This is a list of the most influential games of Gen 7. Not necessarily the best, but the ones that have had the biggest impact. Did I miss anything - please let me know. Also, post some of the games you think were most influential.
Honorable mentions: Crysis (for pressuring developers to step up their game, visually) ; Bioshock (for bringing story-driven games to the limelight).; The Last of Us (extended the life of PS3)
10. Minecraft
Say what you will (personally not a fan of it), but it definitely proved that indie games can be just as important as big-budget titles. It's freedom to let the player create and explore as they choose, providing challenges where needed definitely left a mark.
9. Guitar Hero II
Since about 2-3 years ago, we've largely forgotten about rhythm games, but from 06 to 11', they were ubiquitous to the point where they needed to burn out. Let's not forget about Rock Band and Guitar Hero. Or, the ten-odd band-exclusive games from the series'.
8. Portal
A surprise hit. With it's witty writing and innovative puzzle-based gameplay, it became a cultural phenomenon. It also spawned an excellent sequel, Portal 2.
7. Halo 3
No doubt solidified the popularity of shooters. No doubt of it's massive hype, or it's many online capabilities compared to other titles at the time. It was also the game behind the 360's success at a time where Wii and PS3 barely began their footing
6. Skyrim
Yes, it came late in the gen, but was easily the most talked about game in such a busy year full of great games. It's open world and exploration had a lot to do with it. Then, there's also the giant modding community that breathed life into it. An iconic game.
5. Grand Theft Auto IV
Let's not deny how much of a hype-machine this was and how acclaimed it was. It further emphasized the push (which began in 06-07) toward what this generation. It emphasized online play, characters, gritty realism and violent shootouts. The personality of the 7th gen.
4. Mass Effect
Began a well-known, well-acclaimed trilogy with a strong community of fans. Mixed RPG and action well. Definitely had an influence on story, character development and plot choices. Hard to discuss these things without mentioning Mass Effect.
3. Wii Sports
Simply put, Wii Sports was a system seller, and the system it was on, sold A LOT. Yes, it was only a pack of (albeit very good) mini-games, but there's no denying it's importance.
2. Gears of War
On it's release, there was nothing like GeoW and nothing that could even compete with it. In the past 5 years, lots of games have competed against, but only because they greatly borrowed from it's mechanics.
1. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
COD3 was a dud, and COD4 re-invigorated the series, propelling it to become one of the best selling series of all time. It also caused other companies to place a bigger emphasis on FPS games (for better or worse; mostly worse).
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