25 essential titles for current gen consoles

So you've frittered away all your money on a shiny new console but now what? What are the top titles that you, the discerning gamer, just have to buy? And which are the best games to show exactly what your machine is capable of?
Since the current crop of consoles were introduced in 2005/2006, there’s a vast catalogue of games to choose from. Megabits of Gaming aims to end all your headscratching and confusion with its unbiased opinion on the 25 essential games for the Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii...

Clearly such lists are subjective and there will no doubt be many games you won't believe we've forgotten... but let us know - have we neglected a gaming great? Leave a comment below with your recommendations.


Assassin's Creed II (PS3/360) - 2009 - Metacritic aggregate score: 91/90%
The sequel to a massively-hyped original rights all the wrongs of its predecessor and is an absolute joy to play. The missions are well-structured, the characters are nicely fleshed out and the varied environments of renaissance Italy simply ooze atmosphere. Assassination, feather hunting and flinging yourself off tall buildings has never been so much fun. (Alternatively, you could check out:Batman:Arkham Asylum)

Batman: Arkham Asylum (PS3/360) - 2009 – Metacritic: 91/92%
Voted best game in this year's BAFTA Game Awards, the Caped Crusader's bid to thwart the Joker and his pals in taking over the world is undeniably good fun. Dark and brooding, the Dark Knight is the finest example of the transition from comic book to console so far. Spiderman and Superman should take note. (Alternatively…Splinter Cell: Conviction) Bioshock (PS3/360) – 2007 – Metacritic: 94/96%
Water effects have never looked so good. Exploring the creepy, claustrophobic underwater world of Rapture certainly keeps you on your toes. Fight off the crazed locals, while keeping an eye out for the eerily sinister “Little Sisters” and “Big Daddies”(!) as they look for vital resources. The game received rapturous acclaim and was followed by a sequel in 2009. The way the original took the gaming world by storm, however, with its moral choice system, multilayered story, unreliable narrators and authentic world means it deservedly takes the slot in this essential games list. (Alternatively…Bioshock 2, Dead Space)
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (PS3/360) – 2007 – Metacritic: 94/94%
Infinity Ward and Activision took the tried and tested shooter by the scruff of the neck and brought it from its traditional World War II setting to the present day. With so many alternatives available, the success of CoD4 just goes to show how right that decision was. New weaponry, technologies and environments – and an absolutely fantastic online mode - make this an essential purchase. (Alternatively…Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Battlefield: Bad Company 2)

Demon's Souls (PS3) – 2009 – Metacritic: 90%
A PS3 exclusive RPG, Demon's Souls sounds like just another stat-based dungeon crawler, but where the setting may not be all that innovative, some of the ideas that underpin the game are. For starters, it’s hard - like, 1980s hard. This is a game that harkens back to the days when you didn't automatically expect to get to the end of everything you played. On top of that, Demon's Souls cleverly integrates online co-operation into its single-player game. You can leave messages in your game that will be seen by other players in their own, so you can share tips on tackling the game’s puzzles and monsters. Even your death can be an example for others: when you die you leave a bloodstain which again appears in other people's single-player game and lets them watch your final moments as a lesson in what not to do. (Alternatively…God of War III, Fable II)

Fable II (360) - 2008 – Metacritic: 89%
Another much-hyped game from the stable of Peter Molyneux and Lionhead. On this occasion, however, it actually manages to live up to most of its promise. The fantasy world of Albion is again the setting, and with it comes an array of comedic characters and weird and wonderful creatures. Accompanied by your loyal dog, you can decide whether the path you take is good or evil, and can become a property magnate, a bigamist, or a feared killer along the way. (Alternatively…Overlord 2, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion)

Fallout 3 (PS3/360) – 2008 – Metacritic: 90/93%
Arguably the best RPG to emerge for years! Escape the relatively safe environs of Vault 101 and roam the post nuclear wastelands in search of your father. The vast landscapes and varied characters you’ll meet on your travels will keep you absorbed and provide you with hundreds of hours of gameplay. There are now five add-on packs available: Operation: Anchorage, The Pitt, Broken Steel (generally considered the best DLC), Point Lookout, and Mothership Zeta. (Alternatively…The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Metro 2033)

FIFA 10 (PS3/360/Wii) - 2009 – Metacritic: 91/90/75%
EA's annual update yet again improves upon its predecessor and consigns long term rival Pro Evolution Soccer to the bench, sulking. The official FIFA license means that players, team strips and stadia are lovingly recreated. The introduction of 360 degree ball control is another nice touch allowing you to make all those intelligent runs and throughballs. (Alternatively…Pro Evolution Soccer 2010, FIFA Street 3)

Fight Night Round 4 (PS3/360) - 2009 – Metacritic: 88/87%
Tyson versus Ali. 'Nuff said. A huge roster of fighters and sublime graphics and atmosphere make this a favourite for fans and newbies to the world of boxing. Whether you're playing single bouts, match-ups online or take part in the new Legacy Mode - where you can carve out a career. There’s an old boxing maxim that says ‘styles make fights’, and thanks to the stats, physics engine and genuine use of size and reach in each fighter, this is the first boxing game to capture that. (Alternatively…UFC 2009, WWE SmackDown vs Raw 2010)

Forza Motorsport 3 (360) - 2009 – Metacritic: 92%
The Xbox alternative to Gran Turismo on the Playstation, this is the driving simulator for enthusiasts and petrolheads. Building on the success of Forza 2, this edition features more cars, more tracks and more polygons... Enhanced multiplayer options and a new single-player season mode have also helped Forza take pole position in the racing genre. (Alternatively…Project Gotham Racing 4, Gran Turismo 5: Prologue)

Gears of War 2 (360) – 2008 – Metacritic: 93%
The second in the series from EPIC Games is another third person shooter that is both bigger and better than its predecessor. Largely, it’s more of the same – playing as Marcus or Dominic, you take on swarms of the dreaded Locust in a vain attempt to stop the alien horde taking over your world. Famed for its cover system, co-operative play and multiplayer modes, Gears of War 2 has a legion of dedicated followers – all eagerly anticipating the recently announced sequel sometime in 2011. (Alternatively…Gears of War, Army of Two)
God of War III (PS3) - 2010 – Metacritic: 93%
Baldy powerhouse Kratos makes a comeback in the conclusion to the massively successful Greek mythology series that first made its appearance back in the days of the Playstation 2. This is your typical God-slaying fare, pitting you against the likes of Hermes, Poseidon and Zeus. Nonetheless, the processing power of Sony’s flagship PS3 platform shows the huge leap both graphically and technically from its predecessor. Highly recommended. (Alternatively…Dante’s Inferno)
Grand Theft Auto IV (PS3/360) – 2008 - Metacritic: 98/98% Rockstar North's controversial sandbox game was the fastest selling game ever for a time, with revenues rivalling even those of the Hollywood blockbusters. With a cast of hundreds populating the living, breathing streets of Liberty City, this really makes use of the resources offered by this generation of consoles. Some fans of the series say it pales in comparison to earlier titles (particularly San Andreas) but for sheer ambition, it's definitely worth a punt. Also holds the mantle as one of the most controversial games of all time! The two add-ons – The Lost and Damned/The Ballad of Gay Tony – are also essential purchases, adding countless hours, characters and missions to an already fantastic game. (Alternatively…Saints Row 2, Just Cause 2, Crackdown)

Halo 3 (360) - 2007 – Metacritic: 94%
Although it is soon to be superceded by the launch of Halo: Reach, Bungie's Halo 3 is still a fine example for the FPS genre. Besides the nine excellent single player missions that can be played solo or co-operatively, the online multiplayer maps had apparently seen over one billion matches by March 2009. (Alternatively…Gears of War, Resistance:Fall of Man)

Heavy Rain (PS3) - 2010 - Metacritic: 87% Yet another PS3 exclusive and perhaps the title that even 360 fanboys crave more than any other. It's a unique take on a console game, a kind of interactive thriller centring around four characters on the trail of a serial killer. Critics were quick to point out its flaws but its originality seemed to win most over and it was showered with praise. An innovative take on storytelling, albeit with a little too much reliance on quick time events – the majority of the game plays like a giant cut scene. Forgive that though and you have a landmark title with multiple options and endings that will keep you coming back for more. (Alternatively…Alan Wake, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves)

Killzone 2 (PS3) - 2009 – Metacritic: 91%
Yet another FPS makes it onto the list, except this time players take on the enemy forces from the planet Helghan as Sgt Tomas Sevchenko. Praised for its next gen visuals, it has commanded some excellent reviews – and showcases some of the best graphics ever seen on a home console. Beyond the single player game, the massively popular class-based online element continues to keep gamers hooked. Dubbed by some reviewers as the best FPS of all time, as well as most improved sequel! (Alternatively… Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, Resistance: Fall of Man)

Left 4 Dead 2 (360) - 2009 – Metacritic: 89%
Quite simply one of the greatest multiplayer games of all time. Played alone, it's a fantastic way to spend a few hours but played online with a few friends, it really comes alive - even if you're playing as a zombie. These undead are not the traditional shuffly minions seen in the likes of Resident Evil… think 28 Days Later and then some. With loads happening onscreen at any one time, plenty of guns and melee weapons to play with, and a diverse range of flesh-hungry zombies, this really is a blast. Very little plot, just a good old fashioned shooter! (Alternatively…Gears of War, Team Fortress 2)

LittleBigPlanet (PS3) – 2008 – Metacritic: 95%
Charming, colourful and innovative probably best describes this PS3 platformer and the adventures of the inimitably cute Sackboy. Bucking the trend of most modern games from the genre, it returns the player to 2D levels – all be it with a current-gen sheen. The aim is simple, run through the various levels and get to the end – a la Mario and Sonic. Nothing special there, but its most notable perhaps is the focus on user-generated content. The ability to build your own levels has spawned a huge community online, with users keen to share their creations. (Alternatively…Kodu Game Lab, New Super Mario Bros Wii)

Mass Effect 2 (PS3/360) – 2010 – Metacritic: 96%
Only released a few months ago, Mass Effect 2 is already seen as a must have title for the Xbox 360. It’s your typical epic space adventure set in the 22nd century – and is among the most praised titles released so far this year. Reprising the role of Commander Shepard – after his untimely death(!) – you take on insectoid alien abductors. (Alternatively…Borderlands, Mass Effect)

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3) - 2008 – Metacritic: 94%
Since the debut of Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear in 1987, the series has gone from strength to strength; many would argue that this iteration is the greatest yet and it’s been lauded for its storyline and aesthetics. Set in 2014 - five years after Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Snake and old pal Otacon have to scupper the plans of Liquid Ocelot who is up to his old tricks again. (Alternatively…Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Killzone 2) Street Fighter IV (PS3/360) – 2008 – Metacritic: 94/93%
Perhaps the most significant beat ‘em up series of all time and proof positive that one spanning more than two decades can still top the charts and appeal to gamers of all ages. Since the original hit the arcades in 1987, Ryu and Ken have made countless console comebacks, showing off their famed Hadouken special move. It may have undergone a graphical overhaul, with backgrounds in glorious 3D, the core gameplay still takes place in two dimensions. (Alternatively…BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger, Virtua Fighter 5)

Super Mario Galaxy (Wii) – 2007 – Metacritic: 97%
You can never underestimate Nintendo’s aging moustachioed Italian plumber; pretty much everything that bears his name is massively successful and highly rated. Super Mario Galaxy – a 3D platformer - is no different. Taking place in space, guide Mario around the solar system in search of the stolen Power Stars. One of the best-selling games for the Nintendo’s uber-successful console, a sequel is already in the works. (Alternatively…New Super Mario Bros Wii, Mario Kart Wii)

The Orange Box (PS3/360) – 2007 – Metacritic: 89/96%
No other title has ever offered as much value for money as Valve’s Orange Box. No fewer than five top games are included on the shiny disc: Half Life 2 - with its two expansion packs - is a first person shooter that follows the trials and tribulations of scientist Gordon Freeman as he barrels through City 17 and confronts all manner of alien creatures. The much lauded multiplayer shooter Team Fortress 2 and puzzler Portal complete a fantastic package. (Alternatively...Fallout 3, Metro 2033)

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3) - 2009 – Metacritic: 96%
This Indiana Jones-style adventure swept the board at the recent BAFTA awards, and deservedly so. Score aggregator Metacritic dubs it last year’s most critically acclaimed game. Protagonist Nathan Drake has replaced Lara Croft as gamers’ adventurer of choice, as he goes in search of Marco Polo’s lost treasure, hidden tombs and crumbling temples. Renowned for its epic storyline and engrossing missions, it boasts a plot Hollywood would be proud to have appear on the big screen. (Alternatively…Tomb Raider: Underworld, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune)

Wii Sports (Wii) - 2006 - Metacritic: 76%
It's sold more than 60m+ copies - thanks largely to it being bundled with the console - and although it is getting on a bit now, it remains an essential title. Work up a sweat as you try your hand at five sports - bowling, baseball, golf, tennis and boxing - all showcasing Nintendo's motion control technology that has literally shaken up the world of gaming. It's been such a success that Sony and Microsoft are attempting to grab a share of the market later this year with their Move and Natal peripherals. (Alternatively…Wii Sports Resort, Wii Fit)

*Honourable mentions:

Split/Second: Velocity (PS3/360) - 2010

Red Dead Redemption (PS3/360) - 2010
Dragon Age: Origins (PS3/360) - 2009
Bayonetta (PS3/360) - 2010
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii) - 2006
Dead Space – (PS3/360) – 2008
Braid (PS3/360) – 2008
WarioWare: Smooth Moves (Wii) - 2006
Flower (PS3) - 2009 Trials HD (360) – 2009
World of Goo (Wii) - 2008
DiRT 2 (PS3/360) – 2009
Resistance: Fall of Man (PS3) – 2006
The Beatles: Rock Band (PS3/360/Wii) - 2009