Revolutionary PC Game of 2002

Neverwinter Nights
Infogrames / Bioware

After years of anticipation, Neverwinter Nights finally arrived in 2002 and took PC role-playing to revolutionary new heights. With a fantastic engine, brilliant multiplayer and perhaps the most extendability of any game ever released, this more than lived up to its hype. Besides, you can download and play through Vault of the Drow. Beat that.

Best PC Game - Action
Star Wars: Jedi Outcast
LucasArts

This is not the game you're looking for...er, actually, it is. This terrific first/third person action romp through the Star Wars universe blew the lid off the secrets of the Jedi. Very, very strong in the ways of the Force.

Best PC Game - Multiplayer
Battlefield 1942
EA

Planes, trains and automobiles? How about planes, tanks and aircraft carriers instead? BF 1942's incredibly addictive and impressively varied online gameplay led to the biggest victory this side of the Persian Gulf.

Best PC Game - RPG
Neverwinter Nights
Infogrames / Bioware

Didn't see that one coming, eh? There was no greater gaming joy for old-school geeks this year than Neverwinter Nights. Mixing basic D&D multiplayer concepts with a fantastic new engine and 3rd edition rules, NWN spoke to the inner gaming nerd in all of us.

Best PC Game - Strategy
WarCraft III
Blizzard

A very close second for Game of the Year, WarCraft III was clearly the strategy game of choice in 2002. It had a lot to live up to, and we're pleased that it did justice to its past while laying the groundwork for a bright, bright future. Zug Zug!

Editor's Choice Award - Age Of Mythology (Microsoft)

The brains behind the Age of Empires series took their gaming to the gods in this well-designed and genuinely fun strategy monster. The Kraken has been unleashed!

Editor's Choice Award - Dungeon Siege (Microsoft)

Chris Taylor's ultra-refined RPG reminded us that sometimes the best idea is simply improving a good one. Pack mule, we salute you.

Editor's Choice Award - Mafia (Gathering of Developers)

Mafia's criminally fun blend of style and substance took control of both the city and the GR compound, so we're repaying the favor.