Best next-gen developer

[John Beaulieu]

this is developer not publisher (so please don't someone just post Nintendo for example)

1 choice plus reasoning behind it

cheers

camps

mine is:

Smilebit - 3 games released on next gen console (well Xbox) which have been enjoyed by the mainstream (not to overburdening sales but enough to tick over) and greeted with unheralded joy by the more dedicated gamers out there. JSRF was always a no-brainer, coming as it did after the joyful JSR - some peeps might say that its been dumbed down for the mainstream audience and yet this takes nothing away from what is in essence a 3d platformer of the highest calibre. Gunvalkyrie is a game which is in my top 10 list due in no small part to the excellence of its control system once its 'clicked' into place - the Lovecraftian design of the enemies has had quite a few recent imitators but has yet to be bettered whilst the level design is there to pull you into the control system and then when you're 'in' you are needed to use every aspect of that control system to the utmost to get through. Panzer Dragoon Orta was a brilliant update to a franchise which 'hardcore' gamers have loved for years - and its a thing of sheer graphical beauty which is the pace setter for 'eye candy-ness' for all next gen games now.

In all 3 games Smilebit have enabled a pristine control system that is both intuitive and skillful to master -- other devco's should take note that a good control system should come first and then build the game up around it

camps

[Molloy]

Do development teams in Nintendo Japan have names? People tend to just say the games are developed and published by Nintendo don't they?

I'm not sure who I think is the best current gen developer. I'd have to give it a few more months. It's either Amusement Vision or AM2 but alot is hanging on FZero and Outrun 2.

I'm with you about the control dynamic Camps. Developers should be starting with a satisfying game mechanic and build the game from there. Nowadays they're starting with a storyline or an environment and trying to work backwards to the gameplay which is a ****ing disaster.

[lordcookie]

AM2:

I am including the DC as a next gen console as it is still 128 bit. This company continue to make great and diverse titles. The shenmue series, VF series, and the really enjoyable, if slightly shallow Beach Spikers. The games that they have on the horizon also seem to cement their status as the best.

I think Skip, could be one to watch, as their 2 games look very interesting.

[chrisp]

Naughty Dog

For creating one of, if the not the, best games of the last five years: Jak & Daxter. Brimming with fluidity, character and vibrance, Jak & Daxter was the first potent demonstration of the PS2's abilities and still stands up well next to anything else today. No loading times, massive worlds, luscious graphical detail and a charming script; not really what I was expecting from those responsible for the only so-so Crash series.

I'd give it 9/10 because I love it. And I think you would too.

[Smeghead]

Sonic Team (if including DC)

Sonic Adventure
Samba De Amigo/Ver.2000
Phantasy Star Online/Ver.2
ChuChu Rocket

Some of the best games I have ever played, and I've spent more hours on PSO than any other console game this gen, They create experiences as much as games. Phantasy Star Online may seem like the most basic thing ever, but when it first came out, I as a prodominantly console only gamer hadn't really sampled much of the world of online gaming and so PSO was a chance to try something new with the hardware I've already got

Samba De Amigo and ChuChu Rocket are jus 2 of the finest party games ever, and Sonic Adventure was just really special for me as it was so clear how much love had gone into crafting it. Some people may not like it, but I still think it rocks and can't wait for SA-DX on Cube. Nor can I wait to see exactly what Billy Hatchet is, it's great to see Sonic Team working on some fresh new games again, their one hit wonders have been some of the most memorable ever (bringing Burning Rangers and NiGHTS in).

I think Sonic Team are just the best Developer out there