We're getting into more recent games. Here is where I agree with V.
Older games there's a little more sense.
But new stuff is never properly judged.
Proof?
Today GTA Vice City and Kingdom Hearts are wiping the floor with Metroid prime. THE FIRST ONE.
Way I see these contests, they're good for a bit but eventually hit a point where they hit rock bottom.
Today is where it starts for me. I may check it out again, but only for games I really think deserve more credit. Namely CT. it has a lot, but if it took 2nd place last time only getting beat by FF7, it's not enough. Ocarina of Time? I'll accept it. Certain games, fine general public say they're better and in many aspects they are so I'm okay with them getting higher rated than CT. But FF7 is certainly NOT one of those.
LittleBigPlanet and Left 4 Dead will also probably be underrated. Portal I'm not sure(love the end theme).
As for this other topic that's been brought up, characters really do make the game but I also think the story does it as well. That's what won a golden spot for CC with me. Harle and gameplay seriously helped too though.