Game Of The Year 2009

WINNER: BATMAN ARKHAM ASYLUM
Until 2009, no game based around DC's iconic Caped Crusader had ever done his extensive comic book history justice. Then came Batman: Arkham Asylum. Though undoubtedly linear, Asylum was by far the most immersive superhero game of the year, and until Rocksteady's superb sequel released this year it was the best superhero entry of all time. Better yet, it combined some of the best plot threads from the comic lore to create a mind-blowing experience every bit as dark and thrilling as Chris Nolan's Batman Begins and The Dark Knight films, and boasting perhaps the best voice cast in a game up until that point. Yes, Batman: Arkham Asylum was truly a cinematic masterpiece unparalleled by any other game that year.

RUNNER UP: ASSASSIN'S CREED II

There was no doubting that the original Assassin's Creed was a hugely underwhelming experience, failing to live up to any of its lofty potential. However, there were certainly some strong elements in the storyline worth picking up again, so when Assassin's Creed II came along, and Ubisoft Montreal had worked to totally refine the gameplay engine while concocting a campaign that was littered with emotion and action-packed setpieces, it was no wonder that the game was recieved so positively. Things did get a little monotous towards the end, but none of the Ezio instalments since ACII have ever seemed to pack in the same senses of innovation, wonder and ambition, and given the overall quality of Brotherhood and Revelations that really is a commendation!