and shoots his way across Asia in this epic adventure.
Assassins Creed 2
Rated: M for Mature
Available to video gamers on PS3, PC and Xbox 360 platforms, this Canadian creation by Ubisoft is sure to capture game enthusiasts and keep them riveted to the screen. Assume the role of Ezio Auditore de Firenze, who watches helplessly as most of his family are murdered before his eyes. To exact revenge, young Ezio becomes an elite assassin and travels across Renaissance Italy in a bid to clear his family's name and catch those responsible.
NHL 10
Rated: E for Everyone 10+
Was there any doubt that the best selling hockey-themed game in the world was going to be anything less than fantastic? Available on Xbox 360 and PS3, this year's game isn't much different than its predecessor (NHL09), with the exception that on-ice tough guys can now drop the gloves and fight. Still, with updated rosters, stellar graphics and a proven track record of decades of excellent hockey-themed games, this is one for any sports nut on your list.
Batman: Arkham Asylum
Rated: T for Teen
Comic book fans jumped for joy when this title was made available on PS3, Xbox 360s and PCs earlier this year. The game collects the worst of the Dark Knights villains, places them in an insane asylum and then turns Batman loose to catch them all. The game combines incredible action sequences with head-scratching puzzles and a voice cast, from the popular Batman: The Animated Series cartoon, that really brings the characters to life.
Punch-Out Wii
Rated: E for Everyone 10+
Available on Nintendo's little white console, this version of the two-decade old game still packs one heck of a punch. Step back into the shoes of diminutive boxer Little Mac and use the Wii-Mote and Nunchuck controllers of the Wii to bob, weave and punch your way to become champion of the world. Classic foes such as King Hippo, Glass Joe and Von Kaiser are back and there is even a head-to-head feature that allows gamers to battle each other to see who is king of the ring.
Super Mario Wii
Rated: E for Everyone
It's like this was the year to relive your childhood in Nintendo-land. This exclusive Wii title also breathed new life into a 20-year-old franchise by bringing the good-old mushroom grabbing, goomba stomping, Yoshi riding Super Mario back to his roots. The game, which plays exactly like the original titles, which were released in the 1990s, was critically acclaimed for being fun. What a novel idea for a video game.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Rated: M for Mature
This one is really a no-brainer. Modern Warfare 2 had the biggest entertainment opening ever - selling more than 3.6 million units (valued at $310 million U.S.) on its opening day - easily beating any movie opening by a long shot. The game puts players in the shoes of an elite terrorist-busting unit who are out to make the world a safer place. The action is brutal and quick-paced and the storyline is riveting. Available on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.
The Beatles: Rock Band
Rated: T for Teen
In this edition of the popular Rock Band series of video games, players become The Beatles and play through their career. From the grimy surroundings of the Cavern Club where the group got its start in the 1960s, through to the memorable performance at Shea Stadium in 1965, it's all there for players to relive. Gamers old and young are sure to enjoy more than 45 of the band's most popular songs. Available on Xbox 360, PS3, Wii and PS2.
Ultimate Alliance 2
Rated: T for Teen
This was a good year for video games based on comic books. Ultimate Alliance 2 allows gamers to step into the shoes of the most popular heroes in the Marvel Universe and fight their way through the Marvel Civil War, one of the most popular and controversial comic book storylines in decades. Players are caught in a vicious political battle being waged by Iron Man and Captain America. Even if the politics and comic book references don't appeal to you, this is one fun little button masher. It's available on Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PlayStation 2, Sony PSP and Nintendo DS.
God of War Collection
Rated: M for Mature
This PS3 exclusive collects most of the God of War series (available on the PS2) and remasters those games in high-definition. The graphics and sounds are better, but best of all, the game prepares gamers for the upcoming God of War III, which will be released early in 2010. Take on the role of Spartan warrior Kratos, who has been forced to serve Ares, the Greek God of War. After doing atrocious things, Kratos rebels and sets out to kill the God of War.
