Present Console Generation question.

[Death58]

The other day, I saw Cinematech on G4, basically giving a good bye nod to this generation of video game consoles. It got me thinking that November is only a couple months away, when the 360 launches, and the generation starts anew. My question is; what was your favorite game in the PS2, Xbox, and Gamecube generation of console gaming, or perhaps what game do you think will affect the production of games for years to come? An obvious choice could possibly be Grand Theft Auto III, but I want to know what you absolute favorite game was for this generation?

[sdp]

This generation is far from over, the best games for gamecube/ps2 are still about to come out. and what where you doing watching a channel like g4? :p

[Death58]

This generation is far from over, the best games for gamecube/ps2 are still about to come out. and what where you doing watching a channel like g4? :pUh. . .you got me there. . .G4 has always seemed biased, but I was bored and wanted something to watch:sweat:.

[TrogdorNyimbhat]

For PS2 which is the only current gen console I own:

GTA3, no doubt about it as far as I'm concerned. Sequel Vice City was inspired and inspiring, San Andreas, while being most graphically advanced of three and revolutionizing open-ended landscape and in-game interaction, also revolutionized controversy and the way they tried to sneak inappropriate content to a younger demographics was vile.

#2 would be Max Payne 2 - The Fall of Max Payne, because even with little replay value compared to it's predecessor, I believe it's the only game featuring rag doll physics AND destructible terrain on the system, which can be understood once you consider game's less than perfect graphics.

#3 would be Gran Tourismo 4, being most graphically advanced game on the platform and the most realistic driving simulator.

Most disappointing games that were supposed to be the next best thing after the next best thing, are no doubt Driv3r and TCSOLA, due to dull linear gameplay and no replay value.

Of course I don't own all published games for the system and don't know for certain, out of all I've played (and I think I've played a lot), those would be my choices for now.

[Zach]

It happens to be on the PS2.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

[Simpler Simon]

I simply have too many games of varying genres to choose a favourite, but my picks would be:

-Resident Evil 4's control scheme and gameplay will be copied and improved on.

-EA's use of big name actors for licensed games will carry over. It's interesting how licensed games were next to crap in the NES/SNES days, gained a bit of respectability in the 32/64-bit generation, and have full studio involvement now. We might start seeing a-list actors sign on to film cutscenes just for games.

-Ideas I'd like to be carried over, but probably won't be: something like Killer 7, with its obtuse narrative and way of blurring the line between game and interactive entertainment. We don't need new or simplified control schemes per sey, we need studios willing to take risks with what they make.

[Shnay]

If I had to pick my favorite game from each console of this generation (as of right now), I would go with:

Playstation 2: Grand Theft Auto III
Gamecube: Metroid Prime
Xbox: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Multi-console: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

[Captain Harlock]

This generation was pretty good to me, but not as good as the Ps1 / N64 generation. Favorite game time!

Ps2:
Disgaea - Brought new life into the Strategy RPG genre and fueled the need to play for stat addicts like me!
Phantom Brave - Thank you Nippon Ichi, thank you.
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater - Hideo fixed all the problems I hated with Sons of Liberty and provided a great game to rival the original MGS.
Dynasty Warriors series - Who doesn't like mindless fun?

Gamecube:
Metroid Prime / 2 - The best game(s) for the entire system. The Metroid franchise has been continued in a glorious way and the developers really did a good job in translating the side scroller to a first person shooter.

Xbox:
Knights of the Old Republic: Probably the best RPG of the current generation. The best usage of the entire Star Wars franchise since X-Wing Alliance. The game is just so rich in its plot and incredible with the gameplay. Top notch, top notch!
Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind GOTY - I didn't have an adequate PC at the time of its release, so I was more than happy to have been able to play Morrowind:GOTY edition. I spent countless hours just walking around in the game. The expansive nature of it with an enriching story was a big positive.

If I had to pick my favorite game from each console of this generation (as of right now), I would go with:

Playstation 2: Grand Theft Auto III
Gamecube: Metroid Prime
Xbox: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Multi-console: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

If I had a penny for every time I agreed with you, I'd probably have a dollar.

[Dirtbag]

-EA's use of big name actors for licensed games will carry over. It's interesting how licensed games were next to crap in the NES/SNES days, gained a bit of respectability in the 32/64-bit generation, and have full studio involvement now. We might start seeing a-list actors sign on to film cutscenes just for games.Have you seen the cast list for the GTA series, particularly Vice City (http://imdb.com/title/tt0314123/)? Driver 3 also had quite a few. Its not just EA, and I think A-list actors have already started lining up for game roles. Officer Tenpenny is one of the few roles I've actually liked Samuel L. Jackson in.

My favorites:
PS2 - I'd have to go with GTA: Vice City. Believe it or not, I still haven't played GTA3, and while San Andreas had all the nice bells and whistles, VC had most of the same gameplay, but a far superior story. Tommy Vercetti is one of my favorite characters ever.

Gamecube: Lots of good stuff here. Wind Waker, SSBM, the WWE Titles (minus WMX8 - bleh), Resident Evil. But I'll have to agree Harlock and Shnay and say Metroid Prime.

[nowlight]

For me I would have to say Burnout 3 for both ps2/xbox. Havent played that much fun with my best friend since nes with Rad Racer.

[Kuja's Light]

PS2 only games so far, I'd definately say Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy X, and Final Fantasy X-2. For the GC, that's be Eternal Darkness and Wind waker.

To be quite honest I enjoy all games I own however, well except maybe Super Mario Sunshine...

[Simpler Simon]

Have you seen the cast list for the GTA series, particularly Vice City (http://imdb.com/title/tt0314123/)? Driver 3 also had quite a few. Its not just EA, and I think A-list actors have already started lining up for game roles. Officer Tenpenny is one of the few roles I've actually liked Samuel L. Jackson in.
Those games used in-game engine cutscenes right? I'm talking about live-action Hollywood-style production values for cutscenes.

[Demonic Raven]

Good ol' Cube.

Super Smash Bros Melee, Metroid Prime/2, Sonic Adventure 2: Battle, Soul Calibur 2, Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Tales of Symphonia, and Mario Kart: Double Dash. Excellent games. :)

[Punisher]

For the Gamecube, no question about it. Metroid Prime/2 blew me away. By far the best translation of a vidoe game franchise from 2d to 3d. A close runner up on the cube would be the Resident Evil remake.

I admit I haven't played too many PS2 games, but the best of them that I played wasn't GTA, but WWE Smackdown! Shut Your Mouth. It's the best wrestling game I've played to this day.

[Matt A]

I've only properly played PS2 ones to date, but I've still got a pretty big list:

1. Ratchet & Clank 1-3: Effortless to pick up, challenging to master, and enough inventiveness to ensure constant replaying until the end of time. Also a franchise with no drop in quality whatsoever, which is a rarity.
2. Driv3r: No, I'm not kidding. I've always been a big fan of the Driver series, and after two years of waiting this one didn't dissapoint. This game rocks for all the reasons that the GTA series sucks (shoddy graphics, pathetic attempts at controversy, controls so hyper-sensitive they're unworkable, etc etc etc...).
3. Burnout 3: I'm not sure how exactly, but this game is far too much fun for its own good. Even though sometimes it's so hard that I just want o break down and cry. Oh, and it's also the PS2's best-looking game to date.
4. Killzone: An FPS that makes you feel genuinely alive. The Helghast are the coolest enemies in the history of gaming, and the weaponry makes killing them soo satisfying.
5. WipEout Fusion: Gorgeous, inventive and adrenaline-pumping to the Nth degree. Also unplayably hard at times, but I've never been one to shy away from a challenge...oh, and let's not forget the fact that it's one of the few games to feature dance music, which for me is enough reason in itself to make this game worth buying.

Sadly, I think that it's the GTA series that will come to be the most influential. Its controversy-raising may be schlocky rather than inventive, but at least it tries...and a game that's insinuated itselfso deeply into popular culture has gotta be worth something, right?

-Matt A-

[Sketch]

Gamecube: Super Smash Bros. Melee, Mario Kart: Double Dash, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, Geist, Soul Calibur II (with Link), Luigi's Mansion (short but I loved it)

Xbox: Halo, Halo 2, Fable (though I haven't played it much) and Tetris Worlds (Tetris on Xbox live with custom music? HECK YEAH BABY)

PS2: Kingdom Hearts and Dragonball Z Budokai 3

Multi-Platform: TimeSplitters 2, Tony Hawk's Underground, Spider-Man 2 and Ninja Turtles 2: The Battle Nexus (rough around the edges though and I think I'll like the 3rd better)

[James Bester]

My favorite game for the GC was definitely Metroid Prime. That game was awesome. Metroid Prime 2 was also a great game, but I still thought it didn't measure up to the original. Man, I'm really looking forward to Metroid Prime 3 for the Revolution. I also had a blast playing Pikmin 2, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Wind Waker, and Sonic Adventure 2: Battle.

I've barely even played PS2, so I don't really have any favorites for that system. I guess I'd have to say that my favorite game for the XBox would be Halo 2. The online play was unbelievable. I also enjoyed Mecha Assualt.

And my multi-console favorites would be TimeSplitters: Future Perfect and Lord of The Rings: Return of The King. These games wouldn't even be on the list, if it wasn't for the awesome multi-player.

[TrogdorNyimbhat]

I admit I haven't played too many PS2 games, but they best of them that I played wasn't GTA, but WWE Smackdown! Shut Your Mouth. It's the best wrestling game I've played to this day. I'm sure, I always wanted that game, but never got it. Commercials were awesome.

On topic: I also considered adding MGS3 to the list, which is a great game, but I really don't think it's worthy since it didn't revolutionize anything.

@ Mate - I can't believe you put Burnout 3 behind Driv3r. Sure it had better graphics than SA and no controversy, but the controls and gameplay bit I have to disagree with. What's more, I think Driv3r has worst controls along with MGS.

[fantastic 7]

1.Star Wars Battlefront (I can't wait for #2 November 1st!)
2.Star Wars KOTOR (the 2nd one sucked, but the original is timeless!)
3.Star Wars Rogue Squadron 3 (lock S foils in attack postion)
4.Dead or Alive 3 (who has red hair, a skimpy outfit, and can totally kick my ass)
5.Spider-man 2 (free roam superhero...genuis)


As you can see I am a huge Star Wars fan and slightly biast.:p

[Matt A]

@ Mate - I can't believe you put Burnout 3 behind Driv3r. Sure it had better graphics than SA and no controversy, but the controls and gameplay bit I have to disagree with. What's more, I think Driv3r has worst controls along with MGS.
Actually, I found the Driv3r controls dead easy to use. In Driv3r, the cars handle the way cars really do: they're bricks, but with a little practise they just dance. In the GTA series, on the other hand, the cars handle like they were on skid pans. I'm not keen on cars spinning 180 with even the slightest tap on the pad (and I'm not entirely exaggerating...).

Oh, and controversy doesn't bother me: in fact, I embrace it. It's just that filling the screen with wall-to-wall sex, violence and bad language strikes me as winding people up purely for the sake of winding them up: sure, the GTA games have their funny moments, but they don't really say anything. When it picks real targets to aim at, they're just not close-to-home enough to be shocking. Okay, so maybe the Driver series avoids controversy altogether, but at least it isn't trying (and failing) to be funny.

But hey, maybe I'm just talking out of my backside. Everything's subjective, after all.

-Matt A-

[Death58]

I might as well post my opinions to my favorite games. . .;)

1. Halo/Halo2- I consider them basically one because. . .well, they really weren't that different but they both RULED, and changed the FPS on the console forever(reminds me of Goldeneye. . .:crying: )

2.Max Payne/Max Payne 2: Fall of Max Payne- These two games a diamonds in the rough, seriously. They showed us that you don't have to be an RPG to have an awesome story line. . .plus, they have bullet time!

3. Super Smash Bros.- I'm replacing this game title. . .Smash Bros is actually a game I've logged more hours onto than I would like to mention here. . .oh well. It's fun, as explained BELOW this post.

4. Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory- This game isn't really that revolutionary other than the fact it gets everything that a stealth game is supposed to do right. Graphics, story, animations. . .everything. It's just fun to play. I don't know why I don't like the first two as much. . .

5. Shenmue II- This is epic in every single sense of the word, other than the fact that no one has heard of it really. The mini games were slow, but the story was compelling as hell. It was dragged out, but it was just too good to pass up! The fighting engine rocked, but the graphics sucked for an Xbox game. . .Technically, it was a port from Dreamcast, but we won't speak of that here. . .

There it is! The Xbox titles galore on my list. What can I say, I wanted a PS2 as well but money doesn't grow on trees. . .I wish it did, I'd be rich!

[Zyzzybalubah]

Gamecube Favorites:
* Viewtiful Joe 1 and 2: These may not have sold very well, but it's a very fun new series that brings back classic 2-D action with new innovation of attacks! I would love to see this franchise continue, it's comic/movie comedy style is great and it looks like the DS is going to have a fun new game when it's released.
* Resident Evil 4: The once shining 3rd party Gamecube exclusive. :( It doesn't matter though, it's one hell of a Gamecube experience and might end up remaining the best system for that experience (unless X360 gets a real souped up version before the release of RE5.) Capcom has re-invented (no pun intended) the RE series with a new gameplay engine, real tight graphics, and fun Shenmue-esque confrontations. Like previously mentioned, I think we will see other games try to emulate the feel of this as well as future Resident Evil's continuing this style.
* Resident Evil Zero: The only Resident Evil at the moment that's only on one console (don't tell me Outbreak or those stupid Gun Survivor Titles.) This is a fun title that explains the origins of the zombies and the whole umbreall corporation. If you own a Cube or plan to buy Revolution, pick this title up! Heck, if you don't own a Cube and are a Resident Evil Fan, buy a Gamecube for this title! GC's are only $99 new (with Smash Bros.) and $59 used at EB Games!
* Super Smash bros. Melee: Easily one of the best multiplayer titles of this generation and perhaps ever! We've all played the game, I don't think I need to explain. :D
* Pikmin 1 and 2: This is a great game! Miyamoto created a fun new game similar to that of Lemmings with plenty of action and a lot of fun objectives. I believe we're getting this title on Revolution and I pray for a DS version.

PS2 Favorites:
* The Ratchet and Clank Series: I didn't think it would happen but I prefer PS2 platformers over Gamecube ones! They give you some crazy weapons (lots of them too), you play in some big worlds, compete in races and even GIANT ROBOT BATTLES, and funny comedic storylines. This is a franchise to keep!

* Katamari Damacy: Innovative, funny, and crazy. Three words to describe this game. At a very low price, this game where you roll a ball around capturing anything and everything in it, this is a great title!

I will finish the rest at a later time (including my Xbox pics.)

[Death58]

Actually, I found the Driv3r controls dead easy to use. In Driv3r, the cars handle the way cars really do: they're bricks, but with a little practise they just dance. In the GTA series, on the other hand, the cars handle like they were on skid pans. I'm not keen on cars spinning 180 with even the slightest tap on the pad (and I'm not entirely exaggerating...).

Oh, and controversy doesn't bother me: in fact, I embrace it. It's just that filling the screen with wall-to-wall sex, violence and bad language strikes me as winding people up purely for the sake of winding them up: sure, the GTA games have their funny moments, but they don't really say anything. When it picks real targets to aim at, they're just not close-to-home enough to be shocking. Okay, so maybe the Driver series avoids controversy altogether, but at least it isn't trying (and failing) to be funny.

But hey, maybe I'm just talking out of my backside. Everything's subjective, after all.Very good point you made there. GTA games have tried a little too hard to be funny, and I also agree with you on the fact that Driv3r had better controls on the cars. Maybe I should edit my list. . .San Andreas went too overboard(look where that unfortunately got them. . .of course now everybody has to suffer the consequences in the game industry). GTA III had too little story to be memorable, and even back then the novelty of going around shooting stuff randomly wore a little thin if there was nothing to do(which VC has the same problem). WM made a point here that I didn't get a chance to read(I posted my thing, and didn't get to read all of the other replies, but now that I have I'm making the rounds). I can already see that GTA is probably going to be considered the most influential game by critics and such, but the fact of the matter is that it doesn't really have awesome controls on anything, it just gives you a lot to do, which isn't bad at all;). Just doesn't have the same effect after the 30th hour you've played it. I'll edit my list now, because in all I really don't play GTA all that much. . .I'm more of a FPS guy, but believe me, I still enjoy it a helluva lot:evil:! Plus, I really dislike Hillary Clinton at the moment. . .why is she stepping into something she doesn't belong? That's a different story though.

[TrogdorNyimbhat]

2.Max Payne/Max Payne 2: Fall of Max Payne- These two games a diamonds in the rough, seriously. They showed us that you don't have to be an RPG to have an awesome story line. . . How's Max Payne not a Role Playing Game? I'm confused.

[James]

Playstation 2:
Personally I rate the GTA series over the Driv3r simply because the phyisics run a little more realistic than Driv3r intends. I agree at first it makes GTA almost irritating to handle, but I personally found that just added a little more focus to the game. They handle more as cars should given the scenerio. Now that can be irritating when we consider we all drive in fantasy games with a certain filmic license, but I think both games genres are true to their intent.

GTA has been the strength of this generation. From being a slightly amusing yet buggy series in the previous gen, it showed the lengths the new gen consoles could be pushed to so far as non linear exploratory gameplay went. Controversy aside, this did to games what Tomb Raider did for the PSX, again, controversy aside.

Final Fantasy: After a slightly iffy turn in the franchise with VIII and IX - both of which were still good, but lacked the right gameplay balance, the PS2 really hit home. X2 and X were two utterly different games. X was very linear in terms of story (and a great story it was), but really pulled through on the engine, creating some inspiring images and animation. However it's real success was using the more powerful PS2 to swap and move characters in battle creating a far more interesting battle system.

X-2 did the opposite and dropped the linear and strong story for a more free roaming game with hundreds of quests, alternate endings and a rich world based on the first game. A pity that fans couldn't see past the opening 5 minutes to see that X-2 was far closer to the ethos of a Role Playing game than Final Fantasy had seen in years.

Spider-Man 2. It sounds a little pathetic to have to name a film license on generation highlights, but it's great to see a game whose format and licensed character is so aptly handled. I remember in the Speccy/C64 days when license games were nearly ALWAYS lacklustre and bad. We then went through a period where such games (Goldeneye, Star Wars games etc.. spring to mind) where they got good.. now we seem to have WAY too many again that are rushed through which are actually rather poor. Spider-Man 2 took the GTA scenerio a step in a different direction and proved the format works without controversy. At the same time, they created a game which was very true to the license roots. On both points they are to be commended.

[Death58]

How's Max Payne not a Role Playing Game? I'm confused.I should be a little more specific, because technically it is a RPG, but I'm talking in the traditional sense of the word. I mean you are in the Role of Max Payne, but I was talking more about the massive RPG's like Final Fantasy and games of the like with very huge story lines and brilliantly written I might add;). I liked Max Payne because it was a 3rd person shooter that had a brilliant story line and tight controls. Although your right about me being incorrect on it being an RPG of sorts. . .sorry:sweat:.

[Mynd Hed]

My current-gen highlights:

Tony Hawk series (multiplatform):

You could make the argument that the franchise really started in the last generation with the original Tony Hawk's Pro Skater on the PS1, but the games only really blossomed on the current-gen hardware, starting with the mind-blowing Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 on the Dreamcast. The perfect marriage of old-school arcade-style pick-up-and-play accessability and, from number 4 onwards, new-school GTA-style free-roaming exploration.
But the series' true strength is uniquely its own: finely-tuned, well-balanced gameplay for its own sake, with an ongoing learning curve that seemingly places no limits on how skilled a dedicated player can become.
Combining the free-roaming elements of THPS4 and THUG with a Classic mode condensing the best of THPS1-3, Tony Hawk's Underground 2 currently stands out as the finest example of the series, but we'll see whether Tony Hawk's American Wasteland can add still more goodness to the mix.

Burnout 3: Takedown (multiplatform):

Quite possibly the finest driving game ever created. The breathtaking graphics and excellent controls are easy to cite; more nebulous is the sheer white-knuckle adrenaline factor and sense of speed that elude all imitators. Add to the mix the destructive enjoyment of the crash mode, which could easily justify the price tag of a game all by itself, and the phenomenal replay value offered by a LONG single-player experience, and you've got one of the best games available in this or any other generation. Whether EA can top themselves with Burnout: Revenge remains to be seen.

Soul Calibur II (multiplatform):

This masterpiece is to fighters as Burnout 3 is to racers. The graphics are excellent, the characters unique and likable, and the modes varied enough to make for plenty of replay. But none of that would mean much without fluid, responsive controls and some of the deepest move sets ever seen. Multiply that depth by ten unique weapons per character and you've got some idea just how great SCII is. Namco will have its work cut out for it leaping their own hurdle when SCIII ships in October.

Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (Gamecube):

After the disappointingly unbalanced Mario Kart 64, Nintendo finally delivered us the next-gen Mario Kart we always knew was possible. Bright, colorful graphics in the classic Mario style, superbly balanced weapons, inventive tracks, a host of multiplayer modes, and a sense of speed rivaling that of Burnout 3 make this the kart racer to beat and one of the greatest party games from a company that specializes in four-player mayhem.

Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (Gameboy Advance)

Link's long-awaited return to the 2D realm came through with style. An engaging overworld, great new items like the Gust Jar and the Mole Mitts, an enjoyable dual-world dynamic that rivals the Dark and Light Worlds in Link to the Past, and colorful graphics in the best old-school tradition make MC a standout both among Zelda titles and among portable games.

As has been mentioned, though, this generation is far from over. The end of a console cycle typically sees some of a generation's finest games surface, and the current one looks to be no exception. (Which is good news for those of us who prefer to wait through a round of price-drops or two before committing to a next-gen console!) In addition to the aforementioned upcoming sequels, I'll be looking forward to seeing whether Ultimate Spider-Man and Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess can iron the respective kinks out of Spider-Man 2 and Wind Waker in order to join the greatest games of this generation.