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Welcome, to the Extreme Gamer - Game of the Year Awards 2006. It's been another good year for gaming, and after experiencing a majority of titles, we are sharing our thoughts on the games that had a special quality last year. It was an exceptional year with the continued support on the remaining "last" generation titles, along with the launch of two new consoles to match up with the Xbox 360s head start. Even with a rough start it seems like the next generation war is about to be amplified in next years batch of games. As always, thanks for all our readers, and contributors over this year... enjoy our run-down of the BEST GAMES of 2006.

and now...... the envelope ...please.

  • Best Action Game
  • Best Racing Game
  • Best Platform Game
  • Best Sports Game
  • Best Fighting Game
  • Best Role Playing Game
  • Best Shooter
  • Best Puzzle

 
DEAD RISING
Publisher - Capcom
Developer - Capcom
The Zombie experts at Capcom took the art of dismembering zombies to the next level in Dead Rising. Besides the impressive graphics, Dead Rising surpassed expectations with its time based storyline with multiple endings and innovative gameplay. Dead Rising stood out and brings a new IP to the gaming world, Dead Rising more than deserves the award for best action game of 2006.
Runner-Up: SPLINTER CELL: DOUBLE AGENT (Ubisoft)
Honorable Mentions: SCARFACE: THE WORLD IS YOURS, BULLY, SAINTS ROW

 

 
TEST DRIVE UNLIMITED
Publisher - Atari
Developer - Eden Studios
Test Drive Unlimited might not of lived up to the expectations as a massive multiplayer online racing game, but it did live up to the expectations of the Test Drive series. Rejuvenating the series, Test Drive Unlimited presented the open concept, free-roaming island of of Hawaii for gamers to explore and compete at their leisure. Test Drive Unlimited provides a robust racing game with huge unlimited multiplayer component that showcases originality and innovation.
Runner-Up: EXCITE TRUCK (Nintendo)
Honorable Mentions: TOCA 3, BURNOUT REVENGE, FLAT-OUT 2

 

 
LOCO ROCO
Publisher - SCEA
Developer - SCEE
Loco Roco sung its way into gamers hearts in 2006 with its simplistic controls, artistic design and loveable lead creatures, the Loco Roco. Bright and cheerful, dynamic and fun, Loco Roco stands apart from every other game released this year marking it at the top of its genre.
Runner-Up: NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. (Nintendo)
Honorable Mentions: DAXTER, YOSHI'S ISLAND 2, MARIO VS. DONKEY KONG 2

 

 
TONY HAWK'S PROJECT 8
Publisher - Activision
Developer - Neversoft
In a much needed update Tony Hawk's Project 8 managed to reinvent itself for the new generation of gaming. Tony Hawk's rut finally comes to an end with Project 8. It's a first for a non traditional sports game to win an award here at Extreme Gamer, so the Hawk must have done something right.
Runner-Up: FIGHT NIGHT ROUND 3 (Electronic Arts)
Honorable Mentions: WINNING ELEVEN 9, SMACKDOWN VS. RAW 2006, Wii SPORTS

 
TEKKEN: DARK RESURRECTION
Publisher - Namco Bandai
Developer - Namco Bandai
The fighting genre of gaming vanishes a little more year by year and in 2006 we this trend is unfortunately continues. In a year of lackluster fighting games, our winner Tekken: Dark Resurrection shouldn't be overlooked because of a lack of competition. Namco Bandai reintroduced Tekken to the portable market with a flawless translation that is worthy of fighting game of the year award.
Runner-Up: MORTAL KOMBAT: ARMAGEDDON (Midway)
Honorable Mentions: DRAGON BALL Z: BUDOKAI TENKAICHI 2

 
THE ELDER SCROLLS IV: OBLIVION
Publisher - 2K Games
Developer - Bethesda Softworks
In a remarkable feat Bethesda Softworks managed to meet and then blow away the high standards the set for themselves in their latest chapter in the Elder Scrolls. Oblivion is one of the most in depth role playing game ever created that sets a new height for role playing games to achieve. Oblivion under some controversy has been supported and expanded on past the original version with numerous add-on missions available for download. If you ever wanted a game that you can loose yourself in its The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
Runner-Up: LEGEND OF ZELDA: TWILIGHT PRINCESS (Nintendo)
Honorable Mentions: DISGAEA 2: CURSED MEMORIES, FINAL FANTASY XII

 
GEARS OF WAR
Publisher - Microsoft
Developer - Epic
Gears of War doesn't need an introduction, its Gears and if you have been following gaming, you've already heard the hype of Epic's war machine. Gears of War delivers an intense ride and sense of realism that shooters have been lacking. A new franchise has been solidified and Microsoft found themselves another Halo. Gears of War, hands down takes our Shooter of the year award.
Runner-Up: TOM CLANCY'S GHOST RECON ADVANCED WARFIGHTER (Ubisoft)
Honorable Mentions: PREY, RAINBOW SIX: VEGAS, RESISTANCE: FALL OF MAN

 
LUMINES II
Publisher - Buena Vista Games
Developer - Q Entertainment
The puzzle genre has been quickly building up and with the inclusion of digital downloads on consoles it sure to get a lot more competitive. Lumines II, following up its already cult stats original didn't mess with it's proven formula and returned with a even more stimulating version of their block dropping techno puzzle game. If you own a PSP, then you need to check out Lumines II.
Runner-Up: TETRIS DS (Nintendo)
Honorable Mentions: LEMMINGS PSP, MARBLE BLAST ULTRA, CLONING CLYDE