With 2009 halfway done in a few days, I think it's time for me to re-assess what games from 2009 I am excited for. Most of the games from my list in January have been released, and since then there have been new announcements, trailers, and previews to make some serious shuffles among my list.
1. Scribblenauts (DS) - September 15
With my most anticipated game from my January list already released, it seemed like a safe bet for my second choice from then, Scribblenauts, to get bumped up to the top spot. However, by no means did Scribblenauts earn this spot now by default. My anticipation for this game was insanely high to begin with, but after E3 and the countless hands-on previews confirming how limitless the game's possibilities are, I am now frothing from the mouth as I eagerly await the September release. Reportedly, it took five members of 5th Cell six months of dictionary combing to incorporate all of the words in this game, but the inclusion of popular internet memes like "Keyboard Cat" and totally random inclusions like "Kraken" or "Cthulu" show real dedication to this title. Scribblenauts looks like it may be the first true Game of the Year contender on a handheld system.
2. Bayonetta (PS3, 360) - Q4
Bayonetta's been on my radar for a while, but has always been overshadowed by Platinum Game's other project, MadWorld. Now that MadWorld has been our for a few months, Bayonetta can finally emerge as the standout title it should be. Looking like a pure, true action game, equipped with a busty protagonist with guns attached to her boots, Bayonetta promises to be a nonstop action romp. The game looks gorgeous, stylized beautifully like you'd expect from the creators of Okami, and, did I mention, it's a NONSTOP ACTION ROMP? Who would have thought that tying pistols to a hot girl's shows would lead to something promising?
3. New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Wii) - Q4
I don't care how old or how mature you claim to be, if you don't enjoy a good Mario game then I just don't like you. The sequel to the fantastic New Super Mario Bros. on the DS seems to take everything that made that title so fantastic, which are the same things that made the 2D titles clas.sics, and ups the ante by introducing competitive co-op. While 3D Mario has produced some masterpieces, the idea of a new 2D console version is so refreshing that the title alone earns the game a spot on the list. Great looking footage and extremely positive previews don't hurt the game either.
4. Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box (DS) - August 24
I'm honestly not too sure what the plot of Layton and Luke's second journey is, but I couldn't care less. Based on the first game, I'm expecting the second title in the series to be as charming, and brilliantly puzzling, as the first title. Reviews of the Japanese version indicate that this game is just as good, if not better, than the first, so it seems perfectly acceptable to get extremely hyped for this game. As long as a 10-year-old boy is giving me puzzles in a game that make me want to ram my head into a wall all while he says he knows the answer, I'll be more than happy with the Diabolical Box.
5. Brütal Legend (PS3, 360) - October 13
I'm not too sure if I've ever described a game as "metal" before, but I can't think of a word to better describe Brutal Legend. A metal-themed action-adventure title with an A-list voice cast including Jack Black and Ozzy Osbourne can only be described as "metal." Brutal Legend looks like a truly original, charming and fun title that keeps getting more and more hype. If this game winds up being as good as i imagine it will be, then EA gets two fists, pounding in the air, for releasing this title.
6. Ju-on: The Grudge (Wii) - October 27
Coming to North America courtesy of the localization heroes at Xseed, the video game adaptation of the cult Japanese horror film looks to be everything a Fatal Frame would have been and more. Finally, a horror game is coming out that looks like it will properly utilize the Wii Remote as a flashlight to deliver some genuine chills. What really gets me excited for this game is that Xseed is localizing it without much provocation. They've done a great job bringing over games that American gamers have been begging for, but this is a game they chose and I put my faith in their taste entirely.
7. Silent Hill: Shattered Memories (Wii, PS2, PSP) - Fall
I have to say, I'm pretty surprised I included two horror titles on this list. Even more surprising is that they're both Wii games. What makes Shattered Memories so hype-worthy is the feedback it generated at E3, winning multiple "Best Wii game" awards and receiving tons of praise for its controls and technical proficiencies. Again, the idea that the Wii Remote is being used effectively as a flashlight is enough to garner interest, the adulation gained at E3 is just extra icing on the cake.
8. Trace Memory R: A Journey Into Lost Memories (Wii) - TBA
While not officialy confirmed for North America yet, I'd be very surprised if the game doesn't get released stateside. The first Trace Memory game was released in June 2005 in Europe and released in the US in September. Trace Memory R has a European release date of June 24, meaning it's already translated into English. I think it's only a matter of time before it gets announced to come here. The first game was a fantastic, if a little short, adventure title on the DS and this title promises to be as inventive with its puzzles as the first game, all while being an acceptable length. If you neve played the first game, go try it. It's a cheap buy you won't regret.
9. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3) - November
Within the next few weeks, I'd have bought a PS3 and I'll finally play a game I've been wanting to try since it came out: Uncharted. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, looks like a blast to play, an updated Tomb Raider with great combat and platforming sections and some of the nicest visuals my eyes have ever gotten to see. The moment I buy my PS3, I'm throwing down my $5 to pre-order this game.
10. Assassin's Creed II (PC, PS3, 360) - November 17
I'll admit that I haven't gotten around to playing the first Assassin's Creed yet, but I have to hand it to Ubisoft, the sequel looks absolutely fantastic. Graphically, Creed 2 looks like it will be a powerhouse both technically and artistically, and the gameplay I've seen looks like it'll be really fun. My excitement for this game has actually motivated me to go out and buy the first one once I'm done with my current stack of games, which is a pretty impressive feat for a game a few months off.