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Best New Character

Game characters can be incredibly endearing, but it must be difficult for a game designer to come up with a truly compelling and original character design, judging by how forgettable or straightforward most game characters are. But every year has its exceptions--characters that have never-before-seen moves, not to mention plenty of style, attitude, and personality. We see the five best new characters of the year as follows:

The Boss - Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

(PS2)
Publisher: Konami
Developer: KCEJ
This tough-as-nails woman not only taught Snake all of his cool moves, but is about as complex of a character as we've seen in any game.

Dog - Half-Life 2

(PC)
Publisher: VU Games
Developer: Valve Software
Dog doesn't have a speaking role in Half-Life 2, and he doesn't even have a face, but he's easily one of the game's most memorable characters.

The King of All Cosmos - Katamari Damacy

(PS2)
Publisher: Namco
Developer: Namco
Words can't really do justice to The King of All Cosmos, so we'll simply remind you that his "voice" sounds just like turntable scratching.

Kreia - Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: Sith Lords

Publisher: LucasArts
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
This enigmatic Jedi challenges your morals every step of the way in The Sith Lords. If you thought Star Wars boiled down to good versus evil, think again.

Ryder - Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

(PS2)
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Developer: Rockstar North
CJ's doped-up buddy is always up to no good, and has an excellent knack of getting his well-to-do friend into trouble...and then making fun of his driving skills during the getaway.
And the Winner is...