As 2009 comes to a close, a rather quick close I must say. The term “Game of the Year” gets thrown around more than a baby that just shat its diaper in a room full of people wearing white gloves. With so many titles cross-platform and few exclusives, it’s become difficult to say there is a game of the year! In retrospect to simply award a “game of year” to a console version of a cross-platformed title, would be a disservice to that console experience. So after much deliberation with me myself and I, I am going to breakdown my “Game of the Year” by console and one title that is cross platformed.

Wii – Muramasa: The Demon Blade – Move over Mario Brothers your formula has been done time and time again. Muramasa is the step in the right direction for exclusive third party titles from the makers of Odin Sphere. I love a good platforming game, but a platforming title with RPG elements inspired by mythological Japan is a winner in my book. Aside from the quirky control scheme, this title is a fluid living painting waiting to be uncanvassed. You will venture through various landscapes and architectures to unveil two distinct storylines. Did I mention the plethora of blades you will come across? You owe it to yourself to play this game.

PS3 – Uncharted 2: Among Thieves – I must say I was really looking forward to this sequel by Naughty Dog following my review of the first Uncharted. It is safe to say they did not disappoint. This game is more of a cinematic experience than ever! I feel like I am interacting with the movie instead of watching it (take notes Hideo Kojima…cough…Metal Gear Solid 4). The gunplay has been tweaked and perfected. The puzzles can be a bit too easy, but it serves its purpose. And Drake is still the missing link to the monkeys. Not to mention the multiplayer is fun. This is a don’t pass up title for PS3 owners.

Xbox 360 – Left 4 Dead 2 – Sue me. Yes, the game is out for PC, but it is not currently out on any other console. L4D2 is my 360 game of the year. I have to admit it was hard to find an exclusive game of the year for 360. They were really lack luster. The L4D2 formula, though, was enough to warrant this award. Valve definitely made a more cohesive and believable title this time around. I still believe L4D2 should have been downloadable content, but the tweaks and additional game content is sufficient. Now, if only the apocalypse could come to DC. I really would love to smack a couple of Senators with the frying pan.

Cross platform – Borderlands – Sorry, Modern Warfare 2, wait no I’m not. This game is pure (insert addiction of your choice). The formula is simple. Acquire a task, go to destination, find item, kill people (or creatures) return and get experience. Sounds kinda mundane huh? Well it isn’t! The guns are the show of the game and there are many. I just wish there was more emphasis on customization. Sharing some of that lime light is the world of Pandora. I found myself time after time again wanting to explore. Even though the world wasn’t as interactive as I wanted it to be, it still was breathing life. The world of Pandora is a majestic, yet deteriorated sight to see. The icing on the cake is you get to share this world with 3 other friends. I am hooked.

So a year has come and gone. There are so many titles to still play. I look forward to 2010 with great anticipation. I wish you all a Happy Holiday and Wonderful New Year!