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Yahoo! Games: Best of 2006 Awards

Jan 22, 2007

The Yahoo! Games team locked itself in a room, stocked the mini-fridge with caffeinated drinks, and hashed out the very best that 2006 had to offer the world of gaming. Check out the results and let us know what you think!

Best Action-Adventure Game

NOMINEES:

Bully (PS2)

Developer: Rockstar Vancouver
Publisher: Rockstar Games

Rockstar does it again, and really didn't even need to rely on hype and controversy this time -- though it got plenty of both. Putting you in the shoes of the new kid on the private-school block, Bully takes the sandbox landscape that Rockstar created in its GTA franchise and brings it in tighter to focus on the gameplay and the story. Bully has both of these things in spades. Whether you're trying to pass a myriad of mini game-inspired classes or navigating the tough social structure of teenage life, it's a masterpiece. Trade in your AK-47 for a slingshot; trust us, you'll be happier for it.

Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin (DS)

Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami

Side-scrolling, 2D gaming doesn't get any better than the Castlevania series. Portrait of Ruin is easily the series' best entry since the epic Symphony of the Night. Having two simultaneous heroes and a decrease in reliance on touch-screen gimmicks helps Portrait rise above its highly acclaimed predecessors. Wi-Fi multiplayer is just the icing on the cake. Miss this one, and you're officially batty.

Dead Rising (Xbox 360)

Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom

Capcom has done the zombie thing to death (pun included), but never has it been as frenetic and satisfying as Dead Rising. One of its best aspects is how you can play it your way: Go for adventure by completing set quests and helping mall patrons in need, or embrace action by spending hours beheading countless zombies while using every object in sight as a weapon. Whether you end it by becoming zombie chow or escape with both your life and the secrets of the invasion, one thing is certain: You're going to be playing through this bad boy again.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii, GC)

Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo

Twilight Princess -- about two years past due and on a different console than originally planned -- is an amazing game in every way, shape, and form. Link has a host of new abilities, and each one utilizes the Wii remote with poise and grace. The world he finds himself in is larger and more dangerous than ever, striking a sublime balance. As a spiritual sequel to Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess does the impossible and bests the beloved N64 epic.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence (PS2)

Developer: Kojima
Publisher: Konami

When Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater released in 2005, it was tough for gamers to come up with any potential improvements. Thankfully, Konami put plenty of thought into the subject, and released Subsistence in 2006. The most obvious enhancement is a lengthy multiplayer mode, with a robust menu of game types and settings tweaks. Also gone is the cumbersome isometric Metal Gear view: Hello, third-person! With Subsistence, Konami -- that old snake in the grass -- takes a near-perfect game and makes it exponentially better.

Okami (PS2)

Developer: Clover Studio
Publisher: Capcom

If you hear anyone deny that video games are an art form, consider Okami Exhibit A. It has some of the most unique, beautiful graphics on PS2 or any existing console, and it uses creative control mechanics that make even the DS jealous. It may have suffered from bad timing launching close to Zelda (which also finds its main character in a wolf's body), and its mythical tale may be a little too Asian for the American masses, but none who played the game can deny its greatness. The fact that developer Clover Studios is now closed may be the biggest disappointment of 2006.

Sam and Max Episode 1: Culture Shock (PC)

Developer: Highway 1 Productions
Publisher: Link

Adventure games aren't dead; they've just moved to download-only! Culture Shock is the first in a six-episode journey starring the loveable titular crime fighters. Taking plenty from legendary adventure games of yore (i.e. LucasArts), Sam & Max are hilarious, and the game's puzzles are a joy to unravel. Culture Shock is no mere homage, but stands on its own in many ways -- like Sam's mammoth firearm. At four hours of play, Culture Shock is also one of the year's best bargains. But consider yourself warned: If you play Episode One, you'll be hopelessly locked in for the long haul. There's no resisting these guys.

>> AND THE WINNER IS...


WINNER:

Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

It's a testament to the developers' skill that a game not originally made for the Wii could feel so natural while using the Wii remote. Whether you're shooting an arrow or swinging your sword, it just works. All of Zelda: Twilight Princess just works in that way. It's got as much quality as it does quantity, which guarantees you won't be bored, even in 40+ hours of play. It's a must-buy for everyone who considers themselves a gamer.

Editor Notes

I must admit that I've been a tough sell on 3D Zelda games. To me, Link's best adventures have always been with me looking at the top of his hat in an overhead perspective. After all, I rated Minish Cap on GBA five stars. However, Twilight Princess has made me a believer. This is finally the 3D Zelda I've been waiting for. --Justin Leeper

I tackled Twilight Princess with some trepidation -- I've never really got along with Zelda games, although I recognize the quality of their design. And although this one still has many of the attributes I disliked in the others, I wound up thoroughly sucked in anyway. Kudos. --Mike Smith

The really amazing thing about Zelda is that even though it's an established formula -- the average Zelda player can probably guess where it's going to go as he's playing -- it still holds up. Nintendo and Miyamoto know how to string together their dungeons, and they know how to dole out Link's upgrades to keep you interested. No other action-adventure flowed quite so easily as Twilight Princess. --Tom Chick

>>Go to Best Online Multiplayer Game


Best Online Multiplayer Game

NOMINEES:

Battlefield 2142 (PC)

Developer: Digital Illusions CE AB
Publisher: EA

Battlefield, but with giant stompy robots? Don't mind if we do. Predictably, EA's latest in this tremendously popular series turned out to be another solid multiplayer shooter. 2142 develops the previous game's "unlock" concept even further, promoting players for their performance over many games. Find a good team -- and a good commander -- and the Battlefield series still offers some of the best squad-based action around.

Gears of War (Xbox 360)

Developer: Epic Games
Publisher: Microsoft

Gears of War's multiplayer proved enormously popular, boosting Live subs by 80 percent and shooting it past Halo 2 into the coveted most popular Xbox Live game slot. Including online coop play no doubt helped, but it was the team-based modes that really caught the public's imagination. Curbstomping your rivals into submission is one of those feelings that you just can't get anywhere else. Well, not legally, anyway.

Guild Wars: Nightfall (PC)

Developer: ArenaNet Inc.
Publisher: NCSoft

We've been big fans of this NCSoft mostly-massively-multiplayer online RPG ever since its release, and Nightfall brought piles of welcome new content to the Guild Wars world. It saw the game branching out into content more typical of single-player RPGs like the Baldur's Gate series, by introducing complex solo missions and controllable henchmen.

Marvel - Ultimate Alliance (ALL)

Developer: Raven Software
Publisher: Activision

Kick your computer-controlled teammates to the curb, pull in an Xbox Live buddy or three, and enjoy superhero-related online thrills. Ultimate Alliance's seamless integration between its solo and multiplayer scored points; and so did the way it combines cooperative and competitive play by making players compete to make the killing blow on bigger enemies.

Rainbow Six Vegas

Developer: Ubisoft
Publisher: Ubisoft

Earning acclaim for its superb graphics and clever face-mapping system (you can snap your own mug and use it on your character in multiplayer), the latest installment of Rainbow Six even has a cover system that beats out Gears of War's celebrated setup. We loved the variety, too. If you're fed up with competitive games on Vegas's 10 excellent standard maps, you can play coop on any of them -- or take on any of the single-player missions with up to three friends.

Splinter Cell: Double Agent (Xbox)

Developer: N/A
Publisher: Ubisoft

Eclipsing the newer, flashier Xbox 360 version of the game, the good old-fashioned Xbox proved the best place for Splinter Cell multiplayer last year, thanks to its three-on-three spy action and numerous online coop missions. If for no other reason, it deserves its nomination for demonstrating so convincingly that there's life in the old dog yet.

>> AND THE WINNER IS...


WINNER:

Rainbow Six Vegas

Rainbow Six's newest installment proved our favorite collective multiplayer experience of 2006. Its experience point system beat out its competitors by rewarding persistence as well as skill. Even if you're rubbish, you'll still make your way to the unlocks eventually. No other game last year provided such a balanced online experience.

Editor Notes

Tom Clancy games have enjoyed endless success in the online multiplayer realm. Vegas continues the tradition with finesse, including a great control system, gorgeous visuals, and making that perfect vanity move: letting me put my goofy mug into the game and adding some butch-looking scars. I am a gadget-carrying killing machine now. --Rich Greenhill

Rainbow Six Vegas for the 360 is the best all-around package for online gaming: it has the unlockable weapons and online persistence of Battlefield 2142 and the co-op campaign of Gears of War. And if that's not enough, it has virtually unlimited co-op gameplay with its randomized terrorist hunts. What's more, it even lets you put your own face on your character. It's slightly freaky to see yourself or your friends in the game, but it's a great example of how Vegas goes further than any other shooter with its online multiplayer support. -- Tom Chick

In the absence of any new massively multiplayer releases, Vegas is a good choice -- although I personally had more fun with Gears. --Mike Smith

>>Go to Best Parlor Game


Best Parlor Game

NOMINEES:

Brain Age (DS)

Developer: N/A
Publisher: Nintendo

If you like the mindless mindfulness of crossword puzzles, you'll probably appreciate the way Brain Age flexes your mental muscles by running you through a daily regimen of math drills, brain teasers, and word games. By tracking your performance, you can see the effect of your brain actually getting younger! Okay, maybe not, but that's the idea. Regardless, Brain Age reinforced the Nintendo DS' reputation as a platform with unique titles you can't get anywhere else.

Elite Beat Agents (DS)

Developer: N/A
Publisher: Nintendo

Fresh from Japan comes this North American version of a Japanese rhythm game. Following the cues onscreen, you tap and drag the stylus in time with the beat of various songs, mostly pop, but with a little rock, alternative, and metal thrown in for good measure. The funky storylines that go with each song are half the fun (almost literally half, as they play out on the top screen while you're tapping and dragging madly on the lower). It's a difficult, crazy, entirely satisfying, and completely different game for your DS.

Guitar Hero 2 (PS2)

Developer: RedOctane
Publisher: Activision

What makes Guitar Hero 2 one of the best games of 2006 isn't the new stuff. It's that you're once again a rock god in your own mind (and that's where it counts, right?), only this time with a whole new set of songs. You might not like some of the songs, and you're sure to have an opinion on what songs should have been in there. But that doesn't matter. You'll like some of them, you'll learn to like others, and you'll come around to playing them all. And the concept is still as powerful as it was the first time you tried it.

LocoRoco (PSP)

Developer: Sony Japan
Publisher: Sony

You can't really complain anymore that the PSP doesn't have a good platformer. What LocoRoco might lack in terms of gameplay -- after all, it really is a simple little game -- it makes up with its considerable charm. These irresistible little musical blobs bounce, roll, and ooze through soft colorful 2D worlds, yelping and cooing and singing as they go, with nothing but gravity and your world-tilting powers to help them along.

Tetris (DS)

Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo

Alexei Pajitnov may not be a household word, but that's just because it's easier to pronounce, "Tetris." This enduring puzzle game from a Russian game maker has probably insinuated itself into some corner of your brain at one time or another. And if you've ever wanted to revisit it, this is the way to do it. There's a whole lotta Tetris on this little chip, which even introduces some new ways to piece together these oh-so-familiar shapes.

Trauma Center: Second Opinion

Developer: Athena Co.
Publisher: Atlus

Doctor! From the Nintendo DS to the Nintendo Wii comes this surgical procedural, still clogged with thankfully skippable soap opera cutscenes. The translation to Nintendo's newest hardware works wonders for Trauma Center, and not just in terms of the bigger brighter visuals. If you thought the touchscreen on the DS was a great way to poke around at someone's guts, you ain't seen nothing yet.

Viva Pinata (Xbox 360)

Developer: Rare
Publisher: Microsoft

What looked like a kid's games turns out to be one of the biggest surprises of the year. This adorable little sandbox lets you build gardens that populate themselves with pinata-themed creatures. It's easy enough for kids, but there's enough of a hook here for everyone else. Whether you like Sims-style games, city-builders, or just cheerful creatures romping around colorful landscapes, Viva Pinata has plenty of treats locked inside itself.

>> AND THE WINNER IS...


WINNER:

Guitar Hero 2

Guitar Hero 2 isn't a massive improvement on Guitar Hero, but in one year, it's lost none of its insanely addicting and exalting appeal. Top that with many of the new features and among a year of great parlor games, Guitar Hero 2 is still an easy favorite pick.

Editor Notes

How could it be anything else? Guitar Hero II is so much fun it should be illegal. Roll on 2007 - I'm looking forward to seeing where the series goes next. --Mike Smith

I pushed for Konami to bring over Guitar Freaks. But once I played Guitar Hero I didn't look back, and shouted its praise up the Stairway to Heaven. It's unbelievable that this encore is even better. I love the song selection (am I the only Butthole Surfers fan out there?), which is bigger and badder this year. Additionally, I feel the tracks do a better job of teaching you how to improve as a player. Co-op cannot be ignored, as well, and has brought my wife and I closer together. I won't stop rocking until I master Expert mode -- or until I learn to play the real guitar. Whichever comes first. --Justin Leeper

The campaign does a much better job of giving you a sense of progression. The new practice mode is a welcome addition and an invaluable way to work your way up the learning curve to the more gratifying and more difficult levels. And the hammer-ons and pull-offs are considerably less finicky. And it's totally awesome to play co-operatively with your buddy, rocking out along the bass line. --Tom Chick

>>Go to Best Racing Game


Best Racing Game

NOMINEES:

Moto GP 2006 (Xbox 360)

Developer: THQ
Publisher: THQ

Once you put one of these bikes between your legs, you can't help but feel that cars are for wusses. After all, with only two wheels and a motorcycle's narrow design, it requires a lot more skill and patience to drive well. No game captures this better than Moto GP 2006. This series has continued to offer great graphics and realistic physics, and its first entry on Xbox 360 naturally ups the ante immensely.

Test Drive Unlimited (PS2, PSP, PS3, Xbox 360, PC)

Developer: Eden Studios
Publisher: Atari

Atari's Test Drive series has had so many ups and downs, it's enough to make you reach for an air-sickness bag. By pushing the ambition meter to 11, Test Drive Unlimited finally places the franchise in the ranks of the racing-game elite. Forget the open-ended mission structure, the picturesque vistas of Hawaii, or the photo-realistic cars. What turns the most heads is how Test Drive Unlimited integrates Xbox Live with its single-player game to make what can only be considered a motorized MMO. Human drivers inhabit the traffic, and can be raced against, traded with, or run off the road. All this comes at a price less than the majority of Xbox 360 games on the market.

Toca Race Driver 3 (PS2, XBOX, PC)

Developer: Codemasters
Publisher: Codemasters

Codemasters can sure make racing games. The company behind such hits as Pro Race Driver and Colin McCrae has done it again. TOCA Race Driver 3 has more types of racing than any other game, and does justice to each driving style. With everything from monster trucks to F-1 racers, the game always keeps you guessing. No matter what type of vehicle you're behind the wheel of, you'll find great control, nice physics, and some of the best graphics Xbox can provide. Vehicles will even sustain crippling (and eye-pleasing) damage. TOCA Race Driver 3 also has a compelling storyline typing everything together. Don't overlook this sleek racing game.

Excite Truck (Wii)

Developer: N/A
Publisher: Nintendo

This was the biggest (pleasant) surprise of the Wii launch, and with good reason. It shows guts by alluding to one of the most beloved titles on NES, then delivers with high-octane racing and some of the most intuitive use of Nintendo's new technology yet. You want speed? You got it. Tons of air? Sure enough. How about balanced game progression that will appease any skill-leveled driver? While that's not quite as exciting as the other two, it's no less important and is yet another area where Excite Truck shines like a coat of Turtle Wax. In fact, it's tough to find flaws in the game, period. While Zelda got the hype, this other Nintendo published launch game is no slouch, either.

>> AND THE WINNER IS...


WINNER:

Excite Truck

It seems like a given that a Wii racing game would excel at using the new console's motion-sensitive remote, but one play of the competition will show you how difficult this achievement really is. In Excite Truck, holding the remote sideways and tilting it back and forth just feels natural. Unlike other Wii racers, the control is a benefit rather than a hindrance. It offers some of the craziest racing thrills of the year. You'll get crazy air, collide with competitors in spectacular fashion, and feel a sense of speed usually reserved for next-gen graphics. With an open mind and the game's open road, you can't help but feel like a winner.

Editor Notes

Two of my favorite racing games of all time are Burnout and Excite Bike, and I don't think I'm alone here. They both offered something different to the genre -- which is basically a prerequisite for getting me to happily sit behind the wheel of a racer. Throw in arcade-style presentation akin to Midway's coin-op racers, and you begin to see how the formula is a shoo-in to win this year's award. --Justin Leeper

This was actually my favorite game for the Wii. With its dizzying sense of speed, smart physics, and crafty track layouts, it satisfied my racing jones better than any mere Burnout. Plus, whoa, hey, the Wii's graphics don't look so bad after all! --Tom Chick

Not a good year for race fans. Excite Truck was great, sure, but was always going to be the only runner in this contest. Roll on 2007. --Mike Smith

>>Go to Best Role-Playing Game


Best Role-Playing Game

NOMINEES:

The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion (Xbox 360, PC, PS3)

Developer: Bethesda
Publisher: 2K Games

Coming at a time when the Xbox 360 was hurting for quality games, Oblivion showed off Microsoft's then-new platform to superb effect. Not only was it a real stunner in the looks department (and still is, nearly a year later), the sheer scale of the world and its contents are awe-inspiring.

Final Fantasy XII (PS2)

Developer: Square Co. Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix USA

What better way for the Final Fantasy show to take its leave of the PlayStation 2? Final Fantasy XII proved one of this series' best, and that's no mean feat. Boldly doing away with many of the conventions of the games, it came up with an all-new battle system that was both innovative and challenging. Even the star managed to avoid the traps so many other Japanese RPGs fall into; he wasn't irritating, monosyllabic, or even poorly translated.

Kingdom Hearts II (PS2)

Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix USA

Back in 2005, we made the mistake of overlooking Kingdom Hearts II in our "most anticipated games of 2006" feature. After the flood of hate mail we subsequently received, we're not about to do that again. Who have thought that the mixture of Disney characters and Square stars would work this well? Kingdom Hearts II's blend of character, storyline and recreation of classic fantasies proved irresistible, and all too predictably flew off the shelves as the series' many devoted fans snapped it up.

Marvel - Ultimate Alliance (ALL)

Developer: Raven Software
Publisher: Activision

Available on every platform under the sun, Ultimate Alliance is a comic book fan's dream come true. An action-RPG with 20 Marvel favorites to control makes it a hit recipe. Activision produced one of the year's best licensed games and delighted a plethora of men-in-tights aficionados in the process.

Neverwinter Nights II (PC)

Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
Publisher: Atari

The first game for years to capture a little of the magic of the old-time Infinity Engine RPGs, Neverwinter Nights II was responsible for nearly as many late nights as Oblivion. A mostly faithful computer conversion of the revised Dungeons and Dragons 3rd Edition ruleset, with a spectacular plot and a shiny graphics engine, it earned extra points from the judges for including abrasive red-bearded dwarfs.

Titan Quest (PC)

Developer: Iron Lore Entertainment
Publisher: THQ

Titan Quest brought the hour-swallowing gameplay of Blizzard classic Diablo II bang up to date, wearing out countless mice in the process. Set in a gorgeous trio of worlds, it melded a compelling, super-flexible character development system with addictive, slot-machine style loot gathering and handmade design -- what could be better? Playing it in multiplayer, that's what. If you missed it, you missed out.

Xenosaga Episode III

Developer: Cavia
Publisher: Link

No, it might not have produced quite such a bewildering number of games as Final Fantasy, but the Xenosaga series still stands out as one of the most creative - and most patchy - Japanese RPGs of this generation. Episode III wraps up the tale in compelling style, fixing many of the second installment's problems and making itself one of the year's best-told stories in the process.

>> AND THE WINNER IS...


WINNER:

The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion

Not a hard choice to make, nor a hard choice to predict, Oblivion easily stood head and shoulders above the rest of 2006's RPGs. The PC versions received a variety of modifications, thanks to the tireless efforts of a few dedicated fans. This award in part serves as a recognition of the community's input and the foresight of the developers for making the game so open to their ideas.

Editor Notes

Oblivion probably swallowed more of my time than anything else in 2006. While it had its share of cookie-cutter objectives and unoriginal moments, anyone who played through the Dark Brotherhood questline to its (messy) climax couldn't fail to name it as one of the best-realized sub-plots in any RPG. --Mike Smith

I played Oblivion for 175 hours. That's over seven days of RPG goodness. This, coming from someone who won't touch an MMO because he doesn't want to get addicted. And the weird thing is, I kind of hated Morrowind, its precursor. What can I say? Bethesda fixed every problem I had with the third Elder Scrolls, and gave me an absolutely fantastic world to explore and conquer. The quests were well done, leveling-up was balanced perfectly, and its environments were realistic enough to remind me of fields I played in as a child. I don't know if another game will ever captivate me like Oblivion did. Actually, I really hope no game will -- for my own good. --Justin Leeper

For a guy like me who's been laying off World of Warcraft for a while, Oblivion was the perfect compromise. Just give me 50 hours of free-forming roaming and storylining, then let me be totally over you. RPGs like this are a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there. Also, it's nice to see the PC version has been so markedly improved by player-made mods which have been created since it was released. It's almost -- almost! -- enough to make a guy want to go back through it. --Tom Chick

>>Go to Best Shooter Game


Best Shooter Game

NOMINEES:

Gears of War (Xbox 360)

Developer: Epic Games
Publisher: Microsoft

The developers at Epic are known for their over-the-top testosterone-drenched sci-fi shooters. Gears of War is the stunningly gorgeous latest iteration of their schtick: totally pumped gladiators battling butt-ugly bugmen in lovingly crafted post-apocalyptic grunge industrial ruins. With chainsaws, of course. From the grand architecture to the blood on the lens, a splatter shooter has never looked this good.

Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter (XBOX, PS2, Xbox 360, PC)

Developer: N/A
Publisher: Ubisoft

For the first half of 2006, this was probably the best-looking shooter you could play on any platform. It drops you into incredibly lush and wide-open outdoor environments and turns you loose with some meticulously modeled near-future guns. GRAW, as its known, may have been upstaged by more recent shooters, but it had its place in the sun for most of 2006.

Half-Life 2: Episode One (PC)

Developer: Valve
Publisher: Valve

Although it was a long time coming, it was a relief to see Valve finally revisiting Half-Life 2. The game opens with some really cool Dog tricks, continues with some great set pieces that develop Alyx as a smart sidekick, and finally wraps up with some hearty battles and a cliffhanger ending. Mostly, this is a reminder that the Source engine in the hands of a capable developer can work wonders.

Metroid Prime Hunters (DS)

Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo

If you had any doubts about whether Nintendo's nifty little handheld can do a first-person shooter, this is the game to prove that it can. By using the stylus on the touchscreen, you can aim, shoot, jump, and morph into a ball with the greatest of ease. The graphics are a bit, well, retro, but the visuals are very Metroid. Perhaps the biggest surprise is how well the online multiplayer support works over the Internet. Who'd have thought you could so easily use a Nintendo DS to shoot someone on the other side of the world?

Rainbow Six Vegas

Developer: Ubisoft
Publisher: Ubisoft

Rainbow Six finally returns to its original glory in this romp through a terrorist-infested Vegas. This is easily the best cover system in any shooter for the way it's easy to use and intuitive. You'll be cowering behind corners, slot machines, cars, and anything else available. The guns have a real sense of kick and heft, and the AI makes the gunfights feel fresh and unpredictable. Meanwhile, a multiplayer leveling system rewards you for playing by tantalizing with all sorts of dress-up options and unlockable weapons.

>> AND THE WINNER IS...


WINNER:

Gears of War

The most surprising thing about Gears of War is how downright thoughtful it is. This is a game about carefully advancing and firing from behind cover, about timing your reloads with the utmost precision, about making sure your teammates are alive and flanking. It's an uncanny and unprecedented marriage of the tactical with the spectacular, and as such, it stands out among this year's shooters. There's even a short and tightly told story that lays the groundwork for Gears to be fleshed out into a series.

Editor Notes

Yet another well-earned gong for Epic's blockbuster, although I rated Half-Life Ep One as a close second -- not least because despite its bargain price, it's only slightly shorter than Gears. --Mike Smith

Note to Epic: please don't pull any more tricks like that terrible endgame boss battle with General RAAM. While I loved Gears of War, it was really disappointing to have it end this way. Also, can we get some more support for different kinds of multiplayer games? You've made a great game, and all but straightjacketed it by limiting it to deathmatch. Otherwise, great work, Epic, and congratulations on selling bazillions of copies. The success is well deserved. --Tom Chick

>>Go to Best Sports Game


Best Sports Game

NOMINEES:

Fight Night: Round 3 (ALL)

Developer: EA Sports
Publisher: EA

Face meets fist and time stands still. Spit flies; a jaw is dislocated; the crowd screams for blood. A knockout punch has never been this artistic before. EA does justice to the sweet science with a next-gen facelift and teeth-rattling graphics. When you feel the pain of a well-placed uppercut, you'll realize how important the improvement is. Who needs a motion-sensitive controller when you can pick your punches with Fight Night 3's analog stick control? It brings much-needed strategy to fisticuffs. An appearance by the Burger King can't be considered as necessary, but it's still pretty funny. This one will likely reign supreme until Nintendo finally gives us a new PunchOut.

Madden 2007 (Wii)

Developer: EA Sports
Publisher: EA

Hardcore Madden-o-philes line up at stores every year to see what new simulation aspects EA has come up with. Madden's initial Wii release, on the other hand, represents football for the masses. Using the Wii remote's physical style for one of the world's most physical sports, Madden 2007 has more innovation than the last five seasons put together. Toss the ball by mimicking the motion, or stiff-arm by literally holding your arm out. On top of that, Madden 2007 on the Wii has everything the other versions do, so everyone leaves happy -- unless next-gen graphics are tops on your coaching list. We'd rather focus on fun.

NBA 2K7 (XBOX, PS2, PS3, Xbox 360)

Developer: Visual Concepts
Publisher: 2k Sports

The dynasty is in full effect. What started with Sega and Dreamcast is now 2K Games and next-gen consoles. NBA 2K7 continues to be the best basketball game on the market, with only its past iteration coming close to competing. The key is realism. While other basketball titles struggle with AI and competent fundamentals, NBA 2K7 plays so similar to live NBA action, it's scary. Defenders make you pay for bad passes, and you'll need every second of the shot clock. At the same time, the game offers plenty of high-impact excitement to keep you amped up. NBA 2K7 is the hoops fans' hero.

Tony Hawk's Project 8

Developer: Neversoft Entertainment
Publisher: Activision

With annual releases, Activision has tried to convince the world that skateboarding has a season much like football. While we don't quite agree with that, we're powerless to stop playing each new installment. Project 8 is the series' first truly next-gen sequel, and returns Tony to his former glory. Say goodbye to load times, but hello to the close-up, slow-motion splendor of Nail The Trick. Don't worry about the implications of serializing a nontraditional sports game over eight installments; just play the darn game and have a blast.

WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 (PS2, PSP, PS3, Xbox 360)

Developer: Yuke's Co. Ltd.
Publisher: THQ

Is pro wrestling a little more entertainment than sport? Yes. Is SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 still an awesome game anyway? Definitely. You can't help but marvel at how realistic the character models are -- whether you like looking at Torrie Wilson's butt or John Cena's. The rest of the graphics are amazing as well. The wrestlers fight better than they look. SvR 07 makes the most of the second analog stick, offering unheard-of control. Hot spots in and out of the ring provide the same action you see on TV, while Career and GM modes takes things further than Vince McMahon would've dreamed.

>> AND THE WINNER IS...


WINNER:

NBA 2K7

There's nothing better than watching a blue-chip prospect coming up in the big leagues. You see him learning his craft, taking challenges in stride, and growing every season. What's true with star athletes is equally true with star games. NBA 2K7 is the MVP of the sports genre for 2006.

This series is in its stride -- much like Madden in its heyday. However, it takes things further by continuing to refine its mechanics to a razor-sharp tip rather than resting on its laurels. When you're playing, you can't help but realize that you are playing the NBA game, the way NBA players do. Either that, or you're getting blown out.

NBA 2K7 delivers realistic graphics that belong on a next-gen console, along with little bonuses like the most entertaining halftime show in video games. It's a deep experience whether you play on or offline, or if you decided to take on the 24/7 mode -- which is almost like a whole other game itself. NBA 2K7 is a pure baller, through and through.

>>Go to Best Strategy Game


Best Strategy Game

NOMINEES:

Battle for Middle Earth II (Xbox 360, PC)

Developer: EA Los Angeles
Publisher: EA

Half of what makes this game great is how well it captures the look and sound -- indeed, just the overall vibe -- of Peter Jackson's movies. But the other half of what makes Battle for Middle Earth II great is that it's a smart and innovative real-time strategy game. It's accessible without sacrificing strategic depth. It's action-packed without being overwhelming. And it's more than willing to let dramatic things happen. When so many RTSs are playing it safe and balanced, Battle for Middle Earth II gives you heroes and awesome Ring powers that will merrily sweep entire armies off the map without breaking the game.

Company of Heroes (PC)

Developer: Relic Entertainment
Publisher: THQ

Making a World War II real-time strategy game feel original and new is no mean feat. Luckily, Company of Heroes' creator Relic is no mean developer. Relic ditched the genre conventions of staid graphics and dumbass soldiers, replacing them with a gorgeous-yet-functional 3D battlefield and infantry that actually had brains. The result was one of the best games of the year. 'Nuff said.

Disgaea 2

Developer: Nippon Ichi Software
Publisher: Atlus U.S.A.

This latest version of the 50-hour-plus tactical RPG magnum opus is just as good as its predecessor. With a new storyline, some helpful streamlining, and a few notable new tricks, Disgaea 2 is enough of an improvement that even fans of the original game won't feel like they're just revisiting the same territory. Don't mind the cutesy anime graphics; this is hardcore stuff! It ultimately comes down to managing tactical puzzles, with your custom built characters serving as the chess pieces in a thousand randomized battles, each with the promise of new treasures. If that doesn't get strategy gamers salivating like Pavlov's dog, nothing will.

Galactic Civilization II

Developer: Stardock
Publisher: Stardock

What strategy gamer hasn't wanted to play Civilization in space? Galactic Civilizations II lets you do that, and it knows what you really want to do. You want to design your own ships, and watch them fight their stately battles against other ships. It knows you want to negotiate with aliens, threatening them and cowing them into submissions. It knows you want to claim the known universe with mighty space stations. It knows you want to terraform entire planets, and depopulate others with biological attacks. Stardock's smart AI, refined interface, and fancy new visuals make Galactic Civilization II the year's best turn-based strategy game.

Metal Gear Acid 2

Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami

To Konami's credit, they're taking the Metal Gear franchise into some unlikely directions. Perhaps the most unlikely is adapting Snake's sneaking into a collectible card game laid over a turn-based tactical game. It works even better in this sequel, with better cards and clear rules in place of the last game's muddled mechanics. The storyline is as impenetrable as ever, but there's nothing to pull you through it quite like the lure of collecting more cards and building the perfect deck. If you like collectible card games, this innovative approach finally came into its own with Metal Gear Acid 2.

Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends

Developer: Big Huge Games
Publisher: Microsoft

The developers at Big Huge Games have crafted an incredibly meticulous real-time strategy game with a funky mythology that you can't help but admire for the sheer "huh?" of it all. Steampunk vs. Arabian mythos vs. Stargate-inspired MesoAmerican aliens? As you play, it all comes together as three distinct sides, each with its own unique twists. This is a triumph of real-time strategy design without equal. There may have been better strategy games this year, but none of them was built from as solid a design as Rise of Legends.

>> AND THE WINNER IS...


WINNER:

Company of Heroes

It speaks volumes that this was the best strategy game in a year brimming with superlative strategy games. And for an all-out action RTS, Company of Heroes is surprisingly cerebral. There's a careful interplay among infantry, armor, and artillery. Each side gets its choice of game-bending "doctrines". The clever player will notice some subtle resource management. Instead of building bases, you can build defensive set-ups to turn a battle to your advantage. The destructible maps can play out differently every time.

Editor Notes

Much as I enjoyed Galciv II and Battle for Middle Earth II, you just can't argue with the sheer polish of Relic's Company of Heroes. It's a well-deserved award. --Mike Smith

It's quite an achievement that the single most boring setting for a game -- not another French villa or Normandy hedgerow! - has been made exciting again with Company of Heroes. --Tom Chick

I'll admit, initially I didn't enjoy Company of Heroes until something clicked after the third or fourth skirmish game. Once the mechanics felt more natural, I was sucked in hard. Those fantastically detailed visuals perfectly complement the fantastically detailed real-time tactical play that's quite unlike any RTS before it (with the possible exception of Relic's earlier effort, Dawn of War). --Rich Greenhill

>>Go to Best Original Game


Best Original Game

NOMINEES:

Bully (PS2)

Developer: Rockstar Vancouver
Publisher: Rockstar Games

Rockstar shook off the violent, headline-grabbing circus of the Grand Theft Auto series to produce this unique and provocative game. As you navigate the cliques and Bullworth Academy, you can't fail to be impressed with the character they've poured into this creation -- and the tightly integrated minigames should be an example for any developer.

Chromehounds (Xbox 360)

Developer: FromSoftware, Inc.
Publisher: Sega

Build your giant, hulking robot, and take it to Xbox Live, where a huge community of dedicated fans will delight in mashing the hell out of it. Skip the offline modes, find a good team, and you and your robot are guaranteed one of the best experiences of the year.

Dead Rising (Xbox 360)

Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom

George Romero, eat your heart out. If you've ever wanted to be inside a zombie movie, you're sure to have loved this gore-tastic hack-em-up. For the first time ever in the video game world, these undead didn't just shuffle at you one or two at a time, they came mob-handed and sniffing for blood.

Gears of War (Xbox 360)

Developer: Epic Games
Publisher: Microsoft

Kicking off what's sure to be another long-running series from Microsoft, Gears of War scored points for the way that its level features actually became integral parts of the combat, not just barriers to be bypassed. Gears' brand of fast-moving, tactical combat is sure to be much imitated, both by other developers and by the inevitable flood of sequels.

LocoRoco (PSP)

Developer: Sony Japan
Publisher: Sony

A much-needed breath of fresh air on the PSP, LocoRoco's charming tale of near-extinct singing blobs proved one of the year's oddest releases. Its visual design is nothing short of perfect, the controls are superb, and the levels are packed with hard-to-reach secrets. Certainly the most creative handheld game of the year, LocoRoco charmed us all.

Okami (PS2)

Developer: Clover Studio
Publisher: Capcom

Definitely the best game almost named after a central African zebra-like mammal. In 2006, anyway. Okami's unique hand-drawn look and "living canvas" gameplay make it one of the few action-adventures that can stand toe-to-toe with Nintendo's Zelda series, and it's one of the year's best points in favor of the old, "Are games art?" debate.

Viva Pinata (Xbox 360)

Developer: Rare
Publisher: Microsoft

Although the prospect of playing a game based on a Saturday morning cartoon show doesn't exactly inspire, Viva Pinata proved itself to be an absolute delight. If your friends list is anything like ours, you were probably watching with amusement as hardened Gears of War players popped up time and again playing with their Pinatas instead. Sure, they said it was their kid sister, but we don't believe them, and neither should you.

Wii Sports (Wii)

Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo

It's one thing to look at the Wii controller and think of creative ways it could be used in games, but quite another to actually implement such a control system in the real world. Wii Sports got us interacting with our video games in ways we'd never even have thought possible a year ago.

>> AND THE WINNER IS...


WINNER:

Dead Rising

Capcom largely ignored boring old guns in favor of an altogether more creative weapon system: pick up just about anything in the game's shopping mall surroundings, and sling it at the nearest crowd of zombies. For extra kudos, do it while wearing a dress and a Megaman hat. And take pictures of the aftermath. Dead Rising offers almost limitless potential for creative mayhem.

Editor Notes

With an innovative character progression system that demanded you play the game through time and again, and a limited (controversial) save mechanic that created real tension, you'll understand why this gets the Original Game gong: nobody's ever made a game quite like this before. --Mike Smith

The irony of this being the Best Original Game of 2006 is that it's pretty much the video game translation of George Romero's best work. It's been a long time coming, but someone finally appreciated what zombies are all about: a horde of shambling undead that will not stop, no matter how many you kill. I even liked the things many people hated about Dead Rising: the saved game system, the way the story advanced no matter what you did, the respawning, and even the cheesy backstory. When I get around to replaying my favorite games of 2006, this is at the top of the list. --Tom Chick

Get your torches and pitchforks ready: I did not really love Resident Evil 4. For me, Dead Rising is the best zombie game of all time, severed hands-down. I love the setting, for one thing. Who hasn't wanted to go homicidal in a mall? The diversity in zombies is a breath of fresh air, as you don't fight the same two undead dudes over and over. Dead Rising also has sandbox appeal, since you can forget about the mission and just slay for slaying's sake. An iffy save system and Otis' untimely phone calls can't keep me from being a happy shopper here. --Justin Leeper

>>Go to Best Video Game of Year


Best Video Game of Year

NOMINEES:

Bully (PS2)

Developer: Rockstar Vancouver
Publisher: Rockstar Games

How do you make a game about going to school? Like this: convincing characters, plenty of well-integrated minigames, and an imaginative set of missions. If you spent some time at Bullworth Academy last year, you'll know what we're talking about -- and if not, it's about time you went back to school. Bully was unmissable.

Company of Heroes (PC)

Developer: Relic Entertainment
Publisher: THQ

Making a World War II real-time strategy game feel original and new is no mean feat. Luckily, Company of Heroes' creator Relic is no mean developer. Relic ditched the genre conventions of staid graphics and dumbass soldiers, replacing them with a gorgeous-yet-functional 3D battlefield and infantry that actually had brains. The result was one of the best games of the year. 'Nuff said.

The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion (Xbox 360, PC, PS3)

Developer: Bethesda
Publisher: 2K Games

Who could fail to be enthralled with Oblivion's huge, gorgeous world, imposing detailed quests and Patrick Stewart voiceovers? Not us, that's for sure. It usually takes years for new consoles to acquire their first triple-A role-playing games, but Bethesda struck gold right away on the 360. If anything, it's even better on the PC, thanks to the huge variety of community-developed mods that add even more depth and content to this immense game.

Gears of War (Xbox 360)

Developer: Epic Games
Publisher: Microsoft

Never underestimate the appeal of a chainsaw. Bursting onto the 360 back in November, Gears of War brought the vast expertise of first-person shooter pros Epic to the 360, and man, did it ever show. Tight design proved the game's hallmark, from the no-filler single player campaign to the perfectly balanced multiplayer modes and its masterpiece of an interface.

Guitar Hero 2 (PS2)

Developer: RedOctane
Publisher: Activision

Managing to broaden its appeal for both veteran and novice players, the smash hit Guitar Hero came back in 2006 with an all new track list, genius cooperative two-player mode, and a few careful control tweaks. How could you not be impressed with a soundtrack that includes Guns n'Roses, Aerosmith, Primus, Anthrax and Black Sabbath? Guitar Hero II proved itself well able to live up to our expectations, and that's high praise indeed.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii, GC)

Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo

To nobody's surprise, Twilight Princess proved to be the standout game of the Wii launch. Far from being a gimmick, the motion-sensitive controls integrate beautifully into the game, thankfully. No, there's little here that's really innovative or novel, but the story is told with such delicacy and panache that it doesn't need to break new ground. It's up there with the best Zelda games ever made, and there isn't much that's higher praise than that.

Wii Sports

Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo

No other game this year touched Wii Sports' accessibility. Video game-hating grandmas the world over finally had the chance to thrash the kids at a game they could actually control. Here's the one game that really got the Wii in 2006 -- and although it was pricey, it came with a free console. You can't beat that for entertainment or value.

>> AND THE WINNER IS...


WINNER:

Gears of War

Unlike so many formulaic Hollywood hits, Gears genuinely deserved its success. The single-player game crammed together enough memorable set pieces to make three or four lesser games, and although it was short, we're still going back over favorite segments. Epic hasn't rested on its laurels either, adding two new multiplayer maps just a week or two ago. Thanks to its phenomenal polish, masterful balance, and superb gameplay both on and offline, Gears of War is the deserved best game of 2006.

Editor Notes

Gears is tense, brutal, cutting-edge, and captivating. It's the game that made the technological and atmospheric leap ahead we all know is going to inspire techniques in countless games to follow. There was nothing scientific about picking this game over the year's phenomenal candidates, each excelling in other ways -- but Gears of War was the only game in this list that everyone with a vote was passionate about. --Rich Greenhill

I was slightly surprised to see Gears tip out the others, because it's not the most creative or novel of the nominations, but it speaks volumes to its universal blockbuster appeal that we all rated it so highly. --Mike Smith

Gears of War is the embodiment of the philosophy, "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts." It's the video-game equivalent of the tough, cool kid in school. You just want to be around it, to see what it's going to do next. Whether you're taking on massive bosses or turning a room to rubble, there's no shortage of water-cooler moments. This was a year where a half-dozen games could've realistically won the title of Game of the Year, but a chainsaw to the face is as convincing an argument as any other. --Justin Leeper

>>Best Casual Game


Best Casual Game

NOMINEES:

Diner Dash: Flo on the Go

Developer: Playfirst

Building upon its mega-popular predecessors, PlayFirst's addictive strategy arcade game once again stars Flo, an apron-donning restaurateur, who, despite being on vacation, agrees to help serve food to hungry passengers on a cruise ship, moving train, airplane, and other locales. Once again, players are challenged to multitask by seating customers, giving out menus, taking orders, serving food in a timely manner and then busing the tables to make room for new faces. Available for both Windows and Mac users, Flo on the Go doesn't stray far from what made its predecessors so popular, but adds a few new twists to keep the game-play fresh and fun.

Mystery Case Files: Prime Suspects

Developer: Big Fish Games

Because of your savvy work as a master detective in Big Fish Games' Mystery Case Files: Huntsville, the FBI tapped you once again -- this time to retrieve the Queen's Hope diamond, which has been stolen while on display. Your job is no easy one: to catch the jewel thief by investigating 20 sketchy suspects. Not unlike the Where's Waldo books, game-play involves traveling to various locations to hunt for cleverly-hidden clues, all of which are listed along the side of the screen. Great graphics, humorous writing and high replayability all make Mystery Case Files: Prime Suspects an undisputable hit.

Luxor 2

Developer: Mumbo Jumbo

MumboJumbo's wildly popular sequel is bigger, better, and more beautiful than the original Luxor, luring both novice and seasoned gamers into its addictive click n' shoot game-play. You know the drill: chains of colored orbs snake out onto the screen, and you must aim and shoot with a mystical winged scarab so that they touch same-colored spheres; when three or more touch (one of which must be your own), they explode. Every few levels, players will be treated to a Galaga-like arcade-like bonus stage, whereby a number of colored spheres pour out onto the screen and you must shoot daggers to destroy as many as possible. Luxor 2 is one of the few must-play casual games of 2006.

Virtual Villagers

Developer: Last Day of Work

Many of us are closet control freaks, but few games let us unleash our inner megalomaniac. Last Day of Work's Virtual Villagers, however, has created a "life simulation" that lets you manage island castaways. Your goal is to help this hapless tribe eat, build shelter, stay healthy, mate, work and evolve into a more advanced civilization. Virtual Villagers is unique in that it takes place in real-time, therefore the events on the island continue to evolve even after you've left the game. Controlling these little castaways is simple, so players can concentrate at the tasks at hand, which includes solving the 16 main "milestone" puzzles, such as learning to find a new type food to build a new structure. Because of its innovative and fun game-play, it's no wonder Virtual Villagers caused quite the buzz inside the passionate and vocal casual games community.

Cake Mania

Developer: Sandlot Games

Now this was a delicious surprise from Sandlot Games when it debuted in March. This tasty casual game -- which borrows elements from PlayFirst's Diner Dash series -- proved to be as addictive as chocolate (and with none of the calories)! The game introduces us to Jill, a young woman who returns to her hometown after culinary school, only to find her grandparent's once-thriving bakery has been shut down due to stiff competition from the new Mega-mart superstore. As told by the comic book-style storyboard, your job is to bake and sell cakes to raise enough money to reopen the bakery. Take a customer's order by clicking on the desired cake shape, number of layers, icing color and any finishing touches. Be careful, though, as mistakes mean you have to ditch the cake and eat the profits. In no time, you'll be able to afford new equipment, including additional ovens and frosting stations, and TVs to entertain those in line.

>> AND THE WINNER IS...


WINNER:

Cake Mania

The highly-polished Cake Mania proves you don't need to cook up a completely original casual game concept to turn out a winner; Sandlot clearly was inspired by Diner Dash's restaurant-based micromanagement, but added a sweet touch to make it one of the most talked about and played casual games of the year. Seconds, please!




>>Go to Most Innovative Casual Game


Most Innovative Casual Game

NOMINEES:

Westward

Developer: Sandlot Games

This Wild Wild West-inspired game successfully blends elements from real-time strategy computer games (such as Warcraft and Command & Conquer) with a good story, clever writing, memorable characters, and attractive graphics. It's up to you to decide the fate of brave settlers as you set up camp in the untapped west of the 19th century, harvest resources, and build a thriving community. Sandlot Games' Westward is a fun and fresh western-themed strategy game that is extremely difficult to put down.

Kudos

Developer: Positech

To quote Monty Python, "and now for something completely different," British game makers, Positech, deserves some major "kudos" for its refreshingly fun game that can best be described as a turn-based life simulation. In this highly unique game, you first choose a male or female avatar, such as the 20-year-old goatee-donning Scott, an unhappy waiter at Happy Snacks restaurant. Depending on your cash flow, free time and number of friends, you must choose after-work activities, advance your career and education, and earn Kudos, a kind of currency that reflects your social standing.

Cute Knight

Developer: Hanako Games

If you can get past the cheesy name of this game, Hanako Games' Cute Knight is an innovative 2D anime-style Japanese role-playing game, which stars a young orphaned girl who, upon her 18th birthday, is visited by a fairy godmother-like deity. The message? Find out her purpose in life before her 21st birthday. And so she makes her way to a nearby town to develop skills, take on work and make certain moral choices that will shape her future. To fully customize the experience, gamers can choose from many options, be it dance lessons, cooking classes or warding off nasty monsters in dungeons using might or magic. While a bit repetitive, Cute Knight is fun for serious RPG fans and newbies alike.

Aveyond

Developer: Amaranth Games

Though this kind of fantasy role-playing game adventure is usually found in more traditional PC and console games, Amaranth Games' Aveyond dropped a bomb on the casual gaming scene with its incredibly deep RPG that could take more than 50 hours to complete. But despite its intimidating length and wealth of options, Aveyond is easy to sink your mouse into. Inspired perhaps by early Zelda and Final Fantasy games, the game is viewed from a top-down perspective as you take on more than five dozen non-linear quests and side-missions. Aveyond is an instant classic.

Fish Tycoon

Developer: Last Day of Work

There's nothing fishy about Fish Tycoon, Last Day of Work's addictive virtual pet and business simulation, where you play as a pet store owner who must breed, grow and sell fancy fish. A secondary goal is to find seven magic fish that have mysteriously disappeared from the island of Isola, and return them to their natural habitat. Similar to Last Day of Work's Virtual Villagers, Fish Tycoon runs in real-tine, so after you log off and return, smaller fish may become bigger (and other good and bad surprises). This fun pet simulation includes hundreds of fish species, plus you can also click the Screen Saver tab for a virtual aquarium on your desktop. Great fun!

>> AND THE WINNER IS...


WINNER:

Kudos

This open-ended single-player game may only feature non-animated 2D graphics, but Kudos is a fresh, enjoyable, and challenging game that ekes out our coveted Innovation Award for breaking convention in the most fascinating -- and highly entertaining -- way.

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