Top 10 for 2010 - Video Games

My week of top 10 lists continues today with video games.  One caveat, of course, is that I didn't play everything that was released this year.  In fact, some very notable games never crossed my controller, including Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, Medal of Honor, and Gran Turismo 5.  But here are my favorite 10 of what I played in 2010.

Oh, and one other thing.  I didn't consider Cataclysm as a viable candidate for this list.  As an expansion that requires multiple other purchases to work, I didn't think it qualified - plus, it exists in some nebulous other realm - a lifestyle rather than a game.  It is a different beast entirely and unfair to compare it to everything else.  So it has a giant asterisk and hovers above the entire list, looking down on it with disdain.

1. Civilization V

If I were only allowed one game to play for the entirety of 2011, I would not hesitate to choose Civ 5.  It provides the deepest, most engrossing experience of any game this year, and I find myself dreaming about finding opportunities to play "just one more turn."  The refinements made to the series, including a gorgeous graphics engine, new one-unit-per-tile military strategies, a slick, easy to understand UI, and a host of other new features make even previous Civ games obsolete.  It is on my short list for favorite game ever.

2. Red Dead Redemption

Yep, it is as good as everyone says.  One of the most beautiful, believable game worlds every created, an ambitious, well-written story, and so many different kinds of things to do make it a triumph of the open-world genre.  Add one of the best all-time video game endings, and RDR goes down as one of the most memorable video game experiences I've ever had.  I just wish Rockstar could fix some of the annoying, persistent control issues in their games.  Still, minor gripe for a game this good.

3. Starcraft 2

This game oozes quality on every level.  Of course the multiplayer is top-notch.  But I was struck by how ambitious Blizzard was in pushing forward the single-player aspects of the game.  Missions are far more interesting and varied than they ever were in Starcraft or Brood War, and the Terran-only storyline turned out to be absolutely meaty enough to sustain its own release.  Great looking, sublime to play, it manages to outshine its predecessor - a game I've always considered the closest thing to a perfectly designed video game.

4. Limbo

Some might object to a short, downloadable game ranking this high on my list, but I felt a grander sense of wonder and discovery in Limbo than I did in many larger, more expensive games this year.  Simple, intuitive, with an elegantly communicated story, I believe it is a must-play game.  And talk about fantastic endings!  It was certainly one of the most rewarding game experiences of the year.

5. Heavy Rain

Heavy Rain is a game I find myself constantly referencing.  It is the type of bold, innovative interactive experience that I wish more game designers were attempting.  I loved the clever ways the different movements of the controller conveyed feelings analogous to what the onscreen characters were experiencing, and the automatic save system connected me to my story - the story I was crafting - in a profound way.  I think Heavy Rain did more for video gaming as a medium than anything else released this year.

6. Alan Wake

I was sad not to be able to fit this game into my top 5 and sadder still that it did not sell better.  Alan Wake was an awesome experience that deserved more attention.  Fun, visceral combat, an engaging storyline, memorable characters, and a marvelously realized game world - plus, the kind of tight, effective controls I wish Rockstar could master.  If you have not played Alan Wake, you missed one of the best games of this or any year.

7. Mass Effect 2

Bioware managed to fix nearly every problem of the first game in the series, but created a few more.  Still, Mass Effect 2 is crackling good fun.  What a difference great combat makes!  The gorgeous graphics and excellent dialog system are still intact, and the story is still good pulp sci-fi.  Hours and hours of great interactive entertainment.

8. Halo Reach

We get to number 8 before any FPS titles make the list, but exciting, unpredictable firefights, great level design, and the best storytelling of any Halo title to date, makes Halo Reach an undeniable winner.  Add in multiplayer for any kind of gamer, from co-op to competitive matchmaking and team play, Halo Reach is a phenomenal package - and another game with a great, memorable ending. 

9. Darksiders

Darksiders is my dark horse for 2010, my favorite underappreciated game of the year.  Is it derivative of Zelda?  Sure... but what a wonderful game to be derivative of!  Spot-on, tried-and-true gameplay, that awesome feeling of being over-powered with each new power-up, great controls, and all in beautiful HD!  If Nintendo refuses to give me my HD Zelda, I am happy to enjoy this darker, equally thrilling cousin.  Bring on the sequel!

10. Kirby's Epic Yarn

Perhaps Super Mario Galaxy 2 is the more robust, inventive platformer, more deserving of a spot on the top 10, but I just can't deny the joy, wonder, and unabashed whimsy on display in Kirby's Epic Yarn.  It is a visual work of art, and the game's mechanics are solid, and never fail to surprise and entertain with each new challenge.  I adored my experience playing it and am so glad it exists.

There you have it, my favorites of the year.  A great year for video games, no doubt, but 2011 looks like it could be even stronger.  Let me know what you thought of the list and don't forget to check out our official Totally Rad Show game of the year episode, too.

Tomorrow, we take a look at TV.

Comments

[Argee]

About time one of the TRS guys agknowledges the fact that Halo: Reach was friggin' amazing! haha

[Jake]

Not sure if this is the correct place to post this, but have you had a chance to play Heavy Rain with the Playstation Move? I know you are very busy with lots of other games, but I'd be interested to hear your opinion about this combination of hardware and software.

Thanks.

[peterjones]

Your article is nice, I read your article to learn a lot and hope to see your next article,rado replica look forward to your masterpiece, you can also see our ball gowns information,louis vuitton replica wallets I hope it can give you You some convenient.