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Now that the PS5 and Xbox Series are out, I figure it's a good time to reflect on my favorite games their predecessors brought during the past 7 years. I figured since these consoles came out in 2013 and I was there for the PS4 day one, I would list the thirteen games that stuck with me most. Some of them I played on PC or Switch, but I'm including them anyways so long as they're offered on either or both of these platforms. I would include Switch and Wii U, but these days Nintendo consoles feel distinct while PS and XB feel like mostly the same console with a handful of exclusives separating them.

13. Dragon Age: Inquisition After two generations of Bioware creating some of my all time favorite games ever, it's disappointing they couldn't crack my top 10 list of just the console generation- and a generation I felt underwhelmed with at that. But I still loved Inquisition's gorgeous world, fun combat, (mostly) interesting characters and great story. I was excited to see what they would do with their new open endedformula. Then I played Mass Effect Andromeda.

12. Red Dead Redemption 2- RDR2 hasan abysmal start and would have worked better as a TV series. That said, I was hookedon this game once it pickedup and loved the group of bandits descending into madness as they tried for that one last score. I'll even say outside the lack of RPG leveling, it scratched the Bioware itch better than any Bioware game this gen.

11. Uncharted: The Lost Legacy- My favorite of Sony's cinematic blockbusters is also the smallest of them. It felt like it cut 4's unnecessary fluff and padding while keeping it's nifty additions like the grappling hook, stunning graphics, and extra layer of polish. The open treasure hunt and final set piece also stand as two of my favorite moments in the series. It even had me enjoy a character I loathed in 4.

10. Resident Evil 7- If there was one thing that undeniably improved 8th gen, its Capcom, After floundering a bit on the PS3 and 360 with games not hitting their full potential or riddled with anti-consumer DLC practices, they started making great games again and RE7 was my favorite. It combined the new era of first person stealth horror games with classic RE exploration and combat. RE7 felt fresh and familiar at the same time with a VR mode so scary my I was literally afraid of my own footsteps and shadow.

9. Celeste- I thought I was just getting one of the best 2D platformers with mechanics akin to Super Meat Boy. But Ialso got one of the best storiesabout anxiety and depression not involving a talking horse with a drinking problem.

8. Doom Eternal- The most mentally exhausting game on this list, but an absolute blast to play. Some of the most addicting shooting that always keeps you on your toes and offers a fun array of weapons with a character who is so hilariously sadistic and badass.

7. Cuphead- The best looking game ever made in my opinion. Cuphead oozes charm with ridiculously tough but addicting gameplay that will make you keep saying “one more try” for an hour.

6. Persona 5- I was biased going into Persona 5 because I adore heists. And the game definitely delivered on fun, elaborate heists cleverly translated into RPG fights along with my favorite RPG dungeons, a phenomenal sense of style, and characters who were strong, even if they were not quite as good as 4’s.. When my only complaint is a game is too long, I know I'm playing something special.

5. Crash Bandicoot 4-Toys for Bob understands Crash Bandicoot. Crash 4 evolves the formula with new set pieces taking advantage of stronger hardware, introduces new masks offering new gimmicks perfectly complementing the platforming, and offers new characters, with interesting mechanics The problem is they're also sadists creating long levels with ridiculous completionist objectives. You'll have a reasonable challenge beating Crash 4, but you really need to earn that platinum trophy.

4. Styx : Shards of Darkness- Someone finally made a game I wanted for years: A stealth game that controlled like Tomb Raider. The traversal in Styx opens near limitless possibilities for sneaking around and open ended leveldesign allows these mechanics to reach their full potential. Add creative objectives, most of which are optionalbut provide compelling rewards and you have 8th gen's most underrated game.

3. Bloodborne- While the definitive From Software game does not exist IMO, they all have unique merits and Bloodborne stands as my favorite. Victorian England gone to hell from Lovecraftian monsters interests me much more than medieval fantasy ruins, the combat is faster and more fluid with a ton of depth. In addition, while even some of my favorite modern games offer bland or unsatisfying bosses, Bloodborne manages to fill a game with challenging, fun and memorable boss fights. I will buy a P55 for Bloodborne 2

2, Dead Cells- Procedurally generated games generally aren't my thing but Dead Cells single handedly sold me on its merits, Levels are generated in ways to both reward exploring and rushing to the end of the level, with a special reward to players who can scour levels within the time limit. Weapons are diverse and satisfying, offered randomlyto consistently veer outside the player’s comfort zone. And the game is hard enough that the player has to understand the mechanics, as memorizing levels is not an option. My favorite indie game ever.

1.. Sonic Mania Plus- Is this an incredibly biased pick? Absolutely. But for the first time since the 90's, that Sonic magic was back. There have been some fine Sonic gamessince then, especially, on theGBA, and DS, butthey lacked the deep level design and fluidity that made the Genesis games so replayable, Old levels had new set piecesbreathing new life while new levels stand as some of the best I've seen in a platformer. Throw in five characterseach with special abilities making every playthrough feel fresh, and this is the game of the generation I will be returning to for the rest of my life.