TPSN GOTY :: Best Action/Adventure

There were some really awesome action/adventure games released in 2009. A lot of sequels and a big surprise. The GOTY mainstays are here, so you pretty much know what’s coming here. In what order? Well, that’s why you have to hit the jump.

It’s pretty well known that Resident Evil 4 was a massive success, but it had issues. I’m not going to say RE5 didn’t have any in fact, with the way the game has changed, the controls really should’ve. Despite that, RE5 was still one hell of a game. It had great action sequences, the AI was great – both friend and foe and it was great multiplayer experience too. For those who haven’t played it, it’s highly recommended. Price wise, I think those who liked the demo can, at least, give it a go now.

4. inFamous

The superhero genre has been a hard nut to crack, but 2009 may have been the year of the superhero videogame. Sly Cooper devs Sucker Punch returned last year to bring PS3 owners inFamous. Rather than start with an established comic book franchise, a whole new tale was to be told. It might not have been as perfect as something like Uncharted, but inFamous was a fantastic start to a franchise and there’s no doubt we’ll be seeing more from Cole and the gang soon enough.

The gameplay was fantastic, and the way Cole moved around the desolate environment that was Empire City even rivaled Assassins Creed 2. The visuals were great, the story was interesting and Sucker Punch even managed to create a brand new superhero worthy enough to stand alongside actual comic book mainstays like Batman.

3. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Batman Arkham Asylum turned out to be a real gem. A game that was expected to do well by name alone had the inventive gameplay and brilliant story to back it up.

Arkham itself is a beautiful, haunting backdrop to one of the best gaming experiences of 2009. Each area feels fresh and well thought out and they change and evolve as the story progresses.  Poisoned Ivy’s botanical garden being a major highlight.

Batman feels very powerful, as he should do, and can take on multiple enemies without breaking a sweat. The control are intuitive & fluid, and the combat system proves easy to learn but a real challenge to master. It is an amazing feeling to enter a room and take out fifteen enemies with fists, batarangs, grappling hooks, etc in one flowing combo. Stupid as it sounds you feel like batman and in my opinion that means the developers did their job spot on.

It is full of lovely touches like the various gadgets and the vocal talent from the animated series. Mark Hamill (yes, Luke Skywaker) as the brilliant joker being the real standout. Add to this many side objectives to complete, Riddler puzzles to solve, as well as predator and combat challenge rooms and you have a game that will last months. It’s superb and deserves it’s place as contender for game of the year.

2. Assassins Creed II

After a less than perfect first outing Ubisoft sent us back into the Animus in 2009, this time we ventured to Italy and followed the story of another of Desmond Miles’ ancestors. Assassins Creed promised so much, but it was only in it’s sequel Ubisoft delivered. The story was much more interesting, the characters a lot more engaging and, on the whole, the game was much improved. Had it not been for Arkham Asylum, this might have actually been the best ‘Batman-game’ of 2009. Oh yeah, it had Nolan North in it so it must be good…right?

1. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Uncharted 2 manages to improve upon it’s predecessor in every single way possible, to undoubtedly deliver one of the best experiences to grace any console this year. The antics of Nathan Drake continue, and it’s one hell of a ride. Old friends will meet up, alliances will be made and broken, and Drake will still continue to find bedlam wherever he goes. Naughty Dog also pulled out some of the most impressive graphics ever seen on a console. As if the visuals weren’t enough, Nolan North (The voice of Nathan Drake) and gang provide an outstanding vocal performance which can only add to the masterpiece that Naughty Dog has crafted. The addition of online is also surprisingly fun, and definitely has staying power. If you play one game this year, make sure it’s this.

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