Overall VGChartz Game of the Year Awards 2009

"On the final day of 2009 we present you with our picks for the best games of the entire year!"

[Sanzee]

Borderlands: This year's most underrated title. I just thought I'd mention it because it truly was a good game. It's not that Borderlands didn't do anything right, it's just that it was only given so much potential to begin with. Imagine being able to give about 70% of your all in a competition. It's not that 70% is a bad number, you can max out all 70% if you'd like; But what lies beyond? You can completely kickass with all 70% but regardless you fall short because of the original number premise. You can never hit 80% or 90%. In other words, if Borderlands was realized in the same way that Modern Warfare 2 and Bioshock 2 were, at 100%, it would be completely superb. Gearbox has the talent. Just lay a great groud premise for Borderlands 2. We just need the right idea.

[Pennywise]

I thought it was a cool concept but very poorly executed. I was not impressed and quit around lvl 26 for better games.

[Sexius Maximus]

You are saying this to a site full of PS3 fanboys, that is why you are getting the disagrees. The PS3 version had loads of issues, but whoever played the 360 version I'm sure would agree with you...Borderlands was fantastic.

[kewlkat007]

That game was underrated.

[iceman06]

and I ONLY played it on PS3!!! It was an excellent romp with 3 other friends online! Probably some of the most fun that I have had in co-op in a long time. I loved the random weapons and the anticipation of finding that perfect gun to compliment your arsenal! It was definitely underrated and I can't wait for another one.

[MaximusPrime]

nice list.

glad Uncharted 2 on the list three times.

btw: is DirT 2 really that good? i like the first one and was thinking about getting the second one. (quite surprised to see it beaten Forza 2 and 3)

[Sanzee]

Yes, my friend, I agree. I too am surprised that Dirt 2 beat Forza 3. F3 in my opinion is almost so realisitic that it removes the presence of that classic arcade constrols. Realistic is good but there comes a point when it no longer becomes a game. You know, Uncharted 2 itself is almost enough to convince me to buy a PS3. I wanted to ask you if I should buy a PS3 but just because you own a PS3 you're obviously going to agree without hesitation. PS3 owners, I have a question. Pretend you did not own a PS3 but knew about its potential. What would you tell me in order to convince me to buy one? I am considering purchasing one as we speak.

[MaximusPrime]

im not sure how to begin...

What i like about Uncharted 2 is its brilliant graphic, movie-style storyline (some humours) and action.

I'm even impressed with multiplayer action on Uncharted 2. The co-op mode is something i never done before and i loved it.

I played the first one and i was overly impressed with graphic. i was eagerly waiting for Uncharted 2 because the trailers i saw was better than i thought. How right i was. the graphic has improved and storyline is better.

Someone need to back me up on this. add more details for Sanzee please.

[Sanzee]

My friend, you certainly make some valid points. Uncharted 2 not only has the things you listed (brilliant graphics, movie storyline, ect), it excells above all others in those areas as well. However, while this is certainly a valid point on your end, I can enjoy these same benefits with games such as Mass Effect 2. I do no want to argue why U2 is better than ME2 or vice versa, I just want to focus on why I should purchase a PS3. What do you enjoy most about having a PS3 around?

[MaximusPrime]

well i dont want to convince you to get ps3. its a personal choice.

reason why i bought PS3 is because i was mostly PS gamer. i had PS1, PS2, PSP and now PSP Go.
I prefer Sony's controller, Sony's XMB, Sony's games.

PS3 is certainly powerful. PS3 can be your home entertainment centre.

I use PS3 for Music, Internet Browser (atm it is quite a bad browser), chat, free PSN online gaming (rumours of premium paid for service, this will not affect free online gaming), photos, integrated wireless, Bluray for HD viewing, hardware reliablity is very low. I could go on and on.

more and more people are buying PS3 because it is now cheap and more and more games are available.

But as i said, it is a personal choice. If you are a lifelong MS gamer, then think before you buy PS3. go into shops and try out PS3.

[Baba1906]

kinda wierd what you asking. i mean you should buy a ps3 if u feel like u want one and that you want to play any games that are exclusiv to the ps3 or if u want to watch blueray or whatever u feel like you are missing out. i mean i for example believe that 360 has some great games like ME or some RPGs i knowi would enjoy, but i have enough games on my ps3, so i dont see myself getting a 360 anytime soon.
The real question is do u want a ps3? if you realy want one its deffenitly worth the money.

[gaffyh]

@Sanzee - Ok think about it this way. Think about any game you've played on console, Uncharted 2 is better than it in every way. Simplest way to explain it to anyone, the graphics, gameplay, story, voice-acting, sound effects, literally EVERYTHING is better than any other console game available.

The only games that come close to Uncharted graphically are only on PS3 e.g. Uncharted 1, Killzone 2 and MGS4

[HammockGames]

@ Sanzee

Hey bro, if you pick up a PS3 I highly doubt you'll regret it.

I'm not much of a salesman, so I'll make this brief:

1) The library of games offers enough quality and diversity to satisfy any gamer, regardless of what type(s) of games you prefer. The exclusives are simply some of the most rewarding games I've ever played.

2) If you have a HD TV then you get to experience Blu Ray at its best (it's truly a beautiful thing).

3) If you already have a 360 (or game on your PC) then I would consider a PS3 as being complementary to that, and vice versa -> you get the best of both worlds (multiplats & exclusives).

Hope that helps. Maybe you'll be able to hunt down a good post-holiday deal. Feel free to PM me if there's any specifics I can address.

[sikbeta]

PS3 is so Awesome and The Exclusives are Amazing IMO

[kraze07]

"Think about any game you've played on console, Uncharted 2 is better than it in every way. Simplest way to explain it to anyone, the graphics, gameplay, story, voice-acting, sound effects, literally EVERYTHING is better than any other console game available."

UC2 must be one of the only games you have if you think it's that good. Either that or you haven't been gaming too long.

[lavitz]

bubs ^ for having the balls to say that on this site. I swear it's like some of these guys worship the game or something. Besides having good graphics and fun gameplay nothing was amazing about the game. The story is far from as great as some of these people make it seem (pretty generic imo), the voice acting was good but nothing spectacular, sound effects weren't anything special, the character models look weird (chloe looks deformed wtf???), and the final boss battle was forgettable (Bioshock even had a better final boss fight).

[gaffyh]

@Kraze - Ok then, name one game that matches the quality of Uncharted 2 and isn't on PC or PS3.

Also I have about 20-30 games for my PS3, and about 40-50 for my 360 and about the same for my Wii. I've been gaming for a long time, an my personal favourite game of all time is Metal Gear Solid 1 on PS1, but quality-wise, I can't find anything wrong with Uncharted 2.

[paul0388]

Hey, I actually own both an Xbox 360 (purchased an Elite today to sell a young tyke my launch 20GB cheap so he can game too) & PS3 so here's my perspective on the matter. I love them both.

I play certain kinds of games on each system. I play the majority of multi-plats action games on the Xbox because of achievement points, party chat, etc. There are a few exceptions and maybe its just me, but I prefer my racing games on my PS3. I've also picked up other games such as Batman Arkham Asylum for the little extras that come with PS3 ownership, like the playable Joker levels. I'll also be picking up FFXIII on the PS3 - I don't know why, but it just feels like it was meant for the Playstation brand... Call it brand loyalty on that matter.

If you subscribe to netflix, this is another reason to get a PS3 because it's only $2 extra per month to rent in blu-ray instead of DVD. I love blu-ray and use it often. Also, you can order a Netflix disc to stream the same movies you'd find on the Xbox dashboard straight to the PS3.

Last but not least, the exclusives keep me coming back to that big black box over and over again. I don't like to miss out on good games, and by not having a PS3, you're doing just that. To be blunt, Uncharted 2 is my favorite game ever, it goes above and beyond what any game ever has before - but that's already been established by the heap of perfect scores game of the year awards it earned. Some other greats include:

Metal Gear 4 - I liked it but it got real preachy later on (especially the end) with the extremely long cut scenes.

Uncharted 1 - Great game, but not Uncharted 2 - enough said.

Infamous - This game sucked a couple weeks of my life away. It's amazing and I'm disappointed that it's not on more GOTY lists.

Resistance 1 & 2 - Both had great campaigns - Especially Resistance 2. Also, its good to mention R2 has an extremely addictive Co-op mode and 64 player online. Those matches are crazy but never too crazy as it feels like the maps were made for it accordingly. It's a good game - trust me on that one.

Ratchet & Clank - I've never personally played it but my girlfriend couldn't get enough of it... and she hates video games.

Socom - I was a huge fan back in the PS2 days, and even though this iteration feels like a remake of Socom 2, it's still fun and provokes tons of nostalgia... for me anyway.

Some other promising titles yet to be released are:

God of War 3 - The demo was amazing - 1st day purchase for me

Heavy Rain - The first half of Indigo Prophecy was amazing and this game is supposed to build on the strengths of Indigo... Could be awesome.

Gran Turismo 5 - The GT franchise has always been known for their quality and I'm sure this one won't dissappoint.

MAG - I didn't like the beta but some people love it - to each his own.

Like I said man, I don't like to miss out on good games. If I were in your position, didn't own a PS3, and had a few extra Christmas dollars, I'd put them to good use and purchase a PS3

[kraze07]

"Ok then, name one game that matches the quality of Uncharted 2 and isn't on PC or PS3."

What? Why can't I name a game on the PS3 that matches the quality of UC2? You said "Think about any game you've played on console, Uncharted 2 is better than it in every way. Simplest way to explain it to anyone, the graphics, gameplay, story, voice-acting, sound effects, literally EVERYTHING is better than any other console game available."

MGS4 has a better story, voice-acting, and sound effects. Gameplay wise UC2 can only be compared to Tomb Raider and any other 3rd person shooter/platformer so that point is moot. UC2 is amazing visually and has well polished gameplay, but besides that it isn't anything special.

[gaffyh]

The thing with MGS4 is, yes it is a great game, but it is inaccessible to many gamers. And although it is easier than any of the other MGS games, it is still quite difficult from a gameplay standpoint. A lot of people also compain about the long custcenes (and of course this is coming from non-MGS fans). I'm an MGS fan, I'll admit it, but for the best experience for all gamers, Uncharted 2 is easily the best.

Have you played Uncharted 2? It's absolutely amazing in every respect, Naughty Dog have outdone themselves, and now every game I play seems average after it.

[gameman]

Deni the power of the PS3 see that bots how many awards U2 and other only on sony exclusives you say it's a flop and how many awards your flop exclusives (witch is also on the pc LAME) got it's the same as 2008 no games for you bots only eyeto...urrghh natal natal

[moegooner88]

Pretty decent list, although i would replace shadow complex wz flower n mario wz Ratchet n clank.

[eagle21]

Mario is better than R&C. Hands down.

[lavitz]

Mario is no where near as good as R&C. Most people would only say that because Mario has been around longer and it's what they grew up playing.

[BattleAxe]

Definitely a great list, but it still amazes me how so many web sites have snubbed Killzone 2.

[ps12&3lover]

damn how many awards is that now?? i lost count after the vga's..ps3 dominated 2009 in software and hardware..it truly was thier year..

and to those bots that say its not goty cause of its sales..it only been 3 months..ps3 games sell,just not in 1 shot cause everyone is so desperate to play anything :cough halo cough:..i see uc2 somewhere arounf 4 to 5 million in its life span

[unrealgamer58]

how the hell did flower lose to shadow complex

[thief]

The same way Killzone 2 lost to L4D!

[bjornbear]

if KZ2 and Flower won...you would have more than half the awards awarded to PS3 exclusives...

considering its VG charts especially, you CANNOT do that...so they forfeited

[GiantEnemyCrab]

Because Shadow Complex is a better game. Flower is fun but it lacks variety and depth, great in 30min bursts but something like Shadow Complex can pull you in for hours. Just my cents..

[iceman06]

I think you nailed it. Flower is more of an innovative game that is relaxing and beautiful, but not really full of substance. No knock on the game, as I DO quite enjoy the relaxation that it provides. However,
Shadow Complex is more akin to an side-scrolling action shooter. Hard to compare them side by side, but I would guess that since Shadow Complex pays homage to old school Contra style gaming...that is what put it over the top.

[TheDudeAbides]

i think Yahoo awarded DIRT as the best racing game too.

[theEnemy]

for Uncharted 2.

Well deserved.

Oh btw, if anyone is counting it's already been 26 GotY Awards for Uncharted 2.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum...

[etownone]

thanks for the link....

2007 was dominated by thr 360
2008 was pretty much a tie
but thanks to UC2, 2009 is hands down the GOTY!

2010 will be interesting....for sure

[eagle21]

2008 was SONY's. LBP won 8 AIAS awards, MGS4 won plenty GOTY. Gears 2 and fable 2 won ZERO GOTY awards from AIAS or hardly any site.

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

How is ODST winning best original score so much this year?

Hans Zimmer did the score for Modern Warfare 2.

I'm not sure if you've heard of him, but he's kind of a big deal. There's a reason they hired him. : )

Heavy Rain is winning best original score next year though...and GOTY. : )

Greg Edmunson's work on Uncharted 2 should be a lot higher than ODST's also.

It's like people didn't even play the games.

[theEnemy]

Hans Zimmer's work on MW2 is not really that great. His best soundstrack are on Angels and Demons and The Dark Knight (Especially this one).

I'm currently listening to ODST's Soundtrack on YouTube cause I'm wondering why it has won several original score awards.

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

The thing is, it's still much better than ODST's score. I usually really like Halo's scores...even though it's some dude with a synth in his basement. Lol.

[B_Rian89]

glad Dirt2 won best racing. it was a HUGE improvement over the first one

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

Um...

Yes. Win.

[bjornbear]

if only KZ2 had made best FPS but, fair enough i rather have L4D2 win over MW2 imo
still, i like the list, its balanced =) n adds games many other sites didn't bother adding.

[Jamescagney]

I'm glad Demon's Souls is winning awards, it deserves recognition.

[bujasem_89]

mark the first xbot that comes here saying ow i thought droids hated VGcharts xD .

for the record VG is always off in numbers sometimes alot sometimes a little and they are total fanboys but i mean with U2 what can u really do if u go against it u will never be reliable ever again

[flirt_games]

While they regularly pull numbers out of their asses regularly, thats some pretty good list. Kudos to VGCHARTZ....

[pcz]

Uncharted 2, no matter how good it is, is not worth £230. which is basically what you are saying.

If anybody buys a ps3 (or any console for that matter) for one game, they obviously have more money than sense.

[Pennywise]

If anyone buys a PS3 for UC2 only and has trouble finding other games to play, needs to quit gaming.

[iceman06]

But, I think most are using UC2 as the shining example of what PS3 is capable of. Much like 360 owners will tout Gears and Halo. I would say that if you are still questioning whether or not to buy a PS3 after the year that it has had in gaming...then you just don't like the brand. Maybe it's just me, but it seems that might be the only reason (aside from lack of money to spend on a new gaming machine and library).

[xcox]

and 2010 looks even more brutal

xb!tches:
call 1 800 COLLECTEARS

[jalen247]

Congrats to Sony for another GOTY win for Uncharted 2.