The current generation is said to come to an end in 2028, indicating that the lifecycle of consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X is nearly halfway through. In retrospect, this generation has been somewhat disappointing in terms of exclusive games, and now, as we approach its second half, there is much to prove.
Generations are often defined by their exclusive games, which are available only on the current gaming platform. In the first half of the PS4 generation, a remarkable lineup of exclusive titles left a lasting impact. Games like Knack, Killzone: Shadow Fall, Infamous Second Son, Bloodborne, and Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End were at the forefront. While Knack may not have reached the same heights as others, it still offered an enjoyable experience. However, the real gems were Bloodborne and Uncharted 4, each with its distinct significance. Bloodborne’s eerie ambiance and tight gameplay design earned it a spot among the best FromSoftware games in the eyes of many enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Uncharted 4 delivered an emotional conclusion to the beloved franchise, solidifying its place in gaming history. The fact that these games were exclusive to the PS4 and not available on the PS3 reinforced Sony’s commitment to crafting a robust boundary between the two generations, ultimately bolstering the PS4’s exclusive lineup.
The Xbox One’s exclusive lineup during its early years didn’t quite match the promise of the PS4’s offerings. Titles like Dead Rising 3, Ryse: Son of Rome, Killer Instinct, Forza Motorsport 5, and Crimson Dragon failed to generate the same level of excitement or achieve a cult classic status as some of the PS4 games did. Nonetheless, the Xbox One had a list of exclusive games, which can’t be said for the current generation. This exclusivity provided a unique selling point for the Xbox One and catered to a specific audience. While the overall reception may not have been as strong as hoped, having exclusive games still differentiated the Xbox One from other gaming platforms in the market.
When contrasting the current generation with the previous one, a notable trend emerges – a departure from strict console exclusivity, as companies opt to blur the boundaries between generations. In the first half of this generation, a significant portion of games consists of remakes or titles simultaneously released on the previous console. This approach has led to a dearth of standout games or clear signs of greatness, ultimately dampening the initial excitement that accompanied the launch of these new gaming systems. The lack of distinct and exclusive experiences on the new consoles is disappointing. This shift in strategy may have some benefits, such as broader accessibility, but it also raises concerns about the unique selling points and long-term appeal of the current generation of consoles.
Indeed, the PS5 has showcased some standout games that demonstrate the potential of this new generation. Returnal and Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart are two notable examples that have garnered attention and acclaim. Returnal stands out as one of the best PS5 exclusives, offering a unique blend of classic arcade bullet hell mechanics with a Triple-A take on the rogue-like genre. Its exclusivity to the PS5 and PC adds to its allure, and the game’s special qualities are likely to stand the test of time. Many players consider it a defining moment in the PS5’s lifecycle. On the other hand, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, while not as groundbreaking in terms of gameplay innovation, serves as a showcase of the PS5’s technical capabilities. The game’s ability to deliver chaotic on-screen action mixed with beautiful ray-traced visuals without frame rate hiccups is a testament to the power of the console.
While Returnal and Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart shine as standout titles, Demon’s Souls, being a remake with significant changes, could also be considered an addition to the list of PS5 exclusives. However, it’s evident that the quantity of exclusive games during the initial years of the PS5 generation falls short compared to the previous generation. With only two (or three) exclusive titles in three years, some players might find this disappointing when comparing it to the rich lineup of exclusives seen in the previous generation. Destruction AllStars and Forspoken, though exclusives, didn’t receive the same level of acclaim and popularity as Returnal and Ratchet and Clank. The former faced challenges from its release and struggled to maintain an engaged player base, while the latter faced more attention as a meme than a good game.
Final Fantasy 16, a recent release, has excellent combat mechanics, but it may not be considered on the same tier as Returnal due to perceived mediocrity in other aspects like the story’s grip and excitement as the game progresses. Lastly, while The Last of Us Part 1 and Marvel’s Spider-Man are highly regarded games, their presence as remakes on the PS5 may not provide the same level of novelty as new exclusive titles. It remains to be seen how the second half of the PS5 generation will unfold, and whether more exclusive titles will emerge that can rival or surpass the impact of Returnal and Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart.
The lines of exclusivity are blurred even more with the Xbox Series X. The company is focusing more on an Xbox ecosystem than a console generation. While there have been a few standout titles like Hi-Fi Rush, Immortality, and Pentiment, the overall reception of the bigger releases has been lackluster. Halo Infinite, while considered a decent game in many respects, fell short of fulfilling fans’ expectations for continuing the iconic Halo legacy. The multiplayer updates were slow to arrive, and the absence of campaign co-op at launch, a hallmark of the Halo experience, further added to the letdown. Redfall, highly anticipated as the grand launch of ZeniMax games on Xbox, turned out to be a disappointing affair. Not only did it deviate from Arkane Austin’s design values, particularly in relation to simulation games, but it also suffered from technical issues, rendering it an underwhelming and problematic game. While some of the games discussed earlier have their merits, Redfall stands out as a clear misstep in terms of both design and technical execution.
This current generation of consoles has not quite lived up to the expectations of gamers, with only a few standout releases defining its identity. However, as we approach the halfway mark, there is hope that upcoming releases will elevate the PS5 and Xbox Series X to become truly iconic generations for gaming. Anticipation is building for highly anticipated titles such as Starfield and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, which have the potential to shape the trajectory of this generation. Moreover, Xbox’s impressive acquisition of various developers has expanded its game library significantly, with promising titles like Avowed and Fable on the horizon. Similarly, PlayStation is gearing up with exciting prospects like Marvel’s Wolverine and future Naughty Dog games. Both consoles began the race at a steady pace, but it’s hoped that as the generation progresses, they will pick up speed, sprinting towards an impressive finish line.
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Includes several titles.
Which was showcased at E3 2003.