"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--who needs 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 2001 goes to:
Shattered Galaxy
Publisher: Nexon Inc.
Developer: Nexon Inc.
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For more than five years, the real-time strategy genre has remained relatively unchanged, especially in multiplayer. Traditionally, multiplayer games allow no more than eight players in a battle, and the results of a battle never really matter unless a player is fighting for a better ladder ranking. Shattered Galaxy deviates from all this by being a true massively multiplayer RTS game--and a successful one at that.
Nexon defied RTS traditions by creating a persistent world where players constantly gain more skills and experience levels. Players divide themselves into factions that fight over territories, and battles for these territories occur all over the map at all hours. Skirmishes typically involve around 30 individual players. Shattered Galaxy also differs both from other multiplayer strategy games and other online games alike, because you absolutely need to work as a team with other players. Since you can command only a small number of units at any given time in Shattered Galaxy, working with your fellow faction members is the only way to win each battle. Shattered Galaxy is filled with dedicated players--and it's a testament to a winning new design that promises to grow increasingly popular in gaming.
Other Nominees:
Black & White
Kohan: Immortal Sovereigns
Majestic
Monopoly Tycoon
