Yes, i do know ; the generation isn’t done yet – for a start, we’ve still got GTA V, BioShock Infinite and the Last people to come back; all games that can very realistically make their way onto this list upon release. But you already know what – I don’t care. Sometimes it’s fun to do lists and by God, that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Here, if it make you’re feeling any better, just give some thought to it because the ‘Top 10(ish) Games of the Generation as much as and Including the 15th of March 2013’. It’s going to not be catchy, but when you’re a stickler for the facts, it’ll certainly assist you sleep at night.

Anywho, with that long winded caveat out of how, i’m able to get right down to the business of regaling you with my favourite games of the generation. Ross and that i actually spoke about this at length at the latest episode of Brashcast (test it out here) and, while nearly all of this list is interchangeable, my top 3 are both absolutely set in stone and bizarrely enough, different from Ross’ (although i think which can have something to do with my general malaise toward Bathesda games). Now, before anyone gets too upset on the loss of Skyrim and the such, allow me to emphasize that I’m removed from ignorant of their qualities and charms; they only don’t click with me – maybe it’s the combat, maybe it’s the bizarre looking NPCs, but despite my best efforts, I just don’t enjoy them……….strange that I loved Dragon’s Dogma up to I did. Go figure.

As I said, you almost certainly shouldn’t take the location too seriously for numbers 10 through 4 as these really may be in any order with a couple of honourable mentions added that could have easily made the head 10 if I had, say, compiled this list on a Tuesday as opposed to a Friday (on the contrary, it has seen changes to the order from the list presented at the podcast earlier this week), but yes; those top 3 – they’re golden.

10) – Lost Odyssey (Xbox 360)

Lost Odyssey is a game very with reference to my heart and stands as certainly one of my favourite gaming experiences of the generation (hence its place at the list i assume). a normal JRPG experience within the finest sense of the word, Lost Odyssey is a great game and a superior option for those disillusioned by Final Fantasy XIII’s streamlined, largely linear design.

Some may find it a bit too ‘old school’, but with its fascinating lead, great writing and brilliant game world, Lost Odyssey proves to be the 360’s finest JRPG at an absolute canter…..although that can have something to do with the overall loss of stiff competition. Ni No Kuni may force its way onto the list after I play it, but because it stands, Lost Odyssey continues to be the only to overcome.

9) – Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Nintendo Wii)

It is probably not everybody’s favourite Zelda, heck, it’s not really most people favourite Zelda at the Wii, but for me (does that make me sound like Alan Shearer), it’s right up there with the most effective that the series has to provide. i believe lots of that has to do with the art design that I absolutely adore, but perhaps greater than anything, it’d be that final battle which must be right up there amongst the foremost memorable boss battles of all time.

I appreciate that it being originally developed for and simultaneously released on GameCube make this game borderline ‘last-gen’, but personally, I got it at launch with the Wii and thus has become somewhat synonymous with the console. Either way; it’s an utterly fantastic game.

– Portal 2 (Xbox 360 / PS3)

How the hell did Valve be capable of spring Portal on us Some other developer or publisher will be screaming the virtues of a game of that quality from the rooftops months in advance of release, but Valve, no, they go and sneak it onto a compilation including 4 others games with essentially zero fanfare. It was a bizarre but ultimately inspired decision as, given the quantity of content at the disc, it often took gamers weeks if not months to finally get around to this hidden little gem…..but if they did; what a treat. What a downright pleasant surprise. On this age of info overload, it’s borderline absurd that a game of this quality could essentially sneak up at the gaming masses, but that’s exactly what it did.

Valve’s spiritual successor to 2005’s independently released freeware game, Narbacular Drop, Portal and it’s near perfect sequel have gone directly to become two of this generations most beloved titles. Despite the outstandingly high standards of the unique, Valve, as Valve often do, outstripped all however the most unrealistic of expectations by delivering a sequel that improved upon as regards to every aspect of the original’s design – ok, so the tip credits song was admittedly better in Portal 1 (I don’t understand how which could possibly be topped anyway), but despite this most minor of caveats, Portal 2 is the very best product in precisely about every way. The puzzles are more expansive, the visuals improved and, I’m being serious here, Portal 2 might just have the most convenient videogame script ever; a script helped no end by some truly stellar delivery……..at the same time as I write this i believe about moving it further up the list.

7) – Project Gotham Racing 3 (360)

I’m sure this won’t be on too many top 10 lists come the generation’s end, but I don’t think I’ve put such a lot of hours into the other racer………possibly ever. With its near perfect balance of realism and arcade sensibilities, each car on your virtual garage is a joy to behold, and due to the inspired kudos system, something so simple as a single corner is basically transformed right into a mini-challenge unto itself.

Not comfortable with simply continuing at the series’ fine tradition of painstaking recreation, varied challenges and super slick gameplay, Project Gotham Racing 3 almost single handedly dragged early adopters into the subsequent generation of gaming; from its striking high definition visuals to its then incomparable online integration, Project Gotham 3, greater than the other launch title, managed to successfully sell the first concepts of next-gen gaming to the hundreds.

6) – Metal Gear Solid 4 (PS3)

I’m unlikely to lie – I haven’t been exactly enamoured with the PS3. Yes, it has its positives, but honestly, as a section of hardware, i locate it very difficult to like – substandard ports, mandatory installs and quite possibly, the longest update times known to man have all combined to make the PS3 somewhat, well, somewhat a chore if I’m to be honest. So, thank God for games like Metal Gear Solid 4, a game so good, it somehow makes the console for which it was built look superior by association.

Despite my issues with the hardware, the PS3 was host to a set of amazing first party content (only the shooting mechanics have kept Uncharted from making this list), but despite the array of quality on display, it’s Metal Gear Solid 4 that effortlessly stood out from the Sony crowd.

Of course, it isn’t for everybody and, as one might expect, is home to a nearly incomprehensible story, but Snake’s final flourish () is nonetheless a borderline masterpiece of contemporary game and art design and is barely bettered by the genuinely unforgettable Metal Gear Solid 3.

5) – Gears of War (360)

Despite the unique only being released 6 years ago, it’s already easy to forget just how innovative and impactful the 1st Gears of War game really was. Beyond ushering in genuine next-gen visuals, it popularised, and arguably perfected cover shooting mechanics, and managed to take action at the first attempt no less. Apart from possibly Platinum Games’, Vanquish, no game has come with reference to matching Gear’s pitch perfect cover system. Yes, it’s miles dependent upon a plethora of conveniently placed, waist high walls, but if the gameplay is as enjoyable because it is here, it becomes the entire easier to suspend ones belief.

Sure, the tale and characters are mostly mince, however the testosterone fuelled script and beefcake visuals perfectly match the on screen gameplay and, man, those visuals sure are great aren’t they After all, they have got since been trumped, most glaringly by its gorgeous looking sequels, but relating to initial impact, few games this gen have managed to compare the initial Gears of War for sheer wow factor.

4) – Mass Effect 2 (360 / PS3)

The story of Commander Shepard may vary looking on your choices but some thing that is still universal is the standard of the overriding experience. Mass Effect can have successfully laid the rules however it was the games’ far superior sequel that actually brought BioWare’s unforgettable universe to life.

By ironing out the faults of the 1st game and building on its already rock solid foundations, Mass Effect 2 proved one in all this generation’s most unforgettable gaming experiences. Mass Effect 2 delivered an incredibly flexible combat system, a memorable cast of characters and arguably one of the crucial generation’s finest videogame narratives. Helped no end by BioWare’s game changing conversation wheel and film standard voice work, Mass Effect 2 proved a gripping, hugely addictive experience………still haven’t played Mass Effect 3 though – what’s that about

3) – Vanquish (360)

I said it in my review and I’ll say it again – this may be the best game ever created. It’s cool in that way that only Japanese developers and writers appear ready to escape with. For one, Sam Gideon must be a whole douche, and in many ways he’s, but burning around on his knees, talking shit and smoking far too many cigarettes, he somehow comes out the alternative side looking, and this is that word again, ‘cool’. From the clean, crisp art design to the ultra-tight gameplay, with regards to everything in Vanquish works. Sure, it’s worthwhile to argue that it’s just another cover shooter, but if it’s person who arguably surpasses its primary inspiration, who am I to argue with its existence

There has been a bunch of canopy shooters this gen, but except for Vanquish, few, despite the simplest efforts of such games as Binary Domain, have come near matching Epic’s initial tackle the mechanic. Not just does Vanquish match it mechanically, nevertheless it also manages to inject some much needed pace within the kind of the inspired knee slide boost, something which, let’s be honest, shouldn’t have worked, but in practice, is an absolute joy. i’m an unashamed Platinum Games super fan and despite the brilliance of Bayonetta et al, I genuinely believe that Vanquish is perhaps their finest work up to now. Perhaps it isn’t as tight as Bayonetta, but hey, what am i able to say, i like giant Japanese robots (or are they Russian).

2) – Red Dead Redemption (360 / PS3)

I’ve always appreciated the Grand Theft Auto series greater than I’ve actually enjoyed it. Each game within the series has proved technically outstanding, have all deliver huge amounts of content and are about as cinematic as gaming experiences get. The object is though, as great as they could be, I’ve always found the realism of every games’ setting quite jarring against the flat out outrageous back drop of mass murder, maiming and customarily blowing sh*t up. Sure the cops rock up in the event you really get out of hand, but get some decent distance between yourself and the chasing pack and all is forgotten.

Thanks to the wild west setting and the more devastating effect of basic weaponry, the tale and subsequent actions of the player in Red Dead Redemption felt more natural and in sync than in any of the Grand Theft Auto games that came before it. Simply put, Rock Star had found the right setting for his or her exceptional brand of sandbox gaming and boy did they run with it.

Red Dead Redemption’s world, while inevitably a quieter place than the bustling present day Liberty City, is a piece of creative genius. Visually, it’s as stunning as anything you’ll find this gen, the tale is compelling, its characters both memorable and unique…..and that ending, my God that ending. Considering how much time people often spend with a game, it’s amazing just how little effort goes into the finale of even the superior games. Red Dead Redemption’s is poignant, thought provoking and fully befitting of the experience that comes before it. Simply put, it’s a masterpiece.

0 1)- Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii)

It was always going to take something very special to maintain Rock Star’s, Red Dead Redemption from claiming the end honour and that’s exactly what Super Mario Galaxy 2 is – something very special indeed. Nearly as good because the other games in this list are, nothing comes nearly the pure gaming joy of Nintendo’s implausibly good Super Mario Galaxy 2. i might honestly go as far to claim that i’ll play this game forever. With all 240 stars within the bank, I can’t help but return to this tour de force in videogame design time and time again.

Back when the unique was released in 2007, I honestly thought Nintendo had painted themselves right into a corner. I mean, how could they possibly top something quite so brilliant The truth that they did so and just 3 years later remains something of a mystery to me. As great because the first game was, Mario Galaxy 2 trumps it on virtually every level – the extent design in improved, the soundtrack much more magical and the visuals just that little more crisp and imaginative.

I often ask myself an analogous question now as I did back in 2007 – how are Nintendo going to top this Only Nintendo have the reply to that query – and that’s why they’re Nintendo i guess. The precise game It just may be.

Honourable Mentions – Halo 3: ODST, Halo 4, Ghost Recon: Advance Warfighter, Bayonetta, Street Fighter IV, Rayman Origins, Journey, The Orange Box, Dragon’s Dogma

1. Best videogame ending ever Call of Duty: Black Ops you are saying Bollocks I say.
2. 2011 – 5 Games that Deserved Better
3. Games as art – are we there yet
4. Great Games on the cheap – The Club (Xbox 360/PS3)
5. What’s the toughest game of this generation and are all of us going a little soft
6. This generation’s most valiant misfire – Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts
7. Next generation consoles……..who needs ‘em
8. Platinum Games’ next game is………
9. Brash Games’ Top 5 Games of 2010
10. Song Packs from Alternative Rock Bands Announced!

It’s been coming. Somebody was going to, as my Mum might say, “catch it within the neck”. After years of military shooters, albeit, mostly rather good ones, one game was going to be at the receiving end of the media backlash. i feel most expected it to be Call of Duty. With the series now annualised, it looked as though Treyarch’s Black Ops 2 can be the single, but low and behold, it went out and provided barely enough innovation, only enough new ideas to maintain the vultures at bay……and then Warfighter arrived.

Not helped in any respect by what can only be described because the most generic title of all time, Warfighter, what with its ‘me too’ gameplay and rough edges provided the objective that the games media have been looking for……..”FIRE!”.

You’ve probably seen the reviews by now; it’s currently rocking a slightly unhealthy 53% and 55% on Metacritic for the 360 and PS3 respectively – nothing in need of a disaster on the earth of massive budget triple-A gaming. To place this into perspective, this puts Warfighter within the same ballpark because the critically mauled, Aliens: Colonial Marines.

So, pretty bad then.

Well, no actually. Medal of Honor: Warfighter isn’t that bad. In truth; it’s actually pretty good. Yes, it has some rough edges and definitely doesn’t do anything especially new or exciting, but with games equivalent to Black Ops II (that’s admittedly the more polished product) receiving consistently high scores, i locate it harsh (to assert the least) that Warfighter will be handed the type of critical battering usually reserved for the very worst that the industry has to give – 50% may well be an honest movie review, but for a videogame, a 50% might to boot get replaced with just like a virtual turd.

The single player does follow the decision of Duty template to a tee, however it does so with a relative amount of skill on display and is definitely far superior to DICE’s horrifying attempt at imitation for Battlefield 3. Oh, and in fairness, that driving mission through Dubai was aces. Sure, the attempt at a more personal, ‘realistic’ story didn’t really suit the action on screen, what together with your character happening nothing wanting a killing spree, but that’s an issue inherent to the industry and, a minimum of, did offer up some very decent set-pieces and arguably the handiest looking cut-scenes of the generation (just attempt to forget how creepy Preacher’s daughter looks)…..damn, it really is one weird looking kid.

The real draw though is the multiplayer. Again, at the surface, it’s more of the identical, but what’s here’s very solid and with the inclusion of such cool little innovations as Fireteam spawning and a nationality driven class system, Danger Close have in any case attempted to make Warfighter’s multiplayer standout from the ever growing crowd. My favourite thing about it though, and the explanation that I keep coming back to it’s, the size. While i will be able to appreciate the grand nature of Battlefield’s combat and the immediacy of Call of Duty’s all conquering multiplayer offerings, there’s something in regards to the middle ground that Warfighter, like its predecessor, straddles so well. Not too big that it may occasionally feel empty but not too immediate that i’m constantly in fear of being shot behind the top, Warfighter’s multiplayer delivers immediate results with enough space for team tactics to essentially blossom.

Now, I’m not having a go at Battlefield or Call of Duty; they’re both impressive at what they do, but personally, I simply prefer the balance provided by Warfighter and is the main reason that i’m genuinely sad to listen to that another release might not be forthcoming.

It’s not a masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination and positively had its fair proportion of bugs at launch, but equally, it’s nowhere near the travesty that some have suggested. Could it have done with a couple of more months of polishing Sure it may well have. It doesn’t do quite enough to make it stick out from the group but that doesn’t make it a nasty game.

One game was always going to receive the backlash and Warfighter was it. My condolences visit Danger Close.

1. Medal Of Honor: Warfighter – PS3 Review
2. Fight to your country in Medal of Honor: Warfighter
3. Call of Duty: MW3 multiplayer goes up a notch
4. It’s ok if my girlfriend is healthier than me at videogames…. so long as she isn’t.
5. Call of Duty multiplayer…..I just don’t get it.
6. Battlefield 3 multiplayer may have 40 more players on PC
7. Battlefield 3 details emerge
8. Electronic Arts admit Medal of Honor disappointment
9. Medal of Honor Multiplayer Mode arrives on November 2nd.
10. Call of Duty: Black Ops single player trailer released

Should one man hold that much power