There's no lack of sequels this year. Just about every major release for 2009 was a follow-up to a 2007 hit. Assassin's Creed 2, Modern Warfare 2, they were great and all, but there's something to be said about... starting something. Birthing a new franchise that can have a sequel in two years so we can talk about how there are too many sequels. This year, there were a good amount of games that fall into that category. The release of Brutal Legend is worth mentioning, and while it might not live up to everyone's expectations in terms of gameplay, it definitely opened the door to a metal world of wonder. On the other end of the spectrum, EA's Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure was one of the silliest games of the year, inviting players to explore the non-Layton side of being a gentleman. If players wanted something more... violent, there were two options, in the destroyed world of inFamous and the brutal blood-fest of MadWorld. When it comes to creating a full, wonderful franchise with a single game, however, one title stands above the rest.

Within seconds of beginning the game, it's hard not to be pulled in by the world of Dragon Age: Origins. The lore might not be completely unique, but where most fantasy tries to recapture the Lord of the Rings feel, BioWare abandoned it for a dark, gritty world that feels as well-developed as just about any other. It's depressing without ever feeling hopeless - something that can be hard to pull off from a storytelling point of view. Fun gameplay and an involved story help keep things fresh throughout the game, and the branching plot-lines and decision-fueled paths felt more organic then they have in just about any other game. Flaws? Of course, what game doesn't have them, but that doesn't keep the game from being the best original IP of 2009.