What kind of video game blog would we be if we didn’t do a list of best games for the year? A shoddy excuse for one, that’s what. So here we go, the first of six individualized lists from the writers of Pixel Verdict, to be capped with a year-end podcast where we bicker and argue about our respective choices, because, really, what kind of video game fanboys would be if we didn’t bicker and argue?
Hit the jump for my five best games of 2009, complete with party-pooping bloviating from The Contrarian Fanboy!
5. Resident Evil 5 (Xbox 360/PS3)
I know this wasn’t as well-regarded as Resident Evil 4, but what do you expect: that was the greatest survival-horror game ever made. What RE5 did was further hone the formula and combine it with a fun, B-movie plot, some awesome action set-pieces (laugh if you want, but who doesn’t like picking off zombies on motorcycles?) and boner-inducing graphics.
The Contrarian Fanboy speaks: Dead Space, however, proved you can still craft tension without having your main character rooted in place when he draws his weapon, and is it me or does Chris Redfield look like a roid-raging Muppet?
"My arms are bulging with excitement."
4. Borderlands (Xbox 360/PS3)
The most surprisingly awesome game of 2009 was Gearbox’s perfect blend of RPG-flavored character progression, non-stop loot drops and seamless FPS action. This is an example of a developer brining their A-game to two wildly divergent genres and crafting a deep, fun, stylish romp through a brilliantly realized Mad Max-type of ravaged wastelands. Add the four-player online co-op and, BINGO!, you’ve got yourself a bankable franchise 2K.
The Contrarian Fanboy speaks: Once you hit that level cap, though, Borderlands takes a big hit in the replayability factor.
"I think I have carbon monoxide poisoning."
3. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3)
The sequel to my all-time favorite PS3 game ups the ante in every way: the story is cooler, the action is faster and fiercer and the graphics set a new standard for this generation. Voice-acting continues to be the premium and the pacing is balls-to-the-wall throughout; Uncharted 2 really is the closest we’ve ever gotten to a fully-interactive action movie.
The Contrarian Fanboy speaks: Though, there is still some yardage to be made up before Oscars are handed out to video game screenwriters. The dialogue is riddled with clichés.
"My hair remains stiff and sculpted, no matter the danger. That's because I'm a Prell man!"
2. Street Fighter 4 (Xbox 360/PS3)
It’s the greatest fighting game of all time. And of that there can be no question.
The Contrarian Fanboy speaks: There are some character balancing issues and the throw priorities are hugely annoying and why is Dan taking up a valuable roster spot?
"Suck it, Honda."
1. Batman: Arkham Asylum (Xbox 360/PS3)
There was anticipation brewing for this title when it was first announced, but the relative anonymity of developer Rocksteady mixed with the sordid past virtual adventures of the Dark Knight kept this an unknown quanity–until we finally got to play it. Wow, what a game. There are so many money gameplay elements from the detective stuff, the stealth opportunities, the Riddler’s puzzles and, quite simply, a revolutionizing combat mechanic. In short, this game made me feel like fricking Batman. And since Batman is pretty much the dopest fictional character ever crafted this side of Han Solo, for a game to accomplish this feat with such high polish in every area is a true achievement. (We’ll see if Rocksteady tackles Han Solo: Mos Eisley Attack Force! with the same verve).
The Contrarian Fanboy speaks: I don’t know, there wasn’t a Chris-O’Donnell-as-Robin throttling minigame?
"After this adjustment, your migraines should go away."