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The Best Games on the PS3: Volume 2
By an Amazon.com customer
Batman: Arkham AsylumBatman: Arkham Asylum
Buy new: $51.45 / Used from: $40.00
This is one of the definitive must-play games of 2009 and a contender for game of the year. As an added bonus, the PS3 version contains exclusive content, which I was able to access via the Playstation Network.
Red Faction GuerrillaRed Faction Guerrilla
Buy new: $36.99 / Used from: $24.99
Red Faction: Guerilla happens to be one of my most anticipated titles of 2009, and I have yet to find a negative review for it. The hook is simple: massive destruction.
PROTOTYPEPROTOTYPE
Buy new: $36.99 / Used from: $27.99
I've seen enough early reviews of Prototype to know that it will have a generally positive rating. Although I haven't played it yet, I've read that it differs from inFamous in that the gameplay is more fast-paced and frenetic, but the overall design isn't as refined.
The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark AthenaThe Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena
Buy new: $19.99 / Used from: $11.96
Update: After playing it, I have to admit that it's not a bad game, but I don't think it's quite as good as everyone says; I'd have to rate it a 7.5 out of 10, and this title is a definite rental if you're not acquainted with the stealth genre.
UFC 2009 UndisputedUFC 2009 Undisputed
Buy new: $39.99 / Used from: $34.60
UFC 2009 Undisputed is a great game that seemingly came out of nowhere; the former entries in the series were nothing to write home about, but this title has managed to impress fans and gamers alike. Update: This game is definitely not for me.
FolkloreFolklore
Buy new: $51.83 / Used from: $15.98
I hadn't even heard of Folklore until recently, and I pride myself on my knowledge of video games. It's more of an action/adventure title than a rpg, and it contains some breath-taking, ethereal graphics. Be sure to check this game out while you still can!
Bionic CommandoBionic Commando
Buy new: $19.99 / Used from: $9.48
Although Bionic Commando didn't quite live up to its own hype, it did turn out to be a decent game with an innovative multi-player component.
Time Crisis 4 (Includes Guncon 3)Time Crisis 4 (Includes Guncon 3)
Buy new: $199.94 / Used from: $55.00
Time Crisis has always been a top-tier, arcade shooter, and this game is no exception. If you buy/rent this title, be sure that you get the gun that comes with it.
Battlefield: Bad CompanyBattlefield: Bad Company
Buy new: $19.96 / Used from: $10.91
The single-player campaign of Battlefield: Bad Company is forgettable compared to the awesome multi-player component.
Sid Meier's Civilization RevolutionSid Meier's Civilization Revolution
Buy new: $26.99 / Used from: $18.98
Sid Meier's Civilzation Revolution is a great title; my only complaint is that the campaigns go way too fast. The main goal of the game is to become the greatest country in the world, and there are different ways of achieving that objective.
Brothers in Arms: Hell's HighwayBrothers in Arms: Hell's Highway
Buy new: $18.75 / Used from: $11.95
Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway is easily the worst entry in the series. I would suggest renting it first.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine Uncaged EditionX-Men Origins: Wolverine Uncaged Edition
Buy new: $46.99 / Used from: $24.99
X-Men Origins: Wolverine is not going to break any new ground with its repetitive gameplay. However, it's still enjoyable enough to earn weekend rental status.
Mercenaries 2: World in FlamesMercenaries 2: World in Flames
Buy new: $18.82 / Used from: $10.83
Mercenaries 2: World in Flames is a decent attempt at a sandbox game. Its primary gimmick allows you to play the role of one of three mercenaries with his or her own unique skill set.
The Godfather The Don's EditionThe Godfather The Don's Edition
Buy new: $95.24 / Used from: $19.47
When it comes to sandbox games, I prefer Bethesda's offerings to Rockstar. However, if GTA is your thing, I suppose that this game is worth checking out.
The Godfather IIThe Godfather II
Buy new: $27.99 / Used from: $14.99
The average gamer seems to enjoy this title more than average game critic. It's pretty similar to the GTA formula, but it offers some unique, new features as well.
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six VegasTom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas
Buy new: $20.95 / Used from: $7.46
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas series typically has an awesome online feature, and a pretty lackluster single-player campaign. Still, it's a tactical shooter, so it won't appeal to everyone.
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2
Buy new: $36.99 / Used from: $16.30
I haven't played this title, but most of the review scores that I've seen claim that the sequel is superior.
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2
Buy new: $19.99 / Used from: $12.39
Admittedly, I have not played this game, and I'm not a big fan of tactical shooers. However, I've heard that it contains a solid single-player campaign, as well as, a compelling but fussy online feature.
Overlord: Raising HellOverlord: Raising Hell
Buy new: $27.60 / Used from: $12.48
This title owes quite a bit of its gameplay to Pikmin, and unfortunately, it's not nearly as good. Rent this one first.
Sonic's Ultimate Genesis CollectionSonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection
Buy new: $19.96 / Used from: $18.59
If you're old enough to appreciate the games that were released on the SEGA Genesis, this may very well be the game for you; it includes a large list of titles including the obligatory Sonic games.
Command & Conquer Red Alert 3Command & Conquer Red Alert 3
Buy new: $42.10 / Used from: $28.98
Command & Conquer Red Alert 3 is a classic case in which the PC version is superior to that of the console. That tends to be the case with real-time strategy titles. That being said, the game is still good.
Marvel Ultimate AllianceMarvel Ultimate Alliance
Buy new: $74.94 / Used from: $19.95
Marvel Ultimate Alliance certainly isn't a bad game, but it's not quite as good as X-Men Legends 2. I'd like to say that the best way to play this title is with a friend, but I tend to fare much better with a computer ally.
Tom Clancy's EndWarTom Clancy's EndWar
Buy new: $25.99 / Used from: $8.18
Tom Clancy's EndWar attempts to compensate for clunky, console controls by allowing you to issue orders to your troops via voice command. The voice implementation works great, but the strategy leaves a little to be desired.
Mortal Kombat vs. DC UniverseMortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
Buy new: $28.99 / Used from: $23.99
This is the epitomy of a rental. It's fun to play for a while, but it doesn't have enough depth to keep you interested/warrant buying. Obviously the biggest gimmick here is the ability to play as your favorite characters from the DC universe, and I had a hell of a time playing as Captain Marvel.
Disgaea 3 Absence of JusticeDisgaea 3 Absence of Justice
Buy new: $29.99 / Used from: $23.27
First of all, I love tactical rpg's, but I really can't stand this game. The graphics are inexcusably poor for a PS3 game, the story is ridiculous, and I really don't like the tactical aspect either. That being said, this series has its fans, and if you liked the previous installments, you'll probably like this one.
WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2009WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2009
Buy new: $26.97 / Used from: $11.78
I have a soft spot in my heart for wrestling, but it's gotten so ridiculous that I don't even watch it anymore. I wasn't really impressed with this particular installment, but fans of the series should probably play this game.
Fight Night Round 3Fight Night Round 3
Buy new: $19.82 / Used from: $7.44
I don't much care for sports games, but this is easily one of the most celebrated sports titles available. Most people either love or hate the Fight Night series, so I would recommend renting it first.
The DarknessThe Darkness
Buy new: $49.99 / Used from: $7.25
The Darkness is a relatively short fps. The aspect that makes it worth playing is that you have an unusual arsenal of powers at your disposal. This game is at least worth a rental.
Dark SectorDark Sector
Buy new: $4.65 / Used from: $4.93
Dark Sector's gameplay isn't going to set the world on fire, but it's decent enough to justify a weekend rental.
Unreal Tournament IIIUnreal Tournament III
Buy new: $23.98 / Used from: $6.98
Unreal Tournament III is an online, third-person shooter that moves at a blisteringly quick pace. Frankly, I don't really like the game, but the series has a pretty big fan-following.
Assassin's CreedAssassin's Creed
Buy new: $17.99 / Used from: $13.99
At one point I had a genuine interest in playing Assassin's Creed, but after hearing some of its criticisms, I put off playing it. I would recommend renting it first; that's what I'm going to do.
Silent Hill: HomecomingSilent Hill: Homecoming
Buy new: $37.64 / Used from: $18.43
One of the most obvious changes that this entry of Silent Hill brought to the series is the addition of a better control scheme. Beyond that, this title is a pretty solid, no frills installment in the series.
Sacred 2: Fallen AngelSacred 2: Fallen Angel
Buy new: $36.99 / Used from: $28.73
This title puts a heavy emphasis on Diablo style gameplay, and there's certainly nothing wrong with that. Update: Rent this one first; it definitely won't appeal to everyone. Frankly, I don't like it, but its combined review score easily elevates above 70%.
Overlord 2Overlord 2
Buy new: $19.99 / Used from: $19.48
The primary hook of the Overlord II is that it allows you to command a squad of diabolical creatures, which can be used accomplish various tasks. From what I hear, this title doesn't offer that much additional content over the original, but it's the best entry to start out with.
Ghostbusters: The Video GameGhostbusters: The Video Game
Buy new: $29.99 / Used from: $17.99
Ghostbusters: The Video Game is the third, official entry in the Ghostbusters lore. Dan Akroyd and Harold Raimis actually penned the script for this one, and it has managed to earn a positive rating overall.
Fight Night: Round 4Fight Night: Round 4
Buy new: $37.99 / Used from: $19.98
If you haven't figured it out by now, I'm not really much of a sports game fan. However, the Fight Night series has always had critical success, and this entry is no different.
Call of Juarez: Bound in BloodCall of Juarez: Bound in Blood
Buy new: $21.99 / Used from: $18.48
Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood is a prequel to the original Call of Juarez. This title has managed to eclipse its predecessor in almost every way. It offers an engaging but brief single-player campaign, as well as, compelling online modes. Sadly, there is no co-op.
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2
Buy new: $42.73 / Used from: $35.98
If you've played the other titles by Raven Software, you'll know what to expect from this game. The formula hasn't changed that much, and in my opinion, it hasn't aged all that well. Throw in a few bugs and some repetitive gameplay, and you have a decent but flawed game.
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger Limited EditionBlazBlue: Calamity Trigger Limited Edition
Buy used from: $48.99
This game has generated some very positive reviews; BlazBlue is an arcade phenomenon in Japan, and now it is available on home consoles. If you're a fighting game fanatic, you owe it to yourself to pick this one up.