#3 – Uncharted:
Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune sparked Sony’s own driving force for the PlayStation 3. Making billions in the process, the Uncharted franchise achieved the majority of its success from the behemoth that was Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. Raising and indeed setting the bar regarding visual prowess, a blockbuster cinematic gameplay experience and a hugely fun multiplayer component, Uncharted has provided PS3 owners with one of the best series they could have ever hoped for on the console.
And let’s not forget Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception. While many may argue it didn’t do much in terms of introducing something new to the table due to the title being too similar to its predecessor, the third installment in the IP still managed to deliver another fantastic experience that once again blended cinematics and gaming perfectly.
#2 – Batman Arkham:
With the release of Batman: Arkham Asylum, Rocksteady Studios surely couldn't envision the sheer success it would entail: the game won countless awards pertaining to the Game of the Year Award due to its smooth and fluid gameplay elements such as the series’ trademark combat, as well as the character portrayal of Batman’s himself, in addition to his associated gadgets.
Everything a fan could arguably ever want was put into Batman: Arkham Asylum such as the stellar performances from the comic book and movie’s villains. Understandably, then, the hype for its sequel Batman: Arkham City piled the pressure on Rocksteady but they certainly did deliver a truly memorable experience that undoubtedly bettered that of Batman: Arkham Asylum’s. The implementation of the satisfying and solid combat system, appearances from countless Batman-related villains and an open-world that was perfected, Batman Arkham has become one of the top and exciting franchises in the current generation of consoles.
#1 – Super Mario Galaxy:
Nintendo sure knows how to craft the best franchises we’ve seen in the video game industry. The continuation of the Mario series saw the birth of the Super Mario Galaxy franchise on the Nintendo Wii: spanning throughout two installments, Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel makes it one of the top franchises within the current console generation.
The second iteration in the IP became one of the highest critically acclaimed titles of all time; such was the quality delivered by the titles with gorgeous and vibrant graphics, trademark audio and solid gameplay.
The current generation of consoles has seen the fruition of countless franchises that have been a driving force in the market for years with quality installments. The PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii have had their fair share of top-notch franchises; GameZone takes a look at the top five franchises that have helped shape the current console generation.
#5 – Assassin’s Creed:
Sure, Ubisoft’s now seen the commercial interest in the Assassin’s Creed series and has consequently annualized the franchise – with the latest installment, Assassin’s Creed Revelations showcasing the age of the IP kicking in – resulting in recent titles that just seem to be cash-ins. Still, the first two installments have proved Assassin’s Creed series to be one of the freshest and unique ones that has seen releases this console generation.
A notable mention should also be dedicated towards the online multiplayer component of Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood; an experience that provided players with something fresh and something that capitalized on the style of franchise, which was further continued in Assassin's Creed Revelations. Asasssin's Creed 3, meanwhile, is undoubtedly shaping up to be the best installment of the franchise. Roll on October.
#4 – Halo:
Halo has been consistent in the games it’s delivered from developer Bungie. Halo 3 was a major step towards the right direction and resulted in being one of the driving forces for Microsoft and its Xbox 360 platform including the fact it’s pumped out billions in sales for the firm.
Halo 4 is up next from 343 Industries and with the series’ trademark online component, as well as another sure to be stellar campaign experience — as clearly showcased by the intricate single player debut during Microsoft’s E3 press conference — the franchise is set to receive another blockbuster experience.
