The current generation of consoles, and the games that have come along with them, have been nothing short of spectacular. Memorable titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Horizon Forbidden West, Elden Ring, Baldur’s Gate 3, and so many more have enthralled players with their compelling narratives and incredible gameplay.
While there is so much more that is yet to come from a bevy of talented studios, some of modern gaming’s most memorable moments have left their mark on players’ minds with unforgettable sequences and plot points that have stayed with them long after they put down their controllers.
We take a look back at some of the most memorable moments the current generation of games has given us so far.
5. Peter Parker Gets the Symbiote in Spider-Man 2
Just as players thought it was all over for Peter, Harry, and MJ in Spider-Man 2, Harry reveals the mystery behind his miraculous recovery, allowing the Symbiote to bond with Peter in order to save his life after being stabbed by Kraven.
Being in control of Peter while blending his abilities with the Symbiote’s significant power boost was a moment that had us at the edge of our seats with a gleeful smile on our faces as we tore through enemy groups with ease. It’s great that Insomniac found a way to let Peter hold on to those powers for the rest of the game too.
4. Kratos Denies Odin in God of War: Ragnarok
Everyone waited eagerly for Kratos and Atreus to finally have their meeting with Thor in the sequel to 2018’s God of War reboot. While Odin’s appearance was surprising enough, his impassioned plea to Kratos to prevent further bloodshed was simply masterful storytelling.
However, the palpable tension was not just in Kratos’ home, as we waited with bated breath to hear what he had to say. “No” was probably Christopher Judge’s finest line in the rebooted franchise, and the ensuing battle was made all the better for it.
3. Alan Wake 2’s Herald of Darkness Musical
Alan Wake 2‘s survival horror trappings may not have left much space for a musical of any sort. But the “Initiation 4” mission that took players through his psyche only to deliver a live-action performance in Mr. Doors’ studio was a truly memorable moment.
With Poets of the Fall joining in the fun, the game’s cast did a fantastic job at conveying Alan’s mental struggle while presenting a moment that has stayed with us all this time later. It helps that the narrative build-up to this performance was so full of twists and turns, making it a welcome change of pace while being thrilling in its own right.
2. Meeting Halsin in Baldur’s Gate 3
While every character in Baldur’s Gate 3 had something special to add to the experience, rescuing the druid Halsin from imprisonment in the game’s first act was a moment we just can’t get enough of.
Halsin proved more than a match for the goblins with our character on his side, and his sage guidance through the rest of the game was most welcome. That’s especially true considering the amount of hoops the player may have to jump through to find him, making this moment very rewarding and memorable.
1. Messmer Unleashing His Curse on the Tarnished
Elden Ring’s DLC Shadow of the Erdtree has its fair share of insane moments that we would probably need a separate list for. However, the fight against Messmer will have to be our favorite pick on account of how memorable it was even when we knew Marika’s son had more up his sleeve than just his flaming spear.
Unleashing the full extent of his power to reveal the curse of his Serpents was a moment that had us wondering how Hidetaka Miyazaki even came up with such a well-presented scene that blended shock and awe in equal measured to add a layer of panic to our dodge rolls once we saw it.
We would be remiss not to give Varl’s death in Horizon Forbidden West an honorable mention in this list of our favorite moments from the current generation of games.
Are there other moments that you believe belong on this list? We’d love to know what those are in the comments below!
