10. Mirror's Edge (PC, Playstation 3 & Xbox 360)
Opinions remain divided on this innovative first-person adventure, but those who embraced its unusual approach were rewarded with a stylish and entertaining spin on the platform genre. Aside from the stunning visuals, it was the game's sense of momentum that impressed most: running and jumping has never felt so good. Here's hoping the disappointing sales won't scupper hopes of a sequel.
9. Top Spin 3 (Playstation 3 & Xbox 360)
With punishing controls and a sharp difficulty curve, this was the tennis fan's tennis game. Those looking for Virtua Tennis-style 'pick up and play' action might have been frustrated, but for sheer depth of gameplay and exceptional multiplayer action, Top Spin 3 was in a class of its own. It would have been the sporting highlight of many a year, but EA had other ideas.
8. Left 4 Dead (PC & Xbox 360)
In a year where cooperative multiplayer gaming really showed its stuff (see FIFA 09, Gears of War 2 and more), Valve's zombie apocalypse shooter embraced the concept in a way few other titles have been brave enough to try. With scarcely a single player mode to mention, this was a game that relied almost entirely on players working together while fighting their way past wave after wave of charging undead. Gauntlet meets 28 Days Later? Oh yes.
7. Braid (Xbox 360)
What initially looked rather like a Mario clone instead revealed itself one of the most inventive titles of the year, blending intricate time manipulation puzzles with an intriguing plot referencing The Manhattan Project. Though consistently brilliant throughout, the game's conclusion was something else entirely: comfortably one of gaming's most impressive moments of narrative exposition. Not bad for an £8 Xbox Live download title.
6. Fable 2 (Xbox 360)
Some might have complained it was three years late, but Fable 2 was the game that finally delivered on all of the first Fable's promises. With a simplified, inclusive approach, this was a role playing game which worked with the player, rather than against them. And for all its open world brilliance and inspired social interaction, it was the strength of the narrative which really shone through.
5. Grand Theft Auto 4 (PC, Playstation 3 & Xbox 360)
We're still waiting for the Xbox 360 downloadable content, but fortunately there was plenty to enjoy on the disc. Liberty City thrilled; Niko Bellic was the series' best lead character to date; and the online modes offered surprisingly well thought-out multiplayer action. The big question now though, is how can Rockstar top this?
4. Gears of War 2 (Xbox 360)
As if there weren't enough shooting action in the first Gears, a 'bigger and better' policy for the sequel resulted in more of the same - only with a greater sense of scale and some impressive boss battles. But where Gears 2 really impressed was in the cooperative online mode, Horde, which saw up to five players working together to repel wave after wave of terrifying enemy attacks. As intense as multiplayer gaming gets.
3. FIFA 09 (Multiformat)
If FIFA 08 was the game that finally dislodged Pro Evolution Soccer's crown, then FIFA 09 blasted it clean off, before plucking it out of the air and volleying it into the back of the net. With unrivalled gameplay and EA's usual slick presentation standards, this was the best 3D football game to date - and the 20-player online mode just had to be played to be believed. Co-operative gaming at its absolute best.
2. LittleBigPlanet (Playstation 3)
In a year where the Xbox 360 line-up went from strength to strength, LittleBigPlanet was the PS3's poster child - and as it turned out, a serious contender for game of the year. Essentially a drop-dead gorgeous platform game, LittleBigPlanet's biggest draw was its level creator, which allowed players to produce their own creations and upload them for others to play and rate - essentially YouTube for videogames.
Thankfully the community didn't disappoint, with some jaw-droppingly inventive creations appearing almost immediately - and they're still coming now. To those considering the PS3: this is the system seller you have been waiting for.
What Was This Year's Best Game?
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Originally Posted by rookie
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