Every generation has its share of great games which direct and define the future of gaming. There was a time when this role was fulfilled with games like Half life, Halo, God of War, and Metal Gear Solid. That some of these games created a revolution is not the major factor of their greatness. The main reason why many of these games are considered as classics is because they created an experience which maintained its greatness throughout their playtime, and still left players wanting for more of the same.
Thankfully, this generation has also had its share of such games. So, without further ado, lets look at the best games to come out this generation for PC and Consoles.
Playstation 3
Demons Souls/Dark Souls
The people at FROM software are masochists, but in a good way. To make not one but two games that are such a pain to play, but at the same time are so enjoyable; it’s a rare combination and somehow they have been able to pull it off. These games really do not care about how or where you go. They just drop you into their world. From there you’re on your own.
Uncharted 2 : Among thieves
Drakes fortune and Drakes deception are both really really good games, but it’s the second one in the series that takes the cake. Combining heart-throbbing action with good set pieces and good story telling, this is a game which will never outstay it’s welcome and will always leave you wanting more. Couple with that some of the best visuals ever made, and you have quality that rivals the best of Hollywood action movies. Michael Bay, now here is one game which you can learn something from.
God of War 3
Concluding a series with such a huge scope isn’t an easy thing. But SCE Santa Monica managed to pull it off. Although it’s not considered to be as good as it’s predecessors, still as a game it’s an amazing experience and one that should not be missed. Kratos, you will be sorely missed.
Metal Gear Solid 4
This isn’t just a game. It’s a game/movie, and this is what many people don’t realize. The most harsh criticisms levelled at this game stem from the “redundant” cut-scenes that this game has. But, longstanding fans will know that they’re as much a part of the game as the gameplay itself, and frankly I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Killzone 2
This game turned a lot of heads when it came out, and turned out to be an amazing first person shooter. The sense of scale on display over here is hardly matched by other games in the genre. Plus the graphics and the awesome multiplayer only added to the experience.
Batman: Arkham City
Simply put, the best superhero game ever made!
XBOX 360
Gears of War 1, 2 & 3
The Gears of War series has always been a favorite on the 360 and for good reason. Combining solid third person mechanics, good graphics, and a great story, it’s no wonder that the series has been received so well by critics and gamers alike.
Forza series
The PS3 might have Gran Turismo, but that does not mean the 360 does not at least attempt to answer its challenge. The Forza series is the premier racing series on the 360, and unlike the NFS series, it manages to get better with every iteration.
Mass Effect 1/2
Although the game is also there on PC, it’s the 360 version that has made this game so popular. With interaction sequences that manage to wow people even today, solid combat, and a huge world, it is one of the best action RPG’s ever created.
Red Dead Redemption
Another exception as this game is on the PS3 as well. But if any game deserves to be in a best of list, it’s this one. Never have Western games been this good; Rockstar delivered with the one of the best stories in gaming. Also John Marston is one amazing character. Missing out on this game is blasphemy.
PC
The Elders Scroll : Skyrim
Okay, another exception. But anyone who’s played an Elders Scroll game on the PC will agree that the experience on PC is vastly superior to the console experience, and for one single reason – Mods. Mods have made Oblivion a totally different game than what it was when it released, and the same seems to be the case with Skyrim. The game itself needs no commendations; it’s an experience unlike any other.
Civilization 5
No PC best of list will ever be complete without a mention of the Civilization series. Strategy has always been an ace in the hole for the PC, and no game does it better in that department than a Civilization game.
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
This is the game that should have won the award for best graphics. But it wasn’t even nominated for the VGA awards. But that’s not important. What’s important is that it’s one of the best rpgs out there and is not an experience that should be missed.
Shogun 2 : Total War
Another strategy game that is hugely popular on the PC. Rome : Total War still stands tall as the best strategy game ever, but Shogun 2 gives it stiff competition.
Bioshock
Story is an important aspect of gaming, and no game proves this more than Bioshock. The solid combat and spooky atmosphere only add to the sense of amazement and complement the story perfectly. And this is the one game where you can safely use the term big daddy without referring to a sexual innuendo.
Starcraft 2 : Wings of Liberty
Anything I can say has also been said too many times before. All I can say is if ever there is a strategy game that can be as popular as COD or Halo, it’s Starcraft.
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