Staff Mashup: Our favorite games of 2009

We love games. All types of games.

But, of course, we don’t love all games the same amount. Some we simply love more than others. Yes, we play favorites (pun partially intended).

Here’s a look back at a few of the Gamertell staff’s favorite games released during the last year of the first decade of this century (aka 2009).

Jenni Lada (Gamertell Assistant Editor):

1. New Super Mario Bros. Wii – (Wii) A great throwback to classic Mario games with an awesome multiplayer experience.
2. Dissidia: Final Fantasy – (PSP) Looks gorgeous, was fun to play and had hundreds of hours of playtime.
3. Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days – (DS) Maybe not fantastic story wise but provided an interesting insight into Organization XIII and is one of the best looking DS games to date.
4. Harvest Moon: Animal Parade – (Wii) I’d say the best Harvest Moon game yet, with a wonderful world, lots of animals and crops and the ability to have two children with unique personalities.
5. Style Savvy – (DS) Nintendo shows what a game for girls should be like. Its incredibly addictive and lots of fun.

Kirk Hiner (Appletell Editor, Gamertell Contributor):

1. Dead Space Extraction – (Wii) Like playing your way through an excellent sci-fi/horror game.
2. Metroid Prime Trilogy – (Wii) Can I count a package of previously released games? Sure, when they’re enhanced for Wii controls. That makes all the difference.
3. Bioshock – (Mac, PC, PlayStation3, Xbox 360) It’s a couple years late hitting the Mac, but this violent, stylized shooter was certainly worth the wait.
4. LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias – (WiiWare) This gorgeous, gentle adventure is a perfect example of what WiiWare games should be, and how Wii controls should be used.
5. Suikoden Tierkreis – (DS) An adventure RPG perfectly suited for the DS while seemingly pushing the handheld past its limits in both visuals and scope.

Jeremy Hill (Gamertell Writer):

1. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3) Uncharted 2‘s story mode is so well put together and graphically beautiful that I flat out refused to play multiplayer until the adventure was over. Uncharted 2 is the closest I’ve ever felt to playing an action film. I adored this game so much, the main theme became my default ringtone.
2. Batman: Arkham Asylum (PS3, Xbox 360, PC) The best part of Arkham Asylum outside of the voice cast is its FreeFlow Combat system. No other game of 2009 made me feel like I was performing extraordinary fighting techniques while putting in minimal effort. I also enjoyed to gritty atmosphere of Arkham and the noticeable ware and tear Batman accumulates as the game progresses.
3. Resident Evil 5 (PS3, Xbox 360, PC) RE5 is one of the best games I’ve played cooperatively in 2009. My friend and I went through this game three times and spent a considerable amount of time playing the Mercenaries mode. The controls were far from perfect and it was more action than horror, but Capcom nailed the feeling of dependence you have for your partner. Without that, my head would have been chainsawed off many a time.
4. inFamous (PS3) inFamous made my list because it was one of my biggest surprises of 2009. inFamous was compared to Prototype constantly and it seemed like everyone thought inFamous would take a back seat to Prototype. Imagine my reaction when Prototype‘s shine wore off quickly and inFamous was still standing strong. I adored the motion comic storytelling and Cole’s super raspy voice. Shooting people with red lighting also helped.
5. Borderlands (Xbox 360) I’ve never been crazy for loot hoarding games but Borderlands satisfied my need for a well controlled shooter coupled with stylized graphics. This game made me want to stick with my character and develop them without switching. Of course the bread and butter of Borderlands is playing with a friend online. The fun I had made up for the lack of story and I honestly didn’t care to have one either.

Christian Morlotte (Gamertell Writer):

1. Modern Warfare 2 – (PS3, Xbox 360) An awesome shooter with great action sequences straight from blockbuster movies. A must have for shooter fans.

2. Halo: ODST – (Xbox 360) Another excellent addition to the Halo franchise. The Superintendent is one of the best AI characters I’ve seen in a game.
3. Brutal Legend – (PS3, Xbox 360) A great action title for any fans of Heavy Metal and Classic Rock. Tons of musical references and cameos make this a must have.
4. Street Fighter IV – (PS3, Xbox 360) This was a great remake of an all time fighter classic. Nailing that Dragon Punch never gets old.
5. Resident Evil 5 – (PS3, Xbox 360) Although it diverts a little from the traditional Resident Evil formula this is an excellent action title and a step in the right direction for the franchise.