The votes are in, counted, validated and sealed in a thick gold envelope. So without further pause, let’s break down the top 10 games of 2009, as decided by you (and us).
10: FIFA 10
EA Sports’ newly-formed emphasis on quality seemed to pay dividends with the vastly-improved FIFA 2009, but little were we prepared for the enhancements in 10 – which lent a newfound realism to an engine nearing its peak.
“Minor improvements to last years formula yielded massive results in what must be one of the best football games to be released” said AndyB, whilst Ricardo simply believes it to be “The best soccer game yet.”
After finding myself staring at a formation screen at 3am again last night, I can hardly argue.
9: Assassin’s Creed II
Rarely has one title managed to put right so many blemishes in one iteration, and for that reason alone, Assassin’s Creed II firmly deserves its place in the top 10.
Scott Pierce believes it to be “A big improvement in every way, just a fun and addictive game”, whilst TrudyG poured love onto an Italian setting that “transported you somewhere alien to videogames in general.”
Here’s hoping the third act brings about a continuation in innovation.
8: Demon’s Souls
Rather embarrassingly, none of the regular 7outof10 contributors have actually played Demon’s Souls, but you well-travelled lot have nevertheless voted it up to number eight.
“120 hours later I still remember my first death, and shouting ‘hell yeah’ when I went back and killed the bastard monster that got me” stated James, whilst Murilo Machado added that “it brings back what hardcore games are supposed to be.”
7: Forza 3
Turn 10 delivered its long-awaited sequel in 2009, lapping Polyphony Digital for the third time as it crossed the line. That it turned out to be the best racing simulation of this generation (for now at least) is testament to a team that understands the appeal of racing, not just the voluptuous contours of its protagonists.
“After the release of Gran Turismo many years ago, this is the only game that comes near to the competition on driving simulation” said Nicholas Rose, whilst Andrew dialled up the rhetoric in declaring it to be “a simply stunning achievement both artistically and technically.”
6: Borderlands
Gearbox’s fusion of Sci-Fi MMO mechanics with traditional shooter controls didn’t please everybody, but instilled incredible devotion in those that succumbed to its charms. With that in mind – and a sequel on the way – it’s no surprise to see Borderlands riding this high.
Multiplayer elements were popular, as Constantinos cited “Amazing co-op and looting!”, but our very own Steviebball summed it up nicely: “Borderlands was the most stylish, the most humorous, and the game with the most potential to continue into the over-crowded RPG and shooter market with something that ticks all the right boxes. A truly enjoyable game experience”.
5: Dragon Age: Origins
Bioware’s Orcs ‘n Swords tale rode its way into the top five despite attracting modest review scores by their standards; but with sales figures pushing into seven digits and inevitable rumours of a sequel, it looks like we’ll be seeing more of those incredibly plush beards in the near future.
Bix was taken by the pure “awesomeness” of the universe, Dragonarian cited the “near limitless scope for adventure”, whilst Majikel talked up “a game of epic depth which takes pride in the telling of its stories”.
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7 Comments
Im calling Zombie bullshit on the lack of Left 4 Dead 2 in that list!!
Left 4 Dead 2 smells like a bad add on pack to me. I’m waiting for Left 4 Dead 4. Prob out in Feb?
I was disappointed by Borderlands. I was excited by the concept, but it seemed to opt for the least satisfying RPG elements: repetitive grind for items and XP, tacked-on “Kill X Bandits” sidequests, and a confusing, often depopulated overworld.
The FPS parts worked adequately, but were not particularly compelling. The co-op was a nice addition, but didn’t seem to bring too much to the game.
Not terrible, just very average.
Mikey….i do hope your not being serious there.
Well i ain’t played it, so can not comment, got the first one, was fun but anoying, i’m an old fashioned aim down the barrel of your gun kinda guy, not a spray and hope you hit something guy. Have they added aiming? Please. Ok. Then. I love your beard.
Hmm I own the games in 2 & 3 but haven’t even looked @ the game occupying the No1 slot, keeping in mind my fondness for anything involving aiming on a PC, am I missing out? I mean its a reason to fire up the Ps3 that isn’t a Blu-Ray or Singstar!
@Robin: Are you (or have you ever been) a fan of Tomb Raider style adventure games? If so, please, please give it a try – it’s nothing short of fantastic. If not, it might sway you anyway!
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[...] of gaming. 2009 was a good year, handing us a length list that you all obviously enjoyed if your Top 10 Games of the Year voting was anything to go by, and with the high calibre of Bayonetta leading the charge into 2010 [...]
[...] of gaming. 2009 was a good year, handing us a length list that you all obviously enjoyed if your Top 10 Games of the Year voting was anything to go by, and with the high calibre of Bayonetta leading the charge into 2010 [...]