2009 was a pretty meaty year with a number of massive titles releasing across all of the platforms. While blockbusters closed out the year, smaller name Wii and DS, defined the first half of the year for me. Each and every experience wasn't necessarily game of the year material, but they were fun while they lasted.
Overall I've found 2009 to be as enjoyable a year as any. I didn't start the year expecting much, but I've walked away fairly impressed, and this definitely says something in its own right.
With that being said, let's get right down to business.
I find it a little odd that both your GOTY and runner-up for Xbox 360 are multiplatform titles.
Well let's face it, 360 exclusives in 2009 for the most part sucked.
Hey, it's not just me. Check out Gamespot for instance. The only nominee on their list that was 360 exclusive was Forza. I couldn't in good faith hand the award over to that game, nor could I put Halo 3: ODST into consideration.
Outside of those two, what else was there as far as exclusive games go?
Don't look at me--I don't even own a 360. :)
How about Shadow Complex or the GTA IV episodes? Or are downloadable games not eligible?
Personally, I kind of liked the way Game|Life (and some other sites did it) by splitting up awards into PS3 exclusives, 360 exclusives and multiplatform games.
Also, why don't you have a single GOTY winner across all platforms?
I wasn't a huge fan of either to be honest.
As far as a single game of the year, I don't believe in it, so I didn't do it. Each game in my list is great in its own way, and I can't say I liked one over the other on any of the systems.
Also, each staff member will provide their games of the year in their own format. If Chessa or Luke choose to nominate a single game of the year, they are more than welcome to. You'll see when Luke's goes up later just how different his awards are than mine.
After looking at Nick's awards, mine are drastically different.
