Sony Computer Entertainment America's first- and second-party development departments have really grown into their own -- especially in the PlayStation 2 era. Naughty Dog, Insomnaic, Zipper Interactive, Hamonix Music Systems and Incog Inc have all become impressive outside exclusive developers for the Foster City-based juggernaut, further building on internal SCE development efforts like EyeToy.

In all, six titles by the aforementioned developers managed to capture quite a bit of praise last year, and in an effort to make sure everyone on the planet knows about it, Sony has been oh so kind as to give us the run-down, which we'll now pass onto you, but not without the requisite semi-gloating quote from a high-ranking Sony exec.

"We are honored that our first-party titles, produced by what we believe to be the industry's best developers, continue to be recognized by experts, enthusiasts and most importantly, the consumer," beamed Shuhei Yoshida, SCEA's VP of Product Development. "We believe our commitment to innovation and our passion to deliver the most creative content is what brings the PlayStation experience to life, and why our lineup received such distinct praise."


Dig on these games and their respective awards:


SOCOM II: US NAVY SEALs:

Best Online Game of 2003
- PLAY Magazine and GameSpy

Top Five Game of 2003
- PlayStation Magazine (PSM)

One of the best games of 2003
- CNN.com

Best Action Game
- Spike TV Video Game Awards

Best Shooter and Game of the Year
- 1up.com


EyeToy:

Most Innovative Game of 2003
- PLAY Magazine, GameSpy, GameSpot, 1up.com and the Dallas Morning News

Among the 10 best games of 2003
- San Jose Mercury News and Amazon.com

Fourth Place, "Toy Test 2003"
- NBC Today's


:Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando:

Best Game of 2003
- IGN, Cinescape and Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM)

Top 10 Games of 2003
- PSM

Best Platformer of the Year
- "X-Play", GameSpot and the Dallas Morning News

Game of the Year Nominee
- 1up.com

Best Platformer and Best PlayStation 2 Game of the Year
- GamingWorldX.com

PlayStation 2 Game of the Year and Action-Shooting Game of the Year
- PLAY Magazine

Top 10 Best Games of 2003
- San Francisco Chronicle and the San Jose Mercury News


:Jak II:

Game of the Year, Best Character Design and Best Story
- PSM

Hybrid Game of the Year, Best Graphics and Editors Choice
- PLAY Magazine

Action Game of the Year, Game of the Year (tied)
- PSE2

Editors Choice Award, Best Graphics
- IGN

Best Platform Game and Game of the Year for PS2
- GameSpot

Best Adventure Game
- Gamezone.com

Best Platform Game
- UGO

Honorable Mention, Best Games of 2003
- CNN.com


:Downhill Domination:

Xtreme Sports Game of the Year
- PLAY Magazine

Seventh Place, "Toy Test 2003"
- NBC Today's


:Amplitude:

One of the Four Best Console Games of 2003
- Rolling Stone Magazine


With games like Killzone, Gran Turismo 4, the PSP and a slew of as-yet unannounced titles, 2004 should be just as rewarding for SCEA. As always, we'll be sure let you know about any accolades as they come in.