As WGWorld embarks on its fifth year in cyberspace, we thought it was finally appropriate to look back at the previous year and offer up our choices for the best wireless games that we came across.  There were many great titles, some that were expected and others that were complete surprises, but it was evident that developers and publishers really took strides in making mobile a truly entertaining experience.

Instead of getting completely technical, we simply divided the awards into mobile genres and basically went with what we enjoyed playing, offered a compelling experience, and personified how mobile gaming should be.  The only caveat, obviously, is that we could only consider games that we actually played and reviewed.  So now, on to the Awards!

Best Action/Adventure Game: Orcs & Elves II – EA Mobile

Developers id Software and Fountainhead Entertainment once again delivered an entertaining journey through their land of fantasy created specifically for mobile.  This first-person adventure introduces new characters, mechanics, and weapons while maintaining the action and lightheartedness of its predecessor.  With approximately eight hours of play (an eternity on mobile) and very easy controls and schemes, this game is not just for the hardcore.

Honorable Mentions:  Assassin’s Creed, Pandemonium, Driver: L.A. Undercover

Best Lifestyle/Simulation Game:  Surviving Hollywood – Vivendi Games Mobile

Having already had success with the Surviving High School series, Centerscore Studios decided to give followers a taste of “real life”, sending them out into the world for a chance at stardom.  Giving players the opportunity to balance out a rigorous daily schedule, make friends or create enemies, and improve their chances at making it big are all part of this highly entertaining and even educational romp.

Honorable Mentions:  The Sims 2 Pets, Crazy Campus, Catz

Best Puzzle Match Game:  Kachinko – Hudson Entertainment

Being that there are sooooo many match games available, this category basically came down to the fact that Kachinko was just completely mesmerizing and could not be put down.  The inherent addictiveness of Pachinko mixed with the strategy of match play was just too simple yet inviting and had us completely zoned out.

Honorable Mentions:  Critter Crunch, Jewel Quest II, Luxor 2

Best Shooter:  Medal of Honor Airborne – EA Mobile

There were plenty of entertaining shooters available for the discerning gun enthusiast but not many captured the atmosphere, strategy and chaos of battle as well as this second MoH title for mobile.  The action was tough, the ways to eliminate enemies were plenty, and most importantly, the controls made the game accessible to players of all skill levels.

Honorable Mentions:  Metal Slug 3, Call of Duty 4, Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2

Best Classic/Remake Game:  Tie: Centipede – Glu Mobile, Ghouls n’ Ghosts – Capcom

We don’t like ties anymore than you do but our votes were split on these two deserving titles.  On one hand, Centipede maintained the madness it is known for while offering new themes and a power-up mode that just took the game to the next level.  On the other hand, the challenge that Ghouls n’ Ghosts presented along with a near perfect port of the original just couldn’t be denied.

Honorable Mentions:  Burgertime Special, Asteroids, Lemmings Return

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