Some traditions are worth continuing, and here's the second chapter of one of our favorite traditions: the Adventure Gamers Underground Awards, honoring the best in amateur adventures released in 2004. The nomination process was as hotly contested as ever, but we could only pick five for each award. Now, it's your turn to give us your feedback on who should win these awards!

Disclaimers: Because the esteemed Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw is a member of our staff and a part of the award process, his excellent game 7 Days a Skeptic has been disqualified from this year's awards. Also, The Dead City is not eligible for Best Writing due to staff member Robert Lacey's participation in the final proofreading process.

Special Mention: Though not nominated for any of our five categories, we want to recognize the achievement of Maniac Mansion Deluxe, the brilliant remake of the first LucasArts adventure. It achieved everything it intended to in a marvelous way, and we salute LucasFan Games for their accomplishment.

Here are the nominees for all five categories, in alphabetical order:

Best Game of 2004

- Apprentice II
- Cirque De Zale
- The Dead City
- No-Action Jackson
- Two of a Kind


Best Graphics

- Apprentice II
- Cirque De Zale
- The Dead City
- No-Action Jackson
- Patrimonium

Best Sound/Music

- Apprentice II
- Ben Jordan 3
- Brain Hotel
- Project Xenophobe
- Two of a Kind

Best Story

- The Dead City
- Enclosure
- No-Action Jackson
- Project Xenophobe
- Two of a Kind


Best Writing

- Apprentice II
- Cirque De Zale
- Enclosure
- Peasant's Quest
- Two of a Kind

Stay tuned for the presentation of the awards later this month!