Note: There have been many games released during the 2010s that I have not had a chance to play, and therefore could not qualify for this list. I've decided to allow only one game from a series to qualify for this list, but I will allow multiple games from the same franchise (for Example, "Dark Souls 3" could not qualify for this list since "Dark Souls" appears on it, but I will allow "Bloodborne" since it is a spin-off of "Dark Souls" and not technically part of the main series).
"Bioshock Infinite" is a rather polarizing game. Upon its release the title was met with near unanimous praise from critics and audiences, but over time criticism has risen. The biggest criticism regarding the game would be the combat. "Infinite's" combat was solid FPS, but lacked some of the depth of the previous games. The weapon wheal was gone, and environmental hazards seemed to happen less often other than very specific areas. Other criticisms included the a few plot holes as well as the fact by the end of the game you saw many of the plot twists coming. Despite these issues, I will still defend this game. The story was fascinating, and took place in a world like we've never seen before. The art style was beautiful, and while simplified, the combat was solid. On top of that, the game featured most of the series truly memorable characters. While not perfect, I think "Bioshock Infinite" is still great.
Believe it or not, the development of "Fallout: New Vegas" is more impressive than any game on this list. After the release of "Fallout 3," Bethesda expressed interest in having another installment in the "Fallout" franchise that wasn't one of the main games. They ended up getting the very talented Obsidian Entertainment to develop the new game. Known for their story telling, freedom of choice, and intricate plots, Obsidian seemed like the perfect studio. The problem was that they were given 18 months. 18 months to develop a massive action RPG is not much time, so they had to compromise. Theu had to use the previous game's engine as was, and few major changes to combat or the core gameplay were changed. On top of all that, upon release the game was highly criticized for bugs and glitches. But despite the issues, "New Vegas" has gone on to become a fan favorite from the franchise. The game's story was complex and interesting, featuring several factions, tons of freedom, several great story expansions, plenty of memorable side quests, and dialog that would make you laugh more than a few times. While "Fallout: New Vegas" might not have made any radical changes from its predecessor, and may have even suffered from its short development time, it doesn't change the fact that "New Vegas" ranks among the best western RPGs ever made.
Much
like "Bioshock Infinite," this game was polarizing for many. Upon its
release the game was praised by critics, particularly for the game's combat,
level design, technical prowess, and impressive detail. Despite the praise,
there was more than a bit of criticism and it's hard to deny that that the game
didn't deserve it. Regarding the plot, while interesting, it was disjointed and
all over the place; and it required you to have a fairly detailed knowledge of
the entire franchise storyline, for the games that take place before and after
MGS5. The game also implemented a really scummy microtransactions model, that
really limited some of the multiplayer components. But the biggest criticism was
the most glaring, the game wasn't finished. MGS5 was rushed, so much so that
many missions were re-skins of previous ones and the entire third act was cut
from the game. Doing so removed a lot of the story, and denied closure for a
few story lines; in all honesty, this game needed another year or so of
development. Despite the issues, I will defend this game as something special.
While not perfect, this game did so many things right and so much better than
almost any other game; pitch perfect combat, an interesting (be it messy)
story, several interesting and memorable characters, tons of freedom when
completing missions, and a level of detail and creative game mechanics that put
most titles to shame. On top of that, I think MGS5 is just a fun game to play.
Ranking among some of my all time favorite games, "Metal Gear Solid 5: The
Phantom Pain" may be flawed but is still exceptional.
One of the more recent games on this list is undoubtedly the most exciting. For nearly a decade, the "Uncharted" franchise has captivated the imagination of gamers worldwide; putting is in the shoes of an Indiana Jones style movie. "Uncharted 4" picks up a few years after the previous game. The legendary Nathan Drake has retired from the treasure hunting game, and has settled down into married life. But one day he gets a surprise visit, his brother, Sam, whom he presumed dead for years. Sam comes to him saying that he has info on a long lost pirate treasure, but he needs Nate's help. So one last time, Nate sets out to find his treasure; but as usual, things aren't as easy as he'd like. "Uncharted 4" is the last installment in the franchise, and I have to say it's a hell of a game to go out on. Exciting action, improved combat, incredible set pieces, and an engaging story. "Uncharted 4" had everything fans of the series expect, and much more. While I'm sad we'll never get to play as Nathan Drake again in another swash-buckling adventure, I'm glad the series went out on a high note.
"Portal" was one of the past decade's sleeper hits. Developed by Valve, it was included alongside "Half-Life 2" and "Team Fortress 2" in Valve's "The Orange Box." This fairly short single player game would go on to be lauded by critics and audiences, with many immediately demanding a sequel; and Valve finally delivered in 2011 with "Portal 2." Much like its predecessor, "Portal 2" is a first person puzzle game that has you traversing around various levels using teleportation portals created by the player's portal gun. You once again player as Chell, a mute woman used as a guinea pig by the sadistic computer program that runs the facility you are trapped in. With the help of a new friend, you awake from a long sleep in the hopes of obtaining your freedom. Noted for its clever puzzle solving and humorous writing, "Portal 2" went on to become one of the most acclaimed games of 2011. While not a massive leap forward over its predecessor, it improved on an already winning formula and still stands as one of this decade's most memorable titles.
What
can I say about this game that hasn't been said before? Released in 2013 for
the PS3 and 360, the following year for PS4 and Xbox One, and in 2015 on PC,
"Grand Theft Auto V" has become one of the best selling and most
critically acclaimed games ever made. Changing up the formula a bit from its
predecessors, "GTA5" has you playing as three characters that you can
switch between in a moment’s notice. Featuring tons of weapons, countless cars,
a multiplayer mode that has gotten better and better since its launch, and one
of the most memorable single player campaigns ever put in a game (which
includes crazy missions such as shooting down a private jet then chase after it
on a dirt bike across the map to collect the cargo) it's not hard to see why
people love it. Despite the countless criticisms and controversies aimed at the
game over the years, ranging from its content to mods being temporarily banned
all together, it doesn't change the fact "Grand Theft Auto V" is one
of the best open-world games ever made.
For almost a decade, the "Souls" franchise has produced some truly exceptional games (one of which will also appear later on this); but it's the 2015 spin-off that many will call the best. "Bloodborne" is a spin-off installment in the "Souls" franchise that took a very different approach than its predecessors. While the first few games in the franchise took place in medieval and dark ages inspired worlds, "Bloodborne" was modeled after 19th century Victorian Gothic with a notable Lovecraft influence; and it works perfectly. The combat is much faster and more frantic than its predecessors, with an emphasis on offense that lead to the best combat in the franchise. Also featuring some of the decade's most memorable boss fights, a unique and terrifying story that takes place in a compelling world, and one of the best expansions I've ever played, "Bloodborne" certainly earns its spot on this list. And just like the games that came before it, "Bloodborne" is pretty damn difficult.
This is a hard game to describe, but I'm going to try my best. Developed by Platinum Games in Japan, "Bayonetta" is a third-person action spectacle fighter. You play as Bayonetta, the last witch of her kind in the modern world. You spend the game fighting the forces of evil as well as various angelic foes while discovering more about your past. There are many reasons that make this game worth playing. The interesting story, fascinating level and game design, or getting to play as the sexy title character if that's your thing; but the real reason you do it is for the gameplay. "Bayonetta" has some of the best combat of its type that we've ever seen in a game. "Bayonetta" is a gem, a weird title that is so unique and of its own there are few games out there like it. At the end of the day describing it cannot do it justice, just buy it and play it.
If
I had to choose the most influential video game released so far this decade, it
might have to be "Dark Souls." Acting as a spiritual successor to
2009's "Demon's Souls," "Dark Souls" is a more refined and
detailed game that keeps the same vision. Noted for its world design, combat, difficulty,
and creativity, it was better received critically and commercially than its
predecessor. What makes this game so influential would have to be the fact that
for years, game after game has tried to emulate it. The recently coined term,
"souls-like," is often used to describe difficult action-RPGs that
feature tense combat where you can easily die resulting in severe consiquences. But since "Dark Souls"
only a few games have been able to copy the feel that makes it so special.
"Dark Souls" is something amazing, a game that revolutionized a genre
and created its own sub-genre. It truly is one of the greats.
Naughty Dog has garnered a reputation as one of the best developers in the world. First making waves with the "Crash Bandicoot" franchise in the 90s, they hit their stride with the "Uncharted" series in the late 2000s. But in 2013 they put out something different, "The Last of Us." TLOU began as a side project from the studio in the late 2000s, but was thrust into the spotlight after the release of "Uncharted 3." An action-adventure survival game, "The Last of Us" takes place in a near future when a parasitic outbreak wipes out half the globe by turning its victims into mindless husks. You primarily play a Joel, a smuggler who is asked to escort a young girl, immune to the parasites, named Ellie to a rebel group known as the Fireflies. Upon its release, "The Last of Us" was praised for its story and characters, with many calling it one of the best single player campaigns ever made. Coupled with solid combat, a great score, impressive technical aspects, and a unique multiplayer mode, and you have one of the best games of our time.
"Persona 5" is the most recent game to appear on this list, coming out in Japan in late 2016 and the rest of the world Spring 2017; but even after having my hands on it for such a short period of time, it's not hard to recognize it as a new classic. The "Persona" franchise first launched in 1996, and has continued to release new games every few years since. The franchise peaked with "Persona 4" in 2008, and the remastered version "Persona 4: Golden" in 2012 on the Vita. P4 has become one of the most critically acclaimed games of the 2000s, and is considered a benchmark when it comes to Japanese Roll Playing Games. So with so much to live up to "Persona 5" was anticipated by many; fortunately, it's amazing. Combining traditional JRPG elements with life simulation and time management elements, P5 is one of the most engaging games I've ever played. You play the leader of a group called the Phantom Thieves, who steal the hearts of criminals to stop their terrible acts. With a beautiful art style, a great soundtrack, tons of style, an interesting story, layered characters, and a single player campaign that stretches past 100 hours, "Persona 5" is one of this decade's true masterpieces.
Big, ambitious open-world games can be a very taxing experience. With so much to do, and often little guidance regarding the main plot, they can overwhelm some. But when you get your hands on a good one, you have something special. "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt" is the third and final installment in the "Witcher" series by Polish studio CD Project RED. Based off the book series of the same name, you play Gheralt of Rivia, a type of monster hunter known as a Witcher. The game starts off with you looking for an old girlfriend named Yennifer, but your quest quickly goes astray when you are forced to battle a magical force known as the Wild Hunt while your homeland is going through a brutal and bloody war. "The Witcher 3" is the prime example of how you create an open-world game; great combat, well written story, tons of stuff to do, and dozens of side quests that are unique and memorable. On top of that, the game was accompanied by two exceptional expansions, "Hearts of Stone" and "Blood and Wine." This is the type of game that the developers can be truly proud of, because they really did make a masterpiece.
Earlier
on this list I talked about "Grand Theft Auto V," an open world epic
that shook the gaming world to its core. Developed primarily by Rockstar North,
the star studio of Rockstar Games, they were also assisted by the smaller
Rockstar San Diego. San Diego was most well known for the developing the
various "Midnight Club" games, up until 2010 anyways. That year they
released a true and unprecedented masterpiece, "Red Dead Redemption."
The second game under the "Red Dead" name, RDR took place at the tail
end of the Wild West in 1911. You play John Marston, a retired gang member who
is forced by the US government to track down and kill his former gang members.
RDR was universally praised upon its release for its gameplay, story,
characters, combat, and open-world dynamics. To this day it remains one of my
all time favorite games. Fortunately, just last year fans learned that a sequel
was in development with a likely 2018 release date. The sequel has a lot to
live up to considering the success of its predecessor. Even so, it doesn't
change the fact that "Red Dead Redemption" is a modern masterpiece.
From
2010 to today, there have been countless astonishing games; more than anybody
could possibly play. But of all the games that I have played released during
this time, the best I've played has to be "Mass Effect 2." Developed
by Bioware, "Mass Effect 2" is an action RPG that was released in
2010. You play Commander Sheppard, a human tasked with exploring and
investigating several strange events that have taken place throughout the
galaxy as of late. While you have a job to do, the real danger is a race of sentient
machines known as the Reapers who threaten all life in the galaxy. So you and
your crew set off to save the day. Simply put, "Mass Effect 2" is one
of the best games ever made. With solid combat, a fascinating story, layered and memorable characters, interesting worlds to explore, and player made choices that greatly
affect outcomes, it's something special. Probably my favorite game of all time,
"Mass Effect 2" is one of the games that helped set the standard for
western developed RPGs. While the games successors where not met with the
acclaim that "Mass Effect 2" received, nothing could spoil the legacy
of such an incredible game.
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