Top Ten Games of 2010
Title says it all.
List items
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It was a close call, but ME2 is definitely my personal GOTY. Not only did it have an incredibly engaging story but also amazing well-fleshed out characters and a dramatically improved combat system. ME2 has also set a new standard on the impact of "choice" in a video game. In ME2 choices truly matter.
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I can't think of another game in 2010 that was as immersive or as emotionally resonant as RDR. John Marston's story is probably one of the best conceived video game narratives in recent history. There were some glitches here and there and the gameplay didn't always match the quality of the narrative or the sheer detail of the environments but RDR is a game that grabs a hold of you and refuses to let go. That and Undead Nightmare was absolutely amazing and has set a new precedent for how DLCs should be conceived.
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What can I say? SC2 is just absolutely addictive. I'll played a lot of RTSs since the original Starcraft came out, but I still have not found one with a formula as effective as Blizzard's original landmark achievement. Until now that is. SC2 is not only a finely crafted evolution of the original but also very much worthy all on its own. The single player campaign may be the best I've every played in the genre. As for the multiplayer, well I don't think I need to say anymore.
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Bayonetta isn't just DMC with an extra sprinkle of estrogen, but a highly stylish, fluid, and addictive game that has taken "character action games" to a new level. From the persistent grading system to the deep gameplay to the eye-popping visuals to the cheesy story and the shameless irreverence, this is a non-stop marathon of climax-inducing joy.
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Halo: Reach marks the end of an era. Bungie's swan song to the Halo series neither covers a lot of new ground nor brings many new innovations to the table but what it does is to refine and revamp one of the most popular shooter franchises of this generation. Reach feels and plays like previous Halo games yet has a visual fidelity and emotional depth not found in previous incarnations. It's a somber, yet deeply satisfying end that is, ironically, just the beginning.
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Civ IV was one of the most addictive games of all time. I remember staying up endless nights playing it. Well, Civ V is just as addictive, with a formula that's not only more accessible to casual players but also has the depth to satisfy the most hardcore strategy enthusiasts. Oh and it looks pretty damn good as well.
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One of the most atmospheric and cinematic games of the year, Alan Wake should be commended not for it's shooter gameplay or spooky environments but for it's immersive storytelling, excellent voice-acting, and of course, product placement (just kidding of course). It definitely has its flaws but it's undeniably of the most enjoyable games I played all year.
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AC: Brotherhood was a complete surprise to me. I had originally thought this was going to be a multiplayer-focused game (yuck) with a tacked-on single player campaign. Well it turned out to be the exact opposite as the single player campaign is definitely the star of the show with a length story that was just as enjoyable, if not more so than AC2. The subtle refinements and tweaks to the gameplay may not be groundbreaking but it makes an already excellent traversal system even better. Finally, despite a cliffhanger ending, AC: Brotherhood is a hugely satisfying experience.
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Much has been said about the large amount of bugs, glitches, and the game-crashing issues, but technical problems aside, New Vegas is a worthy follow up to my favorite game of 2008. New Vegas' world is not only huge but filled with wacky characters, worthwhile side quests, and interesting locales. The main quest is also far more engaging this time around and the game has no shortage of the dark humor that's a trademark of the Fallout franchise.
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Dead Rising 2 is a huge improvement over the original, despite the fact that many aspects of the gameplay system has not changed. You still have the 72 hour deadline. You still have extremely limited save points. You still have to save and escort survivors. Yet, the subtle changes to the combat, escort missions, and of course the new item-creation system, makes the game feel fresh while maintaining a similar feel to the original. Of course, we can't forget the game's new and improved protagonist or its sharp looking visuals.
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