Extreme Gamer - GOTY Awards 2003 (1/4)

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Introduction:Welcome, dear readers, to the Extreme Gamer Game of the Year Awards. Throughout the past year we've had the opportunity to play the best (and worst) games of 2003, and wanted to share those games we thought were really special (but not in the retarded sense). We divided the awards into 14 categories and judged the winners by using an esoteric and highly secret formula known only to video game reviewers (we looked at both their review scores, creativity and individuality, and simply how much fun the game is).

Remember 2002? We had some great titles: Splinter Cell, the ambitious Xbox exclusive Mechassault, and the innovative and original sports game, Deathrow. The 2003 list is just as impressive, and we know 2004 will be even better. Can anyone say Halo 2?!?!

Thanks for your support, and enjoy... and...now the envelope...please!!!

Best Action Game Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
	Who says all remakes are bad? This time around Ubi Soft played with the general concepts of the original PoP game and expanded it to new horizons. The Sands of Time is our best action game of 2003. It just doesn't look and sound good, it plays like a dream and that is what's really important. Prince of Persia offers a great story combined with some innovative gameplay. Toss in some sweet combat and the power to easily control time and it's simple to see why this is our #1 action game of the year.
Runner-up Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3
	The runner up is the adaptation of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3. It's the most intense shooter ever released for a console, combining real world tactics with excellent graphics, sound, and gameplay. The ability to bark orders at your teammates via the headset will make you look like a dork, but it's so much fun. With these two titles, Ubi Soft takes the action publisher crown, holding both spots.
Honorable Mention: Max Payne 2, Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Best Racing Game Project Gotham Racing 2
	All who own Project Gotham Racing 2 will agree that this game is almost, if not perfect. Project Gotham Racing 2 graphics showed what the Xbox hardware can do. The single player game has been expanded with more cars, tracks, and objectives to complete. You will learn how important that E-Brake is! Not only is the single player exceptional, but the online play with Xbox Live makes this game a great one. Online scoring, downloadable ghost tracks, and beating some trash-talking punks while taking the checkered flag.. What's driving if you can't look good doing it.
Runner-up MotoGP 2
	Moto GP2 is the runner up and for good reason. Whoever thought driving a vehicle with only two wheels could be so difficult? With a wide range of options to tweak, MotoGP 2 will conform to just about anyone's tastes, whether it's pure simulation or burning-hair arcade style of play. With new tracks, an excellent online community, and an ability to customize your rider down to the graphics on the bike, you've never had so much fun getting road rash.
Honorable Mention: Midtown Madness, Colin McRae Rally 3, R: Racing Evolution

Best Platform Game I-Ninja
	Platforming games have been around since the early days of console gaming...of course you remember Super Mario Bros and Sonic the Hedgehog. I-Ninja, our best platform game of 2003, is a descendant from the ancient turtle hops of old. I-Ninja does a lot more than just run over pipes: he can run up, slide down, swing on them, jump from them...well, you get the point. It's a great game that incorporates ideas from all the latest platformers that have come and gone. Most importantly, it gives us the same quality as games like Sonic and Mario. It's fun, and the little bugger will put a smile on your face.
Runner-up Voodoo Vince
	Voodoo Vince is a unique creation from Microsoft Game Studios which places you in control of an enchanted voodoo doll. Vince is sent on a mission to save his creator and he has to overcome obstacles using his mind and body. Voodoo Vince provides a great gaming experience and original ideas. Microsoft could be onto something here with the one eyed doll and we're hoping for more adventures in the future.
Honorable Mention: Rayman 3

Best Sports Game ESPN NFL Football 2k4
	ESPN Football brings the same great gameplay, graphics, and sound from last year, and adds the brilliant crib mode and the fun First Person football. It's nice to actually get something new with the latest edition of a sports game, and Sega delivers big time. Although the franchise mode isn't as deep as Madden, the inclusion of solid Xbox Live play means that the reign of EA might well be over. Now if they would let us tweak the rules so that the Dallas Cowboys could play the Washington Redskins with Canadian Football rules.
Runner-up ESPN NHL Hockey 2k4
	ESPN Hockey is another Sega title that just might have knocked EA off the spot of Top Dog. Ever since the Dreamcast, Sega's hockey games have emphasized simulation over arcade, and this year brings more of the same. The graphics and sound are much improved over last year, giving you the feel of watching a game ESPN National Hockey Night. The inclusion of some mini-games & the Skybox mean that it's an upgrade worth purchasing. Some problems with the franchise mode prevent it from being perfect, but who wants to play the computer when you can compete with other humans?
Honorable Mention: Top Spin, Madden 2004, Fifa 2004, Amped 2