Let's Name the Greatest Game of the Console Generation: Semi-Finals

These last 48 hours have been incredibly eventful. On Monday, we celebrated the five-year anniversary of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X with a tournament to determine the best first-party game of this console generation. We presented eight PS5 games and eight Xbox Series X exclusives to face off against each other, all heading towards a championship round where the leading contender from each platform would battle it out. There have been some incredibly close calls in the first two rounds, particularly yesterday’s razor-thin votes. Now, it's moment to decide the leading PlayStation and Xbox titles before Thursday’s final battle.

PlayStation 5 Contenders

On the PS5 side, we have the giant-slayer, Astro Bot. Perhaps it's expected 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. However, to reach the championship, it'll need to defeat the MVP of the PS5 generation: 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 title from the same studio!) to secure a spot in the semi-finals. Can Spidey topple a beloved PlayStation icon, or is he fated to become a chibi cameo in the upcoming Astro Bot title?

The Xbox Series X Side

The Xbox Series X side has been even juicier. Coming out on top from a diverse lineup of competitors is Forza Horizon 5. It's a significant win for the racing adventure title so far, demonstrating that a niche category title earns to be on the equal footing as traditional jump-and-run games and story-driven epics. Its final obstacle on the way to the finals is a major challenge, though. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has shown itself as a fan favorite, defeating critical darlings like Pentiment and Hi-Fi Rush. Will it overcome a larger-scale title from an established IP that's synonymous with Xbox itself? Should anyone manage this feat, it's likely Indiana Jones.

Place your ballots to determine the best PS5 and Xbox Series X games of this era, and return on the next day to see which games will face off for the ultimate trophy in the championship round!

Polling Timeline

• Round of 16: Monday, Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. EST - November 11, 9:00 AM Eastern
• Quarter-finals: 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
• Final round: Thursday, Nov. 13 at 11 a.m. EST - Friday, Nov. 14 at 9 a.m. EST
• Champion crowned: November 14, 11:00 AM Eastern

Matchups

PlayStation 5 Bracket

Astro Bot vs. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Xbox Series X Bracket

Forza Horizon 5 vs. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Cast Your Votes