The debate over which platform hosts the “best games” is a perennial favorite among fans, often devolving into tribalistic olympus slot console wars. Yet, this fixation on hardware allegiance often obscures a more meaningful discussion. The truly “best games” of any era are those that transcend their platform of origin. They are the titles that influence design philosophies, capture the cultural zeitgeist, and, most importantly, provide an experience so compelling that it remains impactful long after the graphics have aged and the consoles have been retired. These are games defined not by their system, but by their artistry.
Consider a title like The Last of Us. While it is a flagship PlayStation exclusive, its impact was felt across the entire industry. Its meticulous pacing, profound character development, and seamless blending of narrative and gameplay became a new gold standard for storytelling in the medium. It sparked discussions far beyond gaming forums, influencing narrative techniques in other games regardless of whether they were on Xbox, PC, or Nintendo platforms. Its status as one of the best games of its generation is rooted in its artistic achievement, not its exclusivity.
This phenomenon of transcendent influence is not new. During the PS2 era, Grand Theft Auto III exploded onto the scene and fundamentally redefined the open-world genre. Its success wasn’t just a win for PlayStation; it was a tectonic shift for the entire industry. Every subsequent open-world game, from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to Cyberpunk 2077, owes a debt to the blueprint established by Rockstar’s masterpiece. The best games create new languages of play that everyone else learns to speak.
Furthermore, the definition of “best” must encompass preservation and accessibility. A game confined to defunct hardware risks being lost to time. The true classics are those that are preserved, remastered, and made available for new audiences to discover. This is where initiatives like bringing PS2 and PSP classics to modern PlayStation systems, or even PC, are so vital. It allows a new generation to understand why a game like Shadow of the Colossus or Patapon was so revolutionary, ensuring their legacy is not locked away in the past.
The metrics for “best” can also be personal and subjective. For one player, the best game might be the intricate strategy of a PSP title like Tactics Ogre. For another, it might be the shared joy of a multiplayer phenomenon like Helldivers 2 on PS5. For yet another, it could be the nostalgic comfort of a classic JRPG. This diversity of taste is a strength of the medium, not a weakness. It means there is a vast landscape of “best games” waiting for every type of player.
Ultimately, the endless debate about platforms is a distraction. The best games are not trophies for a console to wield in a marketing battle; they are cultural touchstones that elevate the entire medium. They are the stories that move us, the worlds we get lost in, and the mechanics that challenge and delight us. They remind us that while we play on different boxes, our shared passion for incredible experiences is what truly unites us as gamers.