Wii GAME OF THE YEAR

Winner: Super Mario Galaxy
Nintendo EAD Tokyo

Super Mario Galaxy was a shoo-in for this category since it was announced, but it bears mentioning that the game really did considerably exceed our seriously massive expectations--this is quite a feat for a bunch of jaded game journalists.

Taking the system to new visual heights, integrating its pointer-driven controller in a useful but not obnoxious manner, and simply providing one of the most joyful and endlessly surprising game experiences of the year makes it the clear choice. -C.R.
(Review)

Runner-up: Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
Retro Studios

Despite Mario's victory, Retro Studios' conclusion of its well-loved Metroid Prime sub-franchise was not far behind. It was the first of a devastating one-two punch on Wii in late 2007 that served to remind hardcore gamers that they were not forgotten.

First-person control on the Wii made a big leap with Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, proving the genre's viability on the system. The game itself featured yet more of the wonderfully tuned shooting/exploration/platforming combo that was so expertly brought into 3D with the original Prime, here in full force with excellent pacing, lush environments, and plenty of memorable moments. -C.R.
(Review)

Nominees:
Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition - Capcom
Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure - Capcom
Super Paper Mario - Intelligent Systems
WarioWare: Smooth Moves - Intelligent Systems

NINTENDO DS GAME OF THE YEAR

Winner: The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
Nintendo EAD

Nintendo's long-running Zelda series has gained a reputation in recent years for being in a creative rut, even as it maintains its impressive standard of quality. As such, it was a relief that this portable incarnation proved to be much more of a kick in the green cloth pants than the last home console entry was.

Using the DS hardware to capably take on the expressive cel-shaded style of The Wind Waker gave the game a strong identity, while the much-improved sailing component and inspired stylus-driven puzzles contributed on the gameplay side. Triangulating the location of buried treasure by mapping and connecting coordinates is fresh and fun, and the overall adventure is substantial for a portable system. -C.R.

Runner-up: Puzzle Quest: The Challenge of the Warlords
Infinite Interactive

Even if you think you don't like puzzle games, this one may shock you. The DS stylus and Puzzle Quest are the perfect match, nailing the interface for the Bejeweled-like gameplay on a portable. You will find yourself trapped constantly playing the adventure-quasi-RPG-Diablo-item-hunt mode whenever a free moment comes up.

It sucks you in. Your life will be changed forever. Tell your family that you'll miss them before picking this up. You will. -S.G.

Nominees:
Contra 4 - Konami
Tony Hawk's Proving Ground - Vicarious Visions
Picross DS - Jupiter
Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Trials and Tribulations - Capcom

PSP GAME OF THE YEAR

Winner: Crush
Zoe Mode (Kuju Entertainment)

One of the year's most refreshingly innovative titles, Crush has players constantly switching between 2D and 3D perspectives as they explore environments and attempt to solve puzzles by literally crushing the level from different angles, which can cause all sorts of paths and platforms to appear.

It sounds complex, but it all makes sense within the game thanks to simple controls and devious level design that combines simple tasks with some genuinely difficult brain teasers.

Brilliant in both concept and execution, Crush delivers an experience that is perfect for the PSP hardware. -C.F.

Runner-up: Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles
Konami

Not just content to finally bring the long-lost Castlevania: Rondo of Blood to North America, Konami opted to redo the entire 2D game with a slick 3D look and toss in a PSP edition of its well-known sequel, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, for good measure.

Symphony of the Night got the primo treatment as well, adding content from the import-only Saturn version along with new English localization, complete with new voice acting.

With two classic Castlevania titles looking and playing better than ever--one of which North American fans aren't likely to have played--and the original PC Engine version of Rondo of Blood included for purists, Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles marks some of the best both the franchise and the portable system have to offer. -C.F.

Nominees:
SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strike - Slant Six Games
Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness - Nippon Ichi Software
Puzzle Quest - Infinite Interactive
Jeanne D'Arc - Level-5

PLAYSTATION 2 GAME OF THE YEAR

Winner: God of War II
SCE Studios Santa Monica

As evidenced by God of War II's first stage, a sprawling level-long battle against a towering colossus, SCE Studios Santa Monica took special care to ensure Kratos' sophmore outing went far, far beyond his action-filled debut.

Filled to the brim with a number of memorable moments and pushing the PlayStation 2 harder than many thought possible, God of War II isn't just 2007's best PlayStation 2 game; it's one of the best games on the platform. -C.F.
(Interview)

Runner-up: Rogue Galaxy
Level-5

Level-5's swan song for the PlayStation 2 continues the developer's pedigree of highly-polished, content-packed RPGs.

As Jaster Rogue and friends explore the game's many large planets with nary a load time, the game's action-based combat keeps players entertained while its lengthy narrative and numerous side quests--including the optional Pokemon-like Insectron tournaments and an item creation mini-game--keep them coming back for more. -C.F.
(Review)

Nominees:
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3 - Atlus Co.
Odin Sphere - Vanillaware
Rock Band - Harmonix Music Systems

Continue reading for the genre awards.