Best Video Games of 2010

By William D. Parkman III

Siphir Gaming & Technology Editor

WillParkman.com Executive Editor

Back in the July issue of Siphir I wrote a article called “Top Mid-2010 Video Games”, that listed what games I predicted to be “the next big thing in gaming”. Now its that time to see if the games I listed then made the cut in this year in review. Some video game titles will be familiar and some titles will be completely unknown, in the end hope you enjoy this article and find a new game to enjoy in the New Year.

10

Cut the Rope (iOS)

Publisher: Chillingo

Cut the Rope, was an instant hit when it arrived in the Apple app store, it sold one million copies worldwide in ten days. For 99¢, this game is a must buy. Also check out the holiday edition called Cut the Rope: Holiday Gift, which is 99¢ in the Apple app store.

 

9

Dance Central (360) / Kinect (360)

Publisher: MTV Games / Microsoft

Microsoft changed the way we play games, and their hit Dance Central will be the game that brings in the non-gamers and Wii player onto the Xbox platform. All I have to say is, hide your video camera phones and close your blinds, because you might be the next You Tube sensation. 

8

World of Warcraft: Cataclysm (Win, Mac)

Publisher: Activision Blizzard

Another monster release for Blizzard for their World of Warcraft MMO series with World of Warcraft: Cataclysm. Gamers around the world lined up with other gamers, and some with their mothers to get there hands on the latest hit of WoW. My drug reference I used in the previous sentence was not a word mistake, because this game is addicting. I tried it last year for about two hours and came to that conclusion and uninstalled it and never looked back.

 

7

Limbo (360)

Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios 

This launched in the summer as part of a Microsoft XBLA “Summer of Arcade” promotion and was a hit ever since. The creative design behind this game is amazing and will have you debating if video games are considered art.

6

Heavy Rain (PS3)

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment 

Best way to describe this game, it’s an interactive movie with a great story and creative game play controls. Very adult themes, great game to get non-gamers playing video games.

 

5

Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii)

Publisher: Nintendo 

Nintendo classic Super Mario series continues the plumber’s quest to save Princess Peach from the evil Bowser, in outer space. This game brings back memories of playing Mario games on the NES, SNES, N64, and Gamecube, and if you haven’t played the previous games go on the Nintendo Wii’s “Virtual Console “ service, download those great games and experience gaming at it’s purest moment.

 

4

Call of Duty: Black Ops (360, PS3, PC, DS, Wii)

Publisher: Activision

 If you played Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, you already know this series has a cult following. When Black Ops was release this past November it sold more than 7 million copies in 24 hours and over 18 million units to-date. Showing that this game is a must buy for any first person shooter fans.

3

God of War III (PS3)

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment 

 The God of War franchise continues it’s dominance from Sony’s Playstation 2 to it’s Playstation 3, giving gamers what they expect with larger than life battles, blood, violence, non-stop action and their patented sex mini-game which was included in previous installments of the game. This not kid friendly and is rated “M” for Mature for a reason.

2

Mass Effect 2 (360)

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Another engaging game filled with great dialogue and engrossing action, from EA’s newly purchased RPG artisans BioWare. If you loved the first Mass Effect, I know already purchased this sequel.

 

  

1

Red Dead Redemption (PS3, 360)

Publisher: Rockstar Games

Think GTA set in the Western, great story, hours of game play, multiplayer, open world and Rockstar’s ample amount of downloadable content (DLC) that expands this massive game. Makes this the best game of 2010, hands down!

Honorable Mentions

Alan Wake (360)

Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

Gran Turismo 5 (PS3)

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Donkey Kong Country Returns (Wii)

Publisher: Nintendo

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood  (360, PS3)

Publisher: Ubisoft

Fable III (360, Wii)

Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

Super Meat Boy (360, Win)

Developer: Team Meat

Kirby's Epic Yarn (Wii)

Publisher: Nintendo

NBA 2K11 (PS3, Xbox 360, PS2, PSP, Win, Wii)

Publisher: 2K Sports

Sid Meier's Civilization V (Win, Mac) 

Publisher: 2K Games

Halo: Reach (360)

Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty (Win, Mac)

Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment

God of War: Ghost of Sparta (PSP)

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

BioShock 2 (360, PS3, Win)

Publisher: 2K Games

Bejeweled 3 (Win, Mac)

Publisher: PopCap Games

Playstation Move PS3)

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

If you have any questions about a any game or think I left out your favorite game, feel free to message me on Twitter @willparkman.