Way to ruin our year

For every high point in gaming (the long-awaited release of Modern Warfare 2), there's a depressing low, whether it's a game not living up to the hype, a delay or some other nonsense. With that, join us as we look back at 2009, the year of suck. Grab yourself a hankie.

Numerous delays: Bioshock 2, Bayonetta

Like most people, we hate delays. Granted, they happen for a reason (mostly because developers need more time), but not being able to play certain games this holiday season has us miffed. Case in point, the highly touted Bioshock 2, a game that puts us in control of a Big Daddy. Instead of shoving it into our stockings, we need to wait until at least February.

Not having Bayonetta hurts as well, especially since Japanese gamers have already enjoyed it. Humbug.

Quality Wii games, or lack thereof

Last year was a monumental one for the Wii. Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Mario Kart Wii and other games had us hooked for months. This year, however, made us sleepy. Metroid Prime Trilogy offered some thrills, and we're eagerly waiting New Super Mario Bros. Wii, but that's about it. Sure, you could mess around in Wii Sports Resort or lose weight with Wii Fit Plus, but where's the "must-have" stuff that made us go ga-ga for the Wii? Let's hope 2010 has more games.

Wii owners receive Modern Warfare two years too late

Players went berserk when Modern Warfare 2 was announced for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, but Activision didn't want Wii owners to feel left out. So, to compensate, it gave them the original Modern Warfare. That's right, while Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 owners play the high-octane sequel, Wii fanatics will enjoy a modified two-year old port with motion controls. Thanks a lot.

Terminator Salvation

This was definitely not the year of the Terminator. Warner Bros. spent big bucks on the Christian Bale flick, Terminator Salvation, but it didn't pay off in theaters. Lackluster violence (it was rated PG-13) and lame characters couldn't save it. We had higher hopes for the game, but it too let us down. You only face three or four Terminator models over the course of your adventure, and it's over within a matter of hours. Even worse, there's no online multiplayer, nor any option to take control of the T-1000s. "Hasta la vista, baby!"

Netflix on PlayStation 3

Last week, Sony broke the news that it struck a deal with Netflix, allowing PlayStation Network subscribers to stream movies and TV shows through the service. It was a dream come true for many, but it came with a catch: you need a disc to run it, which makes no sense. The Xbox 360 runs Netflix programs just fine with an account link-up and no need for software. Not only does the PS3 require a disc, but the quality is questionable. Even trying to watch something as simple as 30 Rock is like an endurance trial for the eyes. Thanks, but we'll stick with the 360 Netflix party.

Six Days In Fallujah, where art thou?

"Too soon?" That's what many people asked when Konami initially announced a war shooter called Six Days In Fallujah. Based on a real-life event in Iraq, the Atomic Games project was met with criticism. So much, in fact, that Konami eventually canned it, although Atomic stated that it would soldier on in one form or another. It's unfortunate that the game suffered such a quick fate before people gave it a chance, but on the other hand, there are more than enough military games to go around.

Duke Nukem Forever bites it, along with 3D Realms

Duke Nukem Forever has been in development since...well, forever, but the hammer finally fell as 3D Realms closed its doors and the project was scrapped. That's a shame, because shortly after its cancellation, video footage surfaced, showing snippets of the next-gen Duke Nukem game that might have been. Who knows, maybe one-day 3D Realms will come back and perhaps find a way to do the hero justice.

PSP Go

As fancy and high-tech as it may be, the PSP Go is an unnecessary device. This download-only game console debuted October 1st, allowing users to log in to the PlayStation Network to check out movies and games. However, you can't use any of the UMD discs from the previous PSP models, you need an online connection and the system only has 16 GB of space. Worse yet, you need to buy all new peripherals for it, as it doesn't use any of the PSP's previous cables or hook-ups. It just doesn't live up to the $250 price tag.

DSi downloadable games

Last but definitely not least is the DSi's downloadable catalog. Well, what little of it there is, anyway. While there are a couple of games worth noting on the DSi Shop Channel (mainly Dr. Mario Online and Mario Vs. Donkey Kong), most of the other software comes up short. Modified versions of previously released DS titles, mini-games and crappy puzzlers are all you'll find, along with the occasional watch and calculator. Really, Nintendo? Where are the downloadable Game Boy Advance games? Where are Nintendo DS demos? A Mario clock and Animal Crossing calculator won't cut it.