The last few years have been a whirlwind for gamers. The pandemic hit just as the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S launched, turning what should have been a golden era into a supply drought nightmare. Console shortages defined 2020 and well into 2021, while studios scrambled to adapt to remote work and shifting player expectations. Now, as we pass the halfway point of this generation, it’s worth reflecting on the essential games that define this era. If you could only pick five, what would they be?
I'll answer that with hard picks and context, touching on key themes: the struggles during pandemic-era launches, cross-generation growing pains, the rare true next-gen showcases, and a seismic shift in open-world design led by a titan at FromSoftware. Plus, we'll spotlight a key indie / RPG hybrid power from Larian Studios. For deep dives, NoobFeed’s Reviews and News sections have been invaluable, and I always keep an eye on Twitter via embedded widgets for up-to-the-minute announcements and community takes.
1. Elden Ring (FromSoftware) — The New Benchmark for Open-World Design
There’s simply no way to talk about this generation without spotlighting Elden Ring. FromSoftware didn’t just release a game; they rewrote what open-world design can be. The hype was real—because rumors spoke to a harsh, sprawling fantasy world—and the reality exceeded expectations.
Launching in early 2022, well after the console shortages began to ease, Elden Ring became the redemption arc this generation desperately needed. It brought the signature challenge and tight combat FromSoftware fans love, but in a giant, seamless landscape that invites exploration on foot or horseback. The world isn’t just vast; it’s densely packed with secrets, lore, and emergent narratives that feel handcrafted, not procedurally generated.
Technically, it’s a masterpiece that runs smoothly across both last-gen and next-gen hardware without resorting to gimmicks or flashy but shallow effects. The payoff: a deeply rewarding experience that taught the industry this generation how to do “open world” without empty filler. Check out NoobFeed’s detailed Elden Ring review for a full break down of FromSoftware’s design evolution.
2. Baldur’s Gate 3 (Larian Studios) — A Modern CRPG Triumph
Larian Studios has quietly built an empire on high-quality CRPGs, and Baldur’s Gate 3 is their finest achievement yet. It marries classic RPG roots with cutting-edge tech and player agency, delivering a massive narrative playground. It also represents the growing strength of cross-generation gaming—this title launched in early access on PC and Stadia, with consoles following, showing how the generation’s boundaries blur.
The pandemic influenced development rhythms, introducing remote collaboration hurdles, but Larian’s steady updates and community engagement (a Twitter widget embedded on their official page is always buzzing) demonstrate a transparency and commitment rare in AAA spaces. If you want a deeply tactical, narrative-rich RPG that respects player choice at every turn, this is your pick.
3. Returnal (Housemarque) — Next-Gen Tech with Roguelike Precision
While many titles opted for cross-gen release pads, Housemarque stuck to PlayStation 5 exclusivity with Returnal. This fast-paced roguelike shooter exploits the PS5’s SSD speed and DualSense haptics masterfully. It’s arguably one of the first true next-gen-only showcases, combining procedural storytelling with crafted level design.
Games like this represent the growing pains of this generation: how to innovate meaningfully with new hardware without alienating players still on older systems. Returnal succeeded, though, proving that next-gen focused experiences could be commercially viable and critically lauded. The immersive sound design and palpable DualSense feedback continuously set it apart.
4. Helldivers 2 (Arrowhead Game Studios) — Co-op Shooter Evolution
The predecessor to Helldivers 2 carved out a dedicated following with its top-down cooperative mayhem, and the sequel is shaping up to push co-op gameplay to new levels. Arrowhead’s consistent polish and community-oriented development ethos make this an important pick for multiplayer fans.
Helldivers 2 also illustrates how this generation’s games balance new hardware power with older, simpler design philosophies. It’s a smart blend of approachable gameplay and strategic depth, promising to noobfeed.com shine as an accessible but satisfying online experience. NoobFeed’s Hardware navigation tools reveal that it runs efficiently across platforms, signaling great optimization work.
5. Horizon Forbidden West (Guerrilla Games) — The Open World, Evolving
Guerrilla Games’ sequel refined the open-world action RPG formula, showcasing how these environments can grow emotionally and mechanically. Though not quite as groundbreaking as Elden Ring, Horizon Forbidden West leveraged next-gen graphical muscle and solid storytelling to deliver a feast for players.
The game handles cross-generation dynamics cautiously; it’s edge over last-gen visuals clear but not overwhelming, satisfying those who transitioned to PS5 while remaining playable on PS4. It nicely captures the ongoing tension in this generation: pushing forward without leaving too many behind.
Context: Pandemic-Era Launches and Cross-Gen Growing Pains
The above picks wouldn’t exist in a vacuum. The 2020 console launch coincided with worldwide supply chain bottlenecks and lockdown restrictions. Many studios faced remote development, elongating timelines and introducing patch-heavy releases.
Cross-generation releases became the norm out of necessity, often dulling the promise of next-gen hardware. True showcases that unleashed full power (like Returnal) are rarities that deserve recognition.
Thankfully, tools like NoobFeed and its navigation filters helped gamers cut through the noise by offering clear data-driven reviews and hardware benchmarks. Its news aggregator and articles sections remain excellent for tracking patches, DLC, and long-term game health. Also, Twitter embeds from studios like FromSoftware and Larian keep communities engaged and informed in real-time—vital in this unpredictable era.
Summary of My Top 5 Games This Generation
Game Studio Genre Key Strength Notable Platform Edge Elden Ring FromSoftware Open-world Action RPG Revolutionary open-world design Seamless last-gen/next-gen experience Baldur’s Gate 3 Larian Studios CRPG Deep choice-driven narrative Robust cross-gen and PC-focused release Returnal Housemarque Roguelike Shooter Next-gen tech showcase PS5 exclusivity with advanced DualSense use Helldivers 2 Arrowhead Game Studios Cooperative Shooter Accessible and refined co-op gameplay Efficient optimization on multiple platforms Horizon Forbidden West Guerrilla Games Open-world Action RPG Polished narrative and visuals Cross-gen support with next-gen polishFinal Thoughts
Picking just five titles to represent this generation isn’t easy. Many excellent games never get the attention they deserve, especially amid pandemic-related chaos and the console shortages that limited access. However, the above games stand out not only for their gameplay but because they embody the evolving video game landscape—from technical hurdles and cross-gen compromises to defining moments of creative brilliance.
If you want to keep current with ongoing releases, patches, and hardware performance, I highly recommend bookmarking NoobFeed. Its mix of data and community content helps cut through the hype and frustration this generation has brought. And don’t forget to check Twitter feeds embedded directly on developer pages—they’re the best source for live updates and developer interactions.
Ultimately, whether you dive into the labyrinthine worlds of FromSoftware or the strategic RPG storytelling of Larian Studios, these five games are worthy pillars of this console generation’s legacy.