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Best Platformer

The modern platform game genre is dominated by 3D games that consist of as much exploration and combat as they do of jumping between moving ledges and such, but there are still some great 2D platformers being developed--as evidenced by both of the GBA games in the running for this year's Best Platformer Award. When they're done badly, platform titles can be some of the most frustrating games that you'll ever have the misfortune to play, and it's unfortunate that so many 3D platformers still suffer at the hands of problematic cameras that can make simple jumps as challenging and frustrating as even the most unforgiving boss character. Thankfully, there were plenty of platform games that got it right in 2004, and we've selected the following five as our finalists for this year's Best Platformer Award:

Kirby & the Amazing Mirror

(GBA)
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Flagship
One of the best GBA titles released this year, Kirby's latest adventure boasts both an engaging and varied single-player experience and a number of minigames that can be enjoyed by up to four players. This is 2D platforming in its purest form, and it also happens to fit in your pocket.

Jak 3

(PS2)
Publisher: SCEA
Developer: Naughty Dog
The final entry in Naughty Dog's Jak and Daxter trilogy is, fittingly, the best. The game doesn't seek to add nearly as many new features to the series as Jak II did, but it successfully builds upon that game's winning formula and is easily recommended to fans of the series and newcomers alike.

Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal

(PS2)
Publisher: SCEA
Developer: Insomniac Games
The sequel to the winner of last year's Best Platformer Award, Ratchet & Clank's third outing once again combines solid platforming action with oodles of exciting and varied combat. Up Your Arsenal also complements its single-player adventure with excellent online games supporting up to eight players.

Sly 2: Band of Thieves

(PS2)
Publisher: SCEA
Developer: Sucker Punch
Sucker Punch's stealth-based sequel is a significant improvement on 2002's Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus, and it lists varied gameplay, a well-constructed story, and excellent graphics, sound, and music among its features. Not a difficult game by any means, but certainly one that's fun for the whole family.

Sonic Advance 3

(GBA)
Publisher: THQ
Developer: Sonic Team
Sonic Advance 3 is a great, fast-paced platform game, and its new tag-team play mechanic really enhances the overall experience. As easy to recommend to fans of Mario and Metroid as it is to dedicated followers of Sega's spiky-haired mascot.
And the Winner is...