E3 2014 Preview

"It's like Christmas and Birthday all wrapped into one"
That was one of the first things then Sony Computer Entertainment America President Jack Tretton said at last year's Sony conference. And it perfectly sums up E3. With all the game reveals, hardware news, trailers, and demos, E3 is what every gamer gets excited for every year. So what can you expect? Here is 8-Bit Ape's E3 2014 Preview.

Microsoft- June 9, 9:30 AM Pacific

It's been a rocky road every since the Xbox One was revealed to the world just over a year ago, but recently Xbox has been getting back on track. With a new president who knows what he's doing, and a brighter focus on gaming, Microsoft has truly bounced back from the disastrous Xbox One reveal. And now is their chance to level the playing field (pun intended) with Sony.

What You Will See:

Lots of games. They've already said some games have had to been moved out because of the amount of games already booked. Expect to see a lengthy demo of Sunset Overdrive, as well as some Halo news. Hopefully the super awesome HD collection of all the Halo games is indeed real and heading to Xbox One this fall. And if you're wondering about Quantum Break, it has already been confirmed it will not appear at the show. However, there is a new trailer for you to enjoy until Gamescom. Hopefully some updates on Project Spark will also be announced. Microsoft will also tout the new Kinect-less Xbox One. Expect also some Titanfall DLC news and maybe a new IP reveal. I do also believe that a new trailer for Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain will debut at the conference. I also predict a sizzle reel of the Xbox TV lineup is in order, but it will be very brief. Oh, and Xbox 360 price drop.

What You Will Not See:

Gears of War. The new game is still very early in development and if Microsoft is smart they will choose not to reveal it at E3. I doubt there will be any talk of Gears at all. Also, don't expect the Xbox 360 to get more than a few minutes of talk. Microsoft wants to get every 360 user to upgrade, so they don't want to waste anytime. You also won't see a lot of the Kinect either. I think Microsoft has realized people don't like the Kinect and will keep it as minimal as possible. Also, don't expect Microsoft to reveal a VR competitor to compete with Project Morpheus and Oculus Rift. I think it's best for Microsoft to sit this one out and see how the market reacts to a VR headset.

Game to Watch: Halo 5 Guardians

This is arguably Microsoft's biggest exclusive for the Xbox One, and even though it's well over a year away from release, expect Microsoft to give it a lot of screen time. Microsoft understands how big the Halo brand is, and they want to get rolling on the hype train as soon as possible. You may even see it longer than the reported Halo 2 Anniversary or Master Chief Collection. Whatever they give us, they must impress.

EA- June 9, Noon Pacific

While EA has questionable business practices, it is undeniable they have a plethora of talented studios making games. EA's E3 conference is always filled with games, and this year should be no exception. With that being said, let's preview EA's conference.

What You Will See:

A good mixture of new trailers and reveals. Battlefield Hardline might be the one that closes out the show, in the same fashion of last year with Battlefield 4. It'll be interesting to see in Hardline with DICE only making half of the game. Expect the reveals of the sports games Madden NFL 15, FIFA 15, NBA Live 15, etc. Dragon Age: Inquisition should also play a big part at the show. Also expect some new reveals from major studios. After the Battlefield Hardline demo, I predict they end the conference with a brief teaser for Mass Effect 4.

What You Will Not See:

I hate to say it, but I don't think we'll be seeing Mirror's Edge 2. Will we see some new footage before the year ends? Yes, but to be honest, I'm starting to think Mirror's Edge 2 is a 2016 game. I also don't expect any news on the Star Wars games outside of Battlefront. Visceral is obviously still early in their project since Amy Henning was hired just a few months ago to help write the game. And BioWare probably has their hands full with Dragon Age and Mass Effect to be worried about Star Wars.

Game to Watch: Star Wars Battlefront

I swear I have put over a thousand hours into the first two Battlefront games. It is my favorite multiplayer shooter of all time, and I have waited so long for another one. The new Battlefront has already been confirmed to make an appearance at EA's conference, and I hope it is a lengthy one. This game is supposed to be out in a year, so I hope we will see some gameplay footage and maybe an official title. This is a fan favorite, and perhaps my most anticipated game of E3 2014, so I hope it shines.

Ubisoft- June 9, 3 PM Pacific

Ubisoft is on a roll right now. After the massive critical and commercial success of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag and more recently Watch Dogs, Ubisoft is thriving. They head into E3 with all eyes on games like Assassin's Creed Unity, The Division, and Far Cry 4. Let's see if they can keep the hype train rolling.

What You Will See:

A lot more news about Assassin's Creed Unity and Far Cry 4. In addition, they also will more than likely reveal the Last gen Assassin's Creed game for this year, rumored to be called Comet. The Division and The Crew will also more than likely get demos. They will also tout Watch Dogs' success, and I predict they will give a teaser at some DLC for the game. Hopefully they won't spend too much time on their entertainment productions. Aisha Taylor will most likely start another hash tag trend. Oh, and hopefully Ubisoft's big end-of-conference reveal will be jaw-dropping

What You Will Not See:

Much of anything else. I doubt you'll see a reveal of a game like Child of Light (though they may mention it). It just may not have enough time in Ubisoft's show. They have to give lots of news on three games as well as multiple demos and an end-of-show reveal, so that's a lot for an hour long conference.

Game to Watch: The Division

The Division seems to be Ubisoft's big title for 2015. After the game's delay, Ubisoft will be showing a lot to quench any fears about this game. This title has not completely sold me as much as Watch Dogs did when it was revealed, so it has to be a good showing. Hopefully a more in-depth look into the game's co-op mechanics and combat will be enough to get me hyped for this very ambitious project.

Sony- June 9, 6 PM Pacific

The PlayStation 4 has put Sony on top of the console market. At 7 million units sold, the PS4 is giving much needed success to Sony. Now the question is will they be able to keep such a great advantage. Sony soundly beat Microsoft at E3 last year with the DRM and price announcements. Now they don't have such luxury, and in order for Sony or Microsoft to win, they need to bring the games.

What You Will See:

I'm going to make a bold prediction that Sony will drop the price of the PS4 to $349 in an effort to stay cheaper than the competition. Expect Sony to tout PS4's success, but then jump into games. The Order 1886 will get a lengthy demo, as will Driveclub. Expect Sucker Punch to show up with Infamous: Second Son DLC. I am predicting that Sony will also reveal games from some of its biggest studios, most notably Media Molecule. Indies will also once again be present at the conference, along with some Destiny gameplay. I believe Project Beast is a real thing, and it will be at E3. And I hope The Last Guardian is there, but I'm not holding my breath.

What You Will Not See:

A lot of screen time for the PS Vita. It will get some time, maybe a game announcement or two, but Sony will dedicate 95% of the conference to PS4 more likely, so I doubt we'll be hearing too much about the Vita. There will be maybe a minute or two devoted to PS3, but no more. And I don't expect Project Morpheus to make a big appearance at the conference, but I think it may be available for demo on the show floor.

Game to Watch: Uncharted 4

Naughty Dog has seen turmoil over the last few months it has not seen since the beginning of the PS3 era. Several key people in the company have left. However, Uncharted 4 is well into production, and Naughty Dog is a big company filled with talented people still in it. Uncharted has already been confirmed to make an appearance at E3, but we don't know how big it will be. Another teaser? A cinematic trailer? Gameplay? I think we'll see a cinematic trailer, along with a Fall 2015 release date. It will be interesting to see this game come June 9.

Nintendo- June 10. 9 AM Pacific

For the second year in a row, Nintendo will not be holding a traditional press conference. Instead, it will host an hour long Nintendo Direct. Nintendo is experiencing unprecedented success with the 3DS, while the Wii U is struggling. This E3 will help shape the future of the Wii U, and hopefully it breathes new life into the struggling console.

What You Will See:

Zelda. Plain and Simple. Lots of Zelda. This is the year Nintendo fans have been waiting for a while. The reveal of Zelda for the Wii U. But we'll get back to that later. What else is there? Well obviously an extensive look into the new Smash Bros. Expect official release dates for the 3DS and Wii U versions. Also a new look at the Pokémon 3DS titles, maybe even a new Wii U Pokémon. The Monolith Project called X will hopefully make an appearance. I also think a new Metroid will be announced for the Wii U.

What You Will Not See:

I have a strong feeling Nintendo is going to focus a lot less on 3DS for this conference. They know the 3DS will still sell with Smash Bros. and Pokémon on their way, so it's time to get those Wii U consoles off the shelves. I doubt even a Zelda reveal will do much to get consoles off shelves, but at least Nintendo will be trying, and that is important.

Game to Watch: The Legend of Zelda for Wii U

You knew this was coming. This is the E3 Nintendo fans have been waiting for since the Wii U was revealed in 2011. A new Legend of Zelda for Wii U. Many people will probably tune into the conference just for this. Sure there may be an HD remake to please some fans, but everyone is ready for Zelda U. This will not be the game that gets Wii U consoles flying off the shelves, but if it delivers the satisfying experience gamers are hoping for, than that's good enough. Yes Reggie, our bodies are ready.

Other Predictions

I'm excited to see Batman: Arkham Knight and The Witcher 3. I doubt Call of Duty Advanced Warfare will give me hope for the once-proud franchise. I think No Man's Sky will make an appearance, and I hope it blows me away once again. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain will have a trailer at least six minutes long. I'm interested to see how Evolve is. I'm predicting the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Collection is real, and I'm tempted to buy it for MW1 and MW2. Rockstar will not appear at E3, but either Sony or Microsoft will announce a PS4/X1 version of Grand Theft Auto V while Rockstar toils away at finishing the next Red Dead.


There is definitely reason to be excited about E3 2014, and I can't wait for it to get started. I will be posting my reactions to game reveals and other news. Let me know what you're excited for in the comments below, and take our poll to show which conference you are most excited for. Follow 8-Bit Ape on Twitter @8bitapeblog for my immediate reactions to all the news.


And, as always, thanks for visiting 8-Bit Ape.

PlayStation Vita Borderlands 2 Bundle Review

I am not much of a handheld gamer. The PS Vita Slim is the first handheld device I have bought since I got an Nintendo DS Lite several years ago. But I had put enough time into both the PS Vita and the Nintendo 3DS to know that I prefer the Vita. So I decided to go and purchase my own, and I got the PlayStation Vita Borderlands 2 bundle. After putting lots of time with both the PS Vita slim and Borderlands 2, here are my thoughts. Note that this isn't a full review, so therefore there is no score.

What's In the Box

The Bundle itself is actually a sweet offer. Inside the box you'll get the new PS Vita (along with the standard instruction manuals, charger, AR cards, etc.), a copy of Borderlands 2 for the Vita, and an 8GB memory card, all for the standard $200 price tag of the Vita. That's pretty sweet, considering Sony doesn't include a memory card with the PS Vita normally and it must be purchased separately. However Borderlands 2 takes up a good 5-6 GB of that memory card, so you'll probably end up purchasing a 16 or 32 GB memory card in the future, and they're unfortunately not cheap.

What's changed

The PS Vita Slim is a lot lighter and a lot less bulkier than the original model. While the original's build feels much more premium, the Slim isn't too far behind that. Holding the slim feels a lot better than the original though, because of the bigger finger rest on the back and a smaller back touchscreen so you won't be making as many accidental touches this time around. However, it is still not perfect and the way they want you to hold it still feels a little awkward. In terms of buttons, they are mostly the same, except that the PS, start, and select buttons are now a circle instead of an oval. The accessory port which really didn't hold much of a purpose has been removed, and there is now a light that indicates various states of the Vita. Battery life has been greatly improved. While playing Uncharted: Golden Abyss, I was able to get a solid 5 hours out of it. It's not the best battery life, but it's much better than what we had before.

OLED vs. LCD

The most talked about change however, is Sony's decision to replace the stunning OLED display in favor of a cheaper LCD screen. This has deterred some people from picking up the new model. Even though I didn't own the original model, I have spent enough time with one to where I can barely tell the difference between the two. Yes OLED looks better, but if you gave someone the LCD one without telling them the screen they would not be able to notice. Uncharted still looks fantastic on the LCD screen, and LCD also improves battery life and cost. So if you're on the fence about getting a Vita Slim because of the screen difference, don't be. It's still miles ahead of other handheld devices like the Nintendo 3DS.

Remote Play

The Vita hasn't exactly been flying off shelves, but sales have increased over the past few months because of the ability to remote play your PS4 over Wi-Fi. The Vita slim does a good job of holding up, and it is still really cool to see games like Infamous Second Son running on a handheld. However, make sure you have a good Wi-Fi connection, as the game started lagging and eventually crashed as soon as I left my bedroom where my PS4 was at. I do have a terrible 3 mb/s connection, but it is worth noting if Remote Play is one of your selling factors.

Borderlands 2 Port

I didn't really get into Borderlands 2 when it came out in 2012. Don't get me wrong, it's a good game, but it had flaws that just kept me from going beyond 10 hours of playtime. So Borderlands 2 wasn't a big reason why I got the PS Vita, but I know a lot of people are looking forward to it. So after putting several hours into it, I can say the Vita version of Borderlands 2 runs very well. Yes the frame rate does drop occasionally and there are a few bugs, but the fact that a game like Borderlands 2 is running on Vita (and well at that) is enough to forgive the drawbacks. If you have the PS3 version, you can cross-save between the two, meaning you can continue to play your PS3 character on the go. It's not enough to bring me back to Borderlands 2 for a while, but people who enjoyed Borderlands 2 will probably like this port.

Conclusion

The PS Vita Borderlands 2 Bundle is a great deal for $200. The Vita Slim is fantastic, Borderlands 2 runs very well, and there are thousands of games waiting to be played on your PS Vita from PS Vita games to PSP games and PS One Classics. I doubt this will be enough to make the Vita a viable competitor in the market, but that shouldn't deter you from picking up this great deal.


Note: This is different from how I will review a game. When reviewing consoles I give no score, I just give you my impressions of the device.


Will you be picking up the Vita Slim? Have you already? If so, what do you think? Let me know in the comments!
And, as always, thanks for visiting 8-Bit Ape.

8-Bit Ape Presents: The Top 25 Games of the Generation

As gamers have started to settle into their new consoles, it's time to honor the past generation and show our appreciation for the games that made us laugh, cry, smile, frown, and everything in between. The games that showed us a powerful narrative and unparalleled gameplay. It's time to name the top 25 games of the generation, and crown a champion. Quick judging criteria:
1.) Must be a game I have played
2.) Must be a game I have enjoyed
3.) Must have been available on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and/or Wii.
4.) Must have released since 2006
Because of #3, no PC exclusives are going to be on this list. Just know you ABSOLUTLEY MUST PLAY CIVILIZATION V. Now without, further ado, 8-Bit Ape's Top 25 Games of the Generation

25.) Batman: Arkham Asylum (released 2009 on PS3 and Xbox 360)

Batman: Arkham Asylum surprised everyone. Its pre-release demos looked cool, but no one expected it to be really good. Oh how wrong they were. From developer Rocksteady Studios, Batman Arkham Asylum puts you in the shoes of The Dark Knight as you try to stop the Joker from taking over Arkham Asylum. The story is incredible, and the Scarecrow sections are very memorable. Arkham's now trademark gameplay makes head-to-head combat and stealth exciting and enjoyable. The Riddler challenges are also a blast. Arkham Asylum spawned a series of games and has made developer Rocksteady a top developer in the industry.

24.) Wii Sports (released 2006 on Wii)

Okay, I know you probably think I'm crazy because I put Wii Sports ahead of Arkham Asylum. But understand the impact Wii Sports had on gaming. The title that came with every Wii turned out to be Wii's biggest success at launch. This is the only time I feel motion control has been done the way it should have been. I have a lot of memories of playing Wii Sports with family and friends. It's a simple game, but it truly is something incredible. The lasting impact this game has had on gaming is nothing short of legendary. And while its sequel Wii Sports Resort was still fun to play, it didn't have the same excitement of the original.

23.) Mass Effect (released 2007 on Xbox 360, 2012 on PS3)

BioWare had already been a successful developer heading into the generation. They were, after all, creators of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. So the incredible quality of Mass Effect didn't really come as a surprise. Mass Effect may not have the strength gameplay wise of its sequels, but it still is a remarkable achievement of storytelling in games. Mass Effect puts you in the roles of Commander Shepard, and you are sent on an incredible adventure to save the galaxy. Along the way you'll meet a fantastic cast of characters, make game-changing decisions, and explore a rich and vast universe. It's truly a remarkable game.

22.) Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City (released 2009 on Xbox 360, 2010 on PS3)

The standalone version of Grand Theft Auto IV's episodic content, Episodes from Liberty City features two different stories; The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony. In The Lost and Damned, you play as Johnny Klebitz and Vice President of The Lost Motorcycle Club. You are pit in a vicious turf war with other gangs in the city. In The Ballad of Gay Tony, you are Luis Lopez, bodyguard to nightclub owner Gay Tony and are put into a struggle between your family and friends. Both episodes feature an interesting cast of characters and refined gameplay from the already excellent GTA gameplay. Take notes developers, this is how you do DLC.

21.) Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception (released 2011 on PS3)

Naughty Dog played a big part of PS3's journey last generation. How? They gave it a mascot, adventurer Nathan Drake. The Uncharted franchise has been a huge success story for Naughty Dog, and Uncharted 3 once again proves it. Drake is on a journey for the Atlantis of the Sands, an ancient treasure sought out by many before him. Along the way Drake also confronts his deepest fears and personal conflicts. The missions play out like a Hollywood blockbuster, and the second mission is definitely a surprise. The voice acting is top notch, and the multiplayer is the best it's ever been. While it may not be the best in the trilogy, Uncharted 3 is a title you don't want to miss.

20.) Bioshock Infinite (released 2013 on PS3 and Xbox 360)

I had not been a big Bioshock guy. It's a very good trilogy, but none did it for me quite like Bioshock Infinite. The story is complex, deep, and thought-provoking. You play Booker DeWitt, and you must find a girl called Elizabeth, who possess a special power. The world of Columbia is stunning, and the characters you meet are, well, interesting to say the least. While the shooting isn't great, the powers are cool. Elizabeth also will help you in battle by finding supplies like health. This game isn't for everyone. But I did enjoy it, and it earns the number 20 spot.

19. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (released 2013 on PS3 and Xbox 360)

Assassin's Creed is arguably the biggest new franchise this generation. But Assassin's Creed IV deviates from the formula a bit, and it's for the better. You play Edward Kenway, a pirate in the 18th century. While the story is forgettable, it's the gameplay that will keep you coming back. The open world is massive and filled with uncharted islands to explore. You get a ship, The Jackdaw, and you are free to explore the ocean at your leisure. Battle enemy ships, raid forts, uncover secret treasure, listen to shanties, and much more. Simply put, this is the most fun you will have in Ubisoft's alternate history universe, even if the story is below average.

18. Tomb Raider (released 2013 on PS3 and Xbox 360)

It's been a long time since Tomb Raider was a mainstream game franchise, but developer Crystal Dynamics has brought Lara Croft back to the spotlight. Tomb Raider is an intense, emotional, and rewarding look into Lara's origins, as she is trapped on an island and must learn to survive. While the supporting cast is forgettable, Lara shows her vulnerabilities, and her transformation from a scared reporter to a hardened survivor is a memorable one. The combat is also really thought out, and the island is filled with tombs and treasures to discover. If this doesn't make you a Tomb Raider fan, nothing will.

17. Mirror's Edge (released 2008 on PS3 and Xbox 360)

Mirror's Edge is unlike anything I've ever played. It has some of the most remarkable gameplay I have ever seen. A first person free running game, Mirror's Edge finds the perfect ways to use your free running. This isn't a game about combat (I think you can go the entire game without killing a single person), it's a game about chases and puzzle solving. You'll make breath-taking leaps, run up the side of fences, and have a lot of fun doing it. There is a new one in production right now, and I can't wait to play it. In the meantime, you owe it to yourself to play this one.

16. Mario Kart Wii (released 2008 on Wii)

Hands-down the best racing game of the generation, Mario Kart Wii is remarkable because you don't sit in front of your TV with analog sticks and buttons. You use the Wii Remote to steer your vehicle, making it a great party game. This, like Wii Sports, shows us how motion control should be done. And while you can play it alone, why would you? Grab some friends, a couple Wii Remotes, and race! I still turn on my Wii today because this game is just so much fun. I cannot stress how much fun this game is! Go out and buy it!

15. XCOM: Enemy Unknown (released 2012 for PS3 and Xbox 360)

I have a big love for strategy games. I don't know why but I've always loved being the emperor or commander in a game. From Civilization creator Firaxis, XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a remake of the classic game UFO: Enemy Unknown and is sure to keep you busy for hours on end. Take control of a commander trying to save the Earth from an Alien invasion. Along the way you'll make tactical decisions to improve your soldiers, your research, and your construction projects. It's extremely addicting and I highly recommend you go out and buy this game.

14. Journey (released 2012 for PS3)

Journey isn't really a video game. It's more of an experience. It's more of a, well, journey. You play a nameless hooded figure, wandering for the desert in search of a mountain. You don't attack any enemies and there's no elaborate set pieces. It's just you walking through the desert, occasionally solving a puzzle or two. And you may meet a fellow traveler along the way. The game seamlessly connects you with a random player. Your only means of communication are musical notes. It's an emotional experience that leaves you in awe. You can beat it in an hour and a half, but it will be a memorable one. You would be missing out if you didn't experience this.

13. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (released 2011 for PS3 and Xbox 360)

Bethesda was on a roll heading into Skyrim's release. Morrowind, Oblivion, Fallout 3, the anticipation was high for The Elder Scrolls V. And finally it released and unsurprisingly, people loved it. A lot. I ended up putting 80 hours into this game. And for good reason. The character customization is deep and extensive. The quests are rewarding and interesting. And the world is massive and filled with things to do. Fight dragons, raid dungeons, partake in a civil war, go on assassin missions, enroll in the College of Winterhold, raise a family, cause chaos, the possibilities are endless. If you need something to play, Skyrim has you covered.

12. Super Mario Galaxy (released 2007 for Wii)

Hands down the greatest Mario game of all time. Sure, you're still trying to save the princess from Bowser, but Super Mario Galaxy has stunning gameplay that will keep you hooked for a long time. It never feels repetitive and it never loses its charm. It brings out joy in all ages, and it never ceases to put a smile on your face. The game also boasts one of the best musical scores ever seen in a video game. Super Mario Galaxy's gameplay is now legendary, and while its sequel improved upon the already fantastic mechanics, it doesn't have the same feeling as the first. A true modern classic.

11. Assassin's Creed II (released 2009 on PS3 and Xbox 360)

I stated early how good Assassin's Creed IV is. But the truth is, it doesn't hold a torch to the best one in the series, Assassin's Creed II. Taking place during the height of the renaissance, you play as Ezio Auditore. The story is about revenge, Ezio is trying to track down the people responsible for murdering his father and brother. While it seems simple enough, Assassin's Creed II is filled with memorable characters and moments. Ezio is by far the best Assassin in the franchise (Ubisoft thinks so too, he had three games) and one of the most likeable characters in gaming history. The gameplay is also stellar, you will find yourself shooting sleep darts at enemies across rooftops a lot. If there's any game you must play in this franchise, Assassin's Creed II is it.

10. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (released 2013 on PS3 and Xbox 360)

Brothers is 2013's Journey. It shows how a small indie studio with a small budget, no dialogue, and little to no hype can make something truly spectacular. You play as two brothers trying to save their father who is dying from a major illness. The game, like Journey is short (about 2-3 hours). But it contains so many emotional and exciting moments that you can't help but enjoy it. The gameplay is also interesting, one stick to control one brother the other stick controls the other. This makes for some clever puzzles. I don't think this game got the credit it deserves. It's emotional, fun, but most of all worth it. Brothers is an adventure you simply must take.

9. LA Noire (released 2011 on PS3 and Xbox 360)

LA Noire is a once in a generation kind of game. Insanely ambitious, LA Noire takes place in 1947 Los Angeles and revolves around Cole Phelps, a war hero who is now working as an honest patrol cop. Eventually you become a detective and work through the four desks; Traffic, Homicide, Vice, and Arson. It is a slow yet rewarding game. You investigate crime scenes looking for evidence, go through intense interrogations where you determine if someone is telling the truth or lying, and chase down fleeing crooks. It is not a game for everyone, but it is really rewarding and really challenging. The interrogations are more intense than some action scenes in other AAA games. The game uses revolutionary new facial technology, and even today it is still better than other games. It is a shame Team Bondi went under after completing this game, but hopefully Rockstar can continue this franchise.

8. Grand Theft Auto IV (released 2008 on PS3 and Xbox 360)

The Grand Theft Auto franchise has been a monumental success for Rockstar, so when GTA made the jump to next gen, the anticipation was high. Fortunately, it wasn't in vain. Grand Theft Auto IV takes place in a masterful recreation of New York, called Liberty City. You play as Niko Bellic, an Eastern European hoping to find a better life in America. Unfortunately, his past simply won't let him. Grand Theft Auto IV features a living, breathing city with massive amounts of things to do. GTA 4 also packs in a multiplayer mode, a first for the series, and even today there are still many people playing and loving GTA 4's multiplayer. Sure, it's not perfect, and some people think it is the series' low point, but I put over 100 hours into GTA 4 and it is a game I still love to this day.

7. The Walking Dead (released 2012 on PS3 and Xbox 360)

Can you imagine a point and click game being higher than a Grand Theft Auto game? Well if it's The Walking Dead, you make a pretty good argument. From developer Telltale Games, already known for their  Back to the Future series, The Walking Dead puts you in the shoes of Lee Everett during the zombie apocalypse. You meet Clementine, a little girl who you decide to protect from the Walkers. Along the way you will meet an exceptional cast of characters, all expertly voice acted, and must make tough decisions that will have dire consequences on the story. Your choices matter in The Walking Dead, and some of them are incredibly emotional. Sure the gameplay may be simple and may throw off hardcore FPS fans, but The Walking Dead is a game that you absolutely must play.

6. Mass Effect 2 (released 2010 on Xbox 360, 2011 on PS3)

I hold Mass Effect 2 to be the greatest science fiction video game ever. And anyone who has played it knows why. BioWare took everything great about the original Mass Effect and turned it up to 11. Human colonies are disappearing, and you, Commander Shepherd, must find out why. The plot unfolds to be a plan by the Reapers to take over the galaxy. You must make tough choices that impact the fate of the galaxy. The excellent BioWare dialogue wheel returns, and engaging with characters is as interesting as ever. The game has real tension throughout and builds up to a "Suicide Mission", quite possibly the greatest finale in gaming history. While it is a shame that there are less exploration options than the first, Mass Effect 2 is a game that will be treasured forever, and you should absolutely play it.

5. Batman: Arkham City (released 2011 on PS3 and Xbox 360)

Why do people love Spider Man 2 The Game? Because it puts you in an open world environment and makes you truly feel like Spider Man. Arkham City does that for Batman, and boy does it do it well. Arkham City feels 10 times better than its predecessor, and it is one heck of a ride. Mayor Quincy Sharp has zoned off part of Gotham City to house criminals, and has put Hugo Strange in charge. Inside Arkham City, a massive turf war has begun between The Penguin, Two-Face, and the Joker. Batman now must discover the mysteries of Arkham City and Hugo Strange before it's too late. Arkham City has an exciting narrative that will be hard to put down. The excellent free flow combat system from Arkham Asylum returns here, as well as numerous other improvements. There are lots of side missions to undertake, and the Riddler challenges are better than ever. Arkham City is the best superhero game of all time, and I can't wait to see Rocksteady's final installment in the franchise; Arkham Knight.

4. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (released 2009 on PS3)

There's never a dull moment in Uncharted 2. Your journey as Nathan Drake to find the lost city of Shambhala is exciting and keeps you on the edge of your seat. It feels like one epic action movie, and you are the star. The narrative is tense and the characters are all memorable. What Uncharted: Drake's Fortune did wrong Among Thieves fixes it, and what Drake's Fortune did right Among Thieves perfects it. Uncharted 2 also boasts a multiplayer mode, and it is anything but tacked on. It offers incredible rewards, great gameplay, and just a good time. This title propelled Naughty Dog to the top of the industry, winning numerous Game of the Year awards. It also is the game that came along with the PS3's resurgence in the generation. And, on top of that, is the number four best game of the generation.

3. Grand Theft Auto V (released 2013 on PS3 and Xbox 360)

I have never seen a game hyped as much as Grand Theft Auto V was. With each new trailer or screenshot gamers investigated every fine eyed detail. So when GTA 5 released last September it didn't meet expectations. It surpassed all of them. GTA 5 introduces three protagonists for the first time; Michael, Trevor, and Franklin. Together they must pull off a series of heists to make it big in the Los Angeles-inspired city of Los Santos. The story is humorous and thrilling, with expert voice acting and sound direction. The gameplay is also fantastic. The character switching is genius, gunplay and driving have been significantly improved, and the world is alive and filled with things to do. Grand Theft Auto V is the definition of AAA. GTA 5 is the best one in the series, one of the best open world games ever made, and a true send-off for the generation.

2. Red Dead Redemption (released 2010 on PS3 and Xbox 360)

While GTA V is one of Rockstar's best games, Red Dead Redemption bests them all. It is 1911, you play John Marston in a dying west. He must track down his former gang members in order to save his family. This game made me a western fan. I love the incredible and emotional story and the characters you meet along the way. Gameplay is also fun, and riding on a horse is entertainment unto itself. The open world is massive and filled with things to do. Herd cattle, get into fights in saloons, meet strangers, do random encounters, play poker, hunt, the possibilities are endless. The multiplayer is also excellent. This is in my opinion, the greatest open world game ever made. You are seriously missing out if you don't play this masterpiece.


And 8-Bit Ape's Game of the Generation is...

1. The Last of Us (released 2013 on PS3)

I debated this one for a long time with Red Dead Redemption. But I then realized why The Last of Us is truly the Game of the Generation. Sure the post-apocalyptic survival story is better than most Oscar-winning movies, and the characters (especially Joel and Ellie) are entertaining. The gameplay is also hectic and intense, with emphasis on stealth rather than guns blazing. And the graphics are pretty. But what sets The Last of Us apart from the rest is because it's a game-changer. It is the perfect marriage between story and gameplay. It's really hard to put into words how much of an impact the game has had on me and the industry as a whole. The Last of Us isn't an interactive movie, or a meager pastime, it's what makes video games video games. Movies are something that you watch, Music is something you listen to, and Books are something you read. They all though, are not interactive, you just watch/listen/read what happens. Games are the perfect blend of all that and are interactive. The Last of Us, more than anything, shows us that. Naughty Dog should be applauded for changing the industry forever, and the way games are viewed. So it is fitting that their crown jewel, The Last of Us, is the Game of the Generation.






Of course this was all just my opinion. What do you think? Come up with your own list in the comments below!


And, as always, thanks for visiting 8-Bit Ape.

8-Bit Ape Game of the Generation