Runner-up: Mario Kart Double Dash!!
It's been a while since we last sampled the joys of Mario Kart and the latest instalment does complete justice to the series. The single player may have a limited lifespan, but the multiplayer compensates for this as in previous games. The simplistic but undoubtedly fun gameplay shines through, especially over the new LAN play which allows up to eight people to play. It's a real shame that online play is lacking due to Nintendo's lack of faith in the concept - we all know just how badass Mario Kart would be on something like Xbox Live. Maybe next time, eh?
Runner-up: Halo: Combat Evolved
Halo is still the Halo will loved two years ago. It's not as fresh as it once was, but it hasn't lost any of its brilliance. The multiplayer is the main draw for PC gamers and that's where the developers have put the effort in and it shows. Many long nights are going to be lost, mark my words. The game's magic is still there and multiplayer has given it a revitalising boost which will keep it from aging for a few more years. Xbox gamers wishing to sample the wonders of Halo's online play should purchase it without question and PC gamers simply have no excuse not to.
3rd Place: Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Tides of War
Although the single player campaign isn't much better than your average shooter, Return To Castle Wolfenstein: Tides Of War is the best Xbox LIVE game available, simply because it's a dream to play and uses all the network's features to create an excellent online experience. It really does shine amongst the likes of Unreal Championship and Whacked!. It even puts Ghost Recon to shame in some respects. If you've got Xbox LIVE, there's no reason why you shouldn't run down to the shops and pick it up now.
2nd Place: Eye Toy: Play
Get up! Yes you! Don't just sit there! Move that body of yours!
Sony's EyeToy is all about interacting with the game using your body. Arms, legs, hands and whatever else you can muster control the action on screen which stars none other than yourself. It's the first 2nd person game - genius.
What really sets the EyeToy out from the crowd though is its multiplayer. Whether sober or drunk, young or old, you can play with your friends and have a damn good time. Watching semi-drunken mates or grandma gesticulating in front of the TV trying to fight off ninjas is hilarious and unforgettable. The 12 quirky games add variety to the proceedings and each is just as enjoyable as the last, making for an awesome time.
The EyeToy isn't just a superb multiplayer game, it also represents a desire to cut down the 'geeky' sterotypes associated with us gamers. The EyeToy, like several other Sony games is cool, it's socially acceptable. You can take the EyeToy out at a party and you won't get a single negative comment, just interest and praise. Sony's EyeToy is the best multiplayer game this year because it not only provides an excellent multiplayer experience, but it makes gaming fun and accessible to all. Fun anyone?
1st Place: Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3
Tactical first person shooters seem to all be the same these days. It's 2000 and something, a band of disgruntled terrorists are being naughty and it's your job to save the day. The original Ghost Recon and it's semi-expansion Island Thunder have been a favourite amoungst Xbox Live gamers, but neither feels that real. Sure, the weapons are all mapped correctly and you'll die in a few shots, but the AI is fairly predictable and it just feels like a US practice exercise. It just doesn't feel like you're controlling a real human being.
Rainbow Six 3 turns this on its tail, removing any artificially and injecting a much needed dose of atmosphere. A combination of visual and audio sophistication sets a tense, 'who dares wins' tone which is consistant throughout the game. You never know what's on the other side of that door, or whether to open it at all. Should you wait for backup and waste valuable time or go it alone and risk being taken out? These are the sort of snap decisions you'll have to constantly take, and online this makes for a great experience. Whether you're fighting with friends against the A.I. or against human opponents, the sense of teamwork and tactical interpretation of situations is apparent. As Microsoft would say, it's good to play together.
On to the final award - The Game of the Year 2003.
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