Let's Name the Greatest Game of the Gaming Era: Final Four
The past two days have been incredibly eventful. On Monday, we marked the five-year anniversary of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X with a tournament to decide the best first-party game of this console generation. You were given eight PlayStation 5 titles and eight Xbox Series X exclusives to face off against each other, culminating in a final showdown where the leading contender from each console would battle it out. We've witnessed some nail-biting finishes in the initial matchups, particularly yesterday’s razor-thin votes. At this point, it's time to crown the leading PlayStation and Xbox titles ahead of the championship on Thursday.
PlayStation 5 Contenders
On the PS5 side, we have the Kratos-killer, Astro Bot. Perhaps it's expected considering that it won top honors at the previous year's gaming accolades, but its win against God of War Ragnarök seems like a major shock. But to get to the finals, it'll have to go through the MVP of the PS5 generation: Insomniac Games. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 enjoyed an easy journey to the semi-finals, leaping past Ghost of Yōtei and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (another Insomniac game!) to land in the semi-finals. Will Spider-Man defeat a home-grown Sony mascot, or is he fated to become a miniature appearance in the upcoming Astro Bot title?
Xbox Series X Contenders
The Xbox Series X side 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 already, proving that a niche category title earns to be on the same pedestal as traditional jump-and-run games and cinematic action-adventure games. Its final obstacle on the way to the finals is a major challenge, though. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has proven to be a crowd 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 the Xbox brand? Should anyone manage this feat, it's probably Indy.
Place your ballots to decide the best PS5 and Xbox Series X games of this generation, and come back tomorrow to see which games will face off for the ultimate trophy 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: Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. EST - Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 9 a.m. EST- Semi-final round: Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 11 a.m. ET - Thursday, Nov. 13 at 9 a.m. EST
- Championship: November 13, 11:00 AM Eastern - Friday, Nov. 14 at 9 a.m. EST
- Champion crowned: November 14, 11:00 AM Eastern
Head-to-Head Battles
PlayStation 5 Bracket
Astro Bot versus Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Xbox Series X Division
Forza Horizon 5 vs. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
