It's sometimes easy to overlook the rapidly expanding world of downloadable game on home consoles.  With games like Modern Warfare 2 and Assassin's Creed 2 claiming 90% of mind share it's worth remembering that digital releases can be just as enjoyable, and in many cases just as progressive as their disc based cousins.

2009 was the year digital gaming came of age on home consoles. We saw the arrival of bigger games that far exceeded the original concept of Live Arcade and we also saw old genres being revitalised and refreshed with 21st Century spit and polish.

Among the highlights were the sublime Lost Winds 2, the infuriating but fun Fat Princess, the even more infuriating but beautiful Lucidity, and the amazing Flipnote Studio for the DSi. Here though, are my choices for the best download on PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii:

Shatter - Playstation 3

A twisted take on Arkanoid, Shatter's heady mix of pumping electro and on screen fireworks requires plenty of twitch gaming skill but also a dash of strategy with its well executed 'risk/reward' element. Shatter is a game that entices with the promise of a quick thrill, but is then extremely difficult to walk away from.

Inventive and exhilarating.

Shadow complex - Xbox 360

Shadow Complex is a title that unashamedly wears its inspirations on its sleeve, in several respects. But whatever your viewpoint on the political aspects surrounding this game, there is no denying that it delivers everything it set out to do from a game-play perspective.

Full of bombast and hokey intrigue, this is Super Metroid for the Halo generation, and there is much joy to be had in seeing next-gen production values applied to a resolutely old game design.

Shadow Complex unequivocally proves that this type of game is just as relevant and enjoyable today as it was in the early 90's, and it provides more enjoyment than a thousand generic 3D adventures.

Bit Trip Beat/Bit Trip Core -  Nintendo Wii

OK, so I'm a bit cheeky by bundling these games together, but Bit Trip Beat and Bit Trip Core are not only my digital highlights of the year, they are also in my top 10 games of 2009.

There is just something so special about the concept and execution of this series that it deserves to get as much love and recognition as it can.

The oblique background story of Commander Video,  the retro aesthetics that cleverly change according to your progress, and the wonderful chip tunes ensure that the Bit Trip series succeeds in being both 'old school' and modern at the same time. 

Each game is fairly short, but also very challenging. You will fail again and again, but it never feels like punishment as the journey is so spectacular, each trip nudges you further along until the blocky patterns etch themselves into your brain and muscle memory takes over.

It's hypnotic and compulsive. Bit trip Void cannot arrive in the UK soon enough.

Thumbsticks Reviews

Shatter
Shadow Complex
Bit Trip Beat
Bit Trip Core