Since the Golden Age of Gaming, the best games have always been saved for release during the holiday season.

Adventure awaits PS3 owners when Uncharted 2: Among Thieves hits the shelves Oct. 13.

With many school systems already back in action, the time is ripe for publishers to begin putting games — some of which have been years in the making — in the hands of eager customers.

Here, in my opinion, are the 10 most anticipated titles for the second half of 2009. If I’ve failed to mention your favorite game, let me know by leaving a comment below.

Batman: Arkham Asylum (PS3/PC/Xbox 360)
Batman fares a lot better with criminals than he does with game developers, but the Caped Crusader will fare better this time around than he did in the 1986 debacle that still elicits groans from old-school gamers. With Eidos’ promise of system-based exclusives, killer graphics, a quality story line and allegedly perfect fight system, this should be the best Batman game ever. (North American release date: Aug. 25, 2009)

Dissidia Final Fantasy (PSP)
In celebration of Final Fantasy’s 20th anniversary, Square Enix has decided to grace the masses with a gem of a game, an action RPG that puts the most memorable characters in FF lore against each other yet again. This time they have been called to fight on behalf of two warring deities, Chaos and Cosmos, in a celestial battle of immense proportions. (Aug. 25, 2009)

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 (Multiplatform)
Sequel to 2006’s beloved action-role playing game, Ultimate Alliance 2 keeps the action that made its predecessor a fan favorite, this time using Marvel’s famous Civil War story arc as the backdrop for the Pro-Registration heroes and their Anti-Registration counterparts to do battle. (Sept. 15, 2009)

Halo 3: ODST (Xbox 360)
Fans of Microsoft’s immensely successful FPS can expect more of the same style that made the series famous with only a few “minor” tweaks, most notable of which is the absence of iconic super soldier Master Chief. (Sept. 22, 2009)

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3)
Naughty Dog Studios is serving up another treasure-filled romp as Nathan Drake returns to stake claim on more booty lost to time. This go around, Marco Polo and the mystery surrounding his voyage home from China in 1292 will serve as the plot backdrop, with the legendary Cintamani Stone serving as Nathan’s desired prize (Oct. 13, 2009)

DJ Hero (Multiplatform)
The geniuses behind the wildly successful Guitar Hero saga are now making a run at an untapped genre in Hip-Hop. Utilizing a realistic but still fake controller, wannabe DJs will be able to live out their dream by trying their hand at mixing some of today’s hottest rap talent. 50 Cent, Kid Cudi, N.E.R.D., and Jay-Z are but a few names confirmed to have contributed tracks. (Oct. 27, 2009)

Forza Motorsport 3 (Xbox 360)
With over 400 fully customizable cars from 50 manufacturers and over 100 tracks, 360 owners will have a game that might be able to compete with the juggernaut that is Gran Turismo 5 … maybe. (Oct. 27, 2009)

New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Wii)
A direct sequel to the DS version, this will be the first game in the Super Mario Bros. series to feature simultaneous multiplayer gameplay during normal levels. Princess Peach, Mario, Luigi, and Toad all return to give new-gen Nintendo fans an old school experience, retooled and maximized in spectacular ‘2.5D’ for the innovative little white box that keeps amazing. (November 2009)

Gran Turismo 5 (PS3)
After whetting PS3 racing fans appetites with its Prologue teaser, armchair speedsters will finally have their wishes answered. Stellar graphics and next-gen mechanics combined with automobiles from the world’s top automakers, including the addition of models from Ferrari, Buggatti, and Lamborghini, promise to make this PS3 exclusive title a must have. (Dec. 29, 2009)

Dragon Quest IX: Protectors Of The Sky (DS)
The ninth installment in the legendary RPG series and the first to launch on a portable device will allow fans of the classic turn-based gameplay to quest on the go. A new multiplayer mode will allow four players to journey together, collect swag, and help hapless mortals in their usually ill-fated endeavors. (Late 2009)

Honorable Mention
Madden NFL 10 (Multiplatform) will be released Aug. 14, 2009.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Multiplatform) will be released Nov. 10, 2009.
League of Legends (PC) will be released Sept. 1, 2009.
WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 (Multiplatform) will be released Nov. 10, 2009.
Assassins Creed 2 (PS3/Xbox 360) will be released Nov, 17, 2009.