2009 was almost the year of the platformer on the efforts of these two titles alone. Both featured precision-perfect controls and exquisitely tough level designs that will drag the hardcore out of any gamer -- along with a few swears as well.

Those that complained about New Super Mario Bros. Wii's overly familiar gameplay probably didn't play far enough -- some incredible stages live deep into the game. World 7-6's flying turtles (no, not Koopas) form tenuous ascending and descending platforms behind dissipating cloud cover, 8-7's speedy skeletal roller coaster takes its riders through scorching lava geysers....

Meanwhile, Splosion Man is ping-ponging off explosive barrels and claustrophobic walls, timing everything just perfectly to fly in between electrified grids or to stay ahead of the rapidly rising water....

Phew! The surge of adrenaline combined with the sweet relief of tension for finally reaching the goal...we practically need a cigarette after finishing these levels from these sublime platformers.