Best Games In The Last Decade That You Should Play - retoreview
A Decade of Gaming Excellence: Celebrating the Best Titles of the 2010s
Over the past decade, the world of gaming has undergone a remarkable transformation. From the vast expanses of open-world adventures to the deeply immersive narratives of story-driven epics, the 2010s offered an exceptional array of experiences that captivated gamers globally. As we traverse the history of gaming, we honor the titles that have made a lasting impact on the industry and in the hearts of players.
Join us in celebrating the most outstanding games of the last decade, each a testament to the creativity, innovation, and passion of game developers. Whether set in fantastical realms or gritty urban environments, whether delivering adrenaline-pumping action or emotionally powerful stories, these games have redefined excellence and expanded the horizons of interactive entertainment.
In this blog post, we'll explore the top 10 games of the 2010s, examining why they deserve their place among the legends of gaming. So grab your controller, get comfortable in your gaming chair, and let's embark on a nostalgic journey through a decade of gaming brilliance.
Persona 5 (2016)
"Persona 5," released by Atlus in 2016, is a highly praised Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) that uniquely blends traditional turn-based combat with social simulation elements. The story centers on the protagonist, the Joker, a high school student who transfers to Shujin Academy in Tokyo after being wrongfully accused of assault. At Shujin, he forms the Phantom Thieves of Hearts, a group dedicated to reforming corrupt individuals by entering the Metaverse, an alternate reality where they confront and steal these individuals' warped desires.
The game's dual gameplay mechanics are one of its most notable features. During the day, players manage the Joker's everyday life, balancing school, part-time jobs, and building relationships with various characters, known as Confidants. These relationships are essential, offering bonuses and abilities that are useful in the Metaverse. At night, players venture into the Metaverse, exploring elaborate dungeons called Palaces that represent the distorted minds of various antagonists. Combat within these Palaces is turn-based, emphasizing the exploitation of enemy weaknesses for strategic advantages.
"Persona 5" is celebrated for its stylish art direction and soundtrack, which significantly enhance the gaming experience. The game features a vibrant, comic-book-inspired aesthetic with bold red, black, and white themes. The soundtrack, composed by Shoji Meguro, combines jazz, rock, and electronic music, perfectly complementing the game's atmosphere.
Fortnite (2017)
"Fortnite," crafted by Epic Games and unleashed in 2017, stands as a juggernaut in the realm of online gaming, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. This immersive title seamlessly weaves together survival, exploration, and combat dynamics within a vibrant and ever-evolving universe. At its core, the game offers two distinct experiences: "Fortnite: Save the World" and "Fortnite Battle Royale."
In "Fortnite: Save the World," players embark on a cooperative journey, tasked with combating zombie-like adversaries and safeguarding crucial objectives using ingenious fortifications. Success hinges on strategic planning and teamwork as gamers scavenge resources, erect structures, and repel waves of foes. While initially acclaimed, this mode has gradually ceded the spotlight to its counterpart.
On the other hand, "Fortnite Battle Royale" has emerged as the undisputed titan, captivating a global audience with its adrenaline-fueled gameplay. Here, a hundred combatants descend onto an island battleground, vying for supremacy in a thrilling fight for survival. As they scrounge for weapons and materials amidst the shrinking confines of the map, tension mounts, fostering a relentless pace. Moreover, the introduction of building mechanics introduces a strategic dimension, allowing players to erect defensive barriers or gain tactical advantages, thereby redefining the traditional battle royale genre.
Overwatch (2016)
Overwatch2016 release, reshaped the landscape of first-person shooters (FPS) by prioritizing teamwork, presenting a rich tapestry of characters, and immersing players in a dynamic, futuristic universe. In this near-future Earth setting, teams of six players engage in objective-driven battles across diverse global landscapes.
At its essence, 'Overwatch' thrives on cooperative gameplay, where participants choose from a diverse array of heroes, each boasting unique abilities and playstyles. These heroes are categorized into damage dealers, tanks, and support roles, ensuring that every player finds a suitable character to match their preferred approach to the game.
What distinguishes 'Overwatch' is its unwavering focus on teamwork and synchronization. Triumph in matches often pivots on effective communication and harmonious collaboration among team members, as each hero's capabilities complement and augment those of their allies. Whether it's the swift flanks executed by Tracer or the vital healing administered by Mercy, every hero plays an indispensable role in the collective success of the team.
Hades (2020)
"Hades," a creation of Supergiant Games unleashed upon the gaming world in 2020, ingeniously melds the essence of roguelike gaming with a captivating narrative and seamless combat mechanics. Situated in the depths of Greek mythology's underworld, players embody Zagreus, the daring son of Hades, on a relentless quest to break free from his father's realm.
The game's storyline dynamically unfolds, propelled by the choices players make, their interactions, and their successive attempts to elude the underworld's clutches. With each failed escape, players unearth deeper layers of Zagreus's familial ties, the intricate lore of the universe, and the colorful characters that inhabit it. The writing is clever, imbued with wit, and remarkably poignant, breathing life into every encountered character.
Combat in "Hades" is a whirlwind of agility and responsiveness, offering a plethora of weapons, abilities, and upgrades to explore. Each weapon introduces a unique combat style, urging players to adapt their tactics to match their preferences or the obstacles they encounter. The game's roguelike essence ensures that every escape endeavor presents a fresh challenge, with randomized levels, adversaries, and power-ups ensuring an ever-engaging and dynamic gameplay experience.
Grand Theft Auto V (2013)
"Grand Theft Auto V," unleashed onto the gaming scene in 2013 by Rockstar Games, continues to hold its ground as a cultural juggernaut in the gaming realm. It enthralls players with its expansive open-world setting, intricate storyline, and immersive gameplay. Situated in the fictional state of San Andreas, the game presents a vast and seamless landscape merging cityscape, countryside, and desert, inviting players into a realm ripe for exploration and chaos.
At its core, "GTA V" weaves a narrative tapestry intertwining the lives of three distinct protagonists: Michael, a retired bank robber relishing in luxury within Los Santos; Franklin, an ambitious young gangster seeking advancement within the criminal underworld; and Trevor, a volatile and unpredictable psychopath drawn to chaos. Players navigate between these characters, each offering a fresh viewpoint on the unfolding saga.
A hallmark of "GTA V" is its sandbox-style gameplay, empowering players with unparalleled freedom to interact with the game world on their terms. Whether pursuing main storyline missions, delving into diverse side activities like heists, races, or sports, or simply wreaking havoc in the urban landscape, the game fosters a spirit of experimentation and discovery. The inclusion of a dynamic multiplayer mode, "Grand Theft Auto Online," further enriches the experience, fostering collaboration or competition within a shared online domain.
Dark Souls III (2016)
"Dark Souls III," launched in 2016, stands as a pinnacle in the action role-playing realm, celebrated for its formidable difficulty, intricate level architecture, and rich narrative depth. Placed within a grim fantasy realm teetering on the edge of oblivion, players embody the Ashen One, an undead warrior entrusted with kindling the First Flame to stave off the encroaching darkness.
From the instant players traverse into the desolate realm of Lothric, they are ensnared within a hauntingly picturesque domain, replete with towering citadels, crumbling vestiges, and grotesque abominations. The game's ambiance is both oppressive and enchanting, invoking a blend of trepidation and fascination.
At the heart of the experience lies the formidable combat system, demanding precision, patience, and the honing of timing. Each skirmish becomes a lethal ballet, necessitating an understanding of adversary behaviors, exploitation of vulnerabilities, and meticulous management of stamina. Death is an ever-present companion, exacting a toll for missteps, yet each setback serves as a crucible for improvement, urging players to refine their prowess and adapt their tactics.
The Last of Us Part I (2013)
The release of 'The Last of Us Part I' in 2013 marked a watershed moment in the world of video game storytelling and gameplay. Crafted by Naughty Dog, the game immerses players in a post-apocalyptic landscape overrun by a fungal infection, turning humans into aggressive beings. At its heart, 'The Last of Us' weaves a compelling tale of survival, love, and the intricacies of human nature.
Centered around Joel, a weathered survivor, and Ellie, a young girl immune to the infection, the game traces their journey across a desolate United States. This odyssey isn't just about physical endurance; it delves into the emotional depths of their characters and the profound bond that blossoms between them. Through their interactions and the hurdles they face, players witness the evolution of their relationship from wary allies to a deeply paternal connection.
The gameplay seamlessly melds high-stakes action with elements of stealth and exploration. Navigating through crumbling environments, scavenging for supplies, and devising strategies to outwit both infected and hostile human foes form the core challenges. Each encounter ratchets up the tension, underscoring the brutal reality of Joel and Ellie's world.
Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
"Red Dead Redemption 2" stands as an expansive work of art that elevates the gaming experience, plunging players into a meticulously constructed realm pulsating with vitality, intricacy, and ethical dilemmas. Against the backdrop of the fading Wild West, it weaves a narrative tapestry of allegiance, deception, and the fight for existence amidst societal evolution.
At its heart lies the journey of Arthur Morgan, a weathered outlaw entrenched in the Van der Linde gang, under the sway of the magnetic Dutch van der Linde. In assuming Arthur's persona, players traverse a morally intricate plotline, torn between devotion to his adopted kin and the dictates of his own conscience. This narrative depth delves into themes of atonement, self-discovery, and the reverberations of one's choices.
The game's open-world layout emerges as a pinnacle of gaming ingenuity, granting unparalleled liberty to explore the expansive vistas of the American frontier. From the frosty expanses of the Grizzlies to the murky swamps of Lemoyne, each locale pulsates with wildlife, dynamic weather cycles, and encounters that infuse an air of authenticity into the landscape.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
"The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt" stands tall as a pinnacle of open-world RPGs, enchanting players with its intricate narrative, immersive environments, and multifaceted characters. Crafted by CD Projekt Red, it serves as a testament to the narrative potential of video games.
Within a vast fantasy realm scarred by conflict and teeming with intrigue, monsters, and ethical complexities, players embark on the journey of Geralt of Rivia, a Witcher renowned for hunting monsters. Roaming through the diverse landscapes of the Northern Kingdoms, players encounter a myriad of characters and quests, from bustling metropolises to remote hamlets.
At the heart of the game lies its rich storytelling and player agency. Every choice made carries weight, sculpting the world and steering the trajectory of the narrative. In this morally nuanced universe, players confront tough decisions with no clear-cut answers, adding layers of depth to their journey.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
"The release of 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild' in 2017 marked a seismic shift in the landscape of open-world gaming. It revolutionized the genre, inviting players into a meticulously crafted world bursting with mystery, excitement, and infinite potential.
Upon entering the lush expanse of Hyrule, players are immediately immersed in a breathtaking experience. The game's artistry is stunning, characterized by vibrant hues, picturesque vistas, and an unparalleled level of detail. Every corner of this vast world pulsates with life, from the serene meadows to the towering peaks, each presenting its own unique challenges and rewards.
What truly distinguishes 'Breath of the Wild' is its emphasis on player autonomy. Departing from the conventions of previous Zelda titles, players are granted the freedom to explore Hyrule at their own pace, devoid of excessive hand-holding or linear guidance. This unrestricted approach allows for a truly personalized adventure, where players can embark on quests and conquer challenges in any sequence they desire, fostering an unparalleled sense of exploration and discovery."