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GR's Best of 2005 Awards

Posted on Saturday, December 31 @ 11:12:13 Eastern by Duke_Ferris

Due to the fact that at least 35 million action games come out each year, the action genre is the most difficult to handle. We, however, have handled it. Despite a ton of entries, these three whipped, shot, 'naded and leapt into the spotlight.

ACTION GAME OF THE YEAR!

God of War

Publisher: Sony
Developer: Sony
Platform: PS2

When it comes to pure, white-knuckle action, no one did it better than the sick, stylish madman Kratos in the brilliant God of War. Flaming whips? Check. Awesome combat system? Check. Unquenchable thirst for revenge? Check, but that's just the start of this mythological thrill ride. The level design is superb, the score riveting and the engine smoother than the anti-hero's bald pate. This is the game Devil May Cry should have become.

It's also the Best Action Game of 2005.

RUNNERS-UP!

Resident Evil 4

Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Platform: Gamecube | PS2

Some might find it odd that a Resident Evil game should nab a Best Action nod. Some, then, clearly haven't played RE4, just about the best "runner-up" in awards history. The sweet new camera puts the emphasis squarely on the action, turning this adventure game staple into a heart-stopping action masterpiece through and through.

Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory

Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft
Platform: PC | Xbox | PS2

Another year, another trophy for Sam Fisher. It's hard to imagine that this third iteration could improve upon its terrific predecessor, but spend some time with the kickass, revamped VS. mode or the tweaked multiplayer and it quickly becomes clear that this isn't just an overpriced upgrade. It's one of the best action games of the year.