Mario Golf, GBA: Yes, this is just an update the Game Boy Color game of the same name, but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable. Though the RPG mode the series is famous for is a little short, you can continue playing forever in the various modes while you continue to build up your character's strength. Even if you don't like golf, this accessible title will teach you. Make sure to buy the Gamecube-to-GBA cable, too. Some features can only be unlocked via this method and that's just annoying (and about the only reason this isn't higher on the list).
Samurai Shodown V Special, Neo Geo: There's a likely chance you haven't heard of this one. That's ok. This is the final title for the venerable and expensive Neo Geo AES/MVS hardware. Most people are going to discover this one in the arcade. This is nothing short of a brilliant 2-D fighter with amazing depth not seen in the series since the very first sequel. If you have the means, buy it. If you don't, find an arcade that has a copy running. It's a fitting end to some of the best hardware ever released.
Game of the Year: Metal Gear Solid 3
By Ken Edwards
Fable, Xbox: Fable was easily the most anticipated game this year. Hell, it was the most anticipated game last year! Fable is the best RPG experience on the XBox since Morrowind was ported from the PC. Some people complained about how short the game is. After completing all the side quests, it was short. But, man, was this a sweet ride. A game of this caliber does not come along often, and you really need to play the game multiple times to experience the full breadth of it. I really cannot say enough about Fable. If you play as good or evil, it's always enjoyable. You really can get wrapped up in the story, and that is what makes Fable a must have.
Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow, GCN, PS2. PC, Xbox: Sam Fisher is back with his stealth goodness, this time to fix things in 2006. Unlike Metal Gear Solid, Splinter Cell is entirely about stealth. You cannot go in guns blazing as you can in MGS; in Splinter Cell you would be hopelessly outnumbered and in most cases would compromise the mission on the first kill. Although Pandora Tomorrow is a true sequel 2002's Splinter Cell, there is little in the way of additions. You get a couple new gadgets and some new moves that Sam can use. The real addition this time around is online multiplayer on XBox Live. I do not know which is more fun, playing the spy or the mercenary. The cooperative online multiplayer is a unique battle of two on two. The online maps are huge, and the gameplay mechanics for the spy and merc are completely different.
Article comments
1 - Aaman
Very good list - excellent games - I currently content myself with Halo 2 only because GTA:SA is not yet out, but can't wait.