Complex's Best of 2009: The Top 25 Video Games

#5: Dragon Age: Origins

GENRE: RPG

DEVELOPER/PUBLISHER/PLATFORMS: Bioware/Electronic Arts/360,PS3,PC

RELEASE DATE: 11/3/2009

THE COMPLEX CO-SIGN: Normally we don't play RPGs, but go ahead and pull the "nerd" card on us—especially because we enjoyed Dragon Age much more on the PC. This gets our co-sign because it requires your full attention, with dialogue and in-game choices really affecting gameplay. Plus medieval blood and gore? And gay elfs?!?!? We'll take it, thanks!

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#4: Left 4 Dead 2

GENRE: First-Person Shooter

DEVELOPER/PUBLISHER/PLATFORMS: Valve/Valve/360,PC

RELEASE DATE: 11/17/2009

THE COMPLEX CO-SIGN: We've already given you our thoughts on this title, so suffice to say that it delivers on its promise as one of the most anticipated sequels of the year. Rather than rest on their laurels, Valve upgraded everything from game modes to multiplayer. Does killing zombies ever get old?

[CLICK HERE TO BUY THE GAME!]

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#3: Batman: Arkham Asylum

GENRE: Action

DEVELOPER/PUBLISHER/PLATFORMS: Rocksteady Studios/Eidos Interactive/360,PS3,PC

RELEASE DATE: 8/25/2009

THE COMPLEX CO-SIGN: Arkham Asylum gives everyone the means to fulfill a childhood dream—being Batman (and the Joker for PS3 owners). Dropping Bruce Wayne in the Joker's twisted world, the game allows you to make full use of the Dark Knight's strength and smarts. With terrific graphics, voiceover work by Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy, and challenging gameplay, Eidos put forth an authentic Batman experience which—despite shelf-loads of comics, TV shows, and movies—manages to be an original title. Loved it when it came out, love it now.

[CLICK HERE TO BUY THE GAME!]

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#2: Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

GENRE: Third-Person Adventure/ Action

DEVELOPER/PUBLISHER/PLATFORMS: Naughty Dog Software/Sony Computer Entertainment/PS3

RELEASE DATE: 10/13/2009

THE COMPLEX CO-SIGN: It's Spike's Best Game of the Year award for a reason, and that reason is flawless graphics and awesome gameplay. While many used to think of Drake as Lara Croft minus the titties, Uncharted 2 elevates the character to his own spot in VG lore. We got a new Indiana Jones, people.

[CLICK HERE TO BUY THE GAME!]

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#1: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

GENRE: First person Shooter

DEVELOPER/PUBLISHER/PLATFORMS: Infinity Ward/Activision/360,PS3, Mobile Phone

RELEASE DATE: 11/10/2009

THE COMPLEX CO-SIGN: By now, the popularity of titles like GTA and Madden have made video-gaming as viable (and lucrative) as any other entertainment medium—but shooting cops is always going to be an easy sell and Madden is...well, Madden. The success of Modern Warfare 2 is unique in that the game became a cultural phenomenon not due to controversy or a popular sports league, but because it's actually a great, unpredictable, thought-provoking, cinematic, holy-shit-what's-happening mindfuck. Believe the hype: MW2 might be the best piece of entertainment we've experienced all year. Shit, we even want to dress like those fools now!

[CLICK HERE TO BUY THE GAME!]

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• Complex's Top 100 Video Games of the Decade!