Nominees for Spike TV's 'Video Game Awards 2007' revealed

by Dan Dormer { Nov 9th 2007 at 11:29AM }

Time to get those office pools started up, boy and girls! What? No, the Oscars aren't till February 2008, morons. We're talking about the 2007 Spike TV Video Game Awards. Or, to those that know it best, the VGAs. The nominees were announced today and its time to ... wait, wait -- don't run away just yet. This year, the advisory board is made up of plenty of people whose opinions you read in magazines, on larger websites, and even some blogs. Even our esteemed EIC, Chris Grant, makes up this veritable group of "Super Friends" (he's their Wonder Woman).

Unlike in previous years, Madden is not nominated for "Game of the Year," so already you know it's more credible. BioShock, Mass Effect, Super Mario Galaxy, and Halo 3 appear on the list, making up the usual suspects that'll be appearing on many an outlet's GOTY ballots, but some more unexpected titles might be crashing the party -- Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3, Puzzle Quest: Challenge the Warlords, and Portal. One question though: why remove the Best Song category the one year there's a video game song worth celebrating?

For a full list of the nominees, would you kindly peer past the break?

Most Addictive Game Fueled by Dew
Halo 3
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock
Team Fortress 2
Wii Sports

Game of the Year
BioShock
Halo 3
Mass Effect
The Orange Box

Best Shooter
BioShock
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Halo 3
The Orange Box

Best Action Game
Assassin's Creed
God of War 2
Super Mario Galaxy
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction

Best Rhythm Game
Guitar Hero Encore: Rock the 80s
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock
Jam Sessions
Rock Band

Best RPG
Eternal Sonata
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
Mass Effect
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 3

Best Driving Game
Colin McRae: DiRT
Forza Motorsport 2
Need for Speed ProStreet
Project Gotham Racing 4

Best Military Game
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas
World in Conflict

Studio of the Year
Bungie Studios
Harmonix
2K Boston/2K Australia (aka Irrational Games)
Valve

Best Graphics
BioShock
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Crysis
Mass Effect

Breakthrough Technology
Crysis
Halo 3 - Saved Films / Theatre Mode
Orange Box / Portal
Rock Band

Best PS3 Game
Heavenly Sword
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
Warhawk

Best Wii Game
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
Super Mario Galaxy
Super Paper Mario

Best Xbox 360 Game
BioShock
Halo 3
Mass Effect
The Orange Box

Best PC Game
BioShock
Crysis
The Orange Box
World in Conflict

Best Individual Sports Game
skate
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08
Tony Hawk's Proving Ground
Virtua Tennis 3

Best Team Sports Game
Madden NFL 08
NBA 2K8
NHL 08
Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007

Best Handheld Game
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow
Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords

Best Game Based on a Movie or TV Show
The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar
Naruto: Rise of a Ninja
The Simpsons Game
Stranglehold

Best Soundtrack
BioShock
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock
Tony Hawk's Proving Ground
Rock Band

Best Original Score
BioShock
God of War 2
Halo 3
Mass Effect

Best Multiplayer Game
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Halo 3
Rock Band
The Orange Box

Tags: awards, GOTY, Spike, Spike-VGA-2007, television

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

flameofdoom666 @ Nov 9th 2007 11:34AM

Mario isn't there for game of the year? Flawed list.

Jtenma @ Nov 9th 2007 11:35AM

If you mean Mario Galaxy, look again, its there.

flameofdoom666 @ Nov 9th 2007 11:36AM

Where are you looking?

Game of the Year
BioShock
Halo 3
Mass Effect
The Orange Box

Jtenma @ Nov 9th 2007 11:39AM

Best Wii Game lol...my bad, I need coffee.(I spelled that right, right?)

FidliousWong @ Nov 9th 2007 11:53AM

I agree, flawed list on many fronts. Allow me to elaborate...

Best game fueled by Dew? Pucker them corporate sucking lips up, baby. Not to mention one of the nominees is from last year.

Game of the Year: Remember kids, if it ain't on 360, it ain't on this list.

Best Shooter: Second verse... oh well, if Warhawk doesn't make this list, it'll make action, right?

Best Action: Well, there goes that theory... but GOWII? Isn't this yet another year+ game?

Best Rhythm: GH should not be on the list twice. Especially not when Singstar and Boogie dropped this year. Boogie may not be the best game, but GH shouldn't be on the list twice.

Best Driving Game: I can forgive Motorstorm not being on but why does a game not even released yet get on? I mean, I'm all about Gran Turismo 5 winning this section. And the next Zelda should beat out anything else in the action category.

Best Military Game: Themed categories? Best game where a character wears an eye-patch... GO!

Breakthorugh Technology: Please, dear god don't tell me saving your replay is considered "breakthrough." I was doing this on N64.

Best Wii Game: How is Twilight Princess up for an award?

Best PC Game: If they can reach into the future elsewhere for nominations, why can't Unreal Tournament III come along?

flameofdoom666 @ Nov 9th 2007 11:57AM

@FidliousWong

You are right about Wii Sports, and Zelda TP (Zack and Wiki should be on that list) but you are wrong in 1 point.

God of War 2 came out February 2007 (thats counted as this year).

GRANTED @ Nov 9th 2007 12:03PM

OMG GUYS MY FAVORITE GAME IS BETTER THAN YOUR FAVORITE GAME let me elaborate:

1. my game is more fun
2. have you SEEN MY GAME!?!
3. my game is on my system which is inherently better than yours (see sub-elaboration):
a. my system has better games (circular logic ftw)
b. my system is revolutionary/awesome
4. i am a more hardcore gamer than you and thus know more about games
5. you are a fanboy I AM MOAR OBJECTIVOAR

ogvor @ Nov 9th 2007 2:15PM

Even as an Xbox 360 Fanboy, who got bored of my Wii and gave it to my family, Metroid Prime and I'm sure Mario Galaxy deserve to be atleast nominated for Game of the Year. I'll be glad to play these games on my winter break back home.

Abscissa @ Nov 9th 2007 8:19PM

What, the fact that it has the words "Spike TV" attached to it wasn't already a big enough clue that the whole thing is flawed?

Questworld @ Nov 9th 2007 10:07PM

Supposedly, from what I've "heard," Twilight Princess didn't make the cut-off date to be included last year, which only makes Mass Effect's inclusion rather odd (unless they extended the cut-off date). I also find it odd that Mario Galaxy wasn't included for GOTY (not that I've played it yet so what I say may not mean much) and that the Orange Box gets in (unless the combination of Episode Two, Team Fortress 2, and Portal really merits the inclusion).

GoldenS1104 @ Nov 29th 2007 10:56PM

I own a 360, and even I find it strange that the games nominated in that category are exactly the same as the games nominated for game of the year. They're all good games, but seriously, not one of those Wii games got a GOTY nomination? I personally think Galaxy deserves GOTY, but no one thought any one of Nintendo's big three were worthy? They need a real gaming award show...

F. Rocker or Fernando R.? @ Nov 9th 2007 11:40AM

Why is not there Super Mario Galaxy???

It have better reviews than Halo 3, Bioshock and The Orange Box... and Mass Effect is not yet released.

http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/wii/supermariogalaxy?q=mario%20galaxy

flameofdoom666 @ Nov 9th 2007 11:41AM

I agree. This is a flawed view towards 360.

Mrfreezie @ Nov 9th 2007 1:04PM

Is it flawed? Or was the 360 the better console this year?

Jake @ Nov 9th 2007 2:24PM

I agree that Galaxy should be considered for sure. But everything else is fine enough. The 360 had a monster year for games, one of the best ever imo. It should be no surprise to see it dominate this list.

As for the Galaxy scores, give it a week. Games can drop up to 5 percentage points once everyone gets their reviews in. The "worst" scores come from smaller sites.

I'm going to call Mass Effect as the winner. It has it all. Graphics, story, gameplay, unique elements. Granted the game isn't out yet and I don't know how good it is, so I am basing this on my psychic powers.

samfish @ Nov 9th 2007 3:24PM

Mario Galaxy isn't *EXTREEEEEEEEME* enough for SPIKE TV: THE CHANNEL FOR *MEN*.
If you're not shooting something, it's not Game of the Year material.

I'd also have put Galaxy up for Best Graphics.

Superstar90 @ Nov 9th 2007 4:47PM

@samfish

Not graphics, but a definite win for art direction.

flameofdoom666 @ Nov 9th 2007 11:41AM

Well, thats def not game of the year. If you look at "best 360 game" its the same list as game of the year. I think Super Mario Galaxy and Ratchet need to be on that list.

Edog Lost @ Nov 9th 2007 12:19PM

Should they put a PS3 game on the list just to be fair? Do you really think you can but Ratchet and Clank on the same level as the Orange Box, or Mass Effect?

gonk @ Nov 9th 2007 11:41AM

mass effect isn't even out yet, and mario's only partially released until tuesday

flameofdoom666 @ Nov 9th 2007 11:42AM

But it's at least in every GameStop as a demo so it can be played and it is practically reviewed everywhere too

F. Rocker or Fernando R.? @ Nov 9th 2007 11:44AM

It's reviewed and its was released in Japan a week ago.

Jtenma @ Nov 9th 2007 11:42AM

Its funny how the games of the year nominees are all shooters to some point. What does this tell you about the North American market?

...BOOM HEADSHOT!!!I GOT YOU WIT TEH SNIPA RIFLEZone

flameofdoom666 @ Nov 9th 2007 11:43AM

Its quite shallow. I think the list should be

Super Mario Galaxy
Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
The Orange Box
Bioshock

gonk @ Nov 9th 2007 11:46AM

most good videogames have conflict, and what better way to embody conflict than with guys trying to kill you?

ratchet has guns, halo, bioshock, gears, cod4, oj box, etc

Jtenma @ Nov 9th 2007 11:47AM

I personally do not take these "VGA" awards shows seriously. In fact I dont even watch them. Why?

IT WILL PISS ME OFF!!

Psaakyrn @ Nov 10th 2007 12:04AM

to gonk:

Just because conflict exist doesn't mean there must be only 1 single way to end conflict.

Not counting more peaceful means, there's also bombs, assassinations, applications of blunt objects, acid, combustion, serration, temperature reduction, implosion, and other methods of inflicting pain and destruction. Guns are overrated.

Shagittarius @ Nov 9th 2007 11:44AM

Most Addictive Game Fueled by Dew
Stupid category I refuse to choose

Game of the Year
BioShock

Best Shooter

Call of Duty 4: Call in Sick

Best Action Game

God of War 2

Best Rhythm Game

Rock Band

Best RPG

Mass Effect

Best Driving Game

???

Best Military Game

World in Conflict

Studio of the Year

Irrational Games

Best Graphics

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

Breakthrough Technology
Crysis

Best PS3 Game

Heavenly Sword

Best Wii Game

Trick category there are no good wii games. zing!

Best Xbox 360 Game
BioShock

Best PC Game
BioShock

Best Individual Sports Game
skate

Best Team Sports Game
Madden NFL 08

Best Handheld Game
jeanne D'arc (too bad its not a choice)

Best Game Based on a Movie or TV Show
The Lord of the Rings: Shadows of Angmar

Best Soundtrack

Rock Band

Best Original Score
BioShock

Best Multiplayer Game
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

I know that no one cares but theres my picks.

F. Rocker or Fernando R.? @ Nov 9th 2007 11:45AM

No one cares about your opinion.

flameofdoom666 @ Nov 9th 2007 11:46AM

"Best Wii Game

Trick category there are no good wii games. zing!"

The 4 Wii games listed have better scores then those PS3 and 360 games up on their list, so think again.

Jtenma @ Nov 9th 2007 11:49AM

@ Fernando

COMBO BREAKER11

Shagittarius @ Nov 9th 2007 11:51AM

If these are chosen by the fans the correct games will not get honored. If they are chosen by a body that knows about games and game theory then I imagine the good games will actually win the correct categories.

In other words, just like the oscars, if they are chosen by the industry the good games will win. if they are chosen by the fans its a complete farce.

Slaziman @ Nov 9th 2007 11:52AM

Best PS3 game is Heavenly Sword? You sure like your action games!

Synner @ Nov 9th 2007 12:05PM

Yeah shag, if chosen by the fans, it is fake since people arent' buying the obviously superior PS3 games.

You are such a tool. Industry chosen awards are nothing more than big circle jerks for people in the industry to tell each other how much they love themselves. Fuck that.

Games that people like and sell should be the winners. Something beautiful and groundbreaking thatnobody cares about should get the ignominy it deserves

Cyro @ Nov 9th 2007 1:02PM

I can see that you hate Halo. I bet you cant get a freaking kill.

What a loser..

Go have sex with your Protein folder..

Sidepocket @ Nov 10th 2007 9:29AM

So how does it feel like sucking the cock of Bill Gates?

2ez @ Nov 9th 2007 11:45AM

Tools. All of them.

Jtenma @ Nov 9th 2007 11:53AM

wat kind of tools, wrenches, screwdrivers, or hammers...wat????... guise tell me!!!!

Rubang B (BRUSH WITH FAME) @ Nov 9th 2007 8:56PM

I think he meant "all of the tools." I don't know why he said it really.

Rususeruru @ Nov 9th 2007 11:47AM

It's interesting to check out the hits their pages have gotten... for example game of the year:

Orange Box - 8 views
Mass Effect - 82 views
Bioshock - 3,145 views
Halo 3 - 106,759 views

granted I like Halo but the rampant fanboys scare the hell out of me!

flameofdoom666 @ Nov 9th 2007 11:51AM

haha yeah

gonk @ Nov 9th 2007 11:48AM

at least all of these nominees make sense. and they didn't include lair, lol

flameofdoom666 @ Nov 9th 2007 11:50AM

lmao

Rususeruru @ Nov 9th 2007 11:54AM

Maybe they should add a category,
*Most Realistic Dragon Flight Simulator:
Lair

*this category sponsored, voted on, and funded by Sony.

gonk @ Nov 9th 2007 12:16PM

no wonder dragons are extinct, they couldn't fly worth a shit

Slaziman @ Nov 9th 2007 11:50AM

Sorry Halo 3, Rock Band, Crysis, it's over for you guys on at least one category.

Rususeruru @ Nov 9th 2007 11:53AM

What's funny is Portal wasn't that big of a break through... people have been toying with the concept for around 10 years... I distinctly recall looking at some demos in '98 or so that toyed with portals and physics.

Slaziman @ Nov 9th 2007 11:56AM

Crysis wasn't a break through at all, sure it looks good but it's just evolutionary, there is nothing amazing about it. It doesn't look THAT good considering the system requirements! Halo 3 had coolio online, but had been done on PC's before, and releasing a ton of peripherals for a game is nothing new.