Top 5 Games of the Current Console Generation

It feels like only yesterday that the Xbox Series X and Playstation 5 hit store shelves for the first time, but believe it or not, that was all the way back in November of 2020. Since then, many spectacular games have been released for not only those two systems, but also for the beloved Nintendo Switch. With brand new titles, new additions to popular franchises, and some familiar favorites getting a fresh coat of paint to reach next-gen quality, there are dozens of titles out there worth picking up and playing. Read on to find out about five game franchises that are worth checking out on these amazing consoles!

Spider-Man/Spider-Man: Miles Morales

Swinging in first is a PlayStation-exclusive series. The Spider-Man games are a must-have for any PlayStation 5 owner. Often referred to as Spider-Man PS5, the first game was released in 2018, and it made a huge splash in the gaming world. Between an advanced movement system that lets you swing through the streets of New York City, and an immersive, emotional story that features many of Spidey's most famous enemies, this game is a blast from beginning to end. Spider-Man: Miles Morales is the sequel to the smash hit. The biggest difference players will see immediately is that rather than playing as Peter Parker, you'll be playing as Miles Morales. After being featured in the first game as a recurring side character, Morales ends up being bitten by a certain radioactive spider, and has been getting personal lessons from Peter Parker ever since. Though it shares many similarities with the first game, Miles Morales still offers fans an entirely new story, as well as a revamped combat and stealth system to accommodate Morales' extra powers. If you're itching to swing through the streets of New York or take on more villains from Spider-Man's rogues gallery, grab either of these games today!

Elden Ring

As far as non-exclusives go, Elden Ring from developer FromSoftware has been making waves in the gaming community since its release. In a dystopian medieval world, you must control a nameless hero as he battles nightmarish beasts and demi-gods in an effort to become the Elden Lord. If you manage to beat the game, you will be treated to a number of unique endings depending on your in-game actions. As far as gameplay goes, this game is a third-person action RPG that takes place in a massive open-world and gives the player no mercy in combat. You will fail over and over again, but whether you learn from your mistakes or live to fail again, is up to you. Elden Ring challenges what it means to beat a video game. If you're looking for a truly difficult and unique gameplay experience that gives you the freedom to play how you want, pick up Elden Ring. Once you get the hang of it, you're in for countless hours of fun.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus

As one of the most recognizable names in all of gaming, Pokemon has been around for decades. This Nintendo-exclusive franchise has added multiple new titles to the Switch console over the last few years. Pokemon Legends: Arceus shook up the usual Pokemon formula, coming with a robust open world that challenged you to explore its many secrets. To help you traverse the rough terrain of the Hisui region, you'll have help from Pokemon both old and new. Just like the main line games, this title lets you catch wild Pokemon and battle other trainers as well. The biggest difference is that this game allows you to catch Pokemon in a totally new way. Instead of the usual turn-based battles, which are still present in other parts of the game, you catch most wild Pokemon by tracking them and then throwing a PokeBall at them from a distance, making the process much easier and more satisfying. You can also take on wild Alpha Pokemon, and other in-game bosses in a new gaming experience that is entirely different for the Pokemon franchise. As far as the story goes, your character will find themselves thrust into the Hisui region, which existed long before any other Pokemon game. If you're looking for a fresh take on the Pokemon franchise, pick this game up today.

Resident Evil

Any horror game fan has absolutely played at least one Resident Evil game over the years. Known for their complex stories and terrifying gameplay, this franchise follows a wide range of characters in settings all over the world as you battle creatures like zombies and horrifying mutants. The original game came out in the '90s, and since then there has been a new Resident Evil title every few years. At the time of writing, we have eight main line Resident Evil games, with Resident Evil Village being the most recent title. However, alongside the new releases to the series, Capcom has also been busy remastering the older games and rereleasing them with modern graphics. They've now remade and released Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, and Resident Evil 4 to great critical acclaim. Whether you want a bone-chilling gameplay experience that'll stick with you for days after the credits, or you want to lose yourself in a twisted story that's sprawled out across all of the games, you won't want to miss any of the titles from this amazing franchise.

Halo Infinite

When it comes to Xbox games, few franchises have as much notoriety as the Halo series. Join back up with Master Chief as he fights the Banished and searches for his lost A.I. Cortana. On top of a brand new chapter in the saga of Master Chief, there are new gameplay mechanics - most notably a sweet grappling hook - as well as a revamped multiplayer experience. Whether you're looking to hit the battlefield with your friends in a competitive FPS experience, or you want to help Chief finish the fight, this game is great for fans of the franchise. You won't want to skip this entry in the sci-fi epic.

Ready to get your hands on the standout games of the current console generation? Head over to your local P.C. Richard & Son store today, or start browsing online now!