Top 10 - Greatest Games of this Generation

It's the Top 10 Greatest Games of this Generation in this edition.

Looking at the other contributions from staff since the top 10 revival, most have gone for something slightly outside the ‘box’. For today I will stick with something that’s relatively fresh in our minds, and yet it’s dying a slow crippling death - horrible isn’t it? As you breathe it continues to become weaker and, all things going on schedule, by the middle of 2007 it will be on life support.

Yes it is this generation of games, which has been well represented by Nintendo’s GameCube, Sony’s Playstation 2 and Microsoft’s Xbox, and although most people are adamant supporters of only one of the above consoles, gamers around the world find it easy to recognise a great title released on a rival system, wishing it was on their given console.

So what does this lead to? You buying a rival console, and another, until you own them all and get to play classics of this generation. Below is a list of the ten greatest games of this generation, as well as a quick note about them all and what system(s) they are featured on. If you haven’t played one of the titles below it might be the spark you need to keep you occupied until the next-generation is ushered in, so get gaming!

10. Grand Theft Auto 3 (Ps2, Xbox)

Almost criminal of me to rank it this low, because it meant so much to gaming at the time that it was released back in 2001. Hasn’t really stood the test of time all that well, and in hindsight a number of flaws can be seen, but no-one can doubt that this game really launched the GTA series from a cult following, right up to the mainstream - the R-rated mainstream that is.

9. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 (Ps2, Xbox)

If you were to go out and make a list yourself I’d highly doubt this would make it, but
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 struck a perfect balance between new and old at that point in the series and completely blew away the two previous efforts as well as being the high point in the series thus far.

8. The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay (Xbox)

A very personal favourite of mine, yet also a very hard game to rank on the list - let alone even make it on the top 10. Will be remembered as when Hollywood and gaming struck it right, delivering excellent shooting, hand-to-hand combat, stealth, and adventure elements with a solid story and outstanding, highly atmospheric graphics and sound.

7. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

Metal Gear Solid 2 was one of the single most highly anticipated video games of all time, considering its predecessor took the Metal Gear stealth action series from its humble 8-bit origins to completely unprecedented heights. MGS 2 again delivers, with its combination of cinematic 3D graphics, memorable characters, diverse and unusual gameplay elements, incredible production values, terrific showdowns, and surprising plot twists. A game you must play.

6. Halo 2 (Xbox)

Another difficult one to rank, as it had a rather short campaign mode, yet is an exceptional shooter that frequently delivers thrilling and unique moments in its online, co-op, and single-player modes. With a pre-order list of more than 1.5 million, a few people may have been let down in the series' second outing, yet more than that will have felt pleased with what they played.

5. Ninja Gaiden Black (Xbox)

Solidly built upon an already stunning series, and providing some of the best, most powerfully exciting action of any game ever seen. Combine this with gorgeous graphics and gameplay, and gamers were greeted with one of the best titles to hit the Xbox.

4. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (Ps2, Xbox)

Proved that the series had indeed come a long way from the top down 2D views of the original two GTA games. Huge interactive environment provided gamers with hours upon hours of gameplay and combined with tons of variety and some great dialogue and voice acting showed that the GTA series has hit its peak, although fighting its way through some noticeable flaws.

3. Resident Evil 4 (GC Version)

Could have easily been number one, had it not been for a few tiny issues - however this shouldn’t detract from what is a sensational game, and a definite must play. Incredibly amazing audiovisual presentation combined with excellent, bloody, in-your-face shooting action and a suspenseful, lengthy storyline that keeps you guessing and provides a completely awesome experience.

2. Halo (Xbox)

Not only was it the best of the Xbox launch games, but also it's probably going to be one of the best titles for the original Xbox. Has the uncanny ability to transcend its genre and sure has caused its fair share of Xbox sales since the consoles release back in 2001. Will go down as one of the best FPS games ever made.

1. Metroid Prime (GC)

Those who doubted that the Metroid series could successfully be translated in to 3D obviously weren’t expecting the game that was about to shake console gaming’s foundations. Combined FPS elements perfectly with action/adventure elements, and provided, in my view, the best gaming experience of this generation.