I’ve spent the past couple of month’s reflecting on the the 2000 – 2010 decade. As I read through the blog-a-sphere, I see that I am no the only one whose done so. One theme I’m seeing repeated over and over again is that of “Top 10″ media lists. I thought it would be fun to make some of my own. However, as far as media consumption goes, I’ve always been more of a gamer than movie watcher, so my main list of choice would have to be a top 10 video game of the past decade list. This is what I’ve created first, with some detail.
These were chosen based on the level of enjoyment that I received from them, and not so much which games should have achieved critical acclaim.
10. Grand Theft Auto IV: Vice City (2002, PS2)
Hailed by many as the weakest chapter the in the Grand Theft Auto series, I’d would say it’s my favorite. Being a child of the 80′s and a huge fan of the decade’s music and movie culture, the fact that this game takes place in the 80′s — with all the appropriate 80′s culture, music and movies references — put this over the top for me. Throw in some of the best voice acting work, done by the often under appreciated Ray Liota, to date, and Vice City adds up to a good time.
9. Age of Mythology (2002, PC)
At a time when Command and Conquer and Age of Empires were dominating the Real Time Strategy (RTS) gaming genre, I was getting a little tired of commanding little digital army grunts and royal knights in battle. What was needed was a fresh take on the aging genera and Age of Mythology did just that. With a very well thought out story arch and clever plot devices, Microsoft Game Studios seamlessly intertwined game play and story elements with actual Greek, Egyptian, and Norse mythology. In addition to the deep combat system — it’s easy to learn and complicated to master — and giving the player control of special ‘god’ abilities to shake up the skirmishes this was the shot in the arm RTS’s needed.
8. Mass Effect (2007, Xbox360)
The only thing that could have made Mass Effect more perfect for me is if it were a Star Trek game. Given command of a starship, you’re free to travel the galaxy, take away teams on missions to distant planets, and even scan planets for lifeforms and resources. The only element that was missing was ship-to-ship combat. What about this formula is not Star Trek?
Just because it’s not trek doesn’t mean the game doesn’t stand on it’s own. The character conversation interface and branching story line set the bar for future games of the same genera. Decisions that you make early on in the game can, and do, effect the story arch and ending. And that is were the value of Mass Effect is seen. You can play through the game once, then immediately play through it again making different decision and enjoy a different experience.
7. Star Trek: Legacy (2007, Xbox 360)
That ship combat that was missing from my Mass Effect / Star Trek mash-up can be found right here. Star Trek Legacy is just ship to ship combat. And it’s done very well. Once you master the controls and learn how to handle your star ships, strategy and tactical planning take over. To top it off, the story line explains the origins of the Borg (A Vulcan seeking order at any cost was the first Borg, go figure.), spans the entire (current) Star Trek timeline (from Enterprise to Voyager) and features the voice talents of Scott Bakula, William Shatner, Patrick Stewart, Avery Brooks and Kate Mulgrew; reprising their roles as their respective captains.
6. Bioshock (2007, Xbox 360)
I doubt there is a top game list out there anyway right now that doesn’t have Bioshock somewhere within it’s ranks. Bioshock changed things. It showcased that video games could be taken seriously as immersing entertainment and escalated the story line to almost cinematic, epic proportions. Bioshock also has the honor of being the ONLY first person shooter on my list.
Lost in madman Andrew Ryan’s supposed underwater utopia, Rapture, the player is left to put together what few fragments of the city remain. Twisted, complicated characters compliment a stunningly detailed 1920′s environment which — both visually and audibly — immerse you a plot better than most of the movies to come out of Hollywood the past 10 years.
5. Viking: Battle For Asgard (2008, Xbox 360)
To other hard-core gamers, it might seems a little strange to some that this game is even on a list of top ten anything. I feel this game was a sorely overlooked gem that should have met with better reception than it did.
Cast as a Viking warrior chosen by the Norse gods to free other vikings from captivity, you get to sneak around, freeing captured vikings added them to your ranks. When you feel you’ve amassed enough solders; you lead them on an epic battle scale against enemy strong holds and fortresses. The combat is brutal, Braveheart style brutal, and just complicated enough to feel rewarding but not frustrating.
The only thing bad I have to say about it would be regarding the short play time. I cleared through Asgard in about six hours. By today’s standards, that’s much too short.
4. Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009, Xbox 360)
Full disclosure: my love for the Caped Crusader knocked this game up a couple notches. Arkham Asylum still would have made the list, but in the 8 r 9 spot.
This is the Batman game that I had been waiting for since I first picked up an Atari joystick. Up until Arkham Asylum, all but one of the of the Batman themed videos games have not been worth my time or even the plastic the game cartridge was made out of. I’m making an exception for the (find year) release of original Nintendo Batman game, based on Tim Burton’s live action movie.
What sets it apart form the rest is Arkham Asylum nailed an element of Batman that previous games hadn’t even tried to attempt. In previous installments, the game would give you control of Batman who would then be forced to openly wander around looking for enemies to beat up. Clear out one room, enter the next, rinse and repeat. Fans of the character know this couldn’t be any further away from Batman’s modus operandi. He’s not a thug who walks around waiting for the bad guy to attack him. He’s a predator who stalks his prey from unseen vantage points and strikes without warning. Arkham Asylum allows you to do just that, and I had so much fun doing it.
I would be remiss without thanking the Splinter Cell (a series well loved by me, but didn’t make the top 10 cut) games for their contribute to Arkham Asylum. The stealth elements in the game were certainly based off of those from Splinter Cell, and then improved upon.
3. Final Fantasy X (2001, PS2)
Final Fantasy X (ten) was the first game to really prove that presentation matters. The actually game play doesn’t really change much from one Final Fantasy game to the next… it’s all turn-based, attack selection combat. What does change from game to game is the way it’s presented. From the incredible detailed in-game graphics, and beautifully animated cut scenes, to the Hollywood style story line Final Fantasy nails production quality. It’s also one of the first games to take a creative risk and not have the happiest of endings.
2. Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind (2002, Xbox)
Everquest for the single player. From the first time your avatar steps off the boat into the world of Morrowind, it’s obvious this was not going to be a normal dungeon crawling, hack-n-slash experience. Rich character interaction, a strong story line, collectible legendary artifacts (with their own supporting Morrowind folk lore and rumors), immersing character customization, and seemingly limitless quests and activities, Morrowind was the first role playing game to blow me away. Even by today’s standards this game holds up against (and better still in most cases) the the RPGs being released. When you add in the extra adventures of the Bloodmoon and Tribunal expansion packs, this game still towers above the rest. In my final save game, the system noted I had played for 171 hours.
1. Kingdom Hearts (2002, PS2)
I bought Kingdom Hearts used from a co-worker of mine for $20… and this was before I was the uber Disney fan that I am today. It could be said that this game actually helped turn me into that Disney fan. On paper the idea of mashing together virtually every character from the Final Fantasy series with characters from the Disney universe shouldn’t have left the drawing board, but somehow Squaresoft and Disney made it not just work, but excel.
The game seamlessly incorporates hack-n-slash action, adventure type exploring, puzzle solving, and even enough collectible and treasure hunting to keep me busy. The complicated story leans to the more Japaneses based plots of the Final Fantasy series, but it’s kept tethered to simplicity, no doubt through the efforts of Disney Interactive not wanting to alienate their base of younger gamers.
For all intents and purposes, Kingdom Hearts is the perfect game.
The only thing bad I have to say about that game would be referencing it’s sequel. It was good, but nowhere near as deep.
Video Game Honorable Mentions
- Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow
- Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
- Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening
- War Craft 3
- Fallout 3
March 4, 2010
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