Best-Selling Xbox 360 Games in the First-Half of 2009

The Xbox 360 is the only video game system that is increasing in hardware sales for the first-half of 2009 compared to last year despite the recession. This is because the price drop last fall still has a positive lingering effect on the high-definition system. In fact, the software also benefited from the price drop. Here are the top five best-selling Xbox 360 games in the first-half of 2009 in North America.

5. Street Fighter IV
^{Publisher: Capcom, Developer: Capcom, Release Date: February 17, ESRB Rating: T}
Although the Street Fighter series has never really been associated with the Xbox brand, Street Fighter IV nevertheless became one of the best-selling games on the Xbox 360 in the first-half of the year. The sequel to the long-running franchise mixes beginner-friendly interface with enough depth to please the hardcore. As a result, many types of gamers bought Street Fighter IV in 2009.

4. Halo Wars
^{Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios, Developer: Ensemble Studios, Release Date: March 3, ESRB Rating: T}
Halo Wars being one of the best-selling games in the first-half of 2009 for the Xbox 360 really shows how massive and dedicated the Halo fan base is. The spin-off title wasn't developed by Bungie Studios. Not to mention that it is a real-time strategy title instead of a first-person shooter. Despite all of those obstacles, Halo Wars is selling briskly so far in 2009.

3. Call of Duty: World at War
^{Publisher: Activision, Developer: Treyarch, Release Date: March 3, November 11, 2008, ESRB Rating: MA}
Speaking of brand power, Call of Duty: World at War also fits into the same situation as Halo Wars. Despite not being developed by the original creators, the latest game in the popular Call of Duty franchise just kept on selling on the Xbox 360 even though it was released way back in November of 2008. It really is a testament to the strengths of the Call of Duty brand for World at War to outsell a mass majority of newer titles in the first-half of 2009.

2. UFC 2009 Undisputed
^{Publisher: THQ, Developer: Yuke's Osaka, Release Date: May 19, ESRB Rating: T}
Given the growing fan base of the sport, an official licensed video game based on UFC was inevitable. No one could have predicted, however, how popular the game became when it was released. Despite being released in May, UFC 2009 Undisputed still managed to be the second best-selling video game on the Xbox 360 in the first-half of 2009. Needless to say, there will probably be a UFC 2010 Undisputed.

1. Resident Evil 5
^{Publisher: Capcom, Developer: Capcom, Release Date: March 13, ESRB Rating: M}
Resident Evil 5 was the first game in the long-running and ultra-popular series to appear on an Xbox video game system. That didn't stop the game from being the top selling title in the first-half of 2009, however. Resident Evil 5 marks the final chapter in the saga and is the sequel to one of the most critically-acclaimed games of all-time, Resident Evil 4. So it being the best-selling game on the Xbox 360 so far this year should come at no surprise.