"Games of 2009" never existed until now. It is mainly a list of games I played in 2009, and I talk a little about them. Each game gets its own category, which is kind of like a Game of the Year list. I, also, include some stats from my playthrough this year. I am missing quite a few stats, but I was able to dig up some from achievements and old save files. I tried to recreate the paragraphs for each game using my thoughts from old posts. There is a link to the post I am referencing below the paragraph. Some games I never wrote about, so those paragraphs are recreated from my memory. Enjoy.
Even More Conspiracies
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (PS2)
Release date: 11/13/2001
Date played: 01/29/2009
Hours played: 15.75
Completion status: Complete
Achievements: NA
Screenshots taken: NA
Acquisition date: 12/02/2008
Acquired from: Amazon
Price: $9.33 (List NA for MGS Essential Collection)
I think Metal Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty is an awesome game. I liked the story from the first game better, but it is still great in the second. Before playing the game I thought Raiden would be a wet noodle, especially compared to Snake. After playing, he is a badass and it was a joy playing as him. After playing this, I was looking forward to Snake Eater.
"Good Morning!," 2/1/2009
Grindhouse Humor
The House of the Dead: Overkill (Wii)
Release date: 02/10/2009
Date played: 02/21/2009
Hours played: 7.00
Completion status: Complete
Achievements: NA
Screenshots taken: NA
Acquisition date: 02/12/2009
Acquired from: NA
Price: $49.99 (List $49.99)
The House of the Dead: Overkill has a grindhouse theme to it. It is very M rated, and borderline "adults only." This is not considering the blood, gore, and violence; it deserves its rating just because of the dialogue! It is hilarious and I love it! I am a big fan of light-gun, arcade games, as well as the House of the Dead series. Shooting zombies with friends in the comfort of your own home is a little piece of heaven for me.
"Evol," 2/15/2009
"Zombie tuX," 2/24/2009
"Games to the Video 6," 8/11/2009
Happiness Is A Warm Chainsaw
Madworld (Wii)
Release date: 03/10/2009
Date played: 04/05/2009
Hours played: 4.00
Completion status: Mostly
Achievements: NA
Screenshots taken: NA
Acquisition date: 03/11/2009
Acquired from: NA
Price: $49.99 (List $49.99)
Madworld is for the people who think the Wii does not have any M rated games. The violence is over-the-top and fun. I slammed a tire over an enemy, jabbed a signpost into his head, picked him up, and tossed him into a spike... and yet he continued to live. This is all in the name of reality television, which is the premise of the game. Greg Proops from Whose Line Is It Anyways? is great as one of the announcers narrating the kills. The graphics are only black and white with a little bit of red for blood. It looks good. I did not finish the game. Zombies started showing up, and it turned me off to the game. Overall, I want to finish it, and I still think it is a great game.
"Happiness is a Warm Chainsaw," 3/14/2009
"Games to the Video 6," 8/11/2009
Wakens The Completionist In Me
Assassin's Creed (PS3)
Release date: 11/13/2007
Date played: 05/28/2009
Hours played: NA
Completion status: Complete
Achievements: NA
Screenshots taken: NA
Acquisition date: 02/17/2008
Acquired from: NA
Price: NA
I enjoyed my time with Assassin's Creed. The exploration, platforming, combat, story, and graphics are all amazing. I see why some people call it repetitive, but I cannot deny that I had a lot of fun doing everything. Each assassin mission is a mystery, and investigating the target is fun. Climbing buildings and jumping from rooftop to rooftop feels fantastic. Assassin's Creed became one of my favorite games.
"Computer Splode," 5/28/2009
I'm Not Your Superman
Infamous (PS3)
Release date: 05/26/2009
Date played: 06/23/2009
Hours played: NA
Completion status: Complete
Achievements: 43/50 (86%)
Screenshots taken: NA
Acquisition date: 05/31/2009
Acquired from: NA
Price: $59.99 (List $59.99)
It did not take very long to get through Infamous twice. I beat it as good Cole, and then beat it as bad Cole. Both playthroughs are fun. I got different powers from each playthrough. The story is very black and white with no grey area to your actions. The good story is better than the bad, but there are some interesting arguments for going bad. I want to play it a third time.
"Games to the Video 6," 8/11/2009
The Cannibal Spy
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (PS2)
Release date: 11/17/2004
Date played: 08/14/2009
Hours played: 5.25
Completion status: Early
Achievements: NA
Screenshots taken: NA
Acquisition date: 12/02/2008
Acquired from: Amazon
Price: $9.33 (List NA for MGS Essential Collection)
I did not finish Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. I was excited to play it after beating Metal Gear Solid 2. Metal Gear Solid 3 is a letdown. The developers add too much to the game. I did not like the added realism of having to burn leeches off me after wading through streams or having to worry about eating. I am a super spy; I do not care if Snake gets his recommended daily calories! The story is intriguing, but I just could not play through it.
Worth A Fortune
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (PS3)
Release date: 11/16/2007
Date played: 08/26/2009
Hours played: 7.50
Completion status: Complete
Achievements: 24/58 (50%)
Screenshots taken: NA
Acquisition date: 09/12/2009
Acquired from: NA
Price: $34.99 (List $34.99)
I tried the demo for Uncharted: Drake's Fortune when it came out, but I did not get into it. When I saw it for $35, I thought, "Why not?" I fell in love with the game. The story is good. Naughty Dog did a great job integrating the cutscenes into gameplay. The story continued to be told through gameplay, which is sweet. Voice actors recorded their lines and performed motion capture for their characters. Doing this at the same time allowed for realistic performances, and it looks great. The graphics are stunning; it is nice to see greens, oranges, and blues in a video game. There are a lot of little details, like the movement of grass and leaves, that showcases the talent of the animation team.
The gameplay really shines. There is a little bit everything. It is a third-person, cover-based shooter. The AI is smart, which makes the combat thrilling. The game was good at giving me a breather by throwing a puzzle at me or giving me a chance to explore. Everything comes together perfectly.
"Worth A Fortune," 9/12/2009
No, I Do Not Want To Go Bowling
Grand Theft Auto IV (PS3)
Release date: 04/29/2008
Date played: 10/04/2009
Hours played: 34.75
Completion status: Mostly
Achievements: 12/51 (24%)
Screenshots taken: NA
Acquisition date: 09/30/2009
Acquired from: NA
Price: $34.99 (List $34.99)
I did not finish Grand Theft Auto IV. I got far into the game and unlocked all the islands. After I had all the islands unlocked, I collected every hidden package. After doing that, I grew bored with the game. I also had a few other gripes. The driving did not feel right. I hated the constant calls on your cell phone to hang out with people. I am sure if I would have stuck the main story missions, then I would have loved the game.
"BBUT," 9/30/2009
The Best
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3)
Release date: 10/13/2009
Date played: 10/17/2009
Hours played: 11.00
Completion status: Complete
Achievements: 18/48 (38%)
Screenshots taken: NA
Acquisition date: 10/24/2009
Acquired from: NA
Price: $59.99 (List $59.99)
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is everything the first game was, and better. The first game is no slouch, but the graphics, animation, and gameplay are all better in the sequel. The story is perfect this time around with set pieces that had me sitting at the edge of my seat. It is the perfect summer blockbuster, action-adventure movie in video game format. Naughty Dog set out to create an experience that did not rely heavily on cutscenes, and they succeeded. The story is mostly told through gameplay, and I did not feel like the action stopped when cutscenes started. Many people are awarding this game with their Game of the Year awards, and it is my personal game of the year as well.
"Stealing The Spotlight," 10/24/2009
"Games To The Video 7," 1/2/2010
The Liar
Brutal Legend (PS3)
Release date: 10/13/2009
Date played: 10/24/2009
Hours played: NA
Completion status: Midway
Achievements: 10/60 (17%)
Screenshots taken: NA
Acquisition date: 10/24/2009
Acquired from: NA
Price: $59.99 (List $59.99)
I was excited for the release of Brutal Legend. Tim Schafer (Monkey Island, Psychonauts) is behind the writing. So many rock legends like Jack Black, Ozzy, Lemmy, and others, provide voice over for characters. However, I feel like I was sold a different game. The demo sold me a third person, action-adventure title. It is only that for a small section. The main game is a real-time strategy game. I got to the RTS part and I stopped playing. I like RTS games, but this was on the Playstation 3 and it is dumbed down for consoles. I just felt lied to. Now that I know better I might come back to it with a different mindset.
"Games To The Video 7," 1/2/2010
Generic Name
Zombie Apocalypse (PS3)
Release date: 09/24/2009
Date played: 10/24/2009
Hours played: NA
Completion status: Complete
Achievements: 10/12 (83%)
Screenshots taken: NA
Acquisition date: 10/01/2009
Acquired from: PlayStation Store
Price: $9.99 (List $9.99)
Zombie Apocalypse is a fun downloadable game. It is only 10 bucks, so check it out. It is a mix of Left 4 Dead and Contra. It is a simple, top-down game where you kill lots of zombies, collect powerups, and try to survive. The teddy bear is a cool powerup. I survived 11 days out of 55 before running out of lives. I had a good time with friends, and got further.
"BBUT," 9/30/2009
Extinction Protocol
Too Human (360)
Release date: 08/19/2008
Date played: 11/14/2009
Hours played: 13.75
Completion status: Complete
Achievements: 21/50 (42%)
Screenshots taken: NA
Acquisition date: 11/08/2009
Acquired from: Gamestop
Price: $20.00 (List NA)
I like Norse mythology, and Too Human has lots of it. I bought the game, because it was made by Silicon Knights (Eternal Darkness, Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes). I do not remember too much about this game. I remember it is an RPG, and there is loot. I think I enjoyed the combat, but I cannot tell you why. I remember the long cutscene that played every time you died. That is not too good. I also remember the lawsuit that got all unsold copies destroyed. I have a physical copy, so I might give it another playthrough.
Refreshing To The Series
Halo 3: ODST (360)
Release date: 09/22/2009
Date played: 11/26/2009
Hours played: NA
Completion status: Complete
Achievements: 21/47 (45%)
Screenshots taken: NA
Acquisition date: 11/08/2009
Acquired from: NA
Price: $59.99 (List $59.99)
I like Halo 3: ODST, because it is different from the other games in the series. I like the series, but I think it is overrated. Instead of another game about a super soldier, ODST is about a regular soldier. The story is told more like a mystery. It is also more open ended, and allows you to explore your own way, which I like. On top of that Bungie introduced a new coop multiplayer mode, Firefight. It is fun to play with friends. I want more Halo games that take risks like this.
"Games To The Video 7," 1/2/2010
Same But More
Left 4 Dead 2 (360)
Release date: 11/17/2009
Date played: 11/27/2009
Hours played: NA
Completion status: Early
Achievements: 3/50 (6%)
Screenshots taken: NA
Acquisition date: 11/27/2009
Acquired from: NA
Price: $34.99 (List $59.99)
Left 4 Dead 2 does not rock the boat. I think this one is harder than the original. It adds Melee weapons, and more maps, but not much else. The new characters are fun, and have great dialogue. I love coop games, so I enjoyed playing this with friends.
"Games To The Video 7," 1/2/2010
I'm So Lonely
Borderlands (PC)
Release date: 10/26/2009
Date played: 12/10/2009
Hours played: NA
Completion status: Complete
Achievements: 44/80 (55%)
Screenshots taken: NA
Acquisition date: 10/26/2009
Acquired from: Gamestop
Price: $59.98 (List $59.98 for base game and The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned)
I preordered Borderlands, and just kept on playing. The graphics style is refreshing, and it sets the mood for the game. This game has millions of guns. It is so much fun finding a gun and finding out that it is your new favorite gun. The RPG elements are light, but the skills mix up the combat. The best way to play this game is with friends. The single player experience is a little hollow, and the world makes you feel alone. Overall, I can forgive its flaws, because it does so much right.
"Brick Smash!," 11/8/2009
How You Do A Sequel
Assassin's Creed II (PS3)
Release date: 11/17/2009
Date played: 12/12/2009
Hours played: 35.00
Completion status: Complete
Achievements: 51/51 (100%)
Screenshots taken: NA
Acquisition date: 11/17/2009
Acquired from: NA
Price: $59.99 (List $59.99)
Assassin's Creed II does everything right for a sequel. Instead of one hidden blade, I had two. The setting is bigger and better than the first. I got to meet Leonardo da Vinci! I like Altair, but Ezio has more personality. The combat is more fluid, and parkouring around Italy flows better. Highly recommend this game, even if you are not a fan of the first. It's the first game I got the platinum trophy.
"Games To The Video 7," 1/2/2010
More Of The Same With Coop
New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Wii)
Release date: 11/15/2009
Date played: 12/21/2009
Hours played: 28.25
Completion status: Complete
Achievements: NA
Screenshots taken: NA
Acquisition date: 11/15/2009
Acquired from: NA
Price: $49.99 (List $49.99)
New Super Mario Bros. Wii is a fun entry to the series. I love the series and the Wii version is more of what I love about it. It adds coop, but I am a little disappointed in it; it feels tacked on. Other than that, I enjoyed playing by myself.
"Games To The Video 7," 1/2/2010
2009 Summary
Games played: 17
Total hours: 162.25*
Oldest game played: Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (PS2) - 11/13/2001
Newest game played: Left 4 Dead 2 (360),
Assassin's Creed II (PS3) - 11/17/2009
Most achievements earned: Assassin's Creed II (PS3) - 51
Favorite game to 100%: Assassin's Creed II (PS3)
Most hours played: Assassin's Creed II (PS3) - 35.00
Total spent: $663.52**
Game of the year: Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PC)
*Assassin's Creed (PS3), Infamous (PS3), Brutal Legend (PS3), Zombie Apocalypse (PS3), Halo 3: ODST (360), Left 4 Dead 2 (360), and Borderlands (PC) are not included in total hours.
**Assassin's Creed (PS3) is not included in total cost.
I played a lot of great games this year. Some good, but not-so-great sequels, and some sequels that blow the originals out of the water. I bought an Xbox 360 this year. I have always wanted to play Too Human and buying a 360 gave me that chance. I played a lot of games this year, but there are few new releases I did not get a chance to play.
OneChanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers. I actually did buy this game, and played it for a few minutes. That was all I needed.
Onslaught. I played this for a little bit, but I do not remember anything about it. It is suppose to be a good FPS for the Wii, which was why I was tracking its release.
Resistance: Retribution. I bought it, and played it for a bit. It did not grab my attention, and the controls are a bit wonky.
Metroid Prime: Trilogy. I bought this collection, and played the first game. I did not get very far. Metroid has never really grabbed me. I gave it a shot.
Trine. This downloadable game looked fun, so I bought it. I played it a little bit (there seems to be a pattern), but was not my cup of tea.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine. An M rated super hero game, and it seems great. I played the demo. I had fun with the combat. I just never got around to playing the full game.
Prototype. I was watching this game and Infamous. I picked up Infamous and, alas, I did not have enough time to play this game.
A Boy and His Blob. This came out for the Wii. I remember playing the original NES game as a kid, and being too stupid to figure out how to play it. I wanted to relive those simpler times, and never did play it. My brother bought it, and even loaned it to me though.
Red Faction: Guerrilla. I did not get a chance to play this game this year, but it made "Games of 2010."
Batman: Arkham Asylum. I bought it and played it a little bit, but I did not complete it until 2012. Check out that list.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. This takes the modern setting from Call of Duty 4, and cranks it up to 11. I played it in 2011, but it does not show up on a list until "Games of 2015."
Wii Sports Resort. I do not really care about the game, but the Wii Motion Plus sounds cool. I never did get one, but I barrowed one from my brother to play Skyward Sword in 2017.
Dragon Age: Origins. At the time, I was not sure if I would like Mass Effect combat in a fantasy setting. I actully tried this game, and did not care for it.
Bayonetta. This game looks really cool. I tried out the demo, and liked it. However, I do not like hard games, and this game sounds hard.
Braid. I was not following this game, but I did end up playing in 2010. Check out "Games of 2010" for my thoughts.
Thank you for reading this years remaster. I spent a lot of time assembling the peices to this post. I continue to be amazed at the good games I have played. I have so many memories of most of these games. I hope your 2009 had lot of memoriable games.
- Royfuss