Gamestyle Awards 2008 feature

Game of the YearWinner: Gears of War 2Runner up: Dead SpaceA Gamestyle 10/10 never lies and thus Gears of War 2 grabs our Game Of The Year award. It was a tight race, though, with Gamestyle staff all chipping in with their ideas, but it was the return of Marcus Fenix and friends that won out. It may be more of the same, but why differ from an already winning formula? Not to mention the inclusion of the simply fantastic Horde multiplayer mode. EA's Dead Space came within an inch, but it's votes (and scores) that count, so it'll have to accept the runner up prize.Xbox 360 Game of the YearWinner: Gears of War 2Runner up: BraidAs it's won the Game Of The Year, Gears of War 2 naturally picks up the award for its console too. With the runner up, we've decided to be different and go with Braid, proof that downloadable titles are just as worthy as fully fledged retail releases, particularly when they're as thoughtfully crafted as this.PS3 Game of the YearWinner: LittleBigPlanetRunner up: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the PatriotsNo game captures the spirit of sharing and fun on the PS3 quite like LittleBigPlanet. Built from the same tools that let you construct, save and share your own levels, this physics-based platformer is a delightfully charming game that only gets better the more players drop in to join you. The runner-up prize goes to Metal Gear Solid 4, a rather fitting conclusion to Hideo Kojima's ten-year saga, filled with incredible moments and set-pieces to wow long-time fans.Wii Game of the YearWinner: Super Smash Bros BrawlRunner up: No More HeroesThe Wii may be the biggest seller by a huge margin, but this doesn't automatically turn into critical success. However, if you wade through the awful titles then there are some gems to be found. So our winner is Smash Bros Brawl, the third in the series and easily the best yet. It may not be a traditional fighter, but it sure is fun, and isn't that what the Wii is made for?Handheld Game of the YearWinner: Bangai-O SpiritsRunner up: The World Ends With YouIt may seem odd that a game few have played could be the best handheld title this year, but those who have sampled Bangai-O Spirits blend of puzzle solving and blowing things up would likely agree it deserves this award. A title that once again proves theres more to the DS than Cooking Guide and Purr Pals. Great level editor, too. Forgotten GemWinner: Valkyria ChroniclesRunner up: Persona 3: FESUnfortunately, some games are lost in the scuffle, and that's what happened with Valkyria Chronicles. Being released in the Christmas rush period is hard; for a game with the unique look and originality of VC, it is completely inadvisable. Hopefully, word of mouth will be enough to make people give it a try. A special mention goes to Persona 3: FES, a deluxe edition of an RPG that has its core fan base, but doesn't necessarily get the recognition it deserves.Excellence in Sound DesignWinner: Dead SpaceRunner up: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the PatriotsAs far as sound goes, nothing tops the pure atmosphere created in Dead Space. The creaks of the old ship right through to the shrieks of the monsters all add to the sense of fear created. Metal Gear Solid 4 snatches the runner up prize thanks to the brilliant Harry Gregson Williams musical score, really setting the tone for a near future war zone.Excellence in Graphical QualityWinner: Valkyria ChroniclesRunner up: Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the PatriotsAs far as graphical quality is concerned, realism is overrated. Well, that's our opinion with Valkyria Chronicles picking up the top prize. The beautiful hand drawn landscapes make a change from the usual greys and browns that we see in most war-themed games. It has to be seen in motion to be appreciated.The Award for InnovationWinner: BraidRunner up: Mirror's EdgeEveryone loves Braid. Some may argue that it's pretentious nonsense, but most will applaud it for the uniqueness of the puzzles and clever thought required to solve them. Our runner up may seem a little strange, but to be honest we couldn't think of anything else worthy enough. And to be fair to Mirror's Edge, it creates a first person experience like no game that's come before.Multiplayer Game of the YearWinner: Left 4 DeadRunner up: Rock Band 2No game has ever created the tension and fear that Left 4 Dead does. It can be played alone, but in doing that you miss out what makes this game so special. Hours can seem like minutes as you and your friends fight off horde after horde of zombies. With the AI Director watching over you, no game is the same. Snatching the runner-up prize is Rock Band 2, a game that combines music with looking (and sounding) like an idiot, but we wouldn't have it any other way.Best DLC AwardWinner: Burnout Paradise bikesRunner up: COD4 Variety map packBurnout Paradise could very well turn out to be the World of Warcraft of racing games. No DLC for any game this year is as big as the inclusion of bikes. And best yet, they're completely free! This is just beginning as well, with planes being added next year, and not to mention a certain time travelling car.