• Best Downloadable Game
• Best Graphics
• Best Sound

• Most Innovative
• Most Mojo
• Best Multiplayer

Downloading games is a new trend starting within the realm of console gaming and all three big players have provided a service to purchase more than then a few new games to pass the time. From the extensive libraries of old classic games along with a number of outstanding new titles, downloading games might be the future of gaming. In retrospect we’re adding the category of Best Downloadable game in 2007 to our annual Game of The Year Awards. For the purpose of claiming what was the best in 2007, we’re not giving the award to an old port, which there are several grates including Nintendo 64 classics, Xbox originals, and PS1/PS2 classics returned on the PS3, and PSP. We also have to strike out our runner up Warhawk despite its high production levels, it’s online, or disc version doesn’t have the spirit like our number one.

In our first year awarding Downloadable Game of the Year, our first year winner comes in the form of an old classic remade to re-capture the glory of its original release, I’m talking about non other than Pac-Man. Pac-Man Championship Edition on the Xbox Live Arcade network is the first redesign by the original developer Toru Iwatani. Pac-Man CE proved to be the second coming of the chomping yellow friend of the 80s. Pac-Man Championship is the coolest thing going providing the same challenge and addictive nature as before. This one is for you Pac, congratulations.

Utilizing an enhanced Unreal graphics engine, Bioshock is the best graphical achievement in 2007. Bioshock not only over excels at its technical ability providing some of the best lighting and water effects seen in a game, but it also has a great art style and attention to detail. The underwater city of Rapture is brought to life capturing the flair and glory of the 1960s. Then 2K adds the an interesting science fiction/ horror element that brings out interesting character designs with mutated enemies which including the now iconic image of the Big Daddy. Bioshock is filled with electrifying effects, excellent lighting, smooth animation bringing together a impressive visual treat in a dramatic atmosphere.

Best Sound In 2007 was tough choice between some recognizable games with top notch sound design, licensed soundtracks and original musical scores. Kicking past the reproductions of classic rock songs, our award for best sound goes to sonically impressive Mass Effect. From the excellent talent that lend their voices to the digital actors, to the imaginative blended score from Jack Wall, Mass Effect delivers on more than one level. Mirroring the production standards of a motion picture, Mass Effect's ambitious effort doesn't go unnoticed and scores them best Sound of 2007.

Are you in the forge creating the ultimate Halo scenario, or running along roof tops with a friend in Crackdown? Is it the multiplayer peripherals of Rock Band, or the imperfect-perfect animation in Uncharted? The Orange Box brings us more than oranges, Assassin’s Creed shows gamers how easy it is to scale buildings. Heavenly Sword showcases groundbreaking motion capture along with a new approach to FPS with the upgradeable features in Bioshock. Want more? Look at The Eye of Judgment's card & camera interaction, or Mass Effect's new dialog system.

All are innovations that follow a list of innovative features invented in a number of various games in 2007, but the one that has the most impact is Mass Effect. Beyond its new dialog system which breaks the mould of years of standard RPG text is a fluid facial animation that is on the top of its game. Mass Effect also innovates with fresh gaming ideas, interesting storylines creating a dynamic and rich world full of sci-fi escapism. Creating a believable universe on the scale of Mass Effect isn’t easy along with several gameplay innovations shows Mass Effects worth an innovation in the gaming industry.

Follow up a successful game isn’t always easy, but we have a list of great follow-ups that live up to the rather high expectations that their previous games. Coming in on top of that list is non other than Super Mario Galaxy. After Super Mario Sunshine, its has been a while since Mario took on his own adventure. In a franchise that stretches beyond the reach of Halo, is the Mario franchise, Nintendo’s baby. It seems Nintendo has been nurturing Mario just right as his return to the companies new console is a smash hit. Any doubts about Shigeru Miyamoto ability to great relevant games can be thrown out the window as Super Mario Galaxy is a smash hit of brilliance.

From the depths of the underwater dystopian city of Rapture comes our best character of 2007, although in this case the award goes to two characters, the Big Daddy and the Adam sucking Little Sister(s). When you hear the thundering march of a lurking Big Daddy and the child's voice echoing behind you know you're in for a moment of suspense and likely a quick death. These two characters uniquely bring an added element of fear and wonder out of the world created for Bioshock that instantly cast them as iconic game characters. All game companies have their mascots and now when we see the monster in metal with a drill as a hand we can all think, Bioshock and 2K.

New properties seem to have hitting gold status all in the same year. Studios are branching out for new ideas, almost at the same level that they embrace the old. 2007 showcases a number of new games that will likely turn into franchise players, actually it’s more like the majority of new IPs will turn into lengthy runs throughout this consoles span. Some of the bankable, IPs that made an impact this year is Bioshock, Mass Effect, Assassin’s Creed, Rockband, Heavenly Sword and Uncharted, along with some questionable one timers like Crackdown, Blue Dragon, Folklore and Motorstorm.

2007 floods the market with new ideas and we love it! The one that sticks out as a major franchise for the future above the rest is the creation called Rock Band. Rock Band isn’t a 100% fresh idea, given the creators borrowed from their old franchise, a little game called Guitar Hero. Given the proven success of guitar hero and the expanded idea of working a whole band into a game marks for a franchise that can keep rolling as long as musicians keep producing music. It’s easy, all around the world kids wanna rock.