It is worth bearing in mind that E3 is an American trade show, aimed at the American market and American gamers, especially when browsing this year’s Critics’ Choice Awards. Along with the usual Madden title winning best sports game, there’s usually a pleasant, predictable flow to things.
However this year’s announcement has kicked up something of a stink, with the acclaimed DS system from Nintendo awarded nothing, as Sony’s PSP was crowned as the overall show highlight.
Nintendo did, however, get some justice, with Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat scooping best puzzle game and best original game.
The full list of winners reads:
Best of Show: Sony PSP
Best Original Game: Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat
Best PC Game: Splinter Cell 3
Best Console Game: Halo 2
Best Peripheral/Hardware: Sony PSP
Best Action Game: Halo 2
Best Action Adventure Game: Splinter Cell 3
Best Fighting Game: Def Jam: Fight for New York
Best RPG: Jade Empire
Best Racing Game: Burnout 3
Best Simulation Game: The Sims 2
Best Sports Game: Madden 2005
Best Strategy Game: The Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle-earth
Best Puzzle/Trivia/Parlour Game: Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat
Best Online/Multiplayer: Halo 2
Special Commendation for Graphics: Splinter Cell 3