29 Games To Look For In 2009

Written by Jason Fanelli  on January 09, 2009

Special: And 29 bonus titles too.

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Multiplatform

Batman: Arkham Asylum (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
Fans of the Batman series have been waiting for a quality gaming experience for quite some time. With Arkham Asylum, they might finally be getting their wish. Set in the dark depths of Gotham's famous madhouse, Batman fans will get their kicks fighting the likes of Killer Croc and the Joker. Of course, voice acting will be important, and with Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill reprising their roles of Batman and the Joker from the cartoon series, that won't be a problem. This promises to be a good ol' Street of Rage-esque fighter, and it should be one of the best games of the year.

Brutal Legend (PS3, Xbox 360)
TIM FREAKING SCHAEFER! The man behind Psychonauts is known for his quirky humor, but what happens when you mix his game-making style with heavy metal? After finally getting picked up by an publisher (thank you, EA!), Brutal Legend will become a reality in 2009. The game will be voiced by some high-profile metal heads, including Jack Black, Lemmy Kilmister from Motorhead, and Ronnie James Dio. Mix in some over-the-top hack and slash action with lots of gore and this is sure to be one of the cult hits of next year.

Dark Void (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
Capcom and Airtight Studios are taking gamers on an adventure into where those lost in the Bermuda Triangle go, and it's a game that looks to be one of the surprise hits of 2009. A stellar looking third-person shooter with a cover system that'll makes Gears of War blush. If you don't believe me, here's an E3 reaction piece from GamingTarget's own Matt Swider. He'll show you.

Dragon Age: Origins (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
"Ferelden. A dark and foreboding place, where death and violence lurks in every shadow." So states the official website of Dragon Age Origins, a fantasy RPG by one of the best RPG companies in the business. Bioware is looking to make its most detailed, expansive universe yet, one rivaling its own Mass Effect. Dragon Age is certainly shaping up to take on that other vast fantasy RPG set in Cyrodill, and with Bioware at the helm, it should certainly give Oblivion a run for its money. Make sure to check it out.



F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
The original F.E.A.R. shot a dose of horror into the shooter genre with great success. Now, the series is looking to add more scares to your shooting experience with Project Origin. The fight against Alma continues with the same survival horror first-person shooter gameplay that made the first game a hit. Any fans of the first F.E.A.R. can expect lots of thrills and chills, just like the first game. Just leave the crawling ghosts out, eh? I had nightmares for weeks.

Ghostbusters (DS, PC, PS2, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360)
After being teased, cancelled, and revived by those blessed men at Atari, Ghostbusters is set for release in 2009. Become a new recruit to the Ghostbusters and be the official tester of the newest ghost-busting equipment while battling famous foes like Slimer and the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man. With all the movie actors reprising their roles in voice work and Aykroyd and Ramis penning the story, this could be the closest the world comes to Ghostbusters 3 for a while. If you love the movies, you'll love this game.

The Godfather II (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
The first Godfather game is a game I originally played because I like the movies, but a game that pleasantly surprised me with its sandbox gameplay and good but cheesy voice acting. Godfather 2 is taking us back to New York, while adding a RTS-like mode to the game known as the Don's View. The new mode allows you easier access into managing your mafia empire while serving as a map of the city. If this succeeds, and the gameplay is as enjoyable as the first one, this game could be a game you can't refuse.

The Lord of the Rings: Conquest (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
The team that brought you Star Wars: Battlefront is tackling a new franchise, and it seems as though they're on track to make another solid adventure game. The blasters and lightsabers will be replaced with bows and swords, but the gameplay is sure to entice any Battlefront fans. The main draw of the game, however, is the ability to be the bad guys for the first time in a LotR game, so if you're sick of destroying the One Ring, you can take joy in destroying the One Hobbit. If you're a LOTR fan, make sure you play Conquest.

Prototype (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
Prototype puts you in the shoes of Alex Mercer, a man with obvious genetic mutations (an enlarged, monstrous hand) and no recollection of how it happened. So, like most genetically mutated amnesiacs, he tears through New York City looking for answers and destroying anything in his path. Prototype will take place in an exact replica of New York City, where anything is destructible, and anything can happen. If you're into pure destruction with a hint of a good storyline, then Prototype will be the game for you.

Resident Evil 5 (PS3, Xbox 360)
Resident Evil 4 revolutionized the entire RE series. No longer were we forced to endure blocky graphics and awful controls. Now, Resident Evil 5 is looking to build on that success, easily being one of the heavy-hitters of the new year, and certainly a game that needs no introduction. RE5 already looks like it will revolutionize the franchise once again, with improved visuals, co-op gameplay, and the return of Albert Wesker, possibly the most popular character in the RE universe. It wouldn't be a stretch to say that this might the most anticipated game of 2009.

Street Fighter IV (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
Street Fighter fans rejoice: the time is finally close. Ryu and the gang are back, kicking butt and taking names in the next generation. New characters like Rufus and Abel and the stylized visuals add a fresh coat of paint on a storied franchise. The game might not be playable in American arcades, but that just means more fighters to control, like Sakura, Fei Long, and...Dan. Yes, that Dan. The game will also mark the first time that Ryu and Ken's master, Gouken, will be a playable character. Fighting game enthusiasts and SF fans would be foolish not to add Street Fighter IV to their collection come February.

WWE Legends of WrestleMania (PS3, Xbox 360)
The SmackDown vs Raw franchise has become the standard in wrestling gaming. Each game has included Legends, but it always felt like someone was left out. In March, that will all change. Over 40 legends will throw down in the ring for wrestling supremacy with a new, simpler control scheme. Relive past classic matches, or import wrestlers from SvR2009 and make your own dream matches. Wrestling fans will love this walk down memory lane releasing just in time for WrestleMania 25 in Houston.

These are merely a select few of what's to come. There may be some glaring omissions (Alan Wake, Final Fantasy XIII, Diablo III, Starcraft II) but they're only missing because we're not really sure if they're actually coming out in 2009. Stay tuned.

If you need more to sustain your gaming urges, why stop at 29? 29 other titles to check out in 2009 that just missed our list include...

Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride (DS)

Elebits: The Adventures of Kai and Zero (DS)

Wii Sports Resort (Wii)

Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume (DS)

Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II (PC)

Heavy Rain (PS3)

Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned (Xbox 360 DLC)

Alpha Protocol (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)

Bayonetta (PS3, Xbox 360)

Borderlands (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)

Skate 2 (PS3, Xbox 360)

Pikmin 3 (Wii)

UFC 2009 Undisputed (PS3, Xbox 360)

The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)

I Am Alive (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)

Tekken 6 (PS3, Xbox 360)

Tenchu: Stealth Assassins (Wii)

Pokemon Platinum (DS)

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time (DS, Wii)

Aliens: Colonial Marines (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)

White Knight Chronicles (PS3)

Terminator Salvation (Platforms TBA)

Onechanbara: Bikini Samurai Squad (Xbox 360)

Onechanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers (Wii)

Overlord II (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)

LA Noire (PS3)

LocoRoco 2 (PSP)

Resistance: Retribution (PSP)

Guitar Hero: Metallica (PS2, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360)

Each of these could be a surprise hit in the coming year. '08 was great, but '09 is already looking mighty fine.