A masters in fine arts thesis project created by Jenova Chen and Nicholas Clark of the University of Southern California, flOw is a mesmerizing game of primordial life, evolution and survival. Dive deep into the wild blue to seek out and consume other organisms on your path to simple cell nirvana.

Why we picked it: Everything about this game "flowed", from its title screen right through to climactic boss fight on the game's deepest level. Flow is a magnificent achievement in artistic expression as well as captivating gameplay. Simple and elegant, this beautiful game proves that games are indeed works of art. Jenova Chen demonstrates through his creation that he understands how an engaging game play experience should look and feel, and delivers it within a package that anyone can appreciate in the convenience of their favorite browser. Beyond the shadow of a doubt, Flow earns a spot amongst the Best of 2006.