
Game of the Year
Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow

Does any game really harnass the power of the PSP as much as Logan's Shadow? The stellar graphics are accentuated by an interesting plot and some truly incredible music. What sells the game are the controls. They may appears overly complex at first, but the team at Sony Bend has somehow managed to create an experience that really works well on the PSP. You'll be performing head shots in no time.Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow

The underwater battles of Logan's Shadow need special commendation. Why? They work so incredibly well, and we can't think of any game (portable or console) that does it as well as this one. Add the return of a fantastic multiplayer component, and you have a game that'll have you coming back for more.
Reader's Choice: Game of the Year
Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow (17% of votes)
Logan's Shadow took PSP Fanboy readers, held them at gunpoint, and made them love the game. The incredible variety in the game is quite impressive: not only will you be using a terrific cover system -- you'll be able to snap people's necks, stab them in the back and shoot explosive darts from your sniper rifle. It really is a lot of fun. Jeanne D'Arc takes second place in a year of many strong contenders.Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow (17% of votes)
Runner-up: Jeanne D'Arc (13%)
Best Graphics
SOCOM Tactical Strike

SOCOM Tactical Strike is the kind of game that puts most PS2 games to shame. The jungle scenes are among the most realistic environments we've seen in a PSP game. Massive cityscapes stretch for miles, and the PSP manages to let you run around freely in both outdoor and indoor environments without a single framerate drop. Slant Six conjured some kind of demon to squeeze so much tech into this game.SOCOM Tactical Strike

Reader's Choice: Best Graphics
Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow (29% of votes)
Did you see the water of Syphon Filter? It made us thirsty, and PSP Fanboy readers agreed. Our favorite moment in the game is when you're in a sinking sub -- water comes rushing in, and you see steam shooting everywhere. Absolutely gorgeous. Konami's Silent Hill Origins took second place, thanks to its impressive lighting engine.Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow (29% of votes)
Runner-up: Silent Hill Origins (15%)
Best Multiplayer
Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron

We describe it to our PS3 fans as PSP's version of Warhawk. If you love driving, flying and shooting, then chances are you fell in love with Renegade Squadron. Yes, the framerate is a bit questionable -- but the massive battlefields push the PSP system to its limits. The controls work incredibly well on the handheld, making it our pick for best multiplayer game on the PSP.Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron

Reader's Choice: Best Multiplayer
Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron (20% of votes)
PSP Fanboy readers agree that Battlefront is a lot of fun. But, let's give a shout out to the fantastic Metal Gear community, which supported Konami's Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Plus to a near-win second place. As the only way to play Metal Gear online right now, we understand the love for this PSP-exclusive.Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron (20% of votes)
Runner-up: Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Plus (19%)
Best Original Soundtrack
Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow
You know you have something special when you throw in the UMD and hear Logan's Shadow's theme play for the first time. Then, you'll be surprised by the ethnic influences of the orchestral score from the very first level. The game plays like a big-budget action movie ... and sounds like one too. Grab some headphones, because no other portable gaming system is be able to deliver a soundtrack with this kind of fidelity.Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow
Best Story
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions

Final Fantasy Tactics weaves a complex tale of political intrigue. Newcomers will be taken aback by the surprising maturity of the narrative, while seasoned vets will appreciate the Shakespearean remastering of the script. The new translation stands out as one of the most compelling pieces of game literature we've read this year -- on any platform.Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions

Best Action/Adventure Game
Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow
Yes, it's a shooter -- but it's also a great stealth game. Logan has a number of fantastic tools at his disposal, and going for the more elegant approach makes Logan's Shadow that much more exciting. The variety of visors and rifles makes this that much more fun for the thinking man.Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow
Best Shooter
Medal of Honor Heroes 2

The PSP isn't ideally suited for FPS controls, but EA Canada did a stellar job with Heroes 2. We were surprised by how intelligently paced this PSP FPS is, and how intuitive the controls are. In no time, you'll be ducking, peeking, shooting and throwing grenades, just like in any other modern FPS game.Medal of Honor Heroes 2

Best Downloadable Game
Beats

The surprise release of Beats on the PS Store caught us off-guard. But, boy -- do we love this surprise. At only $5, this stylish downloadable has redefined the PSP experience for us. We're storing a lot more music on our Memory Sticks these days, just to play more Beats.Beats

Best Driving Game
Burnout Dominator

It may be missing a few features, but Dominator successfully recreates the Burnout experience. With great graphics, even better controls, and downloadable content, Dominator really delivered a top-notch racing experience for handheld owners.Burnout Dominator

Best Fighting Game
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes

It may have won by default, but it deserves it nonetheless. Naruto not only looks sharp, it plays sharp as well. The lack of a worthwhile story mode makes this Heroes game fall short of its console brethren, but the Game Sharing feature is a nice addition that more PSP games should include in the future.Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes

Best Puzzle Game
Crush

The only thing harder than Crush's final stages is finding the game. Sega did an awful job of promoting the game, but that doesn't change the fact that Crush is one of the most innovative titles of the year. Fantastic graphics and presentation only help cement the game's well-executed premise. Crushing two dimensions to three (and back again) changed the way we looked at the world for a very long time. Do not miss this game.Crush

Best Music Game
Beats
Why play other people's music when you can jam on your own? This novel concept works beautifully on the PSP -- and with sexy skins and a fun music creation mode, Beats delivers a lot of game for very little money.Beats
Best RPG
Brave Story: New Traveler

Once again, another great PSP game simply didn't get the attention it deserved. XSEED's fantastic RPG brings a traditional console-like role playing experience and makes it accessible to handheld gamers. A solid story with fantastic presentation makes this game a must for any fan of the genre.Brave Story: New Traveler

Best Strategy Game
SOCOM Tactical Strike
If you don't think this game should win, it's probably because you haven't played it. SOCOM fans were shocked to see their beloved franchise so radically transformed and chose to ignore this iteration of the series. That's too bad. Each level requires true strategic thinking, where one wrong move can spell doom for your squad. Easily the most intense game on the platform, Tactical Strike will make you gain a newfound respect for the armed forces, and the tactics they must employ in the field. With over 20 hours of gameplay, the best graphics on the system, and knuckle-biting gameplay, this is one of the best games of the year.SOCOM Tactical Strike
Disappointment of the Year
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
We love Final Fantasy Tactics. Heck, it even won an award from us today. So, why does it get Disappointment of the Year? Because we wanted so much more from it. The game receives so many accolades for the quality of its gameplay -- that's undeniable. However, purely technical issues hinder the experience so much so that we've seen many people simply give up on the game. A game as great as FFT needed to be handled with a bit more love and care. We love the new translation and the new cutscenes -- but we're really disappointed by the lackluster framerate. Thankfully, Square Enix will make it all up to us with Crisis Core in March. Right?Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
And so concludes PSP Fanboy's Best of awards for 2007. And remember this: if you disagree with our choices, it's probably because there were too many games this year. Hopefully, this feature has reminded us, at the very least, that the "PSP has no games" argument is totally baseless. See you in the comments section!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
12-27-2007 @ 6:28PM
Hashbrown_Hunter said...
Next year will be a lot more interesting between Crisis Core and God of War. Bring on the Best of 2008!
Reply
12-27-2007 @ 6:59PM
Tristan said...
Wow I need to look into these other genres of games, Logan's Shadow seems quite good.
Reply
12-27-2007 @ 7:05PM
Brello said...
Bah, shooters/freelook on the PSP. It's such a compromise getting them to work with one analog stick, I just don't even bother. I've got other systems that can much better handle shooting, so I can avoid the "it's the best we could do" shooter control schemes on the PSP. Crush on the other hand, was indeed awesome.
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12-27-2007 @ 9:45PM
Trekster_Gamer said...
Brello
"I've got other systems that can much better handle shooting,"
Like what other systems as this a hand held system, oh maybe you mean the ds which is really known for it's FPS games. Meh indeed!
12-28-2007 @ 7:01AM
James said...
Yea, I never went from the DS to PSP to play FPS games lol. They have the power to do some really good games but the controls are so let down. Metroid Prime Hunters will forever be the standard on how to make a portable FPS.
12-27-2007 @ 7:47PM
Kattleox said...
WHAT? WHY NO JEANNE???
WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE??! ;_;
Reply
12-27-2007 @ 8:29PM
Noshino said...
I did love Jeanne D'arc, sadly, it wasn't that impressive
yes, really good graphics, but not a la par with Syphon Filter or Socom....
Im going to get bashed for saying this, but it pretty much felt like an enhanced version of Fire Emblem...this time with equiment, more skills, character voices and better cutscenes...
12-28-2007 @ 3:28AM
pixelator said...
Just because Jeanne wasn't a bloody shootemup with hi-poly generic fatigue-swaddled gunmen doesn't mean it lacked superb visuals, a superior sense of style and excellent gameplay.
Sadly, I think this contest shows how immature and dare I say - juvenile - the taste of the average PSP Fanboy reader is. No awards for Jeanne or Silent Hill..? Two of the most important and genre-expanding titles to hit the PSP in years? Bah. Give me a game that makes you think or offers sinister atmosphere over Yet Another Combat Actioner.
The testosto-teens may now flame away.
12-28-2007 @ 12:47PM
Noshino said...
pixelator,
actually, Im more into strategy games, and I never said the graphics were NOT good, I like them, I actually love Level 5, hey, I have over 200 hrs in Rogue Galaxy and still going...
I did find Jeanne D'arc good, yet not mind-blowing...
You are a mature player, so you must have known the difficulty level of games in the previous eras, apparently its lowering a lot nowadays...
I did not find ANY challenge with Jeanne D'Arc...nor a hard mode
The levels themselves are pretty easy, Im serious, I have passed many maps with Rufus or Colet alone...
I mean, it does bring new stuff to the table, like burning auras and the shields, also combining skills and such, but when it comes to combat, it just feels slow, and not AS tactical as other games, and the fact that you only start with 50 sp is a huge letdown, I mean, I have a character that is 75 and still can't get more than 50sp for the first turn?
Like I said, I DID enjoy the game, but I don't feel it was a la par with the BATTLE SYSTEM of Fire Emblem, but then again, Level 5 is new to this genre, and for their first try, this was a hell of a game, I can't wait for their next installment
12-27-2007 @ 8:23PM
lorddshadow said...
WHAT? WHY NO MONSTER HUNTER???
WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE??! ;_;
lol
Reply
12-27-2007 @ 8:58PM
Hashbrown_Hunter said...
Monster Hunter is too flawed for its own good. The gameplay is very tedious and the controls don't help.
I'm surprised if anyone would actually think of MH as something worthy of a 'Best Of' award besides best graphics.
12-27-2007 @ 8:32PM
Noshino said...
sigh, I actually bought FFT War of the Lions because I didn't get a chance to try the it once in the PSone...
but hell! I just couldn't play it, after having played FFT Advance it just killed me to play the title...the camera angle is horrendous...
I mean, I know this was a PSone title, but if they took their sweet time to "remaster" it, then they should have also fixed that camera and graphics...
(For the record, I even got the 300 missions and all the secret characters for FFT Advance.. >_>;)
Reply
12-28-2007 @ 1:49AM
merc25 said...
Someone like that POS which was FFTA? News to me.
12-28-2007 @ 12:28PM
Ramza said...
First of all did you just compare FFTA to FFT.....and had the nerve to say FFTA was better?
Yes I can say the camera angles were annoying in some battles but most battles you could see fine. Why would they change the graphics that's what makes FFT well....FFT.
(And for your FFTA 300 missions and secret characters, who hasn't done that?)
12-28-2007 @ 1:00PM
Noshino said...
Ramza,
I never got a chance to play FFT, I did get a chance to play FFTA right when it was released...
FFT felt slow, sluggish that is, probably my PSP or the game is supposed to be/feel slow?
I know that there is MUCH more character customization than in FFTA, but like I said, the visuals, for a game that is SUPPOSED to be the REMASTERED version of a PSone game, it feels quite old...hell, I think even Star Ocean first departure, which is a remake of a game for SNES looks better...what did they take their sweet time on? only the cutscenes and translations?....
Anyway, I guess I'm to bitchy when it comes to SRPGs...
12-27-2007 @ 9:32PM
Kattleox said...
Yes, you will get bashed.
It wasn't original, but neither were Syphon Filter or SOCOM. They both looked pretty, but felt kindof weak. I couldn't keep but thinking that I was playing Splinter Cell or Rainbow 6 until somone unwittingly called me "Gabe". And SOCOM, although a great game, felt slow in this rendition, like 3D Worms more than a fresh title. I know what you mean, but Jeanne perfected it's GENRE. And on a handheld! SF:LS and SOCOM just kindof "were". They aren't actually the best compared to Call of Duty 4 or Ghost Recon. To each his own, but I'm sticking beside another of Level-5's masterpieces.
Reply
12-27-2007 @ 9:54PM
Brian said...
Hey Gabe was around long before Sam Fisher the syphon filter series started back in the PSone day.
Great to see so many cool games on the PSP this year, I'm really looking forward to seeing what 2008 has to offer. Right now it looks like God of War: Chains of Olympus could take most of the awards by itself.
12-27-2007 @ 9:35PM
cafecito said...
Totally agree with dissapointment of the year. I'm a huge fan of the original FFT, so the lackluster PSP port really broke my heart.
And... is Logan's Shadow that great of a game? Guess I'll have to check it oout again.
Reply
12-27-2007 @ 10:24PM
Kspraydad said...
I just counted...I bought 13 games this year and like them ALL. Can't wait for year 2 of ownership (plus playing all those PS1 games by Remote Play fills alot of gaps!)
Reply
12-28-2007 @ 2:04AM
Dahk said...
I was hopefully (and admittedly stupid) waiting for a Boxing day sale on a PSP or something. Its just I love and love again, that piano black, but it seems like for an extra 30 bucks, I can get so much more with those packages.
AGH. I'll pick up a piano black one in a week or two, when the stocks come back up.
I guess Syphon Filter is a first pick up for me =P. And probably MGS:PO & MGS:PO+, and probably Beats, then Patapon and GoW Chains of Olympus! And then my lovely old PS1 games =).
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