Games this generation which really impressed you

[broken harbour]

Despite how many people on this board shout and rant and rave that 'gaming sucks' right now, I think this last generation was absolutely fantastic.

Ratchet and Clank: Future Series - Particularly 'A Crack in Time' was just awesome, funny, brilliant, super fun.
Enslaved - Totally underrated, great story, real character development, good acting, solid if slightly flawed mechanics.
Binary Domain - Another very underrated game, mechanics are generic but the premise was cool and it was fun, dumb action movie characters that I liked anyways.
Batman: Arkham Asylum - Only played it recently, couldn't put it down, haven't played the sequel.
Uncharted Series - 2nd and 3rd games in particular are great, some really exhilarating scenes (the scene in the 2nd game where you're in a skyscraper fighting guys as it collapses??? YEAH!!!).
Mushihimesama Futari - Do I even need to say anything about this one?
Journey - Critical darling that in my opinion, lived up to the hype.
Heavy Rain - Buggy, and the story didn't make sense, but the developer had balls. I found it quite interesting, overall I liked the atmosphere and the attempt.
Mass Effect Series - No game's story has ever hooked me like the ME games. I thought the art style in the 1st game was really creative.
Modnation Racers - Out Mario-karted Mario Kart.
Super Meat Boy - Made me love hardcore difficult platform gaming again.
The Unfinished Swan - This game hooked me alot harder than I expected, I found it quite charming and really interesting.

I'm sure there's a ton of other games I'm forgetting.

[iconoclast]

Ninja Gaiden II - My second favorite game of all time, behind Futari. The combat is extremely fast-paced, deep, and challenging; Mission Mode has the best scoring system I've ever seen in an action game; there are 8 completely unique weapons, all of which have a movelist that's versatile enough to deal with everything in the game; there's a lot of enemy variety and the game is excessively violent. As far as I'm concerned, NG2 is the pinnacle of action gaming. Nothing I've played has even come close to dethroning it.
Child of Eden - Much better than Rez, thanks in no small part to the fantastic rhythm-based scoring system.
Catherine - Excellent puzzle game that only has one really annoying issue: the mystery blocks. They're fine when they're isolated, but if you get a huge group of them you can die through no fault of your own (see Obelisk). Great art, graphics, and music too.
Hard Corps: Uprising - One of the best run n' guns ever made. Fairly high difficulty (for a 1LC; a 1CC is easy), two different styles of gameplay between the Contra & Strider-esque characters, great mechanics, great aesthetics.
Mega Man 9 - A masterpiece that's better than almost every game in the classic series.
Bayonetta - Kamiya's best game. There are actually a lot of things that I don't like about it, but the bottom line is that it's a lot of fun to play.
Vanquish - Might be Mikami's best game. It's the best TPS of all time, at least.
Bangai-O HD - Might not be as good as the DC game, but it's much better than Spirits. The Extreme stages in particular have excellent stage design.
Shadowrun - The last multiplayer FPS I really liked. The magic and tech abilities put a brilliant spin on the standard FPS formula. Unfortunately, the game was sent to die by a publisher who didn't care.
Dead Rising 1 - Very unique sandbox/time management game. Best thing Capcom's done this gen, aside from SF4.
Binary Domain - Like Mass Effect but better.
Earth Defense Force 3 & 4
Demon's Souls & Dark Souls
Virtua Fighter 5, Tekken Tag 2, SF4 - Great games, but I don't play them any more because I don't have the dedication to be as good as I'd want to be.

The original Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing rendered the entire Mario Kart series completely obsolete for me, because not only do the racing itself is more precise and well put together than the aforementioned series but there's no blue shell coming out of nowhere to punish you for playing good.

And this. I also really liked Wipeout HD and PGR4, as far as racing games go. (OutRun 2 would be my favorite, but I consider that a game from last gen.)

[replayme]

Slightly unrelated: biggest disappointment for me was Aliens: Colonial Marines. I expected so much from that game.

But back on topic, after the awful demo, I came to find the Heavy Rain game to be superb.

[Jonathan Ingram]

As far as I'm concerned, NG2 is the pinnacle of action gaming. Nothing I've played has even come close to dethroning it.

It would be, if it was actually finished and thoroughly play-tested. On higher difficulty levels it`s a barely playable mess of a game with swarms of off-screen projectiles flying at you from all sides, severe frame drops and screen tearing.

But I agree with you on the combat. It really is unrivaled.

[evil_ash_xero]

I'm not gonna name shmups.

Dark Souls(bumped up everything I thought was lacking from Demon's, and is still my favorite game this gen)
Demon's Souls(not initially though)
Valkyria Chronicles(gameplay, graphics, and even story...I was very pleased with this game)
Ninja Gaiden II(still the most fun I had this gen. I go through it more than any other game. It does have it's problems, but it's a lot of fun)
Vanquish(Insane third person shooting. The gameplay is SO impressive)
Bayonetta(hey, it's like the ultimate DMC)
God of War III(not as good as 2, but it's an impressive game)
Sin and Punishment: Star Successor(One of Treasure's best ever. Too bad it sold like 5 copies)

There's certainly more that I liked.

[MX7]

Vanquish
Bayonetta
No More Heroes 1&2
Dark Souls
Skyward Sword

Not sure how handhelds fit in to this whole 'generation' thing, but DS/3DS is pretty much keeping my interest in games alive.

[shmuppyLove]

NG2 -- 360 or PS3 version is the one to get?

[Jonathan Ingram]

I would say Sigma 2 since it rewards skillful play and is actually a finished game unlike NG2, although the Itagaki faithful generally swear by the latter, but heed not to this heresy.

[Vexorg]

My list, in no particular order:

- Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 (Probably the game I spent the most time on this generation)
- Borderlands 2 (Spent a lot of time on this one, still play every so often)
- Skyrim (Never finished it, but is one of the better made games I've played in a genre I generally don't like all that much)
- Ratchet and Clank: Future Tools of Destruction and A Crack in Time: Some of the other ones were forgettable, but these ones were a couple of my favorite PS3 games
- Super Mario Galaxy (The look and feel of this game is just great, and it has easily the best soundtrack of the generation)
- Disgaea 4 (Wasn't all that impressed by 3, but spent a ton of time on this.)
- Journey (Excellent, but far too short.)
- Minecraft (Yeah, it's hard to really pin it to a particular generation since I played on PC, but as someone who just likes to mess around with things every so often this is the type of game I spend tons of time on, although it needs a good group of friends to really work.
- Terraria (Originally something of a 2D Minecraft clone, but later updates have really helped distinguish it. Think of it as a cross between a sandbox and a Metroidvania and you've got a pretty good idea what to expect.)
- Kirby's Epic Yarn (Yeah, the challenge is basically nonexistent in this one, but it works for those times when you're looking for some lighter gaming.)

[iconoclast]

NG2 -- 360 or PS3 version is the one to get?

Depends on what you're looking for. I'd say to watch this video and decide which version looks more fun to you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDAiYc_sy8A

For me, the PS3 version is a complete downgrade. Especially since they replaced Mission Mode (the best thing about NG2) with some awful online co-op missions.

[Skykid]

I loved the first Gears of War, and I'd say Red Dead Redemption really impressed me.

[Octopod]

Sin & Punishment 2

I'm really hoping for a S&P U.

[Zaarock]

Mostly what iconoclast posted, +

Left 4 Dead 1 & 2 - very involved and strategic co-op games on the highest difficulty, really enjoyed these
Armored Core: Verdict Day - very solid team multiplayer-based mech game, strikes a great middle ground between new and old school and has a ton of variety in playstyles and roles you can play in multiplayer. Chances are the netcode and system will never be very functional outside japan sadly, considering unpopularity and connection speeds..

Not that many games in the end though. I've also ended up playing downloadable titles and previous gen games significantly more than current gen disc releases.

[system11]

http://blog.system11.org/?p=536

Part 3 done! Also fixed part 2, Metro 2033 was supposed to be in that post.

[shmuppyLove]

NG2 -- 360 or PS3 version is the one to get?

Depends on what you're looking for. I'd say to watch this video and decide which version looks more fun to you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDAiYc_sy8A

For me, the PS3 version is a complete downgrade. Especially since they replaced Mission Mode (the best thing about NG2) with some awful online co-op missions.

Alright let me ask you this -- I tried Dark Souls and couldn't force myself to like it. Is this going to be the same? Or is it a bit more straightforward?

[GaijinPunch]

I played almost none. Both of the Portals I really enjoyed, but get massive vertigo playing them. Haha. I own Vanquish but only played a few stages. Maybe I'll make that a point. By now I have to start over though as I've forgotten the 10% of the control scheme that I actually learned.

[evil_ash_xero]

NG2 -- 360 or PS3 version is the one to get?

Depends on what you're looking for. I'd say to watch this video and decide which version looks more fun to you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDAiYc_sy8A

For me, the PS3 version is a complete downgrade. Especially since they replaced Mission Mode (the best thing about NG2) with some awful online co-op missions.

Alright let me ask you this -- I tried Dark Souls and couldn't force myself to like it. Is this going to be the same? Or is it a bit more straightforward?

Ninja Gaiden II is VERY straightforward. Also, Sigma took out all the blood. Boo!

[iconoclast]

Alright let me ask you this -- I tried Dark Souls and couldn't force myself to like it. Is this going to be the same? Or is it a bit more straightforward?

I dunno, they're very different games. If you didn't like Dark Souls because of the difficulty, that shouldn't be a problem with NG2 because the game has multiple difficulty levels, the lowest of which is pretty easy (Normal might be a little hard if you've never played a 3D NG before). But either way, NG2 is more straightforward because it's a linear action game, there's no character building or stats to worry about or anything like that.

[CMoon]

http://blog.system11.org/?p=536

Part 3 done! Also fixed part 2, Metro 2033 was supposed to be in that post.

As suggested above in others' posts, this list needs the souls games.

[BareKnuckleRoo]

Alright let me ask you this -- I tried Dark Souls and couldn't force myself to like it. Is this going to be the same? Or is it a bit more straightforward?

I watched a friend play Dark Souls, the combat looks so SLOW. Then again, they were wearing heavy armor and when I asked if rolling has invulnerability frames they said no; I checked after, everywhere else says yes. And apparently the faster rolling has more invulnerability frames, which explains why all the really good player vids I've watched wear light armor. Is the appeal the big, connected gameworld or something?

[Obiwanshinobi]

Forgot about the PSP Ridge Racer. Run so smooth I could tell the next gen had arrived. At the first glance it was twice a game something like Ashen could have hoped to be.

[TransatlanticFoe]

Resident Evil Revelations (HD)
Strikes the perfect balance between the action-focused recent Resi games and the tense atmosphere of the earlier games. It's not perfect as there are some silly timed sections, melee attacks can look ludicrous and the dodge mechanic is poorly implemented. Barely a QTE in sight though! The way the campaign switches between character perspectives helps preserve the atmosphere by not allowing wandering through corridors to get dull. After Resi 6's embarrassing weirdly set, melee-focused and QTE abusing disappointment - this game was an absolute joy.

Xenoblade Chronicles
I'm not usually a JRPG fan but the general setting enticed me into the game. The vast open world is superb, even if there are obvious comproses in enemy pop-up and character model quality. The story, though fairly silly, is compelling and well paced - with twists in exactly the right places. It suffers a little from too many simple "find x numbers of y" and "kill x beasts" sidequests but they usually go alongside little snippets of character interaction which really drew me into the world. Grinding isn't really a chore either, because there's usually enough stuff scattered around for a quick kill - or more of a challenge if you fancy it.

The Last Story
Xenoblade's surprise success got me interested in this. The combat is more akin to an action game, with a working cover mechanism and (although sadly lacking Wii Remote aiming) crossbow secondary weapon. A slightly nonsensical plot again but the draw is very much the world itself. The only real downsides are the odd unbalanced boss battles (the final boss' one hit kills can wipe out your CPU teammates far too quickly) and the horrendous comedy voice of the knight captain. Fun combat, fun city exploration, interested side quests and a refreshingly balanced sense of humour.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown
It's been a while (Mech Commander) since I've become overly attached to a bunch of random characters in a video game. Brilliantly tense strategy coupled with tough-decisions resource management and some downright insane stereotype characters (the doctor REALLY loves dissecting aliens). Downside? The final confrontation is unbalanced - you either bring down the boss on your first turn and win the game, or get utterly slaughtered by everything else in the room. A few more scripted situation missions would be nice too, as only three campaign missions can make it feel a little disjointed. However the main gameplay is so compelling that it hardly matters.

[broken harbour]

I forgot to add both Portal games to my previous list.

Other non AAA games I enjoyed:

Quantum Conundrum
Limbo

[evil_ash_xero]

Alright let me ask you this -- I tried Dark Souls and couldn't force myself to like it. Is this going to be the same? Or is it a bit more straightforward?

I watched a friend play Dark Souls, the combat looks so SLOW. Then again, they were wearing heavy armor and when I asked if rolling has invulnerability frames they said no; I checked after, everywhere else says yes. And apparently the faster rolling has more invulnerability frames, which explains why all the really good player vids I've watched wear light armor. Is the appeal the big, connected gameworld or something?

The game isn't about fast paced combat. Try to think about the combat like a Strategy RPG, but in real time. It's like chess.

The combat is very satisfying, but if you go into it thinking "third person action game", you're gonna be really upset with your purchase.

[Obiwanshinobi]

Grinding isn't really a chore either, because there's usually enough stuff scattered around for a quick kill - or more of a challenge if you fancy it.

I didn't find tougher enemies worth the hassle. Either I was powerful enough to defeat them or I wasn't. I would try to be tactical every now and then, only to discover grinding was the only tactics that made the difference. Most time-efficient as well.
Luring particular enemies away from the pack was more exciting than fighting the damage soakers.
Worst of it were the bossfights. Bassically no different from all the other encounters.

[KennyMan666]

Given how I hadn't come across any of Vanillaware's prior games, Muramasa: The Demon Blade completely blew my mind. Never before had I been so happy to have a component cable for the Wii. Definitely one of the best games for the system.

[guigui]

I watched a friend play Dark Souls, the combat looks so SLOW. Then again, they were wearing heavy armor and when I asked if rolling has invulnerability frames they said no; I checked after, everywhere else says yes. And apparently the faster rolling has more invulnerability frames, which explains why all the really good player vids I've watched wear light armor. Is the appeal the big, connected gameworld or something?

Combat is just fast enough for you to realize that your next action will actually have consequences on the rest of the fight.
Bolded words : isn't that why we are playing ?
Appeal sure is the big connected world, but not just that. Let's add : challenge, know your ennemy, build your character, build your weapon, die and retry, be actually scared of failing next fight.

[system11]

http://blog.system11.org/?p=549

And with that - my list of 20 is finished.

[CMoon]

Alright let me ask you this -- I tried Dark Souls and couldn't force myself to like it. Is this going to be the same? Or is it a bit more straightforward?

I watched a friend play Dark Souls, the combat looks so SLOW. Then again, they were wearing heavy armor and when I asked if rolling has invulnerability frames they said no; I checked after, everywhere else says yes. And apparently the faster rolling has more invulnerability frames, which explains why all the really good player vids I've watched wear light armor. Is the appeal the big, connected gameworld or something?

I would say there are a lot of things that add to the appeal.

The first, which your post hints at, is the possibility for wildly different builds, and this requires multiple replays. Yes, you can make fast characters that dodge everything. You can make ranged characters. You can make characters that utilize ailments to do most of their damage. There's actually a huge number of ways to play the game, of which the big lumbering slow guy is probably the least interesting...though even that has its appeal.

The second thing I find appealing is that the more you learn about and understand the game, the more you see ways to approach it and hence want to play it again. At first it might seem you are locked into a single approach, but it isn't really true. Also, depending on the build you are creating, the order in which you want to progress through the game SHOULD change (though this depends on your knowledge of the game.)

Beyond those first two (which might fall under game mechanics and design), the third element would be the many modes of gameplay. While most modern games include a 1 player and multiplayer, Dark Souls allows you to seamlessly move between the two and integrate it into your game play in whatever way entertains you the most. For instance, in most of my plays through the game, I'll put down a summon sign to help with bosses while I'm grinding for upgrade stones. Many player-created modes like 'level 1 runs' and 'speed runs' feel completely viable here--often more so than in a lot of other games. I feel like I'm always finding some new way to enjoy the game.

I think finally you get to the atmosphere/mood and game-world, which are fantastic. Thing is, because the world is much like a metroidvania, you can't think of it without thinking of why you would take different routes to get different things to make yourself stronger. I really see the title as a perfect 3D evolution of the metroidvania idea, and would love to actually see a 2D castlevania (or metroid) incorporate builds the way Dark Souls has.

[system11]

http://blog.system11.org/?p=536

Part 3 done! Also fixed part 2, Metro 2033 was supposed to be in that post.

As suggested above in others' posts, this list needs the souls games.

Haven't played them, after Skyrim I really wasn't that interested in another fantasy/medieval period RPG. Everything here is something I bought and played extensively, in fact I think Tomb Raider is the only one I didn't finish.