Since I only rented this game (thankfully), I'll just post a few comments about this game (which for some odd reason is getting absolutely marvelous reviews).

To be frank, I tried to like Bayonetta like everyone else. The combat is one of the best around, and it brings back memories of playing Devil May Cry on the PS2. Graphically, Bayonetta doesn't fail to impress either. The scenery is both detailed and gorgeous at times, and the character models look great. So what we have here is the basis for a great action/adventure game.

However, if you even try to pay attention to the story, it all starts going downhill. Nothing makes any sense, and I feel like nothing I do has any major purpose except that the developers thought it would look cool. Now don't get me wrong, I'm all for a game having over the top action and some style, but at least give me a relatively coherent story to follow. Now, to be completely honest, I didn't complete the story mode, so I don't know for sure if the story got better towards the end. What I do know is that I wasn't motivated at all to play through it.

And don't even get me started on the sound. A simple idea would be to just play the whole game on mute or skip the cutscenes. The dialogue is terrible, and reeks of video game stereotypes and cliches. And the music...well let's just say that unless you don't mind listening to one of three annoying Japanese Pop songs at every major fight, you'll probably end up with a headache like I did (in all fairness, I can tolerate J-Pop, but it's the repetition of the same three songs that really kill it).

In short, I enjoyed the game (therefore, I gave it a 7.5), and by "game", I mean the gameplay. Bayonetta is both fun to play and watch. As for everything else, it'll just leave you with a bad taste in your mouth.

Well, we find ourselves in an interesting and uncommon position. We, as gamers, face a bevy of AAA releases within the first three months of the young year. Here's a short list of those that I'm most excited for, and a small list of those that I'm not excited for either.

Most Anticipated

4. Heavy Rain

I absolutely loved Indigo Prophecy, and the same cinematic, story-based gameplay is back in Heavy Rain. Only this time, your virtual story can take any number of twists and turns along the way. Characters can die at any moment, and your choices have a drastic impact on the world around you, leading to tons of replayability. Pretty much, this game looks phenomenal.

3. Final Fantasy XIII

It's Final Fantasy on next-gen consoles, and it looks great. Striking what seems to be the famous balance between past and futuristic (a la FFVII and FFX), the story doesn't look like it will disappoint. The return to a more turn-based style of gameplay has me excited as well. I, for one, am getting it on PS3, because playing Final Fantasy on anything not Sony feels like a crime.

2. Mass Effect 2

The follow-up to my 2007 Game of the Year hits later this month, and it looks to be just as good as the original. The phenomenal graphics look even better, and with new additions to the gameplay and what appears to be an intriguing story, this looks like an early Game of the Year candidate.

1. God of War III

The more and more I think about this game, the more excited I get about it. The thrilling conclusion to what has been nothing short of a mindblowing trilogy, God of War III makes the franchise's first appearance on a next generation console. And what possibly could be better than litterally tearing enemies apart IN HD? Not much, I guarantee you.

"Could Care Less"

4. Bioshock 2

The first Bioshock set standards for video game storytelling, and I constantly use it as an example of how video games are no longer only about mindless shooting and violence. The underwater city of Rapture to this day is one of the most atmospheric and well-developed settings in any game. When Bioshock 2 was first announced, I was hesitant at first, but still a bit optimistic about what new twists lied in the city of Rapture. However, a new developer took control of the game (still 2K Games, but a different team), and as details surfaced about what looks to be a lackluster story as well as what appears to be a tacked-on online multiplayer, I've become more and more skeptical.

3. Army of Two: The 40th Day

While the first Army of Two game had its share of flaws, I still found it pretty enjoying. I was fairly excited for the sequel determined that it would improve on a solid basis. However, upon playing the demo, I'm fairly convinced that there are no major additions made to the original formula.

2. Gran Turismo 5

Well, technically, it hasn't been determined whether or not this game will even be out THIS year, let alone early 2010. However, I'm convinced that this game won't live up to the hype. With games like Forza and even Need for Speed offering comprable (or even better) racing simulation experiences and features, Gran Turismo is not the undisputed king of the racing genre like it once was. With no major additions to the gameplay (even though the graphics do look phenomenal), Gran Turismo 5 doesn't look as though it will convince me otherwise.

1. MAG

Upon first hearing about MAG, I was excited. 256 player online play sounds like a great idea. However, the gameplay looks recycled from online games like Battlefield and Call of Duty. The graphics don't even look very impressive either. When compared to many of the quality shooters released in the past year, MAG doesn't really look as though it will differentiate itself from any of them.

Honorable Mentions (more games that I'm also excited to play early this year)

Splinter Cell: Conviction

Dante's Inferno

MLB '10: The Show

It's about that time again. Time to put an end to what has been a memorable year packed with awesome titles. However, only one of these titles can be Game of the Year. Here are some nominees (my favorite games of '09):

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

inFamous

Batman: Arkham Asylum

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Left 4 Dead 2

And my 2009 Game of the Year is Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Many games set out to provide the most cinematic gameplay possible for their audience. Killzone 2's opening sequence, Arkham Asylum's environment and mood, Dragon Age's epic battle sequences, "No Russian". All of these examples are great, and truly show the excellence of each game they represent, but none really stood out to me as much as Uncharted 2 did. Simply put, from start to finish, this is a nonstop, action-packed, rollercoaster ride of a game. Naughty Dog did a really great job with taking somewhat trite and previously used story elements, and made them feel both exciting and thrilling. Most of the excitement can directly be attributed to Uncharted 2's sharp controls. Naughty Dog did a phenomenal job of mixing fast-paced shooter action and platforming as well as puzzles. The pacing is fantastic. Puzzle/platforming sequences never seem to drag, and you never get overwhelmed with gunfights. There was nothing truly innovative about Uncharted 2's gameplay or campaign, but it just did all of the little things right. Uncharted 2 also oozes charm through its talented voice actors. Nathan Drake brings a handful of witty comebacks to every gunfight, and every additional character is memorable because of both the detailed writing and the acting. And who could forget about the visuals. Uncharted 2 is completely gorgeous. Whether your in a Panamanian jungle or the snow-capped mountains of Nepal, Uncharted 2 really pushes the PS3 to bring one of the best looking games ever made. Simply put, Uncharted 2 truly defines what a "cinematic gaming experience" is all about. It fully immerses you into its world, its characters, and its story with both charm and fun. If you're a PS3 owner, this is a must own. If you don't own a PS3...well...they're only $300.