First generation of video games started by Magnavox and ended with the revolution of PCs like TRS-80. I think this period was a little raw, unpopular and consoles were not at all user friendly. I can't consider this generation the best one.
Second generation shines with the name of Atari 2600. Colecovision and Intellivision were other major players. First third party developer (aka Activision) created in this generation. With all these hypes second generation is some sort of disappointment. End of this generation was the start of a disaster, first video game market crash. Lovely 2600 VS the biggest crash, what do you call this generation? Good or bad?
Third generation introduced the savior of video game industry, Nintendo. Sega was another newcomer. Most of popular franchises have started at this period. First mass market handheld (Gameboy), CD and 3D gaming are achievements of this generation. But this period comes along with down fall of arcade machines due to the power of home gaming consoles. Not bad, a generation to remember.
Fourth generation was a short period without any major effects on game industry. This era was dominated by Nintendo, though the console war gained a ground. This area was the starting point of polygons. Who cares?
Fifth generation, Atari ended and Playstation entered. After a long dominance on industry, Nintendo feels the danger again, though it's still number one in handheld market. 3D and CD reached to their ultimate level in this era. This period was the start of a new market, mobile games. The first one I remember well.
Sixth generation, you likely remember these times. The giant software manufacturer, Microsoft entered the battle here with Xbox. Nintendo failed again. Sega's swan song (aka Dreamcast) put an end to one of the most famous console manufacturers. Sony was the real king of this generation. With the help of Microsoft and Sega online gaming kicked off here practically. I missed Sega a lot. Long live PS2!
Seventh generation is start of a real rivalry in handheld market. After so many tries and fails by Sega, PSP defied Nintendo in market, though still no match for DS. Nintendo made a bold move and WII has returned them the crown. After two successful consoles Sony is struggling for survive and Microsoft is moving steadily. This generation makes online gaming a must, but library of games decreased dramatically. Worthy of "best generation" title?
I can't decide which one is the best, what about you?
Comments
The sixth generation was a great follow-up with smashing games, especially on the PS2, personally.
As for the seventh, I can't say that I'm complaining with what I've got now. I'm definitely enjoying gaming now, that's for sure.
I've liked lots of games since then, but the games I enjoyed the most aren't new. I just noticed that the bump from the 5th generation to the 6th one was way bigger than from the 6th to the 7th.
I feel that the 7th (excluding handhelds) put a heavier emphasis on graphics more than anything else, and that's not how games should be at all. At the end of the day, the most memorable are still those with good stories.
I had a Sega, but the thing was that gaming was just a random hobby before I really got into it.
but the most fun i had was with the Genesis and PS2 so i can't decide between them and the current generation is quite good too IMO
!!?
I preffer thu newer consoles!
calvinsora
The second generation is more of a revolution, and the Atari 2600 is a piece of work indeed.
The 3rd is an ushering of mainstream gaming, and an awesome generation indeed.
Is the 4th generation the SNES, Saturn, Megadrive generation? If so, I feel it is one of the best, bar none.
The fifth was great, PS got it's debut and N64 stepped up to the plate with a host of sterling games.
The sixth is most likely my favorite. I actually adored the GC, it didn't have many games, but the few games on there rocked. And let's not forget the PS2. Genius.
The seventh? Too early to tell but the DS is my favorite handheld ever. The library of games is stepping up, but for now, I'm not that impressed.
Whew, long post.