It's a gala event and all the stars are turning out to see who all the winners are! Check out who and what ruled, and reeked in 2001! Let the awards begin!
2001 Developer of the year Award
Intelligent Systems
With this longtime Nintendo party producing Mario Kart Super Circuit and Advance Wars, two of the strongest GBA titles for 2001, it’s hard to look elsewhere in terms of “Best Developer.” Come to think of it, Intelligent Systems also did Paper Mario last year, which was one of the last (and best) games for N64. With the success of Advance Wars and an over-the-top display of ability from I.S. in 2001, I hope that North America will finally see its mature RPG series, Fire Emblem for 2002. – Max Lake
This was a very hard decision for me as well, yet MKSS was probably the game that I still keep coming back to time and time again. I am just getting into Advance Wars, and I have to admit I am afraid of how addictive this game can be. I cannot wait to see what IS has in store for 2002. If they can do the next Mario RPG (Paper Mario ruled) I would be more than excited. Let’s just get it out earlier in the GameCube’s life cycle. – Billy Berghammer
"Paper Mario was the N64 game of the year and Advance Wars was, in my opinion, the best GBA game of the year. While Intelligent Systems didn't craft anything for the GameCube, I think these two games alone surpass anything else that Nintendo released in 2001 except possibly Super Smash Brothers Melee, but this is a matter of quantity, not quality." – Desmond Gaban
*Insert fanboyish gushing here* - Justin Nation
As one of the most underrated yet over-talented developers, IS has always been somewhat in the shadows compared to Miyamoto-san's more prominent EAD team. However, every single game they touch appears to turn gold whether that be Mario Kart, Advance WARS, Mario Story or the upcoming Metroid IV and Fire Emblem: Fuuin no Ken. I'm anxiously awaiting the announcement for GC WARS and Fire Emblem GC. NOA better be bringing Fire Emblem over now that they've seen WARS for AGB sell beyond their wildest expectations. Well done, IS. Everyone there has my highest regards. - Zosha Arushan
Paper Mario alone could have earned Intelligent Systems this award. It's one of the best RPGs I've ever played, and was much harder than it looked. The fact that they also released my favorite GBA title of the year (Advance Wars) seals the deal. - David Trammell
