Mass Effect 2

or


GT5

I don't think that's necessarily true.  Sequels to games that were amazing and GotY winners every where don't always get the same recognition the second time around (MW2)

Being an unexpectedly awesome game is how you usually win GotY.  Uncharted 2 was far better than Uncharted but that's partially because the original wasn't that amazing, MW2 didn't win many GotY awards because it was compared to MW and didn't change enough, I think the same will happen to SMG2.

GT5! nough said :P

Halo Reach

zelda ( if out in time)

Halo Reach if not

Zelda, if it makes it. I think Mass Effect 2 will be hurt by being too early in the year. Might not be fair, but a lot of people will have forgotten about it, at least partially, by the call-in time.

Gran Turismo 5 will have a shot, being further in the year. Last Guardian if it makes it also.

Don't know how to feel about Halo Reach, but i would bet against StarCraft. They're going to do something to mess it up, to be less iconic than the original.

Blizzard mess something up? Nah. It'll be amazing. Though having it split may cause some to view it as only a partial game. The gameplay pretty much stands as well as it did 11 years ago and if those battle reports are anything to go by, the balance that made the game so wildly fun to play is still present.

However, I would agree with you in that I think it'll be less iconic in the long run. I don't think it'll have the same longevity that the first had, but I do believe it'll have an absolutely huge initial (and relatively long) impact.

Regardless, this year will undoubtedly have some heavy contenders coming from multiple platforms and genres. Halo Reach, Starcraft 2, Zelda Wii, Mario Galaxy 2, God of War 3 and The Last Gaurdian, though I'm sure I'm missing some, all seem to be potential award winners in the West.

It will be between:

Halo: Reach
Starcraft II
Gran Turismo 5

No other game has any serious chance against those three.

(The Last Guardian would have a good chance, but I assume it's not coming out this year)

You all are forgetting Metroid: Other M. I dont know but I have a feeling its going to be a Nintendo title that wins it. Mario Galaxy 2 or the epic so called Zelda Wii as it has been said its waiting till its perfect. If not then Mass Effect or GT 5, if Halo Reach is in reach the maybe that one but I doubt it.

Oh I forgot to mention Zelda Wii. Obviously that would be a very hot contender for GOTY, but again I assume it's not ready for release this year.

I guess Zelda Wii and The Lost Guardian are the hottest combatants for 2011 GOTY. Well, behind Elder Scrolls 5.