Golden Joystick shortlist announced

The UK’s biggest computer games awards event has kicked off by announcing the shortlist for the best games of 2006.

Straddling games for the PC, Nintendo, Playstation, Xbox platforms, as well as various handheld devices, the UK’s gaming public is being called on to decide who’ll be the winners and losers for this year’s Golden Joystick Awards.

Now in its 24th year, the awards began in 1982 when platforms such as Atari, Commodore and Spectrum ruled the world and Sony was still making Walkmans.

There are 16  awards up for the grabs and along with the usual best game in each category, there are awards for best online, kids' and girls’ games as well those for best soundtrack, favourite character and most innovative. The best retailers and publishers will also be getting the nod.

Last year, more than 200,000 UK gamers voted online and the organisers are hoping to break the 250,000 barrier this year.

Mario Kart DS is leading with nominations in six categories followed by online role-playing game, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion with five nominations.

The awards will be presented on October 27.

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