Top Video Games Of 2006: A Year In Review

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The year 2006 was an exciting time for the video game industry, with the release of several highly anticipated and influential titles that would go on to shape the gaming landscape for years to come. From the emergence of new console systems to the continuation of beloved franchises, 2006 had something for every type of gamer.

One of the biggest stories of 2006 was the launch of the Nintendo Wii, which brought motion controls to the mainstream and revolutionized the way people played games. The Wii's innovative approach to gaming, combined with its family-friendly appeal, made it an instant hit with casual gamers and core gamers alike.

Another major development in 2006 was the rise of online gaming. With the proliferation of high-speed internet and the growth of online communities, gamers were able to connect with each other in ways they never had before. This led to the creation of new genres, such as massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), and the evolution of existing ones.

Of course, no discussion of 2006's top video games would be complete without mentioning the titles themselves. From action-packed blockbusters to thought-provoking indie games, there was no shortage of amazing experiences to be had.

Top 10 Video Games of 2006

Here are the top 10 video games of 2006, in no particular order:

1. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - This action-packed open-world fantasy RPG set a new standard for the genre, with its richly detailed world, complex gameplay mechanics, and innovative character customization system.
2. Gears of War - This third-person shooter revolutionized the genre with its cover-based gameplay, stunning visuals, and intense action sequences.
3. Wii Sports - This collection of sports games showcased the Nintendo Wii's innovative motion controls and introduced gamers to a new way of playing sports games.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess - This epic action-adventure game was a launch title for the Wii and set a new standard for the Zelda series, with its massive open world, complex puzzles, and innovative gameplay mechanics.
5. Resistance: Fall of Man - This first-person shooter was a launch title for the PlayStation 3 and impressed gamers with its engaging storyline, fast-paced action, and impressive visuals.
6. Final Fantasy XII - This RPG continued the beloved Final Fantasy series, with a richly detailed world, complex gameplay mechanics, and a engaging storyline.
7. Okami - This action-adventure game was a critical and commercial success, with its innovative gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and beautiful soundtrack.
8. Hitman: Blood Money - This stealth-based action game continued the Hitman series, with its challenging gameplay, dark humor, and impressive visuals.
9. Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter - This tactical third-person shooter was a critical and commercial success, with its engaging storyline, challenging gameplay, and impressive visuals.
10. Bully - This open-world action game was a critical and commercial success, with its engaging storyline, innovative gameplay mechanics, and impressive visuals.

Best Handheld Games of 2006

2006 was also a great year for handheld gaming, with the release of several amazing titles for the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP. Here are a few of the best handheld games of 2006:

1. New Super Mario Bros. - This platformer was a critical and commercial success, with its innovative gameplay mechanics, charming graphics, and addictive gameplay.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass - This action-adventure game was a critical and commercial success, with its engaging storyline, innovative gameplay mechanics, and beautiful graphics.
3. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories - This open-world action game was a critical and commercial success, with its engaging storyline, innovative gameplay mechanics, and impressive graphics.

Best PC Games of 2006

2006 was also a great year for PC gaming, with the release of several amazing titles across a wide range of genres. Here are a few of the best PC games of 2006:

1. Civilization IV - This turn-based strategy game was a critical and commercial success, with its engaging gameplay, richly detailed world, and innovative gameplay mechanics.
2. Company of Heroes - This real-time strategy game was a critical and commercial success, with its engaging gameplay, richly detailed world, and innovative gameplay mechanics.
3. Dark Messiah of Might and Magic - This first-person action game was a critical and commercial success, with its engaging storyline, innovative gameplay mechanics, and impressive visuals.

Awards and Recognition

2006 was a year of great recognition for the video game industry, with several games and developers receiving awards and accolades. Here are a few of the notable awards and recognitions of 2006:

1. Game of the Year: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Spike Video Game Awards)
2. Best Action/Adventure Game: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Spike Video Game Awards)
3. Best RPG: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Spike Video Game Awards)
4. Best Handheld Game: New Super Mario Bros. (Spike Video Game Awards)

Conclusion

2006 was an exciting year for the video game industry, with the release of several highly anticipated and influential titles that would go on to shape the gaming landscape for years to come. From the emergence of new console systems to the continuation of beloved franchises, 2006 had something for every type of gamer. We hope this article has provided a comprehensive look back at the top video games of 2006, and we encourage you to share your thoughts and memories of this amazing year in gaming.

What are your favorite games from 2006? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below!