NZGamer Game Of The Year 2006

By Shaun Hunter

Did your favourites of 2006 make the cut? Read on to find out.

It’s that time of the year again – the time to inspect a whole year’s worth of games, cull out the ones that don’t make the cut, and present to you the cream of the crop. 2006 was quite a stellar year for videogames, as the next generation transitioned into the current generation, and we finally got to see what the new consoles were capable of. So without further ado, we give you our picks for 2006!

LEGO Star Wars II is utterly enjoyable. It makes use of an excellent license that most people love; it has lots of content that will take a while to finish completely; and it provides new additions to the excellent gameplay from the original. With great graphics and sound, excellent presentation, and a cheeky sense of humour, Lego Star Wars II is a winner. If you’re a fan of Star Wars or good games in general, you should go purchase this immediately if you haven’t done so already. It comes recommended without hesitation.

(Runner-up: Tomb Raider: Legend)

Sam Fisher is back, and this time his journey isn’t quite as straightforward as it usually is. As you’re sent to various exotic locations around the globe the story twists and turns, giving a surprisingly interesting and dark look into the conflicts real double agents face. At times the plot can seem a little haphazard and patchy, keeping you well aware this is just a game, but a strong emotional current flows throughout – an element that was sorely missing from the previous Splinter Cell titles.

(Runner-up: Dreamfall: The Longest Journey)

Guitar Hero II is just so much fun. Seriously, this is one of the most fun PS2 games ever, and if you don’t at least check it out, there’s something wrong with you. Guitar Hero II is very similar to its predecessor – and that’s definitely not a bad thing. In fact, it improves on it in almost every way you can imagine, providing an amazing amount of fun and replay value as you work your way up to expert difficulty and learn, just as our editor Tristan did, that Freebird is an exercise in pain.

(Runners-up: Metal Gear Solid: Subsistence, Kingdom Hearts II)

So did Gears of War live up to the insane amount of hype? Yep, you bet! Gears of War delivers what it should. The gameplay actually starts a lot like the chainsaw bayonets found within the game. It’s slow to start, and it eases the player into the experience, gradually teaching them everything. Once the full skill set has been provided to the player, the action really picks up and the experience becomes highly enjoyable.

Gears of War is an excellent shooter. Indeed, it is probably the most refined, well-executed shooter, and enjoyable shooter ever made. It’s cinematic nature and streamlined gameplay help to create an experience that is not soon forgotten.

(Runners-up: Viva Piñata, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas)

Twilight Princess is definitely worth your while if you consider yourself a gamer. With 70+ hours of content, and Wii controls that don’t suck, you’d be a fool to pass up on this one. The game essentially builds on the gameplay found in Ocarina of Time for the N64 and Wind Waker for the GameCube, as well as adding in a bunch of new features. Once again, Link must save the world of Hyrule from an evil force – only this time, the world is being overrun by the Twilight realm.

(Runners-up: Madden '07, Wii Sports)

Nintendo has once again saved some of their best work for their effervescent plumber. New Super Mario Bros. treads the retro platformer line beautifully, adding just enough originality and imagination to the mix. Gameplay is perfectly balanced, always satisfying and will keep you coming back for more. If you've just picked up a DS Lite, or have been a DS owner since the beginning, this is a game that you really must own. It represents the very best of Nintendo and is a perfect handheld title.

(Runner-up: Metroid Prime: Hunters)

PSP owners that have been yearning for something new, this is it. The game's simple but charming gameplay is backed up by the most unique sense of style to be seen in a video game. It’s not only one of the most refreshing games in years, it’s also one of the best games available for any platform. If you have a PSP, you owe it to yourself to get this game. If you don’t have a PSP, LocoRoco is an excellent reason why you should. Purchase immediately.

(Runner-up: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories)

Oblivion was the uncontested winner for PC game of the year, with the same great open-ended gameplay that Bethedsa has always offered in its Elder Scrolls series. Oblivion brought gamers incredible graphics and artwork (stunning armour, weapons, creatures and scenery), an immersive storyline, great character customisation and pretty advanced NPC AI. If the open-ended nature of the game doesn't scare you, then Oblivion is RPG (and for that matter PC) gaming at its best.

(Runners-up: Guild Wars: Nightall, Company Of Heroes)

While the Game of the Year was hotly contested with many five-star titles hitting our shores in '06, the Wii's The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess manages to surpass the competition with its unique gameplay- making use of the Wii Remote and the Nunchuk Controller. In an age where most are worried about hi-def resolutions in the latest games, Twilight Princess has beautiful art direction, and when coupled with an excellent story and characters, proves that graphics aren’t all that makes a great game. It would have been nice to choose something with a bit more originality, but a sprawling 50+ hour adventure with more ‘Nintendoisms’ than you can wave a hookshot at can hardly be turned down. NZGamer simply can’t wait to see what Nintendo can do with a Zelda game built ground up for the Wii.

(Runner-up: Gears of War)

Reader's Choice

So you've seen our picks. Did your favourite take the cake? Do you even agree with the games we've awarded the coveted prizes to? Now is your chance to let your voice be known in the 2006 Readers Choice award.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii)

 del.icio.us  StumbleUpon  Facebook  Reddit