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The Forgotten Gems of 2009

Despite all of the delays, 2009 turned out to be a great year for video games. With the recent rush of AAA titles like Borderlands, Modern Warfare 2, and Assassin’s Creed 2, it’s easy to forget earlier game of the year contenders like Batman: Arkham Asylum and Resident Evil 5. But what about the games that never got their moment in the spotlight?

Below is a list of some 2009’s best offerings that the majority of gamers either politely refused or never even heard about. They may not be perfect games, but disregarding them would deprive you of some the most fun this year had to offer.

A Boy And His Blob (Wii)
There were a lot of quirky games back in the 8-bit days, but few were stranger than A Boy and His Blob. This gorgeous sequel captures the spirit of the original, featuring an abundance of levels, ingenious puzzles, and plenty of twists to keep you entertained. The game also provides plenty of frustration – but it’s nothing the hug button can’t fix.

Cryostasis: The Sleep of Reason (PC)
The market may be oversaturated with first person shooters, but if you’re looking for a unique and psychologically weighty gameplay experience, look no further than Cryostasis. Set on a frozen icebreaker, the player relives the last moments of the ship’s doomed crewmembers, setting right past mistakes and thawing the environment around them. The action is subpar and the puzzles won’t exactly cramp your brain, but the emotional responses Cryostasis’ story evokes rank right up there with BioShock.

Drakensang: The Dark Eye (PC)
Dragon Age is enjoying the warm affections of role-playing fans right now – and deservedly so. But it’s not the only option for lovers of high fantasy. Drakensang can feel generic, but its deep rule set, engaging quests, and large game world offer an impressive amount of freedom and character customization. The combat is the only aspect of Drakensang that leaves much to be desired. If Dragon Age didn’t satiate your yearning for high adventure, this forgotten RPG is worth checking out.

Email the author Jeff Marchiafava, or follow on Google+, Twitter, and Game Informer.

Comments
  • I believe you forgot the best game of all time, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves...

  • @ Dima110

    this list is for the FORGOTTEN games of 2009.

    but i know one game you forgot: Demon's Souls. i know virtually no one who has it except me. and just so you know people over looked these games because they are on the consoles that are the least used (Wii, PC).

  • nah

  • I have to bring up Modern Warfare 2. I think that not enough people bought a copy. Lol.

  • I'm so glad other people thought Fittys game was boss.

  • Retro Game Challenge is something I have to get eventually.  It has the youth inside me going bonkers.

  • 50 Cent is horibble haha. But that Muramasa game looked decent at least

  • I'm kinda interested in that Cryostasis game.

  • 50 Cent: BOTS was surprisingly pretty fun. "That b*tch took my skull!"

  • the 50 cent game actually was pretty decent.  and i wanna buy Trine, but it's gotta lower it's price.  20 bucks is steep when you're looking for work and have bills.

  • I'm looking straight at a boy and his blob for a christmas present....

  • Did BlazBlue really do better saleswise than some of the games on here because if not no offense but that was a huge oversight not to include what I believe is the fighting game of the year. It was way better than the really slow and stiff Street Fighter 4. I could rant all day as to why its better so to cut to the chase, its just amazing... anyway I got Little King's Story and Muramasa they are both awesome for sure and I've played a couple of the other ones.

  • Plants vs Zombies is a really awesome game. It's so addicting and I just couldn't stop playing it! Quality Gameage!

  • Muramasa was good, if a bit short lived. I think I'll consider A Boy and His Blob...

  • Blood on the sand was one of the best games of 2009 .

  • ghostbusters & wheelman should be in here also.

  • well i found my list games to check out. thanks!  Im surprised Brutal Legend isnt on there.  that game is so good but maybe its more popular than i thought.

  • i agree with Ramos

    Demon Souls should be here.

  • You missed Ghostbusters, which was an absolute nostalgic blast with some excellent voicework.

    Also missed Wet, which, while bringing nothing terribly new to the genre, was a lot of fun to play.

  • Plants Vs. Zombies may be PopCaps best game yet. Good list.

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