Captain Forever, Trials HD and Batman: Arkham Asylum

My top 3 games of 2009.

A free-to-play space combat puzzler, an XBLA motocross assault course and a game based on a licensed property. Where were the RPGs, the RTSs, the FPSs and all the other 3 lettered acronyms??

For whatever reason, and without really noticing, I have taken a step towards the casual gamespace. As a traditional (dare I say 'hardcore') player do I have anything to fear from the emerging behemoths of gaming? Or should I embrace them with the same gusto I've had for every other aspect of this fast-evolving industry?

Facebook, MySpace, iPhone, browser game portals - millions and millions of people who would never consider themselves 'gamers' are playing games through these platforms every day. Through No Strings Attached I want to investigate these new platforms and the people that use them, while also talking about my own 'casual' experiences.