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Last year, LittleBigPlanet sparked a newly invigorated interest in scrolling platformers. Now that the developer’s love affair with gaming having to exist within the 3D space has died down, we can focus on recreating those classic situations with new technology behind it. That’s why platformers are still relevant in 2009 and this list proves that, that honour is most deserved.

We could easily pick ten to twenty great games that will come out next year and a majority of them will be all-but-confirmed entries on next year’s Best of. Sometimes though, and what’s really great about the video game industry, a game can seemingly come out of nowhere and steal the plaudits of everyone who encountered it. It only happens once or twice a year but 2009’s biggest surprise was easily Majesco’s re-imagining of A Boy and His Blob.

You and your trusty amorphous blob traverse over Ghibli-esque environments tackling each obstacle as it comes. For this one you might have to try the trampoline, actually see what happens with the space hopper, no it’s not that – it’s this kind of experimentation and puzzle solving that made A Boy and His Blob one of the most original and clever platformers of the year.

Also, it has a hug button.

A Boy & His Blob

Trine

One of this year’s most beautiful games, Trine is a platforming adventure game that allows players to cycle through different characters to beat obstacles. A simple premise but when executed so well it is a thing of wonder. The story is your classic fantasy yarn that sets up a charming adventure through many fantastical lands, all the while being wonderfully narrated. Besides the obvious charm, there is some real addictive game play to be had as the levels get tougher and tougher. After completion there is even an assortment of hidden items that are just tantalisingly placed out of your reach, how to get them is for you to work out. Available on PC and PSN – soon to be out on XBLA as well – you have no excuse for not playing an absolute gem. - Steven Wright

New Super Mario Bros. Wii

Remember that excellent nostalgia trip that came out on the DS? Imagine that with three other players so it’s ridiculously frantic, sounds good? That’s probably because it is. Four player chaos proves to be appealing enough of a refresh, for this classic formula.

Canabalt

Its deceptively easy gameplay will result countless hours spent attempting beat your last high score. Well, that and watching you’re guy hurtle through windows and leap off collapsing buildings is the most badass thing you’ll do in a game in ages. - David Nichols

Stay tuned to Nidzumi all week for more Best of 2009 Awards as we celebrate the past 12 months in gaming. Artwork provided by the always excellent Orioto.