2006 belongs to PS2, rules Game Informer [update 2]

by James Ransom-Wiley on Dec 12th 2006 4:20PM

The new issue of Game Informer (#165) offers the editors' vision of the 'Top 50 games of 2006.' According to GI, while Wii and PlayStation 3 overpowered our attentions, PlayStation 2 quietly enjoyed the year's most fulfilling lineup, trumping Xbox 360's solid first year.

Here's a breakdown of the number of Top 50 games per system (includes multi-platform titles):

PS2: 20 (8 multi-platform)
Xbox 360: 16 (10 multi-platform)
PC: 15 (8 multi-platform)
PS3: 6 (5 multi-platform)
Xbox: 6 (all multi-platform)
DS: 6
PSP: 4
Wii: 3 (GI lists 3 in table, but only highlights 2 games in article)
GameCube: 0*

Despite Sony systems featuring 30 of GI's 2006 favorites, Nintendo was selected as both top publisher and developer of the year; and Twilight Princess (for Wii) was elected as 'Game of the Year.' It's also worth noting that while PS2 featured a wealth of top-rated games, the console was also home to the majority of lowest-rated, compatible with six of the 'Top 10 Worst Games of 2006.'

Update 1: because you all demanded it, here are GI's picks for PS3 games included in the year's Top 50 (in no particular order): Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, Need for Speed Carbon, Call of Duty 3, Resistance: Fall of Man, Tony Hawk's Project 8, and Fight Night Round 3. Only Resistance is a PS3 exclusive.

Update 2: specified number of multi-platform titles per system in Top 50 breakdown.

*Twilight Princess was not included in the GameCube category.

[Via print edition]

See also: Winner of strongest fall lineup is ... PS2?

Tags: 360, DS, Game Informer, GameCube, GameInformer, Games for Windows, GamesForWindows, PC, PS2, PS3, PSP, Wii, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox-360, Xbox360

Reader Comments (53)

I said many many times. Sony have a unique position. Their LAST GEN machine is still kicking ass... so why try and promote the PS3 TOO much when the PS2 is actually owning the console market? 2007 is where Sony REALLY want PS3 to come through. I am starting to wonder if they will though because so many people seem brainwashed into thinking that PS3 is bad for them.

I think alot of it stems from the fact that in the Handheld market (Which has had alot of focus over the last two years because next gen came early in handheld land) Nintendo rule and DS lite is kicking PSP ass.... BUT! not many folks really recognise what Sony have managed with PSP... to take a LARGE chunk of pie from Nintendos almost singularly owned market share. Instead its "HA PSP IS DEAD! It cant even beat the DS!" Like it was SUPPOSED TO? Who said? just because Sony own the console market doesnt mean to say they can just walk on in and take an already iron fist strong handheld market. Were the Xbox and GC dead when they never even got close to Sony PS2? No.

This year PS2 owns the Console market (Sony)
DS owns handheld market (Nintendo)

Notice something? thats nothing new.. its been like this for the last 10 years. Sony own console land and Nintendo own handheld land. Two VERY different markets.

NEXT year it could change....

I really hope that in 5 years all three have an even share. I hate all this bashing. If sony rule once more how they did with PS2 we might see Nintendo or even MS pull out.. thats not good! Nor if Sony are squashed, do you really want Playstation to die? Remember sega? how many pleaded for them to come back after dissing them to hell for the 32X and Saturn, even ignoring DC (The best console ever made)... too late now, they are gone.

Gamers will end up killing their own hobby if they don't stop being so narrow mind set on one system.

Someone give Phipscube a star for a cogent cry for sanity.

Game Informer are the most biased shitrags on the entire planet. It's almost impossible to find a gaming magazine more devoid of honesty, integrity or logic. They're a perfect companion to the average EBGames/Gamestop store.

We already have too much birdcage lining and hobo blankets in the world - we don't need more.

Previous 50 Comments