No matter how old you seem to keep getting, you still cant help but wake up early in anticipation for what lies under the tree with your name on it each year. You get up and try play it cool as you head out of your room to gather with family around the tree. While scanning the pile of gifts you spot it, the perfect size and shape for that new console you’ve been dying to play. You continue to play it cool while you open your socks, pajamas and Star Wars themed mugs, all while keeping a watchful eye on that large rectangle box wondering when its going to get passed over to you. A few minutes later, after watching your mother open her third bar of soap you finally get it. Overwhelmed with excitement you rip the paper off and see it! A brand new Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Wii U or Nintendo 3DS!!! Finally, finally you can get to what you were born to do! Then the cat bites you in the head…
So you finally got your shiny new console. Welcome to the party, we’ve been saving you a seat. This generation of video games has brought some truly amazing work, but even if you prefer an older console, nobody can deny that a bunch of great games have come out over the last 3 years. Here are some of the best ones you can binge on to get caught up on the wonderful world of gaming.
Xbox One Exclusives
Forza Horizon 3
If you like insanely fun racing, unbelievably detailed cars, ridiculous stunts like you’d see on Top Gear or just plain amazingly well made games, this one is for you.
Ori and The Blind Forest
This game is an absolute must play for Xbox gamers. It is a wickedly fun side scrolling adventure with some RPG elements. It has gorgeous visuals and unless you’re a robot, a highly emotional tale.
Halo 5: Guardians
What is an Xbox without Halo? Well, still a great console. Never the less, you owe it to yourself to check out the latest in the Microsoft flagship.
Gears of War 4
Another famed Xbox franchise is back and looking better than ever. If fighting aliens and wicked cover based shooters is your thing then you gotta check out this game. Even if you haven’t played one before it’s a perfect jumping in point.
Sunset Overdrive
Welcome to the awesomepocalypse. Maybe you think shooters are too serious and just wanna have fun? Jump, climb, swing and rail grind your way through this brightly colorful and wacky future world well taking on the bad guys.
PlayStation 4 Exclusives
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
PlayStation’s best exclusive franchise came out with by far the best Uncharted game yet. Perfect for fans of the series or new players, this epic, cinematic, action adventure is a must for PlayStation gamers.
The Last of Us Remastered
So yeah, technically this is a PS3 game but who cares. It saw a release on PS4 and its way, way too good to not be on this list. Made by the same people behind Uncharted, The Last of Us is probably the shining star of PlayStation fandom. Adventure through the Zombie apocalypse and get ready for a powerful and thrilling story.
Ratchet and Clank
Great for kids and adults, having the best visuals and game play the reboot of the famed adventure – 3D platformer is a great low-cost pick up for your new PS4.
Bloodborne
Attempt to make your way through the gorgeous Gothic world in Bloodborne but prepare for some brutally difficult game play. It wont hold your hand and you’ll surely struggle but overcoming the challenge will be one of your favorite gaming memories. Or maybe you’ll rage out and smash your controller into your TV screen? Either way, it’s an awesome game.
Dragon Quest Builders
I didn’t expect to like this game as much as I do but this Minecraft/Dragon Quest hybrid game is responsible for hours of my life disappearing. Adventure and quest through a Dragon Quest like world while building a village Minecraft style. Whats not to love?
Multi-Platform Must Plays
Not all games have to be console exclusive. In fact, some of the best games available aren’t and these only 5 of the dozens you need the check out.
Overwatch
Game of the year 2016 and for good reason, Overwatch is an amazingly fun FPS with a fantastic world and rich, dynamic characters that keep you wanting more.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Possibly the best RPG available on modern consoles, you owe it to yourself to check out this nearly perfect game. Yeah Skyrim remastered is pretty but the story, game play and visuals combined in The Witcher 3 made it our game of the year in 2015.
Inside
Quite possibly one of the best games you’ll ever play. Its gorgeous, frightening, confusing and simply incredible. The short side scrolling puzzle platformer is definite must play.
Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor
Unquestionably the best game to take place in the Lord of The Rings universe, the stealthy, action adventure is a full of rich lore for you to experience and enjoy.
Grand Theft Auto 5
Who doesn’t have a fond memory of an experience they had in a Grand Theft Auto Game? In GTA5 you’re sure to make plenty more. The open world multiplayer mode is the perfect way to experiment with ridiculous stunts and violent hijinks that will give you hours and hours of entertainment.
Nintendo 3DS
Super Mario 3D Wrold
if you’re a fan of the N64 Mario, and who isn’t, then you’ll love this portable 3D Mario adventure. The levels are fun and challenging enough for gamers but offers help for those who need a helping hand.
Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon
In 2001 Mario’s stepped aside for Luigi to take the spotlight and it was fantastic. Back again in 3D you control Luigi as he cleans out the mansion of all those pesky ghosts lurking around. The game is funny and great for youths but still enjoyable for adults.
Fire Emblem Awakening
Not all Nintendo games have to be silly and cater to kids. In Fire Emblem you embark on an incredible and challenging strategy RPG. Its got a great story to go along with its tactical game play and has great interactions between the games wonderful characters.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
Heading back to the land of Hyrule that we enjoyed on the SNES, you take control of Link in this amazing throwback title with a perfect blend of new mechanics. Using new and exciting items and abilities you adventure through a familiar land with a new look and a thrilling twist.
Mario Kart 7
Everyone loves a good Mario Kart and this one is easily the best portable version of the game. This is one of the best ways to make use of all the lesser used 3DS hardware abilities and a fantastic and invigorating take on the well loved franchise.
Of course they are so, so, so many other amazing games to have come out for the new consoles and PC, but to list all the incredible games available would take hours and hours. If you don’t see your favorite game on here, that doesn’t mean its not great. This is just a list of some of the best games to get you started on the new gaming system you received for Christmas.