There's a difference between evolution of a series and carbon copies of previous games. CoD4 was exactly like CoD2 in every way except graphics and setting.Stinkles said:Mario 64 on a sphere. Space Inavders in a tube. Pole Position on steroids.
If games truly innovated as much as the interwebs demands, they would currently be an art medium enjoyed only by the Belgian avante garde.
Can't a game just be good, to win an award? COD4 is fun and looks awesome. Isn't that worthy of recognition?