I wanted to do a look back at this now that we are in its twilight years. Yes there are some big games to come but outside GTA5 and maybe Last of Us or Bioshock Infinite I dont see much that will be considered classics. This gen has been absolutely incredible with many of the greatest games ever made. I want to make a thread where we can have a discussion about what games defined the generation, which games do you instantly think of when you think of this current gen. Making a personal top ten list doesn't help as there isnt much basis for discussion, you cant argue my list, it is my list.

So instead of just doing a top ten games of a generation list I want to list that defined the generation whether its because it influenced many games or sold a ton of copies or were the most beloved highly rated games. Whatever the reason these games are the absolute top of this gen. I will try to not include multiple sequels but there may be an exception. After this objective list I will then list my personal top 10 games of this gen.

For the sake of this thread the DS is this gen. Zelda TP is last gen.

This list is in no particular order.

The cover shooter, one of the most common themes of this gen began with Gears of War. It quickly became the big third party exclusive for the 360 and poster child for the shooter crowd that the 360 is known for. It was one of the first giant blockbusters with state of the art graphics and impressive setpieces. A game that signified next gen is here.

Regardless of what you think of the direction Oblivion took TES there is no denying that it was this game which exposed the WRPG to console gamers. While the sequel maybe better it did not leave the impact Oblivion did.

An absolute masterpiece of level design, new ideas and perfect controls; Mario Galaxy stands as one if not the greatest platformer of all time.

Remember the early days of the 360, EVERYBODY had Geometry Wars. It was THE game of Xbox Live Arcade. This game proved that this gen wouldnt be all about the big budget titles but will have its fair shake of old school like titles.

Say what you will about the reviews and the "oscar level" story and acting, GTA4 was a gigantic monster hit and an excellent game to boot. I loved it from start to finish even if it wasnt as good as some of the PS2 GTA games.

Halo 2 started off Xbox Live, Halo 3 solidified it as the choice for online shooters. It also ends the Halo trilogy in spectacular fashion.

I wont include the Orange Box since it is not a game itself, Portal was the clear standout of the bunch. A genius puzzle game with the greatest dialogue in a game this gen. The mix of funny story with addictive puzzles made this an unlikely stand out hit.

The first 2D Mario game in over a decade, something people clearly wanted as the NSMB series puts CoDs sales to shame. I am not a fan of what Nintendo has done with these games but the first one started as a great throwback.

This is what happens when incredible graphics and atmopshere come together with great gameplay. One of the most memorable games this gen, who can forget Rapture, Would you Kindly, and your first encounters with the Big Daddies. The best first person shooter this gen.

The absolutely epic conclusion to the MGS series storyline. It may have some mixed reaction but to most it is easily one if not the best gaming experience this gen. It also was the PS3s white knight, their one giant exclusive when the system was still finding its stride.

Do I even have to say anything about this one. I would say the single most influencial game of this gen. A game that started an online movement that has completely changed the landscape of gaming for better or worse.

Oh stop groaning, you cannot deny the massive impact Wii Sports had. The game most responsible for the underpowered Wii's meteoric rise to first place this gen. A simple game that perfectly showed the motion gaming concept Nintendo was selling.

Some dont like the direction the second ME took, too bad, this game showed you can create a shooter hybrid that has great shooting mechanics. The best cast of characters, the best storylines and one of the most highest rated games this gen. Mass Effect 2 is perhaps the "RPG" of the generation.

The first Assassin's Creed was a great idea with poor execution. The sequel was everything the you would hope the first would be and is easily the crown jewel of the AC series which has become a staple of this generation.

The decline of Japanese gaming was a big story throughout this gen but this is one universally loved Japanese game that shows Japan can still make masterpieces. It is such a unique almost old school take on a dungeon crawler. Easily one of the best games this gen.

This is the game you show someone to prove to them that games can have movie like adventures. Moment to moment this is the most thrilling game of the gen, in no way could any of the setpieces created be done in any other generation. The train sequence alone puts this game on the list.

The highest peak of the music genre, it also began its decent into oblivion. Rock Band was the final stage of the plastic instrument movement, now you can have a bunch of people take part. The ultimate party game.

The captial wasteland is one of the best game worlds ever created. Take the TES formula and add guns what do you get, another masterpiece.

The 2D fighter had a bit of resurgance this gen and it is all because of the fantastic SF4. Capcom wisely built the game around SF2 nostalgia while creating a great new fighting system.

The greatest comic book game ever made. This is how you use a license, not only is this a good game it is a great Batman story.

I dont know anything about this but I know it was a big deal and I needed to put some PC game on this.

Take the GTA formula and throw it into the wild west with a classic Wild West like story and you get Red Dead Redemption. The story is so good and feels like an authentic western, who can forget that ending.

The hack and slash action game had its ups and downs but there is one undisputed best action game this gen and it is Bayonetta. This was Platinum Games statement to the game world that they are here to stay.

One of the most interesting new franchises this gen creating a magical game for all ages. A game that celebrates the players allowing us to create our own levels, stories, ideas and making a space where it is easy to share with all.

I think that covers most of the big major games across most genres. There are a ton of games that were simply excellent but I think these stand out.

And now my top ten games of the generation. I can only see three potential games getting a spot into this list this year, GTA5, Bioshock Infinite and Last of Us. For now this is my top 10.

10. Bioshock - My favorite FPS of this gen and to me maybe only second to HL2. The gameplay is so addicting allowing you options, its not just shoot shoot shoot. Plus it is one of the most memorable game worlds ever.

9. Demon's Souls - How amazing is this game, it was like they picked my brain and gave me something I didn't know I always wanted. This game kicks your ass and you love it for it. I love the online integration, so perfectly done without being in your face.

8. Metroid Prime 3 - Possibly the best use of the wiimote and why I enjoy playing FPSs with it. MP3 nearly reaches the highs of the first but its combat focus keeps it from besting the original. Still this game is just incredible from start to finish.

7. Fallout New Vegas - I enjoyed New Vegas more than Fallout 3 simply cause I could see my choices shaping the world in a way most games do not allow. Such a compelling world with all the same addicting gameplay that makes these games so engrossing.

6. Grand Theft Auto 4 - GTA is still the best open world sandbox game and no game this game matched GTA4. RDR comes close but I will take cars, boats, and bikes over horses any day.

5. Uncharted 2 - This game is so incredible, like Raiders of the Lost Ark in game form. Set piece to set piece my mouth was on the floor. Plus it introduced one of the most fun multiplayer modes I have ever played.

4. Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 - I am cheating here, I combined the two since they are so similar and I didnt want to lose a spot on the list. I think the first one is just slightly better but the second has higher highs. Either way these are the best platformers this gen and outside SMB3 and SMW the greatest platformers ever.

3. Mass Effect 2 - A sci-fi epic action RPG that removes all the crap that clutters RPG and just gives me pure story and action, sign me up! This was my first Mass Effect game and I was just floored. Easily my favorite RPG if you can call it that, its more an action game with RPG elements which is way I love it so much. What a universe Bioware has made, the best new franchise this gen.

2. LittleBigPlanet - Everyone has that one game every gen that just consumes them. You sink in hundreds of hours, you can not stop, well it was LBP for me. No game captured my imagination and gave me a sense of wonder like LBP. It reminded me of the early days of PSO, I felt like I was on a new frontier of gaming, blazing a new road with a few fellow gamers. Every night I would get on to see what was new. I spent maybe 150 hours making my own levels. I don't even know how to categorize this game cause I cant say it is the best platformer, I cant even say its the best game cause I honestly will never play it again. It was a moment in time, an unforgettable experience. This game was the last time I was obsessive about a game, since then I feel like I have lost that drive to love any one game this much.

1, Metal Gear Solid 4 - Every game I play this gen I always think "was that as good as MGS4" and the answer has always been no. MGS4 stands as a shining example of everything I want out of my games. I want gameplay that allows me options, I can play as I want but at the same time it needs to be focused. When MGS4 lets you play boy does it let you play, I spent 4 hours in one area once just messing with guards in multiple ways. It has by far the best gameplay of any MGS game. Then there are the scripted moments which rival any game, the bike chase stands as one of the most impressive and exciting moments I have ever played. The boss battles may not be MGS3 level good but it still lived up to the series high standards. What I found most genius at all (and what many dont like) is how half way through Kojima twists the game around into something totally unexpected. All of a sudden you are on this rollercoaster ride of varied gameplay, most of which is all a love letter to the series. This was the grand goodbye and Kojima hits ever beat from every MGS game and makes sure you reexperience it in a new way. The game is packed with hidden gems, hilarious codec conversations, so many unlockables you can play it 15 times and still miss stuff. Just perfection. Then there is the story which I know fell apart at the end but throughout the game was dropping epic bombs left and right and closed all storylines. I have a rule that NOTHING that happens after I put down the controller can effect my view on a game, honestly I dont care that everything gets messy after the credits, I still enjoyed the game before that. Oh and dont forget it came with Metal Gear Online which was such a unique awesome multiplayer mode. I cannot say enough about this game, to me the greatest MGS game.

"4. Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2"

"2. LittleBigPlanet"

I don't even.

Dvader said:

Foolz said:

"4. Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2"

"2. LittleBigPlanet"

I don't even.

I think I explain it extremely well.

You cannot even hope to explain such insanity.

P.S. Podcast thread.

I think your list is awesome besides LittlebigPlanet and MGS4. LBP is ok but it is vastly overated in my opinion. The controls are not very good and the main game is kinda boring. It was an ok game but meh.

MGS4 well jesus I won't even get into that.

On your top list I think under SF4 you are really underplaying just how much the game rebirthed the fighting genre. Fighters were dead before this thing came out. Otherwise good lists all around, fun read.

A list by DVader without a Resident Evil, Sonic or Zelda game?  Imposter begone ... what have you done with the real Vader?

I'm surprised you didn't have Skyrim mentioned at all. I realize Oblivion is on here, but Skyrim seems like the mainstream and more recognized (and possibly better) installment of the series. I think it was the much bigger impact. Only one of these games has produced a dumbass internet meme that won't die.

Good list man.

But Morrowind was the WRPG that introduced this style to console gamers, not Oblivion. Morrowind did everything Oblivion did, and mostly better. In 2002 to boot. That was probably my most played game on the Xbox other than Halo 1.

Also, about throwing a PC game on the list...you have a large amount of multi-platform games on the list that have their best version on the PC, so you actually have MANY PC games on the list. Gears of War, Bioshock, COD4, GTA4, Oblivion, Batman, Ass Creed, Mass Effect, Fallout, even Street Fighter are all PC games. It IS true that the PC doesn't get as many exclusives as it used to, unfortunately, because those were the games that really pushed the platform. But, it doesn't NEED exclusives the way a console does to justify itself either.

The only games I kinda don't agree with are Bayonetta and Little Big Planet. Bayonetta is awesome but also very niche...most people have no idea what the hell it is or that it exists. And Little Big Planet is more my personal opinion, that it was just MEH.

I would also include Dragon Age Origins in this list....one of the best games Bioware has made, and very old-school yet modern at the same time. The conversation values of Mass Effect mixed with the gameplay of Baldur's Gate. Also, one of the only games of the generation that was clearly designed for PC first, with not just graphics but also gameplay in mind.

Why do you think they wouldn't control as well? If you use a controller, its the exact same thing...then games like Mass Effect and Dragon Age, Bioshock and Crysis control much better with mouse controls.