Video Game Awards 2009

In the spirit of Monty Python, this week it's time for something completely different. I have professed my love for all things gaming in the past. My dual devotion to both the PS3 and XBox 360 has been duly and, likely, unnecessarily noted on several an occasion.

This week before Christmas, fellow blogger and video game geek Yasar teams up with me to bring you our unrequested, fully-biased picks for the best and worst games of 2009.  That's right, the tag-team you never knew you were waiting for is here to blow your minds with opinionated commentary on the latest, greatest and not-so-hot titles of the past year.

So, sit back, reach for that Halo-skinned controller, and enjoy the ride.

Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 (Guy): I am a huge wrestling fan. I am an even bigger wrestling game fan. This series from THQ/Yukes has been around for years but just hasn't been able to capture the magic of the PS2's Shut Your Mouth or the mastery of No Mercy on the N64. That is, until now. Tight controls and an immersive user experience make this game the long-awaited king of the ring. Create your own storylines, wrestlers and videos. Upload them to a vibrant online community or directly to YouTube and share them with the world. This game will provide hours of fun for years to come.

New Super Mario Bros. (Yasar): I'm a huge Mario fan.  I've never played a Mario game I haven't like.  The best Mario game ever made, as decided by yours truly, is Super Mario Bros. 3 for the NES.  Nintendo finally returns to the 2d platform in this newest installment and nails it.  The best part of the game you ask?  You don't have to take turns switching between Mario and Luigi because they've incorporated a co-op mode.

GTA IV: Liberty City Stories (Guy): Originally released as two seperate downloads, this moderately priced compilation disc keeps one of the best games of the last two years very much in the hunt for game of the decade. Both games in this set offer rich, detailed, open-world gaming that continues all of the cool side storylines that made GTA IV proper so amazingly great. Same great controls, same great voice acting, same great storylines. An all-around must-own for any hardcore gamer.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Guy): One word sums up this game. Masterpiece. Forget the controversy, ignore the naysayers. If you like visceral, all-out action games that keep you on the edge of your seat, then this game is a no-brainer pick for you. From the excellent graphics, sound, and a rich multi-player experience, this game is already being hailed by many including myself as game of the year. It has already conquered the sales charts for this holiday season. Pick it up and let it conquer your consoles next. 

So those are our picks for the real gems of the year. To see which games we gave the stink eye to, check out Yasar's post for part two covering the absolute worst of the year.

As always, be sure to check me out on Twitter @SavingsGCapes for more gadget and game reviews, articles and deals. Have a Happy Holiday everyone. See you again next week.