Hottest PC Games of 2009

For the PC there were quite a few runaway gaming hits in 2008, as well as some noteworthy gaming disappointments. Well, 2009 looks to be a year of economically safe sequels, but it's incredibly hard to complain about it with some of the mouth-watering titles lined up. Here are a handful of them, presented in an order in which you might expect them to be released.

The Sims 3

Love it or hate it, The Sims is a franchise that is here to stay. Sims 3 looks a lot nicer than its predecessors, and it apparently has more new features than ever. Now you can take control of whole neighborhoods at once. And you can even have a choice between more than just skinny or mildly chubby body types. Finally! For Sims addicts, this game is a sure purchase. Just be fully prepared for the impending and endless horde of expansion packs that will be sure to follow shortly after it.

Warhammer 40000: Dawn of War II

Building on the prolonged success of the Dawn of War series, while enhancing the whole experience with what they learned from Company of Heroes, Relic is set to release a revolutionary RTS. This time, the battle rages between the Space Marines, Eldar, Orks, and a newcomer: the vicious, alien-like Tyranids (no relation to Tyra Banks, I hope). Between this game and Warhammer Online, it sure is a great time to be a fan of those loveable Orks. Waaagh!

Aion: Tower of Eternity

With Tabula Rasa shutting down (it can be played for free until February 2009) and Guild Wars 2 still seemingly a long ways off, NCsoft is looking to further solidify its place in the MMORPG market. The game has already been met with extreme enthusiasm in Korea. Unlike Guild Wars, it looks as if it will unfortunately carry a monthly fee. But you get to fly around and try out some "PvPvE" combat.

StarCraft II Terrans: Wings of Liberty

This will be a big year for strategy games since Dawn of War 2 will have some major competition when Starcraft 2 comes crashing onto the scene. Blizzard is playing it very safe-and probably very smart-with this sequel, which will feature the same three races with many of the same units. Of course, there will be many fresh faces and tremendously updated graphics.

Half-Life 2: Episode Three

Okay, so maybe there are not a lot of official details, including an official release date. Left 4 Dead is doing wonderfully but it would be great to see Valve get this game out in 2009. Gordon Freeman and his crowbar are a staple of PC gaming. If it is released, expect it during or shortly after the holidays.