This is '09: After the gaming onslaught that is the 2008 holiday season I can finally catch up on a number of games I didn’t have time for and look ahead to the new year of gaming. It might seem like 2008 exhausted all the good gaming titles, but that simply not the case. 2009 looks as strong as last year if not better for gaming. Even in this trying financial times and record number of studio closing, hope still shines in the horizon. Here is a look at 15 of the most anticipated titles scheduled for release in 2009. ** Not in order of importance... or are they?!

Bioshock 2: Sea of Dreams (2K Games/2K Marin)
One the hottest and most innovative shooter to come out of 2007 is set to revisit the storyline of atom sucking sisters and monstrous big daddies in Bioshock 2: Sea of Dreams. If Bioshock 2 can pull off the same level of wonder and intrigue as the original then we are in for another epic adventure into the bizarre sci-fi world that 2K is crafting. Sea of Dreams might just be the beginning as 2K's president Christoph Hartmann has talked about making Bioshock a "Star Wars" like epic that could span six titles. Six Bioshock games! Sounds good Christoph, keep them coming.

Halo Wars (Microsoft/Ensemble Studios)
Ensemble Studios last hurrah, Halo Wars will be one of 2009’s highlighted games. Not only do we get to experience the Halo universe outside of the first person blanket, we get one of the best real-time strategy developers creating the RTS world. With a control system that is said to be the most natural fitting RTS on a console, Halo fans along with strategy fans will be watching this one. While we can’t enjoy Starcraft III on the console, Halo Wars will be bringing the sci-fi edge to the Xbox 360. Halo Wars is schedule to arrive in March for North American audiences.

Resident Evil 5 (Capcom)
Capcom is set to return to the Resident Evil franchise with new vigor. Looking for a repeat performance matching the success of Resident Evil 4, the graphical updated and co-op spotlighted Resident Evil 5 could do the trick. Resident Evil 5 has a lot to prove hitting up the Xbox 360 for the first time. This is Resident Evil's chance to regain its crown of top zombie from the recent slew of zombie action games like Left 4 Dead and Capcom's own Dead Rising. The best thing about "Rez Evil 5" is that the release date is right around the corner. Look for Resident Evil 5 to ship in early March.

Street Fighter IV (Capcom)
Before you get your hands on Resident Evil 5 another Capcom title is set to make a comeback. I'm talking about Street Fighter IV. Street Fighter IV is already proving to live up to its high expectations from early outings of the game, so it is safe to say this is going to be everything the original was and more. Capcom has been carefully crafting this one. It's great to see the series return, updated, and retooled. Having Ken, Ryu and the whole Street Fighter gang back and ready for more fist pounding action is more than any fighting fan could ask for. Hooking up with the SEGA High Grade Controller or rocking out with normal controller, Street Fighter IV will mostly likely turn into one of the best multiplayer games of '09.... blisters included. Expect Street Fighter IV in February.

God of War 3 (SCE/SCE San Monica)
The Playstation 3 needs Kratos more than ever leading into 2009. All that cutesy Sackboy goodness needs a serious shakedown as the number one PS3 game going. So far from the quick footage we have seen God of War 3 is set up to take back the title of best action game with all new visuals, and more blood and guts then before. God of War 3 can’t come soon enough. Feel assured that Jaffee won't disappoint with the tag lines "There will only be Chaos!" and "My vengeance is everything" It seems Kratos is ready to jump back into action, one dismemberment at a time.