Joystiq [PlayStation]

Also nominated for: Best Music Game, Best Downloadable Game
Why it should win: No other nominee costs $5 and offers as much potential gameplay as Beats. The game really delivers an experience that's uniquely PSP, capitalizing on the system's media, gaming and networking capabilities.
Why it shouldn't win: The game doesn't work with every MP3, and doesn't work with any other kind of music file. The notes are generally accurate, but nothing beats a human-crafted notes sequence.




Also nominated for: Best Strategy Game, Best Story
Why it should win: Of all the SRPG games nominated this year, none are as complex (or as funny) as Disgaea. The port from PS2 is stupendous. Not only do the visuals hold up well, but there's new content to be found as well (the added Etna mode is quite a surprise!).
Why it shouldn't win: It's still a port of a PS2 game. Also, it's ridiculously complicated, and many casual gamers will find themselves scratching their heads in confusion trying to learn every tactic in the game.




Also nominated for: Best Strategy Game, Best Story, Best Original Soundtrack
Why it should win: Because Tactics is considered one of the best SRPG games ever created. Add beautiful PSP-exclusive cutscenes, a marvelous new translation and a few new sequences for the handheld, and you have a classic that's made even better.
Why it shouldn't win: The f-r-a-m-e-r-a-t-e can be quite p-a-i-n-f-u-l. With no graphical upgrades to speak of whatsoever, it's inexcusable that this port of a PS1 game should run so sluggishly.




Also nominated for: Best Strategy Game
Why it should win: It has the best graphics of the three SRPGs on this list, and is the only one made exclusively for the PSP. Also, the controls are fantastic in Jeanne, thanks to its full 3D camera. The story is fun, and the gameplay is fun for SRPG veterans and newbies alike.
Why it shouldn't win: The story itself is great, but there's very little attention placed on the ancillary characters. With the right combination of skills, some characters become nigh unstoppable, making the game a bit too easy for its own good.




Also nominated for: Best Strategy Game, Best Graphics
Why it should win: Quite possibly the most beautiful looking game on the system, Tactical Strike pushes the limits of PSP hardware. The gameplay is equally compelling, with some of the most visceral strategic battles found in a military game.
Why it shouldn't win: Those expecting a traditional SOCOM experience walked away with a very bitter taste in their mouths. The levels in the game can last up to two hours each -- inexcusable for a handheld game. And with 27 missions total, this game might be too long for the pick-up-and-play portable gamer.




Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow
Sony Bend | Sony Computer Entertainment
Also nominated for: Best Action/Adventure Game, Best Original Soundtrack, Best Graphics
Why it should win: Logan's Shadow excels at so much: from its gameplay to its graphics, to its music, there's almost nothing the newest Syphon Filter does wrong. It may look like a PS2 game, but it's PSP exclusive for now.
Why it shouldn't win: Some players may never adjust to the very complicated control scheme of Logan's Shadow. While it's awesome that you can break someone's neck, duck behind cover, and remote detonate a sniper explosive, some may argue that Logan's Shadow would work much better on a console than on a handheld.




Stay tuned to PSP Fanboy on December 27th for the winners. Best of 2007 image based off of work from Studio469.