Let's clear up the confusion: to be considered for the Best Original Game award, a title simply has to be a new IP. In other words, sequels or games that are part of a larger franchise don't count, but pretty much anything else does.
A few years ago, that meant roughly four games would be up for the award. But while much of the game industry is still suffering from sequel-it is, 2007 enjoyed a resurgence in fresh concepts set in creative new worlds. We applaud such bravery in the face of safe bets and tip our hats to the three most exciting risk-takers of the year.
The Nominees Are...
BioShock
Seldom do oddball RPG-shooter hybrids - especially ones with obscure 50s settings and pretensions to political relevancy - do as well as Bioshock. The press loved it, the public loved it, and we loved it, but did we love it enough to give it the Best Original gong?
Read the Review
Mass Effect
The first in a planned RPG trilogy from the wizkids at Bioware, Mass Effect introduced us to an intriguing, sophisticated sci-fi world teeming on the brink of war. We can't wait to see more of it.
Read the Review
Rock Band
The musical masterpiece is more than just a brand new rhythm game - it's a platform unto itself.
Read the Review
Posted: 18 Dec 2007
