Okami Okami is as weird as it is fun and it's myriad and unique gameplay elements might have been better supported on the Nintendo Wii, but nevertheless this game from Capcom's now disbanded Clover studio is almost too cool for its own good. Capcom has had a lot of great game releases this year that really took chances. Dead Rising, God Hand, and Okami tried to take gaming in a new direction, and while many of these releases met some mild criticism each of them delivered some innovation - and at the end of the day isn't that what gamers are always clamoring for? Okami is unlike any game we've played this year and a testament to what things are still possible on current generation hardware. Okami proves that - for the time being - some of the best games can only be found on the PS2. For courage above and beyond the call of duty on a console system that is sure to feel the industry shift towards the next-generation soon, both Capcom and the game deserve kudos and accolades.

Bully For all the hype and unwarranted attacks on Rockstar's latest action game, Bully proved to be a lot more tame than anyone ever expected. Unlike GTA, the weapons of choice in this game are good old fashioned street fighting, stink bombs and slingshots. GTA: High School Bully is not, but once you get past the hype and the lies, Bully truly is a great game that balances some great gameplay elements with a familiar adolescent setting that many gamers will remember and enjoy. Bully isn't about being an actual bully, but rather being a decent human being and helping your fellow man. Sure there's some hell to be raised in the game, there's some girls to romance, and there's even an occasional prank or fight that gets out of hand, but at the end of the day Bully is a pretty tame game experience. If anything Bully isn't the murder simulator that Jack Thompson railed against at all... it is best described as GTA with a soul. For being different Rockstar and its latest game deserve to be honored.

Final Fantasy XII Final Fantasy games often set the standard for other RPG's. This one is no different. A deep story line that we expect from a traditional RPG, without the long, sleep inducing battle scenes. It's not an action RPG though, just a smarter RPG. If it weren't for the familiar artwork, and various series staples, such as chocobos and moogles, you might think you were playing a game by some other studio. Many fans of the series will agree, this is the best installment in awhile. Final Fantasy XII says goodbye to the PS2 with great graphics, a great storyline, great gameplay, and an all around a great game. Robert Martell, GameShark Contributor.

Guitar Hero II Guitar Hero II builds on the success of its predecessor delivering even more silly (to watch at least) air guitar moments for teenage and middle aged would-be rock gods alike. This year's game delivers more of everything and with a style that even Ozzie would have to give props to. More songs, new challenges and some cool gameplay elements make RedOCtane's rock guitar game one of the best PS2 games of 2006.

Sega Genesis Collection It would be a gross miscarriage of justice if we didn't honor Sega's contribution to the PS2 that manages to deliver three Phantasy Star titles in one package on the PS2. The Sega Genesis Collection serves up these wonderful and classic role-playing games with a line-up of other great Sega 16-bit hits including Golden Axe, Gain Ground, Alex Kid in Enchanted Castle and the much loved Genesis launch title Altered Beast. The Genesis Collection simply rocks. It offers access to some of the greatest games of the 16 bit era and features some great extras that old school gamers will simply adore. For that reason and the fact that this collection gives you three of the classic Phantasy Star Games, GameShark is proud to honor this collection.