What Developer Has Impressed You Most This Generation?

Some developers are always great. Some have peaks and valleys. And some tend to shine in one particular generation.

For instance, I think many would agree that Squaresoft shined brightly during the original PlayStation era; I know they were my favorite developers by far. But what about this generation? Which developer has really impressed you most? Perhaps one that surprised you...?

For me, I could say Rockstar, because both Grand Theft Auto IV and Red Dead Redemption are two of the very best games of the generation, in my opinion. Plus, they branched out with RDR (and no, I don't really count Red Dead Revolver), which is a huge step for that developer. I also have to say that both Media Molecule and Quantic Dream impressed the hell out of me with LittleBigPlanet and Heavy Rain.

We might also toss a nod in Epic's direction, as I still love Gears of War 2 and the third entry is going to rule, guaranteed. They also helped with Bulletstorm, which I thought was great fun. Lastly, consideration must be given to Guerrilla, simply because they turned Killzone into an elite franchise after a mediocre showing during the PS2 era. But above all else, I have to go with Naughty Dog.

To be honest, I was never all that enamored with the Jak and Crash Bandicoot games and really, what else did Naughty Dog do before Uncharted blew us all away? We're talking about a developer that sort of came out of nowhere (despite a solid reputation) and trumped all the big boys with Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, which is often deemed the very best game of the generation so far. And of course, Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception has a shot at that title.

I mean, Naughty Dog was a good developer. Maybe even great by some standards. But I really didn't expect something like Uncharted to come from them; it was a total surprise. Which developer has impressed you the most this generation?

Tags: developer, game designer, video games, gaming culture

8/30/2011 10:43:15 AM Ben Dutka

Put this on your webpage or blog:
Email this to a friend
Follow PSX Extreme on Twitter

Comments (101 posts)

Toggle Scrolling | Reload Comments

Carlight
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 11:06:16 AM
Reply

For me it's naughty dog all the way , the uncharted serie blew me away

9 up, 1 down

maxpontiac
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 12:06:37 PM

Indeed. No one comes close in my eyes.

3 up, 4 down

godsman
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 6:55:10 PM

I have played Uncharted 2 to death, but in terms of most impressive, I would have to say MGS4. Those cutscenes are in-game cutscenes where changing outfits will change the cutscenes as well.
Uncharted 2 are pre-rendered cutscenes made with the game engine. Although I heard Uncharted 3 will be in-game cutscenes.

Considering MGS4 is Kojima's 1st PS3 game back in 2008 and Uncharted 2 is the second game by Naughty Dog in 2009, it's impressive enough to claim this title "most impressive this gen".

0 up, 0 down

Zemus101
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 11:09:31 AM
Reply

I'd probably agree with Naughty Dog being the most impressive and surprising, but I still have yet to actually finish an Uncharted game. Just not really my kind of thing I guess?

I was really hoping for Square-Enix to continue making top-notch products, but yeah ...not so much. FFXIII was alright, I had some fun with it, but that's all I've played from them so far. (Not including the stellar PSP titles)

Ah, I'll go with Media Molecule. New company so I can't really say I was surprised, but I'm extremely impressed with what they've done. Which was something completely different than what I've played a million times before (at least for a console gamer that has been around since the 80's anyways)

Last edited by Zemus101 on 8/30/2011 11:10:38 AM

3 up, 8 down

Qubex
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 11:10:15 AM
Reply

Ben, agree with everything there about the developer choices... including Rockstar... ultimately for me, it is Naughty Dog, Santa Monica and Guerilla!

Had some of the best gaming fun ever on Killzone 2 multi-player... superb.

Q!

"play.experience.enjoy"

Last edited by Qubex on 8/30/2011 11:10:49 AM

4 up, 1 down

Neghvar
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 11:13:07 AM
Reply

Bioware - Despite the dumb downed Dragon age 2.

Naughty Dog - No explanation

Sega - Valkyria Chronicles, Yakuza

From Software - What impressed me about theese guys ALL of their games (i have'nt played lost kingdoms though) was mediocre crap, and they pulled off demon souls. Can gaurentee dark souls will be fantastic, i can see FS will stick to this formula for awhile.

3 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 1:21:24 PM

Sega for sure, despite some dumb choices of late.

0 up, 0 down

Minishmaru
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 4:50:11 PM

Minus Bioware, I completely like your choices :)

0 up, 3 down

Highlander
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 11:16:12 AM
Reply

Naughty Dog, Sucker Punch, Insomniac, Media Molecule, Quantic Dreams, Level 5, Gust/NISA, Sony Liverpool/London/Japan, Sega, Evolution studios, SCE Santa Monica, etc.

Naughty Dog probably takes top honors because of Uncharted. The others I've mentioned have all produced high quality games as well. The 3rd parties named have continued to show faith in the PS3 brand as well.

I could add EA to that list as well, they really pushed to get their sports franchises in particular up to scratch on the PS3. Criterion Games has to get a honorable mention too because when Burnout Paradise released as a multi-plat game, no other multi-platform games were coming even close to matching the 360 versions, and the PS3 version of BP was the better one. Not only that but Criterion retrofitted trophies and custom soundtrack options to their game, showing developer commitment far beyond that of the vast majority of 3rd party devs.

In the end, Drake and Naughty Dog have to take the title as best of the generation - so far.

SE surprised me the most (in a way) with their abject failure. Namco has been one of the most inconsistent, showing good support for PS3 in Japan, but terrible support outside of Japan. Level 5 came out of nowhere with WKC, but I think that Media Molecule was probably the biggest surprise with LBP. It's such a fresh take on the platformer.

Last edited by Highlander on 8/30/2011 11:19:17 AM

5 up, 5 down

maxpontiac
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 12:07:35 PM

That's a great point about EA.

1 up, 0 down

Spanky
Saturday, September 03, 2011 @ 8:58:11 AM

I used to buy anything that had EA on it knowing it was going to be a good solid game...they started letting me down and I now wait for the reviews before picking one up. They became complacent, or cocky there for awhile , but, I think they just MAY be coming around again.

I'm liking Sucker Punch, Ubisoft, and Naughty Dog right now.

0 up, 0 down

AcHiLLiA
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 11:19:59 AM
Reply

They're alot of developers that I like, so I will just say the game series that caught my eye more. Bioshock series, Uncharted series, Heavy Rain, LA Noire, etc.

Last edited by AcHiLLiA on 8/30/2011 11:23:43 AM

4 up, 0 down

SoulController
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 11:21:12 AM
Reply

Naughty Dog goes without saying & Sucker Punch doesn't get enough credit from non Sony only sites on how addictive infamous is. Media Molecule is up there & killzone still blows me away with its polish.

For me, I was most impressed with EA for taking so many risk on new IPs this gen. Dead Space is my favorite multiplat series hands down. Not to mention working with bioware was a smart move.

Oh, & I cant believe how hard of a fall Square took this gen. What a heartbreaker & their failure almost killed the JRpg genre

Last edited by SoulController on 8/30/2011 11:25:34 AM

1 up, 1 down

jimmyhandsome
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 11:23:38 AM
Reply

For me it'd have to be a 3 way tie between Epic, Sucker Punch and Naughty Dog. Epic really set the bar for third-person shooters with the Gears series, and I'm really looking forward to Gears 3. Sucker Punch (to me) really came out of no where with the inFAMOUS series which quickly became my most played singleplayer game(s) of this generation.

Naughty Dog is self explanatory with the Uncharted series.

Last edited by jimmyhandsome on 8/30/2011 11:24:42 AM

4 up, 1 down

LimitedVertigo
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 12:33:19 PM

GOW is mindless action with little to no purpose.

BTW I've noticed you on Joystiq bringing the hate.

3 up, 9 down

jimmyhandsome
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 1:42:40 PM

Sick opinion, man.

And I don't have an account at Joystiq? Is someone using my Handsum Jimmy handle?!

3 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 2:37:41 PM

Agree LV.

0 up, 2 down

MRSUCCESS
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 11:28:41 AM
Reply

This generation? Hmm I would have to say from Software and Quantic Dream. Although they have made one game each, Heavy Rain and Demons's Souls, they were very and I mean very good games. I look forward to whatever Quantic Dream and From Software make because frankly they were very impressive games.

On the other hand, nothing beats Kojima Productions in my book. I am eagerly anticipating the Fox engine they're working on and MGS:Rising. I am sure I am not the only one looking forward to a PS3 MGS game in which Big Boss is the main character. n_n

Last edited by MRSUCCESS on 8/30/2011 11:29:32 AM

1 up, 0 down

Fox hounder
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 11:46:09 AM

Amen to that, and speaking of Rising, i hope we get some news on that soon. On a side note, Kojima mentioned something about a Peace Walker sequel sometime back, maybe that's his mystery project.

Last edited by Fox hounder on 8/30/2011 11:47:35 AM

2 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 1:23:03 PM

From Software also made 3D Dot Game Heroes and whatever Armored Core games have released this gen, so not just one.

0 up, 0 down

berserk
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 11:49:05 AM
Reply

Obsidian Entertainment , i was really impressed about how you re choice made a real difference on what was going to happen later . Too bad the rest of the game was not as polished .

Going stealth was pretty fun tho .

It s one of the rare game ( i think the only one this generation beside Heavy Rain ) that i had a urge to do a second playthrought right after finishing it a first time .

From software also surprised me with demons souls .
I was really happy to see one of their game finally get a lot of attention .A game that had everything i love about King field and more .

2 up, 2 down

mk ultra
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 11:50:14 AM
Reply

I think That Game Company needs to be mentioned for thinking outside the box. If I had to pick I would agree with ND. When they sold the Crash Bandicoot name I was pretty upset with them but then they released Uncharted and I saw what a wise decision they made.

Last edited by mk ultra on 8/30/2011 11:51:58 AM

4 up, 0 down

Highlander
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 1:22:19 PM

That's the name I forgot to include (well, one of them) That Game Company...Nice.

0 up, 0 down

NiteKrawler
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 11:52:08 AM
Reply

Ubisoft. Assassin's Creed has become not only my favorite game franchise of the generation, but my favorite game franchise ever.

5 up, 2 down

VampDeLeon
Thursday, September 01, 2011 @ 2:55:39 PM

^ Though they've been milking Ezio, the AC Universe as a whole is really immersing going through playing as one of your ancestors for the good of the world :p.

0 up, 0 down

bebestorm
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 12:01:49 PM
Reply

Kojima Productions MGS4 is still my favorite exclusive. I can't wait for the HD collection.

Rockstar has always been favorite.

Ubisoft for creating my favorite series this gen Assassin's Creed.

Rocksteady for a freaking awesome Batman.

Bioware Mass Effect

Criterion Burnout Paradise and NFS Hot Pursuit... I've never bought racing games before!

3 up, 1 down

Kiryu
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 12:03:55 PM
Reply

Naughty Dog,Sucker Punch,Quantic Dream,Yakuza Creators,Kojima Productions and RockSteady.

0 up, 0 down

Hynad
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 12:06:22 PM
Reply

Naughty Dog all the way! Uncharted is my new IP of the gen, no less.

1 up, 1 down

Alienange
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 12:21:33 PM
Reply

You definitely mention a couple of good ones with Rockstar and Naughty Dog but I'd also like to give props to a developer that did what so many could not this gen.

Rocksteady took an aging game engine and made the best Batman game of all time. They could have easily gone the "movie tie-in" route but no, they came out of nowhere and showed long standing devs that there is a LOT of room left for a new developer with good ideas and some coding skill.

4 up, 1 down

SoulController
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 2:01:37 PM

Agree 100% I knew I was forgetting at least one dev

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 12:27:13 PM
Reply

Rare, without a doubt. Screw AAA titles, Kinect Sports and re-releases of their N64 days on Live are reason enough to warrant the huge amount of money MS spent on securing them inhouse.

2 up, 1 down

Highlander
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 1:23:08 PM

ROTFLMAO! OK, best sarcasm of the day goes to....

4 up, 0 down

Ignitus
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 12:43:28 PM
Reply

In no particular order:

Epic Games, Gears of War.
Bungie, Halo3.
Naughty Dog, Uncharted.
Mistwalker, Lost Oddyssey (A true Final Fantasy)
Criterion, Burnout Paradise.
RockSteady, Batman Arkham.
Gearbox, Borderlands.
2K Boston Australia, Bioshock.
Harmonix, RockBand.

Last edited by Ignitus on 8/30/2011 12:44:14 PM

4 up, 0 down

Lotusflow3r
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 7:29:35 PM

Mystwalker indeed!

1 up, 0 down

telly
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 12:44:02 PM
Reply

Naughty Dog, Bioware and Epic stand apart from the rest, in my opinion. MGS 4 was AWESOME, but Konami hasn't really "wowed" me since then. Rockstar has definitely made a terrific showing this gen as well, though I want to see what GTA V looks like before I put them up in my top, elite tier. The Gears of War games, the Mass Effect Series, and Uncharted as the games that I think this gen will be remembered for. It will be well-deserved recognition.

1 up, 1 down

erislocker
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 12:46:05 PM
Reply

ubisoft for assassin's creed
and
Naughty Dog (for no apparent reason...) :)

1 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 12:50:50 PM
Reply

Criterion - for the amount of love and support they gave Burnout Paradise. Free goodies came in a steady stream of patches/upgrades. From a gamers point of view they did *everything* right with that game.

Crytek - everyone expected them to fail miserably on the ps3. Then came Crysis 2, the coolest fps I've played in a very long time. Incredibly well crafted both as a single player and multi player shooter. Can't wait to see what other devs will build on that engine.

2K/Irrational - BioShock was so much more than just a shooter, it was an experience I would never want to be without.

But above all: BioWare - the best storytellers on any platform. KOTOR, Neverwinter Nights, Dragon Age, Mass Effect... I shall remain forever thankful.

Last edited by Beamboom on 8/30/2011 12:54:42 PM

2 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 1:26:12 PM
Reply

Sega Wow, Sucker Punch, Insomniac, Irrational. As good as ND is, there's still something holding them back from impressing me. Maybe it's just that they've been playing it safe

4 up, 3 down

tayizfire
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 1:40:31 PM

lmao@naughty dog not impressing you....if thats the case you will never be impressed by gaming ...only thing thats almost as good or equal to uncharted is heavy rain...but wow at not being impressed by naughty dog

2 up, 4 down

Ludicrous_Liam
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 4:56:16 PM

If you weren't impressed by the 'nepal warzone' chapter of Uncharted 2, well then, I'm afraid your a lost cause :(

Seriously, it's like Ben's article, if you don't like uncharted then you just don't know a great game when you see one. I'm sorry but there's no objecting that. It's okay to say 'well yeah it wasn't bad it was actually pretty good..' or whatever but you have to admit it's the best of this generation, because it quite simply, is. It's border-line perfection in every regard..so preference can hardly come into it.

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 6:02:05 PM

Lawless eats kangaroos for breakfast.

0 up, 2 down

Lawless SXE
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 @ 2:17:04 AM

LV, Kangaroos are better for lunch in case you ever get the urge to hunt one down.

Liam, I get what you're saying, and I've extolled my love for Uncharted several times. It is indeed one of the best of the generation, if not all time, but for some reason, I don't go WOW! when I play it. Everything about it is ordinary, but done in such a way as to make it extraordinary. It still lacks a certain draw that Valkyria Chronicles, Heavy Rain, inFamous, Bioshock and Demon's Souls has for me. I can't really explain it.

2 up, 0 down

Kevin555
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 @ 4:41:14 AM

Man, one guy admits to liking Uncharted but not being wowed by it & it's still not enough with everyone jumping on his arse asking 21 questions why he wasn't licking the cover. Let the lad be ffs. If he hates it he hates it, if he likes it he likes it. It's not stopping you from loving it is it?

Breathe in......breathe out....

Everything is going to be ok, we can get through this together. :)

Last edited by Kevin555 on 8/31/2011 4:42:15 AM

3 up, 0 down

Ludicrous_Liam
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 @ 7:06:27 AM

Okay, okay. Okay. Just let me have him in the interrogration room 5 more mins and I'll get to the bottom of this. And no, I don't know what happend to his missing finger. :P

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 1:41:19 PM
Reply

Ah there's so many. I give Bethesda massive props for their conversion of Fallout from a really bad isometric RPG to an immersive, addictive, atmospheric virtual post apocalyptic world that I'll never forget with Fallout 3.

Visceral for spooking me with Dead Space and bringing Alighieri's Hell to life with Dante's Inferno.

Eidos Montreal surprised me with Deus Ex being so good.

Ninja Theory for Heavenly Sword and Enslaved

The Batman games aren't for me, but you have to give massive credit to Rocksteady. Look what they've done on that horrible engine!

All the Sony 1st and 2nd party devs have been impressive.

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 8/30/2011 1:58:17 PM

1 up, 2 down

LimitedVertigo
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 2:27:12 PM

I received the game, thanks again for selling it to me. I'm a little peeved there wasn't a personal 500word letter inside to explain how much I mean to you.

2 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 2:39:23 PM

Glad you got it, actually I meant to write you a funny note but I had just come off a gaming session and packed that up at about 5AM to get it ready to ship the next day so I wasn't in any shape.

0 up, 1 down

tayizfire
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 1:41:49 PM
Reply

No one is going to give capcom a shoutout ..the fighting genre is getting no love? capcom is up top also...minus there horrible DLC

1 up, 1 down

LimitedVertigo
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 2:25:45 PM

Capcom has easily been one of the worst developers this generation of gaming. I literally laughed at your entire comment.

2 up, 2 down

StubbornScorpio
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 5:21:32 PM

I have to agree with Vertigo on that one. The rereleases of MvC 3 and Dead Rising 3 along with three, THREE cancelled Megaman games, the fatuous one-save-only file in Resident Evil: Mercenaries....
All that compounded with the DLC "system" is absolutely atrocious. I refuse to buy any Capcom title from here on out.

2 up, 1 down

tayizfire
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 8:29:02 PM

you really are tripping LV ...capcom has been pretty good this gen ...besides the DLC bullcrap...they have had a lot of good games this gen ....if street fighter 4 didn't impress you ...your tripping hard

1 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 9:22:06 PM

You say they have a lot of good games this generation but all you've mentioned is SteetFighter4... They've milked the hell out of the game over the past few years.

0 up, 0 down

tayizfire
Thursday, September 01, 2011 @ 12:39:04 AM

RE5 ...MvC3...Street Fighter 4 ...Lost Planet 1...DMC4...Dead Rising was a pretty fun game ....You mean to tell me you weren't impressed with one of these games they pumped out...Personally i was effin impressed with DMC4 and Street Fighter 4 lol...they are far from the worst ...may not be the best ...but definetly not the worst

0 up, 0 down

Fox hounder
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 1:42:33 PM
Reply

For me Kojima Productions, Platinum Games, Bioware, and Insomniac have been the most impressive.

1 up, 0 down

dmiitrie
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 1:45:22 PM
Reply

I've seen most people here proclaim various studios as the best of the gen based on the strengths of a single game or franchise. And while I can certainly respect those games and studios, I believe that Team Bondi is proving that you don't necessarily need to be a great studio to produce a great game.

So, I put forth Bioware, who is (to my knowledge), the only developer this generation that has produced two, separate, great franchises. In Dragon Age and Mass Effect, Bioware has produced four games (with scores ranging from 86-92), across two IPs (both are new to this gen), which are very different from each other (while still being distinctly 'Bioware').

Again, I'm not trying to take anything away from any other developer. I understand that it's very hard to make a great game, but many devs have done that. And it's even harder to make a great series, but several devs have done that too. But it's harder still to make multiple great series. Very few devs have done that this gen, and only Bioware has done it with two new IPs.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 2:27:10 PM

It isn't really about the best, but being impressed. Hopefully there's some overlap there though.

0 up, 0 down

Danny007
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 1:58:06 PM
Reply

I have to say Naughty Dog impressed me this generation of course, but I also have to thank Quantic Dream, Rocksteady, and especially Harmonix. Heavy Rain, Uncharted, Batman, and Green Day: Rock Band are my favorite games on PS3 along with a ton of other great titles.

0 up, 0 down

Killa Tequilla
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 2:28:00 PM
Reply

Activision!!!

0 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 3:02:36 PM

I assume you mean Infinity Ward.

1 up, 1 down

Axe99
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 4:23:31 PM

They could be a big Blizzard fan? Activision also published the most excellent Apache Air Assault (Gaijin Entertainment). Or even High Moon Studios for T:WfC. But you're probably right World ;).

0 up, 0 down

UbiEaActisuck
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 2:57:19 PM
Reply

Codemasters give me some more Grid already. Before any one else says it yes they have made some horrible games this gen.

0 up, 1 down

main_event05
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 3:46:03 PM
Reply

That's tough. For me its between Konami with MGS4, Netherrealm with MK9 and DICE with Mirrors Edge.

2 up, 0 down

zork
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 3:47:21 PM
Reply

FROMSOFTWARE i believe..really deserves so much credit for taking a chance on bringing back the oldstyle hack and slash rpg and making it work in this generation, in a time were fps/action titles rule it was awsome to see Demons Souls so well received.

2 up, 0 down

NoSmokingBandit
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 3:49:15 PM
Reply

FROM Software.

Nothing else to say, really.

1 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 3:51:04 PM
Reply

Man, just don't know, really. I've been real impressed by many. Polyphony Digital really stands out in my mind. Kazanori and team real labored hard to bring us their very best despite the sort of pressures and demands placed on them to push the product out sooner than when they wanted. PD was fully purposed with one heart and mind to deliver the absolute most accurate representation of motorsports ever conceived. And even through all the media backlash crap they didn't disgrace themselves by engaging or defending the false crap like a child. And to add to all that, they kept delivering updated content, free, to their fans.
PD is way awesome and right now is my top pick for most impressive dev.

Last edited by Temjin001 on 8/30/2011 3:51:47 PM

0 up, 2 down

BIGRED15
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 4:06:03 PM
Reply

My list of most surprising devs? Insomniac sucker punch and naughty dog are no brainers. Why insomniac? Resistance. They went from light hearted spyros and Ratchets to a very dark creepy game overnight basically. Didn't expect that comming I loved jak series, but never cared for naughty dog UNTIL uncharted. Here's one no one mentioned. Visceral. For ages the masters of terror was silent hill and RE. It was very cool that another team of sadistic scare junkies could finally join the shallow pool of horror devs and make two back to back great games.
And something (god help us) should b said for call of duty. For ages it was a ww2 nobody. Now its managed to garner a tremendous following with a simple formula. i dislike cod but give credit where credit is due. What cod did is surely a feat we can all b surprised by.

0 up, 0 down

TrophyHunter
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 4:13:38 PM
Reply

Naughty Dog, Sucker Punck, Visceral Games (Dead Space 1 & 2) and of course, the creators of the best FPS's this generation Guerrilla.

0 up, 0 down

Cuetes
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 4:23:21 PM
Reply

I'd say.....
1. Naughty dog
2. Sucker Punch
3. Quatic Dream
4. Insomniac
5. Rockstar

I put Rockstar last only because I feel they tried to please the other console and gave me half a game in GTA IV. RDR was impressive though a true masterpiece.

Oh....Konami and Bethesda deserve slot of credit as well.

Last edited by Cuetes on 8/30/2011 4:26:51 PM

0 up, 3 down

Axe99
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 4:25:01 PM
Reply

Sooo many great games this gen - and I've got a tonne of respect for a tonne of devs. For me though, it's got to be Eugen Systems (RUSE) and Gaijen Entertainment (IL-2:Birds of Prey, Apache Air Assault) for bringing us games that didn't treat console owners like kids and not caving into the 'it's gotta be mainstream or bust' philosophy. Granted, they didn't sell as well as they could, but they were awesome games :).

0 up, 0 down

Killa Tequilla
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 4:30:04 PM
Reply

For me its Rockstar.

0 up, 2 down

thatguy6598
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 4:42:01 PM
Reply

Naughty dog, even though i've never played an uncharted game cause i LOVED the jak and daxter and crash bandicoot series', and because they are the only ones that seem close to maxing out the ps3 (not that i want that to happen or anything)

0 up, 0 down

Minishmaru
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 4:49:12 PM
Reply

Naughty dog is no doubt up top somewhere. Square enix has got to be at the bottom for me...maybe not rock bottom but down there quite a way. Also From Software definitely surprised me with Demons Souls :)

0 up, 1 down

Dridion
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 4:55:03 PM
Reply

What? No love for Assassin's Creed? Man that game was rad! The first was somewhat iffy but 2 picked it up and ran with it! It may not be the most revolutionary game but it brings something unique to the open world genre. It stand as one of my top 5 games this gen.

0 up, 1 down

Lotusflow3r
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 5:06:07 PM
Reply

MEDIA MOLECULE for innovating more than anyone else and delivering the game of the generation, LBP2.

Other honourable mentions:-

FROM SOFTWARE for Demon's Souls and 3D Dot Game Heroes.

TEAM CS1(of Sega) for the 3 Yakuza instalments.

GEARBOX for having balls of steel and being the most creative new kings of the FPS.

ATLUS for innovation and bringing us new Japanese classics.

KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS for MGS4 and Peace Walker.

R* for GTA4 and RDR.

LEVEL 5 for keeping the root of JRPG alive, Professor Layton...And Ni No Kuni.

NAUGHTY DOG for pushing the technology envelope.

UBISOFT for Assassin's Creed among others.

EIDOS MONTREAL for Deus Ex Human Revolution.

among others...

2 up, 0 down

Lotusflow3r
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 6:01:10 PM

THAT GAME COMPANY for making us feel.

QUANTIC DREAM for a bold effort.

0 up, 0 down

Ignitus
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 9:01:36 PM

I will second you on Gearbox. Borderlands was great.

2 up, 0 down

tes37
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 5:25:25 PM
Reply

Naughty Dog has impressed me the most. I played most of the Crash Bandicoot games and one Jak and Daxter game. I thought they were great games, but Uncharted was totally unexpected. I was shocked by their work on the PS3.

Naughty Dog's talent really stood out when I realized that few would be able to match the quality found in the Uncharted series.

0 up, 1 down

LimitedVertigo
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 5:55:29 PM

I agree they surprised me the most. On the PS1-PS2 they were all about cutesy graphics and while the gameplay was there I wasn't drawn into the games like they've been able to do with Uncharted.

1 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 5:25:25 PM
Reply

Rockstar has actually let me down. GTAIV was top quality but also pretty blah as far as missions go. RDR is great if a bit cliched. They need more games though. We're talking about Rockstar here, they are chilling on great series and doing little about it.

2 up, 1 down

LimitedVertigo
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 5:57:29 PM

I strongly agree with you in regards to GTAIV
I strongly DISAGREE with you in regards to RDR. There was nothing cliched about RDR's storyline, especially the ending. It pains me to know you didn't have the same experience as I have.

1 up, 1 down

tes37
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 6:11:51 PM

I agree with LV about the ending. The very last thing you could do in the storyline was pretty cool.

0 up, 0 down

Geobaldi
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 6:53:00 PM
Reply

Rocksteady Studios for me. They were virtually unknown, only to blast into the forefront with easily one of the best games of the year last year and of this generation.

3 up, 0 down

sirbob6
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 7:39:39 PM
Reply

I'll say from Sofftware. They went from making niche games to making... well slightly more mainstream niche games.

I'd also like to mention Insomniac. Despite make even more sequels they have failed to beat R&C to death. In fact they have in a way reinvigorated it and proved that the platformer is not dead.

0 up, 1 down

Dancemachine55
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 7:47:52 PM
Reply

For me and my friends, Bioware.

Mass Effect has been an incredible series so far, and the many branches with which you can complete the story makes it so engaging and deep.

Dragon Age Origins was the RPG I had been waiting for for a long time. Shame that Dragon Age 2 was a step backwards in the hardcore RPG department, even if the combat had been vastly improved, but from what I've gathered, Bioware have been listening to its fans and plan on bringing back the hardcore RPG element we all loved in the first Dragon Age.

Am playing Xenoblade Chronicles right now, and even though the graphics remind me of the good ol' PS2 days, the music and RPG gameplay is fantastic!! I hadn't been that excited about playing an RPG since I played Final Fantasy XII several years ago!!! The story is simple, yet can become quite deep later on, the tutorials are simple and integrate well into the story, so you never feel overwhelmed with info and menus on the screen, it really is one of the most perfect current RPG's out!!!

I really do feel for you all in the US with a Wii. I hope Xenoblade Chronicles does come your way, because it really is a great JRPG! Here's hoping my purchase contributes to a large amount of sales in Europe (imported it to Australia) so as to convince NOA to bring the title to you in the US!!

1 up, 0 down

gungrave
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 7:52:53 PM
Reply

DICE, From Software, R*, Rocksteady, Guerilla, and Sega

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 8:09:42 PM
Reply

Some other great nominations here. Definitely give props to Rocksteady and thatgamecompany, and no idea how I could forget Sucker Punch!

My choice is still Naughty Dog, though. :)

0 up, 0 down

tridon
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 9:14:18 PM
Reply

I have to say that Naughty Dog's really picked up their game this generation. While I always though Crash Bandicoot and Jak & Daxter were cool, I was never really a big fan of their series. Uncharted has blown away all expectations since its first title.

On the digital front, thatgamecompany lives and breathes innovation. flOw was my first title on the PSN when I bought my PS3 and Flower was the first digital title I ever received 100% trophies from. Journey only looks to continue their trend of incredible innovation and I certainly can't wait to play it.

Also, while not a developer per-se, I'm really impressed with Eidos this generation. Yes, I know they're owned by Square Enix now, but the titles that have been released through the Eidos banner have, for the most part, been more than stellar. Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Batman: Arkham Asylum, Just Cause 2, Mini Ninjas... I've NEVER been this impressed with Eidos' titles before. With the Tomb Raider reboot around the corner as well as a new Hitman, the future only looks brighter for them. Here's hoping they revisit Kain and Raziel sooner than later, too.

Last edited by tridon on 8/30/2011 9:16:19 PM

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 9:20:56 PM

Great point with Eidos, JC2 is one of my favorite games EVER. It's such mindless fun and even a simple thing like traveling around the islands with your parachute and grappling hook is addictive as hell.

1 up, 1 down

BigD0207
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 9:55:01 PM
Reply

I have been a reader of this site for a while now and this is my first post. Here is the top Developers that impressed me the most this generations:
Konami\Kojima productions: Metal Gear 4.
EA\Bioware: Mass Effect series.
Sony\Naughty Dog: UnCharted Series.
Sony\Insomniac: Resistance Series
Sony\Sucker Punch: iNFamous series.
WB\Rocksteady: Batman
Epic Games: Gears of War series.
For me it just so hard to just pick one. For me the PS3 has the best exclusive games that I have really enjoyed playing this generation.

2 up, 1 down

LimitedVertigo
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 9:57:26 PM

Welcome to the comments section.

1 up, 0 down

BigD0207
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 10:08:18 PM
Reply

Thanks, I appreciate it. I have been wanting to post for a while, but have been trying to get up the courage to post, I usually do not leave comments in comments section. This is something that is new for me.

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 10:10:29 PM

I know what you mean, I simply read this site for several months before finally joining and commenting back in 2008. I believe it's the best gaming community out there.

0 up, 1 down

BigD0207
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 10:15:47 PM
Reply

I agree with you on that one. This is one of the best gaming community out there.

1 up, 1 down

LimitedVertigo
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 10:33:18 PM

Just a heads up, I suggest you take advantage of the reply button feature on the site. I used it to reply to your comment. IF you wanted to reply to what I had to say about your original comment then just hit the "reply" button next to your name and you're reply to my comment will be right below it.

1 up, 1 down

CoolBLKguy
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 @ 10:16:27 PM
Reply

Naughty Dog, Rockstar, Quantic Dreams and Bethesda. I will never forget popping in GTA4 for the first time, that game is a major accomplishment to me personally. Fallout 3 blew me away too, it came out during a time when I was basically house bound due to medical reasons and I literally played the game from sun up until sun down and never ran out of new areas to explore.

0 up, 0 down

Kevin555
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 @ 4:08:29 AM
Reply

Namco Bandai: For giving fighting fans the love (Tekken Tag 2, SCV, Tekken X Street Fighter) Harada is the man!

SEGA: For announcing VF5:FS & actually listenning to the fans.

BioWare: Mass Effect series.

Epic: Gears of War franchise.

Naughty Dog: Uncharted series.

Last edited by Kevin555 on 8/31/2011 4:09:20 AM

3 up, 1 down

___________
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 @ 5:29:40 AM
Reply

id have to go with valve, id, epic games and rocksteady.
valve because, well, do i even need to explain that?
id because, well, again do i even need to explain that?
epic because of the humor they put into there games, i mean come on who else would come up with a giant man eating worm and the only way to kill it was to slice its arteries!?
absolute classic!!!!!!!!!!!
rocksteady for proving comic book based games can be GOTY contenders!
O, and of course the AC devs for the amazing complex story and cities.

0 up, 0 down

DjEezzy
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 @ 11:41:06 AM
Reply

I'd say Naughty Dog and Platinum games. Nuff said

0 up, 0 down

Robochic
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 @ 11:51:48 AM
Reply

Naughty Dog :)

0 up, 0 down

Nas Is Like
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 @ 2:33:17 PM
Reply

Santa Monica for me. God of War is the ultimate and most epic series on the PS3 of all time in my opinion.

0 up, 0 down

VampDeLeon
Thursday, September 01, 2011 @ 3:05:23 PM
Reply

Well, I think my avatar should explain enough about which developer impressed me the most this gen. (;

United Front Games brought back in the inner child with it's racing game. I like games that encourage customization of the character and it's still fun to play.

Hmm, it's a no contest with Naughty Dog here, eh? :P I have to say, I underestimated them with Uncharted since it appeared like an average game, but the humor and adventure keeps it just as fresh as the first play through. Buut, I still think Drake has Crash Bandicoot to compete with.

I personally thought, Guerrilla was more impressive with their first Killzone on the PS2. I thought it was revolutionary, the impressive graphics that made the PS2 sweat, the whole 4-man team (each of whom depending on who you chose went on a different path each chapter, upping the replayability and flourishing each character's strengths and weakeness) versus an entire army on a different planet in a gritty (not dusty) environment, aand the multiplayer made it my first FPS I enjoyed.

Last edited by VampDeLeon on 9/1/2011 3:08:18 PM

0 up, 0 down

Please login or register to leave a comment.

Do you plan to buy a PlayStation Vita this year?
	Yes, I'll definitely get one in 2013.
	No, but I'll get one eventually.
	No, I have no intention of buying the Vita.
	No, I've already got one.

Playstation 3

Playstation 4

PSP

Playstation Vita

Playstation 2

Playstation

Other

PSX Extreme

Site Stats

What Developer Has Impressed You Most This Generation?

Comments (101 posts)

Leave a Comment

Latest Updates

Popular Cheats

Recent Reviews

Recent Previews

Popular Sections

Extras

Sponsor

Our Poll

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories cheats	PSP
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas cheats	PS2
Call of Duty: Black Ops cheats	PS3
BMX XXX cheats	PS2
Jackie Chan's Stuntmaster cheats	PS1
nail'd cheats	PS3
Devil May Cry 4 cheats	PS3
Karaoke Revolution cheats	PS3
NCAA Football 2004 cheats	PS2
Gran Turismo 4 cheats	PS2

Resident Evil: Revelations review	PS3
Metro: Last Light review	PS3
Zombie Tycoon II: Brainhov's Revenge review	PS3
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon review	PS3
Star Trek: The Video Game review	PS3
Injustice: Gods Among Us review	PS3
Dead Island: Riptide review	PS3
Defiance review	PS3
Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 review	PS3
Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel review	PS3

The Bureau: XCOM Declassified preview	PS3
Time and Eternity preview	PS3
Ride to Hell: Retribution preview	PS3
Call of Juarez: Gunslinger preview	PS3
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon preview	PS3
Spartacus Legends preview	PS3
Payday 2 preview	PS3
DUST 514 preview	PS3
Dynasty Warriors 8 preview	PS3
Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness preview	PS3