As we say goodbye to an amazing year of gaming that was 2008, we look ahead to 2009 in search of the most anticipated games of the year. While most of the titles on our list are scheduled for an '09 release, we've thrown a few in that we'd love to see make it out by year's end.
Jeff Bakalar
Jeff is CNET Editor at Large and a host for CNET video. He's regularly featured on CBS and CBSN. He founded the site's longest-running podcast, The 404 Show, which ran for 10 years. He's currently featured on Giant Bomb's Giant Beastcast podcast and has an unhealthy obsession with ice hockey and pinball.
Madworld (Wii) - March - With its unique art style and gameplay, Madworld is one of few Wii exclusives to watch out for in 2009.
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F.E.A.R. 2 (360, PS3, PC) - February 10
F.E.A.R. 2 (360, PS3, PC) - February 10 - The sequel to the horrifying original, F.E.A.R. 2 is the true successor to the sci-fi first-person shooter.
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Killzone 2 (PS3) - February 27 - After it made a splash at the Sony E3 press conference in 2007, much speculation began to surface on whether the game could live up to the hype. After playing a near-final version, we don't think anyone will be disappointed.
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God of War III (PS3) - TBD - We really hope God of War III makes it in time for a 2009 release. One of the most highly anticipated games for the PlayStation 3 promises to bring back more of the amazing action and level design from previous titles in the series.
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Ghostbusters: The Video Game (360, PS3, Wii, DS, PC, PS2) - June 16 - Not only does the game have the original four cast members reprising their roles as New York's premiere supernatural exterminators, but Harold Ramis and Dan Akroyd are actually writing the script for the game as well.
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Street Fighter IV (360, PS3, PC, Arcade) - February 17 - After years of waiting, Capcom is finally set to release Street Fighter IV. While we've already seen it in action in select arcades across the country, the fighting game makes its console debut on February 17.
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Starcraft 2 (PC) - TBD - After the real-time-strategy game was considered nothing more than vaporware, Blizzard announced that we would in fact get to see a sequel. Here's to hoping we'll be able to play it in 2009.
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Resident Evil 5 (360, PS3) - March 13 - The sequel to what many call the best game of the last generation surely has a lot to live up to. Resident Evil 5 will introduce co-op gameplay to the series along with a brand new horrifying storyline.
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Bionic Commando (360, PS3, PC) - Q2 2009 - About 20 years after the game's original NES release, Bionic Commando is back with updated graphics and new ways to use the grappling gun. Not to worry: Capcom is still behind the wheel in its development.
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The Conduit (Wii) - Q2 2009 - The Conduit is a first-person-shooter exclusively developed for the Nintendo Wii. While there hasn't been much news regarding the actual gameplay, we'll be able to comment when we see the game in action later this month.
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Resistance: Retribution (PSP) - March 17 - After two successful releases on the PlayStation 3, the Resistance franchise will make its portable debut on the PSP on March 17.
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Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars (DS) - March 17 - The critically acclaimed Grand Theft Auto franchise makes its Nintendo DS debut in Chinatown Wars. While GTA has done well on portable consoles like the PSP, it will be interesting to see how the game translates to the DS.
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Batman: Arkham Asylum (360, PS3, PC) - Q2 2009 - This Batman game will focus more on the comic book version of the caped crusader rather than being a straight adaptation of the films. In Asylum, you'll face various villains such as The Joker.
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Infamous (PS3) - Q2 2009 - Infamous is an open-world action game set in the fictional town of Empire City. You play a superhero who must decide to save your fellow citizens or watch as they spiral into chaos.
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Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3) - Q4 2009 - We don't know much about the sequel to Uncharted, but it appears Nathan Drake is back for another adventure, this time set in an arctic landscape.
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BioShock 2: Sea of Dreams (360, PS3, PC) - Q3 2009 - There's no denying that BioShock was one of the best games of 2007 with its gripping story and unique blend of game genres. While the sequel's story is a mystery, Sea of Dreams is one of the most anticipated games of 2009.
