GS.com GOTY Overall Xbox360 PS3 PS2 PSP Wii NDS PC Genre Awards Special Awards DS Game of the Year: Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords Even the most grizzled of gaming veterans would have done a double take at the odd mix of RPG framework and Bejeweled-esque game play that makes up Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords. However, the same veteran would find themselves inexorably caught up in the game, wondering just where the last four hours went. The amazing thing about this case of strange bedfellows isn't just how odd the mix is, but how well it works. This isn't some gimped RPG either, it's as full featured as any out there. It's got main quests, side quests, party members to collect, mounts to train, item forging and spell research, all done with the same mechanism of matching jewels of like color. Throw in different character classes, each with their own ways of manipulating the game board, the ability to level up your characters outside of the main story, wireless play against someone with a copy of the game, and more importantly, the ability to chain spells together into orgies of cascading crystal destruction and it's hard to find a more satisfying handheld game this year. Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords isn't just incredibly fun and a great value, it's a prime example of how with the right people, and the right attitude, even the craziest of games can be made, and made well. - Brandon Cackowski-Schnell GameShark.com Review Runner-Up: The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass It's not often that a gaming dynasty gets a chance to reinvent itself on a handheld, much less garner a new audience and provide a sterling proof of console for an entire platform at the same time, but that's exactly what Phantom Hourglass did. With its seamless stylus only control, streamlined gameplay and effortless charm, Link got a chance to shine on the DS, and show the gaming community just how good touching can be. The DS hasn't had a game to show off how well the combination of touch controls and dual screens can work since, well, ever. The fact that the game was a great deal of fun at the same time didn't hurt either. With The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, Nintendo not only showed how to do right by the DS, but that Link can handle any challenge, no matter how small. - Brandon Cackowski-Schnell GameShark.com Review Runner-Up: Picross DS Puzzle games are a dime a dozen for Nintendo DS and the advent of a touch screen enabled Picross title isn't surprising. Why then does Picross DS stand out? What it lacks in innovation and originality, this handheld variant makes up in sheer quality. Picross DS is likely the most addictive game for the portable save for our Game of the Year pick Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords. While not nearly as deep as that game or as epic as The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, Picross DS retains an addictive quality to its gameplay that more than justifies its budget asking price. Quantity certainly makes it an attractive option, as Picross DS packs in dozens upon dozens of puzzles for you to complete. Even better, support for Nintendo WiFi Connection enable timed multiplayer matches with anyone around the world. Months after purchase, you'll still be unlocking new puzzles and venturing online to compete. When you finally exhaust its supply of puzzles, the game includes an editor for you to create your own which you can share wireless with other players. It's a brilliant way of extending the life of the game indefinitely and earns it a spot among the best titles for the system. - Tracy Erickson GameShark.com Review