Kotowari Video Game Awards: 2009

I decided to change things a bit for my list of this year’s most accomplished games.  Last year I used a simple top 10 list, but this time around I went with an award system which allowed for a little more variety.  Anyway, this list took me a very long time to finalize, but I think I am happy with my selections:

BEST PS3 GAME & BEST OVERALL

Demon’s Souls by Atlus

Demon’s Souls provided an extremely challenging and unique experience to PS3 owners. Its creative utilization of online play ensures that everyone will have a different experience and probably suffer a few deaths along the way.

BEST NINTENDO WII GAME

Muramasa: The Demon Blade by Ignition

Here is a game which perfectly encapsulates ancient Japanese culture and presents it with stunning, hand-drawn 2D art. Muramasa‘s Wii exclusivity means a lot of people may not have gotten to play this gem, but it comes highly recommended from all of us at Kotowari.

BEST PSP GAME

Half-Minute Hero by XSeed

This game is arguably where the current-generation’s pixel craze began.  Half-Minute Hero provides incredibly fun, fast gameplay which appeals to RPG fans or anyone else.  I love the variety of modes available to the player as well as a multiplayer option.

BEST NINTENDO DS GAME

Knights in the Nightmare by Atlus

Knights in the Nightmare is as unique visually as it is in terms of story and battle system.  The player recruits an army of felled knights to uncover the truth of what became of a once great kingdom.  The game’s uniqueness lends itself to a pretty steep learning curve making it ideal for those looking for a handheld challenge.

BEST DLC

Fallout 3 (All DLC/GOTY) for XBOX, PC, and PS3 by Bethesda

The Game of the Year Edition of Fallout 3 includes substantial extensions in the form of both side stories as well as a continuation of the game’s main story. While the gameplay remains largely unchanged, as a fan of Fallout 3, I highly recommend this to others who already own the title.

BEST FIGHTER

Dissidia Final Fantasy for PSP by Square Enix

Dissidia proved to be one of the funnest fighters I played this year, combining RPG elements as well as aspects of the Final Fantasy series fans appreciate. I also really enjoyed the re-designs of all the characters in the game, new and old, good and bad.

BEST SRPG

Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days for PSP by NIS America

I have waited forever for an awesome, modern SRPG on a portable system and in my opinion, Disgaea 2: DHD is the best one out there. It incorporates many of the advances since the third installment of the series as well as a number of other bonuses which really appealed to me as a fan of the series.

BEST ACTION GAME

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves for PS3 by Naughtydog

While it may not be an RPG, the stunning cinematics and graphics of Uncharted 2 are enough to sell anyone, even your dumb girlfriend. Throw in some interesting characters and a fun action-based system and you’ve got a helluva game.

MOST IMPROVED

Assassins Creed II for PS3 and Xbox by Ubisoft

It’s rare that a sequel so greatly surpasses the original. It’s clear that Ubisoft took the advice of fans to heart and really built on the franchise in a number of ways. The game’s unique setting and aesthetic really set it apart from other titles in the same genre.

MOST UNDERRATED

Mini-Ninjas For PS3 and Xbox 360 by Eidos Interactive

Beyond the ambiguous Asian accents, Mini-Ninjas provides a simply enjoyable, humorous game. The unique system will have the player switching characters, transforming into animals, climbing trees, riding in bamboo hats, and more — all with easy to understand controls and some ninja flair.

That about sums it up.  There were a few games which I enjoyed that sadly did not make the list, being just barely beaten by another title.  Here are a few:

  • Tekken 6
  • Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
  • Persona PSP

Looking at last year’s list of juggernauts, I hate to admit it, but 2009 was definitely trumped by 2008.  I guess it may have given our wallets a much needed rest in the shadow of MARCH 2010 AKA the-month-angels-cried-tears-of-coagulated-blood-and-shrieked-like-banshees-while-clubbing-orphans-with-elephant-femurs.  Yeah, I coined that term myself but I think it’ll catch on.

My most anticipated games of 2010 currently are Final Fantasy XIII, Peace Walker, and Pokémon Heart Gold/Soul Silver.  That is only the the first quarter — still no telling what the holiday season may hold.  Perhaps that Fallout: New Vegas I have heard so little about?  Thief 4?  Who knows!  Here’s to another year of gaming!

Related Entries:
Kotowari: 10 Games of 2008 You Need to Play

5 Responses to Kotowari Video Game Awards: 2009

  1. Andrew says:

    Nice list, this proves to me why I enjoy your site. We have very similar taste in games!

    Demon’s Souls, Muramasa, and Uncharted 2 especially were favorites of mine this year.

  2. meep says:

    Nice winners. I can agree to most.

    I would say Uncharted 2 is my GotY though and most improved.
    I have yet to play AC2 but i should be getting it for Christmas

  3. Kabling says:

    Man, I have most of those games, but only finished AC2 and the Japanese version of Dissidia, the rest I played like the first hour or so, really sad. But I do agree, those were some of the gems of ’09.

  4. Pingback: Aksys Games Announces Muramasa Rebirth for PS Vita | kotowari 「理」

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