First off, I'd like to just put a little note before I list the 5 games that I think are the best of this gaming generation. I haven't included any Nintendo Wii games, because I don't think any of the Wii games (apart from possibly Mario Kart Wii) has any gamer appeal, the Wii games are just fun to play. I also have chosen not to put either Gears of War or Halo 3 in this list, but that is because I don't particularly enjoy those games. I don't think they're terrible, I just think that they are very overrated. If you want more information regarding that, you can visit my 2 articles Gears of War: Overrated? and (Halo: Overrated?).
Grand Theft Auto IV (PS3/xBox 360)
Grand Theft Auto IV was undoubtedly the most anticipated game of the year so far, practically dwarfing Metal Gear Solid 4's pre-launch media. It was also the first game to get 10/10 in a decade, so it had a lot of hype to live up to. The hype was very similar to the hype that San Andreas generated (which received 9.9). The difference between the two games is that San Andreas was a letdown, but GTA IV is better than the 10/10 suggests, impossible as it may seem. It has the most realistic, immersive storyline of the last 5 years, possibly of all time. It, unlike previous GTA instalments, also has extremely crisp, high-class graphics. As with all the other GTA games, it also has the endless pleasure that is the 6-star rampage. If you only buy one game this year, this should undoubtedly be it. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (PS3/xBox 360)
Call of Duty 4 was a game that generated a lot of hype, that had to live up to the standards of both the original Call of Duty and Call of Duty 2, while getting rid of the ghosts left behind by the dismal Call of Duty 3. Call of Duty 4 did more than just match the original games, it bettered them significantly. It has beautiful graphics, an original storyline which works very well with the new setting (as is given away by the name). Although the storyline is short, you can play for endless hours on online, or try the game on one of the harder difficulties (they give you 4 for a reason). This game should definitely be in your games library. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (PS3/xBox 360)
Oblivion was an instant favourite with gamers on both systems, largely because of its sheer scale and the phenomenal graphics. Mix in an immersive storyline with great controls and general gameplay, and you know you're onto a classic. And that is what Oblivion is. It is undoubtedly the best role-playing game of all time, and that is not an overstatement. If you're a RPG fan, this is one game you must own at all costs. The Orange Box (PS3/xBox360)
The true beauty of the Orange Box isn't just that it has Half Life 2; it is that it also has other games with it. Portal, a massively acclaimed game, along with Team Fortress 2, really makes this game (though collection is a more apt description) one of the best value-for-money games (collections?) of all time. There's a reason that Half-Life 2 got 98% as a rating, so does that mean that this whole box-set would get a rating of like 290% or something like that? Amazing and definitely worth whatever it costs you to get your hands on it. Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (PS3)
Uncharted is the only exclusive on this list, and it belongs to the PS3. Uncharted is like Tomb Raider mixed with Indiana Jones (the movies), but not the new one which is just terrible. Uncharted, to quote Playstation Official Magazine UK, is “the adventure game PS3 has been waiting for”. It is almost undoubtedly the first adventure game where everything runs smoothly but with the advanced fighting of a first person shooter. It's got cover, fisticuffs (hand-to-hand), a great storyline and some really cutting-edge graphics. This is the game that I wanted most when I got my PS3, and I'd advise it to everyone who owns a PS3.
