Borderlands surprised us. We went into the experience expecting a pulse-pounding shooter with fancy cut scenes and lots of drama (no surprise, since we play more FPS on consoles than RPGs), and instead found a slower-moving and tough (but immensely rewarding) slog through a beautiful fantasy world populated by imaginative monsters and more weapons than we know what to do with.

Borderlands surprised us. We went into the experience expecting a pulse-pounding shooter with fancy cut scenes and lots of drama (no surprise, since we play more FPS on consoles than RPGs), and instead found a slower-moving and tough (but immensely rewarding) slog through a beautiful fantasy world populated by imaginative monsters and more weapons than we know what to do with.

Borderlands surprised us. We went into the experience expecting a pulse-pounding shooter with fancy cut scenes and lots of drama (no surprise, since we play more FPS on consoles than RPGs), and instead found a slower-moving and tough (but immensely rewarding) slog through a beautiful fantasy world populated by imaginative monsters and more weapons than we know what to do with.

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars has problems, but we're still giving it a hefty thumbs up. The brutal nature of the series remains intact, the new top-down perspective rocks on PSP and there's plenty to do, both on your own and with a friend. Unless the violence offends you, it's a must have game.

There's nothing revolutionary about how it plays, but the likeable characters, rockin' soundtrack and jaw-dropping scenery make it worth experiencing. We certainly hope that Eddie Riggs (and Jack Black along with him) appear in the future sequel.

There's nothing revolutionary about how it plays, but the likeable characters, rockin' soundtrack and jaw-dropping scenery make it worth experiencing. We certainly hope that Eddie Riggs (and Jack Black along with him) appear in the future sequel.

If any game in 2009 deserves a purchase, it is undoubtedly Uncharted 2. But taking a very close look, it isn't perfect.

Another classic series is reborn on Wii with impressive results.

The sloppy presentation, lack of online multiplayer and way-too-easy controls make this more like a bronze contender than a gold medal champion. Oh well, there's always 2012.

Although the platforming isn't bad, the lack of replay value and small visual problems take away from the overall adventure. However, if you've got kids or you're a fan of Spike Jonze's film, you might be up for some Rumpus.

Although the platforming isn't bad, the lack of replay value and small visual problems take away from the overall adventure. However, if you've got kids or you're a fan of Spike Jonze's film, you might be up for some Rumpus.

We just wish the designers paid more attention to the controls and did something dramatic with the gameplay. Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes is a below average adventure that's difficult to recommend, even as a rental. We suggest Force pushing it into a galaxy far, far away.

We just wish the designers paid more attention to the controls and did something dramatic with the gameplay. Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes is a below average adventure that's difficult to recommend, even as a rental. We suggest Force pushing it into a galaxy far, far away.

A game that features numerous upgrades guaranteed to please hoops fans who love rainbow threes and rim rattling dunks. On top of that, it has one of the most impressive sounding crowds this side of FIFA 10, and those 20,000 screaming maniacs make all the difference.

A game that features numerous upgrades guaranteed to please hoops fans who love rainbow threes and rim rattling dunks. On top of that, it has one of the most impressive sounding crowds this side of FIFA 10, and those 20,000 screaming maniacs make all the difference.

It's tough to choose between this and NBA Live 10, but in this reviewer's opinion, NBA 2K10 wins at the buzzer.

It's tough to choose between this and NBA Live 10, but in this reviewer's opinion, NBA 2K10 wins at the buzzer.

Whether or not Wii Fit Plus will help you get in tip top condition remains to be seen, but this is an incredibly enjoyable video game for a budget price.

The presentation is the best we've seen yet for a PSP racing game, and the controls are surprisingly manageable. Still, the missing online compatibility and extremely limited car store leave this entry feeling above average when it should've been superb.

It's short on scares, but the well-written story, graphic dismemberment and drop-in co-op make it the Wii's best shooter.

Even though it has less content than the first two games, we still enjoyed the ride.

It's a decent update featuring more the same.

It's a decent update featuring more the same.

ODST covers a lot of familiar territory. Only two new weapons appear, and a majority of the missions feel similar to ones from previous Halos. Because of this, the game doesn't feel nearly as epic, but it still provides several hours of Covenant stomping fun.

The gameplay is sometimes clunky, and there's not much replay value, save for a couple of additional modes like Points Count and one-hit kill Golden Bullets. However, with its slick presentation and blood-spilling carnage, Wet is a fun action romp.

The gameplay is sometimes clunky, and there's not much replay value, save for a couple of additional modes like Points Count and one-hit kill Golden Bullets. However, with its slick presentation and blood-spilling carnage, Wet is a fun action romp.

The result is so good that we're declaring it an easy 'Best of' contender for 2009.