With the 2010’s ending in just one month, we can look back at the video games which have made an impact in our lives during this crazy decade. Each of these games are ranked high in several aspects. These rankings are based on sales, cultural impact, Metacritic score, and replay value. These video games are some of the most beloved games to come out this decade, so let’s take a look at which video games soared to greatness from this decade.
10. Portal 2
Portal 2 came out for the PC, Mac OS, PS3, and Xbox 360. This science fiction puzzle-platformer builds on its predecessor’s fun gameplay mechanics. Developed by Valve, Portal 2 takes everything great about Portal 1 and builds upon the great puzzle sequences. The point of the game is to make portals which you can walk through to get to places you would otherwise not be able to reach.
Portal 2 also features pristine voice acting and a great script to follow along with. The mechanics of this game are as unique as when it was first introduced in Portal 1, possibly even better. This along with what made Portal 1 great makes this game a top-10 candidate for best video games of the decade.
9. Pokemon GO
Pokemon GO is not your typical video game. This ground breaking mobile game set the stage for what a true AR game could be. The point of this game is to walk around in the real world and try to find and capture Pokemon in-game. Players can walk to the same location and fight in gym battles, as well as make some new friends.
No other mobile game had such a ground-breaking start as Pokemon GO, considering that almost everyone you knew in the Summer of 2016 was on their phone playing this game. The cultural impact of this AR game makes it superb to be on this top 10 list.
8. The Last of Us (& The Last of Us Remastered)
When Naughty Dog first announced this game at an E3 convention, people were hooked from the start. This game not only met people’s expectations, it blew them away. This game came out when zombie video games were all the rage, but it’s replay value is so good that even my brother-in-law still plays it.
The point of this action-adventure game is to help a teenage girl named Ellie and escort her through post-apocalyptic America. On your way you fight a hoard of zombies trying to kill you. The game rewards players for intelligence and usefulness of objects at your disposal. You will fall in love with the two protagonists along the way, which makes for an even greater adventure.
7. Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 2 was released for the Xbox 360 and PS3. According to fans, this is the best game in the series. During gameplay you have to make choices and talk to AI in order to further progress, which makes the game feel like you are accomplishing the story.
The impressive dialogue in this game can change your outlook of making your next move. AI will tell the player something important, which will influence the player to make a decision based on a small dialogue. There are several endings to the game, which is based off what decisions you made during the game. BioWare hasn’t made a game quite as well as this one.
6. Minecraft
Although this is the only game to not release in the 2010s on this list, this game has made such a huge impact in the world that it had to be ranked. Minecraft is a sandbox video game where players can build and hang out with friends. There is a seemingly endless supply of stuff to do in this game. After being purchased in 2014 by Microsoft, Minecraft has been the single best-selling video game of all time.
What is there to say about Minecraft that hasn’t already been said? The game has fans both young and old. There are yearly Minecraft conventions being held. Millions of kids and adults are still creating their masterpieces in this game. The best part is that Minecraft is still going strong a decade later, and will most likely continue to be in the hearts of many gamers for years to come.
5. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Many Legend of Zelda games have come out in the past decade. This includes a Wii title, a 3DS title, two remastered 3DS titles, and a Nintendo Switch game which remastered a Gameboy game. But none are as vast and ample as Breath of the Wild.
This open-world game shattered expectations, bringing to life some awesome new mechanics and well fleshed out story. It is no wonder this is the best-selling Zelda game of all time. This is no easy game, but fans both young and old can play this game and still have fun. Not only is it one of the best Zelda games (maybe Ocarina of Time was better), it is one of the best video games of all time.
4. Super Mario Galaxy 2
Super Mario Galaxy 2 is the sequel to a great Wii game. The things which didn’t happen in Super Mario Galaxy 1 were then thought of and put to use in SMG 2. And everything seemed to fit perfectly. The gameplay was smooth, the additions were welcomed (like riding on Yoshi), and the new maps (worlds) were intuitive and welcoming.
As with all first-party Nintendo titles, the game had an amazing orchestra which played soothing music along your journey. The art direction in this game is also top-notch, especially because it came out on the Wii, which only utilized 480p graphics. Although a masterpiece, there is another Mario game which takes the cake.
3. Super Mario Odyssey
Expansive worlds. Beautiful graphics. Outstanding replay value. This is the best Mario game to have come out in a long time. What could have been a rushed Mario game became a beloved platformer.
Using the Nintendo Switch controllers in both your hands, you can flick your wrist and make Mario throw his hat. Mario’s new hat, named Cappy, can then break down boxes and even take over enemies. And that is what makes this game so delightful. Playing as enemies is an amazing new mechanic in this game, and it never seems to get old. Collecting all the moons doesn’t seem tedious either, there’s always something new. Super Mario Odyssey should be played all Nintendo Switch owners.
2. Grand Theft Auto V
When this game first came out, I was in college. My roommate had picked up the game and as I came and went he never put this game down. Grand Theft Auto V is an open-world action-adventure crime simulator. This game broke selling records, as it made $1 billion in it’s first three days. This makes it the fastest selling media entertainment product ever. It now is the highest grossing media title of all time, sitting at $6 million.
There has never been a game with such an intuitive open world as GTA5. It seems like you couldn’t ever beat the game with how much content is packed into it. Not to mention the online gameplay as well. Players were now allowed to switch between three players (with Trevor being a fan favorite). The story is immersive and cut-scenes are movie-like. This is a game you don’t want to miss.
1. Fortnite
To video gamers, Fortnite: Battle Royale seemed like a knockoff of Players Unknown Battlegrounds (PUBG). Yes, Fortnite did take the 100-man battle royale style of gameplay from PUBG. But Epic Games, the developers of Fortnite, turned the game on its head and introduced the ability to build. Players can now protect themselves by building walls and ramps in front of them.
But Fortnite stretches well beyond its gameplay. It’s a worldwide phenomenon. It has impacted our culture deeply. Kids love it as well as adults. Holiday Fortnite costumes are being sold at Target. Streamers are making millions just by playing the game for young fans. It seems like everywhere you look nowadays there is something to be seen about Fortnite.
Fortnite did start to become stale after the launch of Season 10, but Epic Games decided to revamp the game by creating an entirely new map. This has kept players hooked with a breath of freshness into the game.
After two years, Fornite still remains high in popularity. Players can’t get enough of it. And it doesn’t seem like it is going anywhere in the near future.
