Top five video games of the year

Before ransacking stores for bargains on video games, read this guide to the hottest buys of the season.
Instead of choosing your game based on what the back cover says, observe these reviews on some of the most anticipated games of 2009. 

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
The successful sequel has sold more than 4.7 million copies worldwide since its November 2009 release.

This upgrade to the Call of Duty franchise has several new features, including bigger and better guns, a new storyline and, for the first time, the option of driving vehicles while in combat.

It also includes a new game mode called Secure, which resembles Capture the Flag played with army guns and personnel.

With its sleek body motions and huge explosions, this game will be a best-seller this holiday season.

Ultimate Alliance 2
This game leaves all the choices up to you, including the option to play with either heroes or villains.

The Ultimate Alliance developer Vicarious Visions has really stepped it up by allowing gamers to fuse heroes and villains abilities to form powerful combo attacks.

Link that together with a new and improved storyline that’s co-op enabled and you have got yourself a masterpiece

Madden 10
Madden NFL football is better than ever with smoother game play and a huge load of other new features.

Graphics, play calling, stats, and rosters have all been updated.

Pro-Tak enables gamers to perform bone-crushing tackles and mind- blowing blocks that could determine the outcome of a game.

Fight for the Fumble allows players to button mash in a dog pile for control of the ball and only comes up randomly when defenders perform strip attempts.

With online and world-famous co-op playing options, you can share the joy of a game of Madden with family, friends, or even international gamers.

Assassin’s Creed 2
Ubisoft has loaded its second best-selling title with several upgrades, such as character movements and a cooperative storyline.

Pairing that up with the character’s new abilities to swim, call for distractions, and conceal more weapons assures potential buyers that they will get their money’s worth.
This game is not for children. However, technology-savvy teenagers and hardcore gamers will definitely enjoy this. 
NBA 2K10

The No. 1 basketball video game seller has returned for another stint on the hardwood.
The realism this game brings to consoles is amazingly accurate to the point where you can see players’ pores sweating.

While other basketball video games are focused on catching up, 2K10 catches every detail of the game including momentum and player stamina.

For the diehard NBA fans who still aren’t satisfied, there is the NBA 2K10 Special Anniversary Edition of the game for $99.

This includes a poster, collectible figure, game locker and a DVD explaining the history of 2K sports along with a private lounge for 2K gamers on Xbox Live.
NBA 2K10 is the champion of all basketball games, so before you play it, beware of the intense strategies and sports intelligence required for victories.

Now that you have seen the best games to buy this season, the hard part is going to be finding them at a reasonable price.

Save yourself time and money by purchasing quality games that can be played repeatedly and by anyone.

One more thing to remember   is if stores sell out of the game you are looking for, do not panic.

There are several online Web sites that will have the same game in stock without all of the busy lines and hassle.