Originally Posted: http://clgamer.com/2012/08/project-25-top-25-current-gen-10-6/
I’m slightly torn on this current generation of games. I recognize the number of behemoths that have emerged, from the sequel realm, to the original IP’s. For some reason though, the overall fun factor when compared to any other generation, seems a bit meager. I can’t put my finger on exactly why I feel this way. It’s definitely not due to the over saturation of rhythm based titles, Call of Duty titles and other, mostly Activision milked franchises (I have a few of those on this very list). It seems as if the extra polygons and processor power didn’t replicate the kinds of games that feel ageless. Even the previous generation had a number of those, including Crazy Taxi, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Persona 4.
Whatever the case might be, there were still the standouts in this current generation, regardless of whether they feel as timeless as the previous generations. Lets take a look at my Top 25 Current Generation Games:
10. Guitar Hero 3 (360)
I was never big on Rock Band like most of the world. When Guitar Hero 3 was released, I was hooked in hard, even if I had used an Xbox 360 controller more than the guitar peripheral that it came with (yes, I’m a freak like that). By far it had the most resonating tracklist featured on any standalone rhythm title that wasn’t a spinoff. I would play Cult of Personality, One and Take this Life non stop for hours, and didn’t care much about how little DLC support as coming through. What did come through (Metallica’s Death Magnetic album, track packs from Muse and Dragonforce) only added to the addiction and thrill that I only found in one other title within the genre. Say what you will about the saturation of the franchise, but Guitar Hero 3 is still on the upper echelon in terms of overall track quality and replay value.
09. The Orange Box (360)
Five of the best games ever in one package. What more could you ask for? Okay, maybe lag free Team Fortress 2 servers, but for the most part, the package overall had quality oozing from its pours. Half Life 2, along with Episode One and Episode Two could have sealed the deal by its self, but the addition of Portal (which, shockingly, is my least favorite title in the compilation) and Team Fortress 2 just put the package over the top. You’d be hard pressed to find any other collections for any system with that many stellar titles on one disc. They may look and play better on a PC, but for those who would rather game while sitting on a recliner with a controller in their hands, The Orange Box is as good as it gets in terms of a collection of titles on one disc.
08. Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)
I really can’t name that many Nintendo Wii titles that could sell the system to anyone who has yet to pick one up (all seven of you). Super Mario Galaxy is one of those few titles. Sharing similarities to Super Mario Bros.3 in terms of the brevity but excitement of each stage, Galaxy was a topsy turvy platformer that used gravity and some crazy angles to help pull off one of the most enjoyable Mario titles ever. There isn’t much else to be said that hasn’t been said already. Super Mario Galaxy is a must have, must play title that is worth the purchase of a Nintendo Wii.
07. Fallout 3 (360)
Rating: N/A
Another title that some scoffed at during development, Fallout 3 took a radical departure from its PC roots and used the Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion engine. Fallout 3 did have its share of bugs, but the modestly sized game world, perks gained from leveling, storyline and impressive voice acting trumped whatever went against it. Using VATS during a battle (enabling players to “pause” the action and aim for certain appendages on their adversaries) added another layer to the gameplay that really seemed vital, or else things would feel more like “Oblivion with guns”. Nevertheless, outside the subpar expansions released, Fallout 3 is an adventure worth seeking out.
06. Culdcept Saga (360)
Spanning as far back as the Sega Saturn, the Culdcept franchise is one that still has not seen a big enough promotion in the US. Only a PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 version was released, and it’s definitely not everyone’s cup of tea. Think Magic: The Gathering meets Monopoly, and you have the gist of what Culdcept Saga offers. The learning curve is absolutely vicious, and it takes a considerable amount of time to gain enough cards to stand a chance, but the addictive nature of collecting cards and constructing strategical moves the often cheating CPU (ALWAYS rolls the coincidental numbers) still outshines any negatives and any issues that the learning curve may bring up. If you are looking for a challenge, as well as a great time, but want to try something completely out of the norm, I wholeheartedly recommend Culdcept Saga.