Now, that Ps5 and Xbox Series X have been released we’re officially in the next generation of videogames! So, it’s time to look back at the last generation and discuss our 10s. These games aren’t perfect, but they were the titles I spent the most time with or that left the biggest impact on me. I didn’t play everything so more than most lists, this is a personal list.
One quick note, I’m considering the last generation to be Ps4, Xbox One, the 3DS (and Vita I suppose but that won’t be relevant), and the WiiU. The Switch is very much still an active console.
And now, in chronological order
Mario Kart 8 (WiiU 2014)
Just a perfect version of Mario Kart. It added more simplified controls so younger competitors could feel like they had a chance, an actually decent online experience, and introduced fun DLC to Mario Kart for the first time. Yes, the Switch re-release is a better product all around, but before 2017 this was the only kart-racing game we needed.
Super Mario Maker (Wii U 2015)
The idea of making your own Super Mario levels seemed a little crazy at first. How was Nintendo going to pull that off? But they did and it was amazing. Not only could you log on every day and play new Mario levels, but some creators found ways to push levels far past traditional 2-D platforming. And this was easy to pick up, my sons were making levels adults couldn’t complete before they were in elementary school.
Overwatch (Multiple Platforms 2016)
Overwatch wasn’t the first Hero Shooter, but it really pushed the format to new heights. Because of the team set up and good matchmaking, noobs could have fun and learn the complexities of the game without being crushed every time they re-spawned. But the game and team dynamics were also deep enough to spawn an entire e-Sports League. This game was a great entryway for many into both e-Sports and online gaming.
WWE 2K16 (Multiple Platforms 2016)
During the Ps4 era, I played a lot of WWE games with my sons. This one easily stood out at the best of the bunch. It delivered on a lot of what a Wrestling fan wanted – a huge roster, an okay Career mode, a very Customizable WWE Universe Mode, and the return of the Creative Suite which allowed you to create or download anything missing. The Showcase Mode followed Stone Cold Steve Austin’s career highlights, which made it more compelling than other versions. The controls weren’t any worse than any other year. As a total package, this was the WWE game of the last generation.
Night in the Woods (Multiple Platforms 2017)
This single-player adventure/platformer/decision-making game was a small indie release but may be the most memorable game of the last generation. It somehow accurately captured depression, small-town life, and the ennui of being between high school and full adulthood. It also examined choices, friendship, and emotions deeper than you would expect a game to. It’s a game that truly sticks with you.
And one handheld bonus games
Super Mario 3D Land (3DS 2011)
Most 3DS games were gimmicks or the 3-D was meaningless. This was not only one of the best Mario platformers in years, it actually used the 3DS’s 3D effectively.