2009 was a banner year for sports video games. EA nearly dominated every corner of the market, starting with Fight Night Round 4’s long awaited arrival. Thanks largely to the licensing of Mike Tyson and improved analog pugilism, EA’s boxing sim reminded us all just how sweet science could be. Boxing wasn’t the only fighting game to make an impression on us this year. THQ’s UFC Undisputed 2009 was an incredibly strong first effort that generated a lot of interest in MMA, and finally gave longtime fans the game they had been anticipating for years. EA’s crown jewel, Madden NFL, reached the pinnacle of the franchise this year, providing fans with the most complete football simulation to date. It’s going to be tough for Tiburon to top what they did with Madden this year, but if they follow in the footsteps of EA Canada, and their NHL series, fans will be in for a treat. Continually one of the most impressive representations of an actual sport, NHL 10 proved once again that hockey could be great when in the right hands. Picking the Best Ever Sports Game of 2009 was no easy task, but there can be only one champion.

Regardless of whether you’re a soccer fan or not, there’s no denying the greatness of FIFA Soccer 10. Last year’s effort was incredibly strong, but with a bit more fine-tuning, the addition of customizable set pieces, and fantastic action on the pitch, FIFA 10 blew us away. Even casual soccer fans could appreciate just how well the game translated to the consoles, and how addictive it was once you sat down to play. FIFA 10 being a game of the year contender shouldn’t surprise anyone anymore, but if all the great games of this year are any indication, retaining the crown is going to be harder than ever in 2010.