TOP LAUNCH TITLES

The team’s pick of each console’s launch lineup

RIDGE RACER (PS1)

It only had one track but this racer summed up everything great about PlayStation: arcadeperfect graphics, sound and gameplay in my home. Powersliding was thrilling, and the challenge of edging milliseconds off my lap times stayed with me long after other launch games faded away. Milford Coppock

TIMESPLITTERS (PS2)

PS2 had one of the best launch lineups of any console ever, but TimeSplitters is the title that stands out best. Developed by Free Radical, a studio formed by ex-Rare developers, this time-travelling FPS showed all the sparkle that characterised Rare’s games – and the couchplay helped ensure this shooter cult status. Miriam McDonald

RESISTANCE: FALL OF MAN (PS3)

Though a blatant metoo shooter, Sony’s response to Xbox’s Halo, Insomniac Games’ FPS had appeal all of its own. The 1950s alt-world setting, the arsenal of weird weapons, and the chance to battle in iconic UK locations such as Manchester Cathederal, ensured Resistance had a charm of its own. The 40-player online mode made this a must-play. Ian Dean

UNCHARTED: GOLDEN ABYSS (PS VITA)

Launching with an Uncharted game is as good as it gets. Golden Abyss is a rip-roaring Nathan Drake prequel. It both looks amazing and plays well, and proved PS Vita was a match for home consoles. Developed by Bend Studio, it showed Naughty Dog wasn’t the only team that could make a perfect Uncharted game. Oscar Taylor-Kent

RESOGUN (PS4)

PS4’s launch lineup was somewhat wanting but did offer the immediate comfort of blowing stuff up in Resogun. A pulsing soundtrack and voxel-based cityscapes set the stage for destruction. With three upgradable ship types to pick from and waves of enemies to blast at, there was lots of opportunity for high-speed high score chasing. Jess Kinghorn