Net Ten: Ten Crucial Games That Will Define Next-Gen (page 1) Subscribe to this RSS feed

With the Xbox 360's launch in late November, a new era of next-gen gaming is upon us. Here are ten top titles that will make or break the PS3, the Xbox 360, and the Revolution, in 2006 and beyond.

#10 Resident Evil 5 - [ PS3 ]

Ever since the first pre-rendered cinema came out, it's been love at first sight. And why not? Resident Evil 4 was a major success for Capcom, and managed to single-handedly reinvigorate the stale series. With Capcom announcing that the game will make it to both the PS3 and the Xbox 360, all exclusivity bets are off.

Xbox 360: Definitely
PlayStation 3: Definitely
Revolution: Unknown

Key question: How can Capcom possibly improve upon the masterful Resident Evil 4?

#10 Resident Evil 5
N/A average
critic
score

#9 Saint's Row - [ Xbox 360 ]

If the Grand Theft Auto series lit a fire under the ass of the action genre, then Saint's Row burns down the whole damned house. We've played Saint's Row on numerous occasions, and from the outrageous character customization options to the eye-popping graphics, the game just screams "next-gen." The online multiplayer mode--a feature GTA fans have begged for forever--is just icing on the cake. Definitely a key game to watch.

Xbox 360: Definitely
PlayStation 3: As of now, no (but you never know...)
Revolution: Unknown

Key question: Will the delay to June 2006 doom Saint's Row to be overshadowed by GTA 4?

#9 Saint's Row
86% average
critic
score

#8 The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - [ Xbox 360 ]

Bethesda might have delayed the game, but the concept is still phenomenal (check out our story Living in Oblivion). If Oblivion can live up to its promise, it will be a front-runner for RPG of the year. But the real question is, will it remain an Xbox 360/PC exclusive? It seems likely for the time being, but don't forget that Bethesda announced that Oblivion would be available for "next generation consoles," in the plural sense.

Xbox 360: Definitely
PlayStation 3: Possibly
Revolution: Possibly

Key question: When will the game come out? And can Bethesda use the extra time to solve the performance problems?

#8 The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
90% average
critic
score

#7 Call of Duty 2 - [ Xbox 360 ]

It's a no-brainer, but Call of Duty 2 makes the list for good reason. From the gritty presentation to the accessible, pick-up-and-play action scenes, Call of Duty 2 is the World War II game to end World War II games.

Xbox 360: Definitely
PlayStation 3: Doubtful
Revolution: Unknown

Key question: Did Infinity Ward make the gameplay too simplified and casual?

#7 Call of Duty 2
90% average
critic
score

#6 Metal Gear Solid 4 - [ PS3 ]

It's no surprise that Solid Snake is back for another stealth-based adventure. But what is surprising is the fact that he now looks like he's 60-years old! Thanks to the sheer power of the PS3, however, he's still looking mighty fine. While we're still waiting to hear just exactly what sort of trouble Snake is going to get himself in, we're pretty sure that series creator Hideo Kojima has a few surprises up his sleeve.

PlayStation 3: Definitely
Xbox 360: Unknown
Revolution: Unknown

Key question: Will the storyline get in the way?

#6 Metal Gear Solid 4
N/A average
critic
score