| Some games defy categorization, while others are just too cool to ignore. The following games warmed our cold editor hearts by breaking the mold and pushing the boundaries. Kudos to the honorees! |
| Katamari Damacy Publisher: Namco Developer: Namco Platform: PS2 Without a doubt, this is our favorite weird game of 2004. You're a ball of stuff out to accumulate more stuff. Why? Don't ask, it will only confuse you. Instead, go find 20 bucks and a copy of this funny, addictive, and flat-out superb game. |
 |
| Sly 2: Band of Thieves What seemed like a one-trick, cell-shaded pony of an action/adventure game grew into a wonderfully told story filled with likeable characters, reminding us why the platforming genre got so big in the first place. Pssst...Nintendo...hope you were taking notes. |
 |
| The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay How to get around the Curse of the Movie License? Don't base your game on the movie. Butcher Bay tells a completely different story from the cinematic mess of anti-hero, Riddick. With a good story and creative exposition, this game escapes the curse...although we guarantee the movie won't win any awards. |
 |
| Baten Kaitos With a seamless blend of traditional gameplay and a smart, complex battle system based on collectable card games, this quirky Japanese RPG got quickly addictive. Join Kalas on his quest for vengeance, collect Magnus cards to defeat your foes, and have a ton of fun along the way. Original and deep, Baten Kaitos turns up a winner. |
 |
