Best of 2004

Strategy Game of the Year

Winner: Rome: Total War
Publisher: Activision
Developer: Creative Assembly

Maybe there are gamers who do not agree the title of the best strategy game in 2004 belongs to the third installment in the successful Total War franchise, but they all certainly agree in one thing - this game proved a worthy sequel, as it certainly fulfilled the fans' expectations.

What made this strategy game so special? There are many reasons that make Rome: Total War the best game in the series - something on which both the gaming public and the press heartily agree. Maybe the biggest 'blame' for the success of this title should be put on the fact that it is fun, addictive and offers great gameplay depth.

Who wouldn't want to be a Roman Emperor and conquer the world through a series of intricate and complex diplomatic moves and spectacular and intense epic battles? Rome: Total War proved to strike a cord with strategy fans eager to feel the excitement of hearing the courageous speech full of fervor held by their leader and commander just before the battle.

Runner-up: Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War.

MMOG of the Year

Winner: World of Warcraft
Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment

Just a question: is it normal to spend upwards of five freaking days at a time in a videogame? I mean, that's not abnormal, is it?

Runner-up: City of Heroes.

Sports Game of the Year

Winner: Need For Speed Underground 2
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: EA Canada

It's very rare that a sequel to an arcade racer manages to elevate the franchise to a whole new level. Luckily, the folks at EA have managed to accomplish this with Need for Speed Underground 2.

Minus the voice acting of the visually stunning Mrs. Burke and some of her co-actors on this project, NFSU2 offers the most adrenaline-charged and insanely addictive racing experience this year.

I'm not sure, but I might've gotten a hard-on while playing this game, and to me, that's a clear sign that it should win the sports title of the year award.

And besides, it sure as hell makes me look like less of a latent homosexual than if I had gotten a hard-on while playing this year's runner-up title.

Runner-up: Madden NFL 2005.