Revolutionary Xbox Game of 2002

Splinter Cell
Ubi Soft

We never saw it coming. Okay, we actually did, since this game blew our minds at the E3 trade show last May. A blend of Metal Gear Solid and Rainbow Six, Splinter Cell is more than just another pretty face - it's the prettiest face in town. Outstanding graphics and terrific gadgetry help Splinter Cell take stealth-action gaming to new levels of style and class.

Best Xbox Game - Action/ Adventure
Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance
Konami

Sure, the original MGS 2 was released on the PS2 over a year ago, but MGS 2: Substance adds much, much more flavor to this already spicy broth. A ton of new modes adds kick to a game already brimming with style and class. Very solid indeed.

Best Xbox Game - Racing
Rallisport Challenge
Microsoft

Rallisport Challenge does the dirty work and easily takes the checkered flag this year thanks to its top notch graphics and gameplay. Kudos to Microsoft for putting out one very well-rounded racer.

Best Xbox Game - RPG
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
Bethesda

It isn't often that we see a game work equally well on a console or a PC, but Morrowind managed to do just that. Good control, a great sense of freedom and absolutely stunning size (600 hours of gameplay?) lead to the best RPG on any system this year.

Best Xbox Game - Sports
NBA 2K3
Sega

When it comes to console roundball, there is none better than NBA 2K3. Though released for all three consoles, the Xbox version's sharper graphics, deep Franchise mode and realistic gameplay make for a worthy champion on the green machine.

Editor's Choice Award - Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 (Activision)

It might be missing the online play of its award-winning PS2 counterpart, but THPS 4 isn't missing much else. Nice new additions and fun-as-ever gameplay keep it on top.