ARC

A delightful game integrating sight and sound, ARC is a game of chain-reactions and music-making that will likely go directly into your Favorites list. The elegant simplicity with which ARC blends audio and visual stimuli with interactivity is like sweets for the senses, and a refreshing change from the usual.

Why we picked it: While just about any of the nominations in this category could have walked away with the award, it was the artistic style and elegant simplicity of Arc that were deciding factors for us. Besides exhibiting slightly higher overall production values than the others, Arc is a smooth idea that is implemented very well. There is not a lot to it, but this category is for those games and experiences that subscribe to the "less is more" mantra. Featuring three different modes of play, Accelerated, Accumulated and a training mode where everything moves more slowly, Arc also demonstrates that even simple ideas can be packaged like a full-featured application. Hypnotic and captivating, Arc earns a spot among the Best of 2006.