Bytten Ernie Awards 2010

Most Original Concept - Happier Than You by FunEffect

This game wins hands down. I can honestly say that I've never played a game quite like it. Build abstract products from parts that can be bought and sold on a demand driven market, and then release them to an envious and materialistic customer base. Making someone happy by fulfilling their desires can make others get jealous. The expressions on the comical plasticine heads of the consumers give instant feedback on the popularity of your marketing. It's a puzzle game at first glance but actually has a lot of strategic elements as well as being a playable parody of western consumerism in general.

It's a game that refuses to be pigeonholed into any one genre and draws very little inspiration from games that have come before. The interface is a bit haphazard, and the control scheme has minor issues, but the clever ideas behind this creation deserve acknowledgement, and a coveted Ernie.

Best Overall Game - Casebook: Episode II/III by Areo - Cinematic Games

With one episode at each end of the year, it's hard to choose between these two editions of a consistently high quality game. While Episode I was a single story in itself, Episode II ended with the case remaining unsolved. We know who the killer is - but he's smart, and there's not enough evidence to convict. Episode III sees Detective Burton finally tracking him down - and this time, he thinks we can catch him... even if it means operating outside of our jurisdiction.

While Episode II seems the more technically varied of the episodes (the chemical sniffer being a particular point) I was impressed with the character development of the third instalment - and neither story ends happily, though Episode III does bring the Hapman arc to an end. I hear a fourth episode is under development, and I am very excited by the prospect!