Original Posting

Game of the Year:

1. Mass Effect
2. Halo 3
3. Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation
4. Team Fortress 2
5. Portal
6. Call of Duty 4 (360)

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With it's "Mass"ive storyline and even more intriguing discussions on technology and even cultures, this is the game that has captured my attention and enjoyment more than anything else this year. Others came close, but the combination of stunning visuals, and that great storytelling as well as absolutely superb voice acting gives this title what it has worked so hard to get. The fact that Bethesda did their best to place in as many explanations as they could in terms of Mass Effect's technology and universe was very interesting, providing and even sparking discussion and debate on how feasible a system is, was, or will be. Let alone ideas on how to improve them found their way tunnelling into my head. The pure amount of politics involved with every decision, as well as finding a way for decisions you expect to be good to turn out to not be as great, giving teaching you each time that sometimes it's better to not exactly do the good thing right away and think of the whole picture. There's a lot to say for Mass Effect, and it's really hard to put it down in any major area despite it's quirks. Mass Effect deserves it's slot, and it's win.



Best Story:

1. Mass Effect
2. Halo 3
3. Bioshock
4. Assassin's Creed (360)
5. Call of Duty 4 (360)

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While Mass Effect may have an expansive and very interesting universe, no other game has come as close in terms of emotionally scarring as Call of Duty 4. Scarring might be a harsh way of putting it, but the types of situations you are put in, the constant strain of trying to do what is good, and the fact that Murphy continues to follow at your heels to give you a nice good kick in the sensitive place right when things are going right makes Call of Duty's story one of the most memorable, and rollercoaster-y of the year.



Best Visuals:

1. Mass Effect
2. Ace Combat 6:...