Video Game of the Year
The five nominees...
Special Achievement Awards
Best Gaming Peripheral
Best Game Based on a TV or
  Film Property

Best Multiplatform Game
Most Innovative Game
Best Voice Acting
Best Classic Game
  Compilation

Best Japanese Import
Biggest News Item
Funniest Game (Purposely)
Funniest Game (Inadvertently)
Best Crossover Since
  Capcom vs. SNK

Best Name for a Game
Best Use of Taxpayers' Dollars
Most Regrettable
  Licensing Deal

Most Deserving of a Remake
Most Disappointing Delay

 

screenshots


Most Innovative Game
 
 
"Innovative" is probably gaming's biggest buzzword. Since the industry continues to grow and mature each year, some games are expected to up the ante with completely original, unprecedented designs. In reality, it's harder than ever for a game to be innovative--why risk innovation when there are clear indications that specific types of games sell better than others do? Still, against all odds, each year we are treated to a number of games that are boldly original and, as a result, outstanding. The winner of Most Innovative Game of 2002 goes to:

Animal Crossing (GC)

 
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
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This year, there was a huge run on innovative games--games with controllers the size of your living room, console games with voice command, and even a freely distributed first-person shooter courtesy of the Army and your tax dollars. Of all the contenders, though, one game pulled out all the stops: Nintendo's Animal Crossing. With its seemingly endless amount of gameplay, use of optional peripherals, and indescribably addictive, nonviolent gameplay, this game managed to be original and still be accessible to anyone interested in picking up a controller. And, somehow, Animal Crossing nonetheless provides the amount of depth craved by the most hard-core of gamers. Games this unique don't come around very often.

Other Nominees:

 
America's Army: Operations (PC)
The Sims Online (PC)
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs (PS2)
Steel Battalion (Xbox)

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