This is strictly for consoles only--not handhelds nor PC.
There will be three games that will make this generation-- by that, I mean a BIG game that will do everything right: a game that will bring innovations to a certain genre. These three games will change the way we play, and interact. These games will be the new GTAs, the new Halos.Â
There will also be three games that break this generation--by that, I mean a BIG game that will provide little to nothing in terms of innovations, and significant changes in comparison to their predecessors or other games in their respective genres. This does not mean that the games will be bad--these games might change the way we play and interact in a negative way.
There are also three games that are in a neutral position. These games may or may not MAKE or BREAK. Remember, I am not trying to "bash" a game. I am only trying to spark a discussion--to make a point. So please use this as a rule of thumb.
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Anyways, here they are:
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Games that Will Make This GenerationÂ
1. Bioshock (360/PC)
Bioshock puts you in the middle of an underwater-utopia. This game has a good chance of making this generation by successfully blending a phenomenal atmosphere and various gameplay elements into one package. Bioshock will require critical thinking, as there will be multiple ways to take down your enemies. Bioshock Producer, Ken Levine says that players will begin to wonder why other games haven't successfully done all of the things that are incorporated in Bioshock. This game will make this generation, and developers will begin to make more atmospheric games after the success of Bioshock.
2. Army of Two (360/PS3)
EA suprisingly came out and announced a brand new shooter, Army of Two last year. This is not your average shooter, EA is developing one of the most intiguing, innovative, and interesting shooters in years. In Army of Two, you play as "guns for hire chums" (EGM#206) Tyson Rios and Elliot Salem. Yes, this is meant to be a co-operative game. This game will be developed by ex-Ubisoft Montreal memebers (the ones who created Splinter Cell), and the main focus is to bring out a fully co-operative game where each player relies on his teammate. If your teammate is dying, you can give him CPR. While your teamate is giving you CPR, the player dying has a near death experience and is supposed to complete a minigame in order to avoid death. This game will MAKE the generation by introducing a new type of genre: fully co-operative games where teamwork is your only key to success. After the success of Army of Two, other developers will begin to use the same formula.Â
3. Assassin's Creed (360/PS3/PC)
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At first, you will think that Assassin's Creed is just a Splinter Cell esque game with a different setting. If you think this, you are absolutely incorrect. Assassin's Creed will provide an incredibly unreal experience that no other game has ever provided. One of the big innovations are the realistic NPCs. Hiding in the dark is no longer a solution for you--you will have to blend into a lively crowd and make sure you do not make a scene will excecuting your mission: and more importantly, escaping the crime scene. Assassin's Creed will MAKE this generation by enticing other developers to stop neglecting NPCs in their games, and make games more lively and realistic.
Honorable Mentions:
1. End War (360/PS3)Â
2. Mass Effect (360)
3. Little Big Planet (PS3)Â
4. Heavy Rain (PS3/360/PC)Â
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Games That Will Break This GenerationÂ
3. Halo 3 (360)
Yes, I said it. Halo 3 will BREAK this generation. Now, the gameplay is absolutely excellent. I am a huge fan of Halo, but I don't see it offering anything new to the genre as the games I mentioned (Bioshock, Army of Two, Assassin's Creed). The problem is that Halo is a big influence to many developers of the genre. If Halo does something, their game has to have it. When Halo 3 is selling millions, developers are going to avoid risking their game by making something revolutionary--instead, they are going to copy the best selling FPS. Now, I hope that I am wrong. I hope that Halo 3's single player will be revolutionary. Â
2. Devil May Cry 4 (PS3/360)
Am I mad about DMC4 going multi-platform? Yes. Am I bitter? Yes. I wish Capcom made Devil May Cry 4 for one platform--I don't care which one it is, I just wish it was made for one. Why? Because Devil May Cry 4 could have so much more. Capcom would have only had to focus on the PS3, and its capabilites--its strengths and its weaknesses. But now, they have to make it for two consoles disregarding each consoles strengths and capabilities. Various Hands-On reports and previews have said that Devil May Cry 4 is great thus far. Imagine how great is would be if it were only on the PS3...or 360? I have a bad feeling that this trend will continue in the long run.Â
1. Fabula Nova Crystallis: Final Fantasy XIII (Multiplatform-mainly PS3)
This series hasn't even came out, and I am already sick of it. This proves that Square Enix is getting worse and worse each year. Why are they making so many Final Fantasy XIIIs? Why can't they just make one Final Fantasy XIII, and focus on their other great IPs? (Chrono Trigger being one of them). This is absolutely ridiculous. I love Final Fantasy, but this is pushing it. This will BREAK the generation for gamers wanting more than Final Fantasy. Square Enix stated that they are not finished announcing more FF13s--they want FNC to last for many years. Gamers wanting other great RPGs from Square Enix, will have to suffer because of Fabula Nova Crystallis. Â
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Neutral GamesÂ
1. Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)
It is so difficult to predict the fate of a Wii game. The Wii is a new device, with a new way of interaction. It would be difficult for me to predict how well or how poorly Super Mario Galaxy will do. Â
2. Metroid Prime 3 (Wii)
(See Above)Â
3. Lair (PS3)Â
Lair has the chance to, essentially, MAKE the PS3 or BREAK the PS3 in terms of controls. If Lair's control scheme (a la motion control), works effectively, then many PS3 games will begin to use it--if it is used in a poor manner, there won't be many games that incorporate motion control on the PS3. It's difficult, at this point, to predict Lair's fate.
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