Yahoo! Games: Best of 2006 Awards

We scrutinize all of last year's releases and hand out the Best of 2006 honors.

The Yahoo! Games team locked itself in a room, stocked the mini-fridge with caffeinated drinks, and hashed out the very best that 2006 had to offer the world of gaming. Check out the results and let us know what you think!

Best Action-Adventure Game

NOMINEES:

Bully (PS2)

Developer: Rockstar Vancouver
Publisher: Rockstar Games

Rockstar does it again, and really didn't even need to rely on hype and controversy this time -- though it got plenty of both. Putting you in the shoes of the new kid on the private-school block, Bully takes the sandbox landscape that Rockstar created in its GTA franchise and brings it in tighter to focus on the gameplay and the story. Bully has both of these things in spades. Whether you're trying to pass a myriad of mini game-inspired classes or navigating the tough social structure of teenage life, it's a masterpiece. Trade in your AK-47 for a slingshot; trust us, you'll be happier for it.

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Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin (DS)

Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami

Side-scrolling, 2D gaming doesn't get any better than the Castlevania series. Portrait of Ruin is easily the series' best entry since the epic Symphony of the Night. Having two simultaneous heroes and a decrease in reliance on touch-screen gimmicks helps Portrait rise above its highly acclaimed predecessors. Wi-Fi multiplayer is just the icing on the cake. Miss this one, and you're officially batty.

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Dead Rising (Xbox 360)

Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom

Capcom has done the zombie thing to death (pun included), but never has it been as frenetic and satisfying as Dead Rising. One of its best aspects is how you can play it your way: Go for adventure by completing set quests and helping mall patrons in need, or embrace action by spending hours beheading countless zombies while using every object in sight as a weapon. Whether you end it by becoming zombie chow or escape with both your life and the secrets of the invasion, one thing is certain: You're going to be playing through this bad boy again.

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The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii, GC)

Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo

Twilight Princess -- about two years past due and on a different console than originally planned -- is an amazing game in every way, shape, and form. Link has a host of new abilities, and each one utilizes the Wii remote with poise and grace. The world he finds himself in is larger and more dangerous than ever, striking a sublime balance. As a spiritual sequel to Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess does the impossible and bests the beloved N64 epic.

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Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence (PS2)

Developer: Kojima
Publisher: Konami

When Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater released in 2005, it was tough for gamers to come up with any potential improvements. Thankfully, Konami put plenty of thought into the subject, and released Subsistence in 2006. The most obvious enhancement is a lengthy multiplayer mode, with a robust menu of game types and settings tweaks. Also gone is the cumbersome isometric Metal Gear view: Hello, third-person! With Subsistence, Konami -- that old snake in the grass -- takes a near-perfect game and makes it exponentially better.

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Okami (PS2)

Developer: Clover Studio
Publisher: Capcom

If you hear anyone deny that video games are an art form, consider Okami Exhibit A. It has some of the most unique, beautiful graphics on PS2 or any existing console, and it uses creative control mechanics that make even the DS jealous. It may have suffered from bad timing launching close to Zelda (which also finds its main character in a wolf's body), and its mythical tale may be a little too Asian for the American masses, but none who played the game can deny its greatness. The fact that developer Clover Studios is now closed may be the biggest disappointment of 2006.

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Sam and Max Episode 1: Culture Shock (PC)

Developer: Highway 1 Productions
Publisher: Link

Adventure games aren't dead; they've just moved to download-only! Culture Shock is the first in a six-episode journey starring the loveable titular crime fighters. Taking plenty from legendary adventure games of yore (i.e. LucasArts), Sam & Max are hilarious, and the game's puzzles are a joy to unravel. Culture Shock is no mere homage, but stands on its own in many ways -- like Sam's mammoth firearm. At four hours of play, Culture Shock is also one of the year's best bargains. But consider yourself warned: If you play Episode One, you'll be hopelessly locked in for the long haul. There's no resisting these guys.