Games that defined a generation

With the incoming launch of the next-generation of consoles, we’ve thought back on which games will be looked at as the defining titles for the generation.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3)

Without a doubt, this is one of the best games on the PS3 – Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. The first game in the series was a great introduction into what the PS3 could do, but lacked a little bit of polish in the combat and platforming.

The sequel remedied that, turned the scale up to 11 and delivered one of the best games of the generation, with great action, storytelling and visuals. If you were to play one game on the PS3, Among Thieves would be it.

Gears of War 2 (Xbox 360)

Gears of War was a real indication that “next-gen” had arrived in 2006, and the sequel raised the bar even further.

Gears of War 2 is the highlight of the Gears franchise and chronicled the story of the Coalition of Government (COG) taking the fight to the Locust stronghold.

The chainsaw deaths were bloodier, the bad guys were tougher and the game threw the Alpha Squad into some pretty insane situations, such as trying to survive after being eaten by a skyscraper-sized Riftworm.

Gears of War 2

Halo (Xbox)

Halo was a monumental release for the original Xbox, as it catapulted the FPS genre into mainstream console gaming, and it also laid the groundwork for what people came to expect from console shooters.

The first game was a technical marvel at the time, and the subsequent multiplayer explosion that it caused showed that console gamers were hungry for large-scale competitive multiplayer experiences.

Halo

God of War II (PS2)

The PS2 had a lot of great games, such as GTA 3, Metal Gear Solid 2 and the unforgettable Shadow of the Colossus, however, it was Sony Santa Monica’s feat with God of War II that most PS2 owners will be familiar with.

The game was a graphical marvel for its time, and clearly pushed the PS2 to its limits.

The familiar hack-‘n-slash God of War gameplay returned, but with more brutal takedowns, more weapons, larger levels and colossal-sized bosses. God of War 2 is still considered one of the best games ever made.

God of War 2

New Super Mario Bros U (Wii U)

The Wii U had a relatively quiet launch, but if any game were to stand out, it’s obviously a Super Mario game.

New Super Mario Bros U was the first full HD Mario game and returned the series to its 2D side-scrolling roots, albeit with some gorgeous 2.5D backgrounds.

The game is hard as hell, but fun enough to play with the young and old alike.

The Wii U still has many years in it, but its hard to see any game that may be as memorable and synonymous with the Wii U than Super Mario Bros. U.

Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)

Super Mario Galaxy is not only the best Wii game, but it is one of the best games ever.

Let’s just say many of gaming’s favourite icons from the past have had ‘difficulties’ making the jump to 3D, but our favourite moustachioed Italian plumber blew gamers away with his trip into outer space.

Unique level designs, constantly changing gameplay mechanics, gorgeous visuals and enough gameplay time to justify any purchase made SMG an instant classic. Super Mario Galaxy is one of those mythological animals – you don’t expect it to appear when it did, but we’re glad that it did.

What do you think will be the most defining games for the coming generation? Do you think it’s a game we already know about, or something unannounced? Let us know what you think in the comments below and on the MyGaming forums.