This list is comprised of the games that have made genuine advances, in there respective context (genres) and games which I feel will be the influential titles that other developers will be looking to, to produce there own games. They're not the best in every aspect, but each of these has at least one definitive trait which I think anyone can say has been unparalleled within it's context, within the industry, this generation. This is just my list though of course, based on my own opinion - let me know what you think of it, and what your own 'must play' games have been this generation.
Note: Listed in no particular order, and the bracketed games under each list item, are just 'honourable mentions' who offer similar to the game that was mentioned, so came close to being mentioned in that games place.
Batman Arkham Asylum (PS3, PC, 360)
Batman Arkham Asylum, is undoutably the very best superhero game ever created. Hell, it's within the top 5 action adventure games I've ever played. This game shows how stealth-action should be done, whilst engaging you with a great story, and believable world. I felt their was very little that Arkham Asylum could have done better - but I'm sure Arkham City will prove me wrong.
Braid (PSN, XBLA, PC)
Braid is kind of hot topic, specifically as generally used as the 'video games as art' example, on top of that some people consider the game pretencious, or perhaps a little too hard. However, underneath of the 'pretencious' artsy side of Braid, there's an amazing Puzzle platformer. However 'deep' you want to go into Braid, it should be an undoubtably enjoyable experience, the best of it's kind even. (Flower, Limbo)
Geometry Wars 2 (XBLA)
Geometry Wars 2 shows how retro should evolve (another good example would be the more recent Space Invaders Infinity gene). Geometry Wars 2 abides by the typical mechanics of a dual analogue shooter, whilst amping up the intensity with absolutely beautiful, ever changing gameplay. Geometry Wars 2 is probably the most addictive, downloadable game I've played this gen. It's stunning how something so amazin can be built on mechanics so simple. Thank you Bizzare Creations. (Rif Everyday Shooter)
Demon's Souls (PS3)
Demon's Souls, shows gamers how risk = reward. The harder the challenge is, the more rewarding it is to succeed. It's not neccesarily for everyone, true! If you don't have the patience, you'll only get to expeince the risk, and then in turn frustration... but if you can stick at it, there's very few games that offer a sense of forfillment like Demons Souls. Not that difficulty is all this game has on offer though, the atmosphere of this game is thick, it's definitely a 'believable' and in turn, immersive experience. (Mega Man 9, 10)
Little Big Planet (PS3)
Hell, anything that let's you experess your own imagination, through a new medium is cool, but when that medium just happens to be an awesome, physics based platformer. You have a great game coupled with ridiculous amounts of depth. Creation mode itself however is kind of similar to Demon's Souls however... except less probable to result in frustration. The feeling when you create a 'good' level is really great. (Halo Reach, Modnation Racers, Garrys Mod)
Red Faction Guerilla (PS3, PC, 360)
If you've played the game, you know what I'm talking about here. It has never been more satisfying to drive a vehicle into a house. The destruction mechanics are amazing! A great game for messing around, on top of that - the multiplayer just so happens to be one of the best this generation. (Battlefield: Bad Company)
Mass Effect (360)
Mass Effect, the first game where I've really felt that my choices had consequence. Kill entire races, change the entire galaxy, it's amazing what you're actions can do, and how much depth the selections lend to the game. Of course, on top of that Mass Effects depth is multiplied endlessly, with it's diverse character development mechanics. Perhaps most importantly, the game manages to break away from the cookie cutter sub-real time battle systems with its real time Third person shooter mechanics, making it an absolutely amazing blend of two genres, and a truly inovative series. (Dragon Age Origins, Oblivion)
Heavy Rain (PS3)
Another, amazing title. Often not considered a video game - considering it often presents itself as an interactive movie, over a game... but who cares what it is? really. It has a great story, and if it is a film, considering the amount of content - it's definitely one worth paying $60 for. Another game where you really feel the impact of your own _decisions - unlike Mass Effec though, in Heavy Rain almost every potential action holds consequence. A truly gripping 'game'.
Uncharted 2 (PS3)
Nothing needs to be said aside this game is the definitive, pinacle of technical excellence. If there is any big budget title you could truly call 'flawless', it's Uncharted. Gameplay, story, presentation, audio this game has everything. (Killzonee 2, Halo: Reach)
Halo: Reach (360)
I was a little reluctant to put this on the list, but I've decided to anyway. So why is this on the list? is the gameplay groundbreaking? hell, is anything about this game, groundbreaking? From a technical standpoint there are definitely better around, so where do I believe Halo Reach shines? Presentation. Due to the initiative of Bungie, or the lack of initiative of other developers, Halo Reach has an unparralled feature set, campaign co-op, map editor, co-op, singleplayer split screen, online slit screen, replay and record functionality, expansive online stat tracking. I'm not saying each individual feature isn't something that is perhaps done better elsewhere - but in terms of it's presentation alone, Halo does everything right. Of course that's not to say the gameplay itself isn't decidely enjoyable. (Uncharted 2, Killzone 2)
So that it, this is my list. How does it compare to your own? Before I close, I apologize for titles I'm not knowledgable enough of, to assess and consider for the list, I don't play many PC games, for example.
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