Best of 2006

Things don't always turn out the way we want them to. For that matter, as much as we enjoy reviewing video games, each year we are forced to gulp down some serious failures in the gaming industry. PC and console owners are now caught in an endless whirlpool of generic titles that keep pouring out of various development studios.

But let's keep a stiff upper lip. 2006 has still brought enough solid PC and console titles to satisfy our gaming needs.

Microsoft also made some progress this year in its ongoing struggle against Sony and Nintendo. The PS3 and Wii consoles are facing the Xbox 360, which has already gained a considerable headstart, offering an increasing number of high-quality games such as Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Gears of War, Rainbow Six: Vegas and so on.

Recently, we've given you plenty of reason to be excited about the following year. Therefore, the situation isn't as grim as some of you might think. Besides, things are bound to pick up as soon as MS unleashes its new OS, Windows Vista (and I know you're all longing to get your hands on Crysis).

We are happy that approximately 4,000 people took part in our 2006 GoTY voting poll. This was an effective way of knowing what some of you guys have been playing in the past year. With the 2006 gaming season behind us, it is time to, once again, single out the games that really matter and have kept us awake all those long nights.

	The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Publisher: ZeniMax Media Developer: Bethesda Softworks	As one of the most impressive free-roam RPGs of our time, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion clearly won over a majority of our readers. But alas, even with the breathtaking visuals, first-rate audio and intricate gameplay mechanics, we cannot escape feelings of discontent. Now that time has gone by, it seems that the once revered free-roam concept has cast a shadow over other important values such as character depth and a more involving storyline (and ultimately a more appealing universe). Runners-up: Gears of War (Epic Games, Microsoft), Company of Heroes (Relic Entertainment, THQ).

	Gears of War Publisher: Microsoft Developer: Epic Games	Although it was a close call this year between several specially selected games (i.e. Bully, Oblivion and GoW), Epic's Gears of War ended up our first choice for AT's Game of the Year. To put it simply, Gears of War gives new meaning to the term "next-generation gaming." With titles like these in the pipeline, there are certainly no worries for the future of video games... at least not on our part. Runners-up: Bully (Rockstar Games), The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (ZeniMax Media, Bethesda Softworks).

	Gears of War Publisher: Microsoft Developer: Epic Games	GoW gets yet another award, ranking high above the majority of action games we've seen in 2006. Aside from a few minor drawbacks, we really couldn't find any reason why this title shouldn't be regarded as the top candidate in this particular category. Runners-up: Rainbow Six: Vegas, Prey, LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy.

	Company of Heroes Publisher: THQ Developer: Relic Entertainment	Just when you thought nothing could enliven strategy standards, THQ and Relic managed to come up with an imaginative new concept. CoH is nothing short of an RTS landmark and deserves to be named "Best Strategy Game of 2006." Runners-up: Medieval 2: Total War, Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends.

	The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Publisher: ZeniMax Media Developer: Bethesda Softworks	This was, in all honesty, a no-brainer, seeing as there wasn't much competition to begin with. It remains plain enough, that Bethesda's Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion made a great impact on the gaming scene, presenting a huge world that guarantees countless hours of adventure and exploration. Runners-up: Neverwinter Nights 2.

	Pro Evolution Soccer 6 Publisher: Konami Developer: Konami	The irrefutable soccer sim champion, once again, goes way ahead of its main competitor (FIFA 07) in terms of gameplay. We feel that there are many decent sports games out there, but this one proudly stands out above the rest. Runners-up: FIFA 07, Tony Hawk's Project 8.

	Unknown	Our babe of the year is truly a sight to behold. Truly, this picture is inspiring on a number of levels. It is a testament to great photography, composition, color and of course, the female form. Sadly, we don't know her name, so please, no more e-mails. No more.

Farewell to 2006

And that about wraps it up for 2006, folks. From my perspective (Twolions speaking here), this was a largely disappointing year, and if I had it my way, I'd put down "none" for GOTY. Anyway, here's hoping that 2007 brings us some surprise hits. Those were suspiciously missing in 2006, but given the constantly increasing production times, an "off year" will not be such a strange occurrence anymore (as it was, say, five years ago).

I would love to end this review on a more positive note, but certain observations are worth a mention, even if they are not necessarily what fans would like to hear.