(PS3)
Release Date: 16th October 2009
Developed By Naughty Dog
Publisher: SCEE
Read Our Preview
Feature: Gamestyle Awards 2009 Part 1 (PS3)
Game of the Year
Winner: Uncharted 2
Runner up: Batman Arkham Asylum
With the team providing their own suggestions, two games in particular kept on appearing. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is clearly Sony's strongest card when it comes to selling the console and the publisher has certainly been making that point with its advertising campaign. Batman Arkham Asylum was a real surprise proving it was more than a good looking title. This was a game that showed what could be produced with a superhero license.
Xbox 360 Game of the Year
Winner: Batman Arkham Asylum
Runner up: Shadow Complex
Despite being released on the Playstation 3 as well, we really felt the need to highlight just how enjoyable Batman Arkham Asylum is by giving it the 360 award. If you haven't checked it out by now, then it seems to be heavily discounted in the Festive sales providing a perfect purchase! The Xbox Live Arcade service is often overlooked so we were really impressed with Shadow Complex an online purchase we did not regret.
PS3 Game of the Year
Winner: Uncharted 2
Runner up: Dragon Age: Origins
Will we be seeing Uncharted 2 with another award? Despite our criticism Dragon Age: Origins was a tremendous experience in the classic BioWare mode. The best RPG of 2009 and a game that offers tremendous replay value and new experiences.
Wii Game of the Year
Winner: Dead Space Extraction
Runner up: The House Of The Dead: Overkill
The original Dead Space featured in our 2008 Awards and who would have thought that Nintendo Wii sidestory would turn out so well? Dead Space Extraction provided a new journey into the terrifying world of zero gravity and will keep us entertained until a true sequel arrives. Sega showed how to bring a dead franchise back to life with House of the Dead: Overkill and that the Wii can be more than just for kids.
Handheld Game of the Year
Winner: Mario & Luigi Bowsers Inside Story
Runner up: GTA Chinatown Wars DS
Handheld ownership may be on the decline within the Gamestyle ranks but it is great to see that some developers are really thinking about what's possible. These two titles show that on-the-go experiences can be more than dressing shops or boosting your IQ. Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story confirmed that the classic Nintendo gameplay is as strong as ever. GTA most thought could not work without a highpowered host but Chinatown Wars proved a point and went down extremely well.
Forgotten Gem
Winner: Torchlight
Runner up: LostWinds: Winter Of The Melodias
These two particular releases slipped by most during 2009. Torchlight has certainly gone down well with those who have tracked it down and invested time with the experience. While LostWinds: Winter Of The Melodias was a welcome sequel to the enchanting LostWinds, both of which can be found on the Nintendo WiiWare service.
So that's part one of our 2009 awards done. Rest up and enjoy the festive leftovers while we prepare our winners in categories such as sound design, graphical quality and innovation.
To discuss the games of 2009 please click here or to view part two of this feature click here.
Online races are just as frantic as the single player offering.
The graphics and sound are excellent by the standards of a third-party Wii game.
Although Heavy Rain is entertaining from the start, there are several flaws that hamper the enjoyment.
A very endearing entry in the series, and another that is well worth checking out.
The first thing you notice when you get this guide in your hands is the quality.
The control gripes aside, Aliens vs Predator is a good game.
