With the release of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, the next frontier of video games has begun: The Next Generation. With new technology ushering in a brand-new set of standards to measure games on, we’ll quickly leave behind the games of the past. So with that said, now was the perfect time for the staff at Rocket Chainsaw to put their heads together and determine our top 10 multiplatform games of this generation.
There are some provisos in how we selected games for this list. Given Xbox’s policy of releasing all of their games on PC, it was determined that console exclusivity at the time of selection would determine a game’s eligibility. This means that games like Horizon: Zero Dawn and Halo: The Master Chief Collection weren’t eligible for this list, while others such as Ori and the Blind Forest were eligible as multi-platform releases.
After a relatively slow start to the generation, punctuated by multitudes of cross-generation releases such as Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor and Destiny, the pace quickly picked up in 2015/16. We saw the releases of series defining titles, the introduction and explosion of completely new genres and solidifying of some studios names in the record books. Now, without further ado, here are Rocket Chainsaw’s top 10 multiplatform games of the generation:
Equal Ninth Place: Metal Gear Solid V & Stardew Valley
Our first tie of our top 10 multiplatform games of the generation opens with Metal Gear Solid V. Much has been said about Hideo Kojima’s final years at Konami, with rumours abounding of dysfunctional working relationships and a corporation hell bent on limiting his creative vision. Despite this, Kojima Productions were still able to create a fantastic systems-based open area stealth game that has been unmatched in recent years in terms of mechanics and gameplay.
Stardew Valley is easily the feelgood story of the generation. Built over a number of years by lone developer Eric Barone, this labour of love has been met with nothing short of adoration and praise. At release it was an amazing farming sim for those who loved the Harvest Moon series, and that has only grown over the years. With online co-op, additional farm types, new quest lines and story content, and now local split-screen co-op being introduced as well, all as free updates, Stardew Valley is the perfect example of a creator wanting to continue improving his game and rewarding his supporters.
Eighth Place: Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Having already cemented themselves as the masters of both dark and gothic fantasy ultra-hard death simulators in Dark Souls 1-3 and Bloodborne, Fromsoft decided to try something different: An ultra-aggressive samurai/ninja death simulator. With no levels, stats or options for seeking assistance through help souls, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice completely changed how you need to play the game, moving away from defence-oriented games to a parry-heavy system that relied on you being aggressive. It’s unique, filled with plenty of death, and incredibly engaging.
Seventh Place: Titanfall 2
When Titandall released exclusively on Xbox One it showed what Respawn could do with a new multiplayer shooter IP. Titanfall 2 took a different direction, instead proving that Respawn could create an incredible first-person shooter campaign. While the multiplayer took a step back compared to the original, the sequel leapt forwards in storytelling. Well written and focused on scenarios built around the mechanics of the game, Titanfall 2 is a game that simply must be experience.
Sixth Place: Rocket League
When we think back to the launch of Rocket League, we remember the story of the game’s PlayStation Plus launch being so immensely successful that the server costs almost put Psyonix out of business. Going on six years later and Rocket League has gone from strength to strength, with its unique mix of driving and football coming together in an incredibly fun way. Now free to play, the barrier to entry is lower than ever and everyone should give the game a chance.
Equal Fourth Place: Assassin’s Creed Origins & Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Assassin’s Creed Origins will forever be known as the game that completely changed what it means to be an Assassin’s Creed game. Moving away from the purely stealth-action based formula of the past, Origins introduced an RPG spin to the formula that fundamentally changed the series. Suddenly, levels and equipment mattered in a way they hadn’t before, while the world was filled with interest side quests and lore to find. It helps that Bayek and Aya were such a dynamic duo of protagonists, propelling a story that may otherwise have faltered in the early going.
Our second tie of our top 10 multiplatform games of the generation continues with Assassin’s Creed Origins sequel, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. In many ways, Odyssey takes what Origins did before it and refines those mechanics further. What it really does differently comes from its world, which is an absolutely stunning recreation of the Greek Isles. Meticulously detailed (and arguably a little too large) and filled with life, sailing the seas and exploring islands is nothing short of fantastic.
Third Place: Ori and the Blind Forest
We still remember watching the reveal of Ori and the Blind Forest at an Xbox E3 press conference all those years ago. It wasn’t the sort of game that we expected Xbox to suddenly reveal, but boy was it appreciated. With an utterly gorgeous painterly art style, an intricately detailed world to explore, a soundtrack that is nothing short of amazing and a touching story to boot, Ori and the Blind Forest was both an eye catching and memorable experience.
Second Place: The Witcher 3
Through the dark fantasy themes, gorgeous topography and art, memorable cast, haunting soundtrack, and unmatched sense of adventure, CD Projekt Red created a truly amazing game. One that has stuck with us through the five years since its release. No other RPG has matched it since and we expect it to stay that way for quite some time.
First Place: Red Dead Redemption 2
After all the success they’ve had in the past, it feels like betting on Rockstar is the closest you can get to a sure thing in video games. With the success and cult following that Red Dead Redemption amassed over the years a sequel always came with massive expectations, but Rockstar exceeded those. Arthur Morgan is one of the most memorable and relatable protagonists in years, with a charm that pulls you in. The story pulls you in and doesn’t let go, with twists, turns, and immensely emotional moments. The real winner, however, is the world created for the game. The open world of Red Dead Redemption 2 is almost assuredly the most detailed and engaging world created so far. Littered with people, wildlife, random encounters and mysteries, all of which are engaging and detailed to the point of absurdity, there is nothing else like riding through Red Dead Redemption 2.
There you have it, the top 10 multiplatform games of this generation as determined by Rocket Chainsaw. Check out our top 10 Xbox exclusives of the generation and top 10 PlayStation exclusives of the generation for a look at some more fantastic games.
