Best Game
Two of a Kind by Epileptic Fish

Now the coup de grace…we never would have thought that each of these five awards could be won by a different game, but once the votes were tallied, we realized that Two of a Kind is a perfect example of how well-rounded a game should be—in no individual area was it the best of the year, but in each area it excels, with no real weakness to speak of and an incredible care and attention to detail.

Dramatic Underground games have been lacking in the past—last year's GOTY winner was the wonderful comedy Out of Order—but with his previous Bestowers of Eternity prologue and now TOAK, Dave Gilbert is quickly establishing himself as one of the top dramatic writers in the community. The story is impressive in its scope, and the game earns special credit for being one of the few Underground games to exploit the concept of multiple player-characters.

Gilbert, after retiring from his former gig as editor of this here Underground website, assembled a brilliant team and produced a wonderful, classic adventure game. I suppose that, with this level of quality, we have no choice but to forgive him for leaving now! Congratulations to Dave and the entire Two of a Kind team for creating the Adventure Gamers Underground 2004 Game of the Year!

First Runner-Up: No-Action Jackson by Britton O'Toole
Second Runner-Up: Cirque de Zale by Rebecca Clements

And with that, we wrap our look at the best games of the past year. The fact that many fine games didn't win, and more still didn't even make the final selection, just goes to show how high the quality of Underground games has become. No doubt next year's selection will be even tougher, but it's a challenge we're looking forward to eagerly.

Once again, well done to all the winners!