The argument about what’s better between PlayStation games vs. Xbox games has raged on ever since these two console brands came into existence.
It’s a debate that seemingly has no end, mainly because both brands have had a large hand to play in shaping the way gaming has evolved over the past few decades.
Instead of picking sides and deciding which multi-billion dollar company is better than the other, let’s lay down our arms and take a trip down memory lane as we revisit nine games from PlayStation and Xbox that have, in some way, had an everlasting impact on the gaming industry.
PlayStation Games
5) Grand Theft Auto III
Gaming hasn’t been the same since Rockstar Games dropped this title in 2001. Developed by DMA Design, this game took the PlayStation 2 by storm. It wasn’t just another crime game—it was the crime game.
When GTA III was released, there wasn’t anything else like it in terms of expansive open-world experiences. Liberty City was a gritty playground for players to do whatever they wanted. Within this vast, living city, you could hijack cars, complete missions, mow down pedestrians, or just cause mayhem.
4) Shadow of the Colossus
Developed by Team Ico and released in 2005, this title was (and still is) considered an artistic masterpiece on the PlayStation 2, offering players an emotional and haunting journey as they took down gigantic creatures known as Colossi.
Some may knock down its minimalist storytelling, but that’s what made it so interesting. Even the quiet moments in between, when you’re across the game’s vast and gorgeous landscapes with your horse, Agro, evoke a type of emotion you can’t just shake off. It also has one of the most dedicated communities with an intriguing backstory that you won’t forget.
3) Demon’s Souls
Before Dark Souls became a cultural phenomenon, there was Demon’s Souls, the game that started it all. Released in 2009 and developed by FromSoftware, this PlayStation 3 exclusive introduced players to a world where death was inevitable but a necessary part of the learning curve.
Brutal difficulty and engaging combat system aside, its cryptic lore made sure that Demon’s Souls wasn’t for everyone. It sold underwhelmingly in Japan but quickly gained a cult following overseas. Its success paved the way for the Souls series and spawned an entire subgenre of games from other studios.
2) Final Fantasy VII
It’s impossible to talk about PlayStation games making history without mentioning this Final Fantasy entry. Released in 1997 by Square Enix, this was the very JRPG that brought the genre from Japan to the global audience.
With its unforgettable characters, epic story, and groundbreaking use of 3D graphics combined with pre-rendered backgrounds, players worldwide couldn’t resist the game’s charm. Its success also helped cement the PlayStation as one of the go-to consoles for RPGs. While the new remake has a ton of new stuff to offer, the original version has some unmistakable charm to it.
1) Metal Gear Solid
Stealth games were never the same after this 1998 hit developed by Konami and directed by the legendary Hideo Kojima introduced players to the world of tactical espionage action.
The game felt more like a movie than a typical game because of its cinematic cutscenes and captivating narrative. It also pushed the boundaries of stealth gameplay, putting a lot of emphasis on avoiding combat rather than charging directly into it.
Xbox Games
4) Fable
Developed by Lionhead Studios and released in 2004, this was one of the most ambitious Xbox games of its time. It offered players a world where they could shape their character’s destiny through their choices. Your actions truly mattered.
Whether you wanted to be a paragon of virtue or a feared villain, the game gave you the freedom to decide. Its charm in its whimsical world, memorable characters, and quirky interactions. While it didn’t invent the concept, it helped popularize the idea of moral choices in games and set the stage for many RPGs that followed.
3) Mass Effect
In 2007, BioWare released this masterpiece on the Xbox 360, and it quickly became one of the most beloved sci-fi RPGs of all time. It transported players to a huge galaxy filled with diverse species, and plenty of political drama all while facing the threat of an ancient alien race known as the Reapers.
What’s most talked about when it comes to this release is its deep narrative, where player choices shape the story and relationships with other characters. The game’s dialogue system and branching storylines were groundbreaking; coupled with its immersive world-building, it’s no wonder it influenced countless RPGs that came after it.
2) Gears of War
This game almost needs no introduction. Released in 2006 by Epic Games the third-person shooter introduced the world to the concept of ‘stop and pop’ cover-based shooting, which quickly became a staple in the genre (although, the later games in this franchise went with more of a ‘run-and-gun’ approach).
While memorable characters like Marcus Fenix and its action gameplay were well done, what made it a true hit was how fun it is to play the co-op campaign and multiplayer modes with friends. It set a new standard for shooters and had a lasting impact. It’s one of the most desired Xbox exclusives for PlayStation users.
1) Halo: Combat Evolved
What kind of a list would this be without mentioning Halo? Released in 2001 by Bungie, it was the game that put the original Xbox on the map. It introduced players to Master Chief, the iconic character that’s still relevant in today’s day and age, as well as the fight against the alien Covenant.
Along with this game’s tight controls and epic sci-fi storytelling, the multiplayer mode became a cultural phenomenon that pretty much secured its spot in gaming history. Its success laid the foundation for the entire Halo franchise and helped establish first-person shooters as a dominant genre on consoles.
What games would you put on this list if you could decide? We’d love to hear all about it in the comments below!
