We'll Name the Best Title of the Console Generation: Final Four
These last 48 hours have been nothing short of dramatic. This past Monday, we marked the five-year anniversary of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X with a competition to decide the best first-party game of this console generation. We presented eight PlayStation 5 titles and eight Xbox Series X exclusives to compete against each other, all heading towards a championship round where the leading contender from each platform would go head-to-head. We've witnessed some nail-biting finishes in the initial matchups, especially yesterday’s razor-thin votes. Now, it's time to crown the best PS5 and Xbox Series X games ahead of the championship on Thursday.
PlayStation 5 Contenders
For PlayStation 5, we have the Kratos-killer, Astro Bot. Maybe it should be no surprise considering that it won top honors at the previous year's gaming accolades, but its victory over God of War Ragnarök feels like a true upset. But to get to the finals, it'll have to go through the most valuable player of the PlayStation 5 era: the acclaimed developer. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 enjoyed an easy journey to the final four, leaping past Ghost of Yōtei and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (another Insomniac game!) to secure a spot in the semi-finals. Can Spidey topple a beloved PlayStation icon, or is he fated to become a miniature appearance in the upcoming Astro Bot title?
Xbox Series X Contenders
For Xbox Series X has been more exciting. Coming out on top from a more eclectic field of competitors is Forza Horizon 5. It's a significant win for the racing adventure title so far, proving that a niche category title deserves to be on the equal footing as classic platformers and cinematic action-adventure games. Its final obstacle en route to the championship is a major challenge, though. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has proven to be a fan favorite, beating acclaimed titles like Pentiment and Hi-Fi Rush. Will it overcome a much bigger game from an established IP that's closely tied to Xbox itself? If anyone can pull that off, it's likely Indiana Jones.
Place your ballots to decide the top PlayStation and Xbox titles of this era, and come back tomorrow to see which games will face off for the grand prize in the finals!
Voting Schedule
Round of 16: Monday, Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. EST - Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 9 a.m. ESTRound of 8: November 11, 11:00 AM Eastern - November 12, 9:00 AM Eastern- Final Four: November 12, 11:00 AM Eastern - November 13, 9:00 AM Eastern
- Championship: November 13, 11:00 AM Eastern - Friday, Nov. 14 at 9 a.m. EST
- Champion crowned: Friday, Nov. 14 at 11 a.m. EST
Head-to-Head Battles
PS5 Division
Astro Bot versus Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Xbox Series X Bracket
Forza Horizon 5 vs. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle