The Best of 1997


This has been a banner year for GameSpot - over the last 12 months, we garnered numerous awards, mainstream critical acclaim, and increased respect from the industry. Not coincidentally, and due solely to your support, we have also become the most popular PC gaming site on the Web.

As 1997 draws to a close, I'd like to highlight the stories that represent our best editorial efforts of the year, and recognize the accomplishments of our outstanding team of writers, editors, and designers - the people who deliver Serious Ammunition for Gamers on a daily basis. You can expect more of the same (only better!) in 1998.

Hope you enjoy our selections, and thanks for visiting GameSpot!

Vince Broady
Editorial Director
The GameSpot Network

 
Special Features

GameSpot's Special Features are our flagship stories - offering critical and timely analysis of the most important topics in gaming. This year's best ran the gamut from product roundups to historical retrospectives. GameSpot's Special Features are edited by Tasos Kaiafas and Mike Van Mantgem.

Starfleet Academy Strategy Guide
Author: Stephen Poole
Designer: Andrew Deemer

The Ultima Legacy
Authors: Greg Kasavin and Tim Soete
Designer: Sebastian Bell

The Most Influential People in Computer Gaming
Authors: Staff, GameSpot and Computer Gaming World
Designer: Simon Genius

GameSpot's History of the 3D Shooter
Author: Mark Saltzman
Designer: Sebastian Bell

3D Accelerator Showdown
Author: Loyd Case
Designer: Andrew Deemer

 
Strategy Guides

Whether action, adventure, strategy, or RPG, GameSpot's award-winning strategy guides are the ultimate resource for today's most popular games. Filled with inside tips, hidden cheats, and ingenious strategies, these guides provide the ammunition you need to get the most out of your games. GameSpot Strategy Guides are edited by Tasos Kaiafas and Mike Van Mantgem.

Riven: The Sequel to Myst
Author: Tasos Kaiafas
Designer: Ethan O'Brian

Dark Reign
Author: P. Stefan "Desslock" Janicki
Designer: Andrew Deemer

Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II
Author: Shane Mooney
Designer: Ethan O'Brian

Diablo
Author: P. Stefan "Desslock" Janicki
Designer: Simon Genius

 
Featured Previews

A relatively new addition to the GameSpot lineup, Featured Previews provide exclusive, in-depth information on the hottest upcoming titles. Based on a playable beta version of the game, these stories provide hard information on what to expect weeks before it hits store shelves. GameSpot's previews editor is Trent C. Ward.

Quake II
Authors: Moira Muldoon and Trent C. Ward
Designer: Ethan O'Brian

Half Life
Author: Moira Muldoon
Designer: Ethan O'Brian

Wing Commander: Prophecy
Author: Trent C. Ward
Designer: Ethan O'Brian

 
Reviews

GameSpot reviewers are among the toughest critics in the business. Never swayed by hype or marketing muscle, they explore every nook and cranny of a game before recommending it for purchase. And on top of that, they're some of the best writers in the business. The man to thank for it all? GameSpot reviews editor Ron Dulin.

X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter
Author: T. Liam McDonald

Fallout
Author: P. Stefan "Desslock" Janicki

Quake II
Author: Vince Broady

Dilbert's Desktop Games
Author: Hugh Foster

Heavy Gear
Author: Greg Kasavin

Blade Runner
Author: Ron Dulin

 
GameSpot News

Ever since its launch earlier this year, GameSpot News has offered the Web's most comprehensivie daily coverage of the gaming industry. Whether through company news, product updates, import game info, or reader surveys, GameSpot News operates as the eyes, ears, and occasional sounding board of the gaming public. The site is managed by GameSpot news editor Curt Feldman and produced by associate editors Micheal Mullen and Chris Johnston and contributing editor Harley Jebens. Check out the newly posted news special "The News that Mattered in '97."

News That Mattered in '97
Authors: Staff, GameSpot News

 
Designer Diaries

Last but not least are GameSpot's Designer Diaries. An industry first, our Designer Diaries offer a behind-the-scenes look at game development and the chance to interact with some of the most talented designers in the business. Not all Designer Diaries are created equal however, and only the best made it on our list.

Dark Reign
Author: Greg Borrud

The Curse of Monkey Island
Authors: Jonathan Ackley, Larry Ahern, Chris Purvis, Dan Pettit

Zork Grand Inquisitor
Author: Laird Malamed