2009 Awards

This was something I was originally excited for. I had a lot of fun doing this the first year around, but we actually had some votes. I had posted on the Gamespot forums, and had some votes from there before it was removed unjustly. I had some friends fill it out. Cohosts participated. In all, I think we had 9-10 different voters. Luckily, some of which were XBox 360 people, as most of my friends are Sony and/or Nintendo players. Most of the things I play are on Playstation 3 and PSP, and I missed some of the big games last year, which is the topic for another post, Catching Up.

So what I present you with is some of MY favorite games I got to play last year, and what categories they won me over with. While I probably spent more time playing SOCOM: Confrontation than any other game last year, sadly, I can't put a vote in for that for Game of the Year. ;) Drum roll please!

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
Awards:
Game of the Year
Console Game of the Year
PS3 Game of the Year
Best Action Game
Best Technical Graphics
"Storyteller" Award

That's a lot huh? Well, I believe it deserved every bit of it. Solid action, some of THE best pacing in an action game, phenomenal acting, and amazing graphics. All on one disc. It even has a solid online component that doesn't feel tacked on in the slightest. I gushed about this game on the show, and I couldn't help the times I was at a loss for words. Best game ever? No. There is no such thing. Do I care it is only 10 hours long? Not at all. I would play through the single player at LEAST one more time.

Dissidia: Final Fantasy
Awards:
Handheld Game of the Year
PSP Game of the Year
Best Handheld Fighting Game

Picking a Handheld GotY was pretty hard for me this year. I had four solid contenders, but I went with Dissidia. As far as depth goes, it is deeper than a lot of handheld games. The fighting mechanics were solid, and not overly complicated. If rumor is true about Dissidia coming to PS3/360's, I will shout for joy.

Red Faction: Guerrilla
Awards:
More Surprising Game of the Year

Go listen to me and Connor argue about the demo of this game, and you'll find this award a shock. I rented it thanks to Garnett Lee (ex-1UP employee, via 1UP Yours podcast), and wow, I was honestly having a blast! Literally! Blowing up buildings and watching them crumble, smashing through walls with that hammer; all of it was more fun than I thought this game could contain. I still have to buy this one.

inFAMOUS
Awards:
Best New IP
Best new character (Cole)

This was my game of the year until Uncharted 2 came out. Awesome story, great art style, and solid physics. That was probably my favorite part, just scaling buildings and jumping from rooftop to light pole to rooftop.

Fat Princess
Awards:
Best Artistic Graphics
(assuming Em's Game of the Year)
(assuming Em's Competitive Multiplayer Game of the Year)
(assuming Em's PSN Game of the Year)

I was overly hyped for this game, but even though I was let down, I still think it had some of the best "artsy" graphics. And my wife LOVES this game. She can't stop playing it.

Borderlands
Awards:
Best Co-Operative Multiplayer
Best Console Shooter

This is probably one of the better shooters I have played in awhile. Most people play with others, and say it sucks alone. I play it alone, and still gave it an A. I do play with my wife, though, and she really digs it. Awesome graphics, great "gun game" as I call it, and more loot than you can shake a stick at.

Half-Minute Hero
Awards:
Best Handheld RPG
Most Innovative Game

This was up there for best PSP game of the year, and let me tell you, it was hard to pick. That aside, it really is one of the most unique games I have played, and a very fresh spin on the RPG genre. And the choice to make it look old school made it that much better.

I think I'll wrap it up there. There are a few more, and a few negative awards, but this post is LONG. What were some of your favorite games of last year? Let us know in the comments!

-Sobær