The 40 Year-Old Gamer:
The Must-Have Video Games for 2009
2009-10-09
By Charles White

Start saving your cash, gamers, it’s that time of the year. After a long summer drought, Fall is here and so are the major blockbuster games. For gaming, fall is the equivalent to the summer blockbuster season for the movie industry. So if you’ve been able to weather this crazy economy and have a few extra dollars to invest in your passion, here is my list of the must have games for 2009.

Batman: Arkham Asylum 
When I first heard about Batman: Arkham Asylum, my initial response was, “Here we go again, another bad superhero game”. As an adult gamer, I never had much interest in video games based on television superheroes. I found most of these games to be repetitive and full of clichés. However, with all of its prerelease hype and big promises, I felt obligated to put my past experiences aside and give this game a try.

After a quick test drive, which quickly turned into a weekend obsession, I came to the conclusion that Batman: Arkham Asylum delivered one of best video games experiences of the year. In fact, this may be the finest superhero video game ever produced. The graphics are incredible (running on Epic Game’s Unreal Engine 3). The storyline is captivating and the game play offers the perfect blend of action, stealth play and puzzles.

Last but not least, the Batman series is all about the villains and this game does not disappoint.  The Joker, the main villain, is every bit as dark and intriguing as Heath Ledger’s interpretation. However, my favorite villain in the game is the sexy but extremely dangerous Harley Quinn whose only motivation is to achieve The Joker’s approval (by any means necessary). At times you actually feel sorry for Harley as it is clear that she being played by the Joker’s manipulative mind games. However, you are quickly reminded by her cruel unpredictable behavior that she, like the Joker, is a homicidal psychotic capable of creating the worst mayhem. Batman: Arkham Asylum is an outstanding adventure with huge replay value. (Released August 25, 2009)

Halo: ODST 
The forth edition Halo (excluding Halo Wars, the real-time strategy game) is a great play for the sci-fi shooter fan. Halo ODST makes strides where Halo 3 fell short. Don’t get me wrong, Halo 3 was not a bad game (in fact, it is was solid). It just did not take the series forward. Well, that not the case with the latest entry to the Halo franchise. With a solid storyline (unlike Halo 3), engaging environments and great multiplayer modes (including outstanding cooperative battles), Halo ODST has officially brought the franchise into the next generation. (Released September 22, 2009)

Rock Band Beatles 
I must admit, growing up in the 70’s and 80’s, I didn’t have much exposure to The Beatles. Sure I knew the obvious hits like “Help” and “Come Together” but I was more of a Parliament-Funkadelic guy. However, when Rock Band Beatles was released with so much hype and fanfare, I found myself overcome by curiosity. What’s really up with The Beatles? How would this game impact The Rock Band franchise? So as a self-proclaimed music head, I just had to check this game out and I’m glad I did. This game simply rocks. Whether you are playing through the story mode, which follows The Beatles career, or just jamming out with some friends, this game is outstanding.

Rock Band Beatles delivers solid game play, captivating visuals, and last but not least, incredible music. I must admit, I feel foolish that it took me this long to give The Beatles the love they deserve. Playing through the game, you quickly realize how prolific The Beatles were as songwriters and arrangers. The depth and complexity of their music is amazing. The biggest and most welcome change to the game play is the addition of background vocals. Unlike the previous two versions, which only allowed one singer at a time, you can now add up to two background singers for the chorus. For the hardcore, you can even try playing instruments and singing at the same time. Adding the background vocals really gives you the feeling of being in a band. I highly recommend this game for your next party. Not only is this game fun to play but you will also discover or re-discover some great tunes.

With the success of Rock Band Beatles, I am curious to see how this will impact the future of music promotions. With over 2.5 million re-mastered Beatles CDs sold during a two-week period in early September, I wonder how many of those buyers were influenced by the game. I know I was one. After a late night jam session with my wife and friends, I went out and bought a copy of the Abbey Road CD.  Now all we need is a funk version of the Rock Band game, which is long overdue. We will revisit this topic at a later date. (Released September 9, 2009)

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 
If you have not played Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, you cannot call yourself a gamer. Anyone who has played Call of Duty: Modern Warfare will testify that this game may be the greatest military shooter of all time. The high level of graphics, game play, action and intensity are matched by very few games. See you online.  (Release date: November 22, 2009)

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
In 2007, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune was the single biggest reason to own a PS3. With a perfect blend of story and action that was reminiscent of a summer blockbuster movie, Uncharted delivered one of the best gaming experiences of that year. On October 13th, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, the second installment of the franchise, will be released and the expectations are high. From what we have seen in the demos and game play videos, we’re in store for another exciting experience.

The two main characters, Nathan Drake and Tom McShea, are back to search for hidden treasures and battle evil pirates in a game that recalls the fun and excitement of an early Indiana Jones adventure. As an added bonus and a guarantee to increase the replay value, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves will introduce new multiplayer features including intense co-op and competitive modes. Check out the demo on PS3 network. For those of you who have not familiar with the Uncharted franchise, just picture a combination of Gears of War and Tomb Raider. PS3 owners rejoice. (Release date: October 13, 2009)

OTHER GAMES TO LOOK OUT FOR:
Assassin’s Creed 2  (November 17, 2009)
Left 4 Dead 2 (November 17, 2009)
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction  (January 17, 2010)
Mass Effect 2 (Q1 2010)
Bioshock 2 (Q1 2010)