These titles from 2007 are still as legendary as ever.
2007 was such a transformative year for video games. PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii were all settling in and starting to define themselves, and consumers were beginning to take sides. The seventh console generation had arrived and, as with every one prior, would have its own distinct influence on the industry.
2007 would mark the release of some of the greatest games of all time, a fantastic variety from across genres. There was even a legendary collaboration between two gaming stars we never expected to appear together. Let’s take a look at some of the year’s very best. 10
Super Mario Galaxy
Even the menu music for this one is perfect. Subtle, dreamlike notes, evoking the peaceful nature of Rosalina’s observatory while also hinting towards an epic tale ahead. Nothing quite has the power of orchestral music, and it was a perfect choice for Mario’s intergalactic adventure, which was by far his most ambitious yet at the time.
The gravity mechanics were an innovative way of making the space theme feel like an integral part of gameplay, and after getting to grips with them, it was possible to leap from the underside of a smaller celestial body to the top, performing maneuvers that Mario had never been capable of before. The game offered a great mix of smaller, unique challenge galaxies and larger main ones offering a wealth of Power Stars, as a means of appealing to fans‘ differing tastes in level design. Gameplay is smooth, satisfying and creative, just like the sequel, which was of an even grander scope. 9
Halo 3
Every genre has its iconic titles, the ones that wormed their way into popular culture years ago and are now firmly embedded there. Halo 3 is absolutely one of those, perhaps the greatest offering in the Xbox 360’s library and one of those multiplayer experiences that fans still fondly share stories of. It’s a classic that even newcomers today can are sure to appreciate the gravity of.
Halo 3’s story centers around Master Chief and two unlikely allies: 343 Guilty Spark from the very first game and the Arbiter, of the Convenant. Between them, they battle to prevent the High Prophet of Truth from utilizing a Ring in construction, ultimately destroying it and again preventing the Flood from spreading. Where most players spent the majority of their time, though, was in the multiplayer, which was refined and offered the classic modes that FPS games still deliver today. 8
BioShock
The furor surrounding Judas demonstrates that, however much time has passed, fans will never quite be able to let go of the BioShock series. It’s quite understandable, too, as it offers such a unique blend of action, atmosphere, and darkly tragic lore. The decaying, once-proud Rapture reflects a ‚villain‘, creator Andrew Ryan, who developed the city with positive intentions, in a sense, but conflicting viewpoints led to a civil war that would destroy it. The very nature of ADAM use, as well as the development of the Big Daddies and Little Sisters, would receive closer scrutiny in the sequel, emphasizing that there’s so much more here than a creepy shooter (though having Splicers leap out at you in a dark corridor is always unnerving).
The setting allowed for some creativity in the gunplay, with the rather conventional firearm arsenal bolstered by the varied effects of different Plasmids. There are a lot of intensely emotional moments too: the ADAM harvesting mechanic really makes the player feel like a killer if they engage in it, but leaving them struggling to level up if they do not. As innovative as it is thought-provoking, the FPS genre is richer today for BioShock’s influence. 7
Assassin’s Creed
The Assassin’s Creed series has taken players all the way through history, from Ancient Egypt to the French Revolution and the famously foggy streets of Victorian London.
