2010 has been a hell of a year for games. We’ve seen some incredible long awaited releases (such as the end of the 12 year wait for StarCraft 2), the emergence of some huge surprise hits and also witnessed once-beloved franchises such as Rock Band crash and burn.
The staggering array of game releases this year have been able to offer countless hours of enjoyment to gamers across all platforms, from the most die-hard PC gamer to the most casual smartphone owner.
Some games have supplied visual splendour with gorgeous graphics, others have become addictive thanks to their truly innovative gameplay. The best games of 2010 have been able to boast a blend of technical skill and passion in their development.
Many lists have already been floating around on gaming sites across the web about this year’s offerings. Which games were the best, worst, most disappointing, most anticipated and so on. For this list, only one factor concerned me:
Which games were the most fun?
So here is the top ten list of the games that may not be the best of this year, but I certainly had the best time playing.
1: StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty
Why it was fun: This was the big one of 2010. The end of 12 long years of waiting to get back in StarCraft saddle. While those who hadn’t played StarCraft and Broodwar might not have seen what the fuss was about, for me, SC2 did not disappoint in any way.
The story was thoroughly engaging, the cinematics were mind-blowing and combat was a thrilling frenzy but executed in that smooth and nostalgic StarCraft manner. At every step of the way I was kept hungry to discover the next piece of the campaign puzzle and equally desperate to unlock the next new unit or upgrade.
SC2 featured everything I wanted: A gripping and well-honed campaign story, an innovative management process for building Raynor’s Raiders and a flawless multiplayer mode. So, StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty gets my solid vote as 2010 most fun game.
Most fun memory: There’s so many to choose from but the narrow winner would be escaping from the super-powerful Hybrid in the secret mission “Piercing the Shroud”.
2: Mass Effect 2
Why it was fun: Mass Effect 2 was a great example of what a RPG should be all about. It had a solid and engaging story, it allowed you plenty of options for striking an interesting mix of allies and the combat system was simple but still exciting.
Building on the foundations of Mass Effect, this was a worthy sequel in all respects. It rewarded Mass Effect veterans by fleshing out the stories of old favorites while incorporating eminently likeable new characters. When you’re struggling to decide who to pick for your party because everyone looks so damn cool, that’s solid indicator of an excellent RPG.
Most fun memory: Without a doubt, punching the Westlerlund news reporter in the face. It’s only a minor incident but it highlights how the renegade options were an absolute blast.
3: World of Warcraft: Cataclsym
Why it was fun: Cataclysm was another of 2010′s big title releases that didn’t disappoint. While the World of Warcraft style has been finely honed over the 6 years of its existence, Cataclysm brought in a whole raft of new things to lure back even the most jaded of WoW players.
With excellent top level content coupled with a complete overhaul of the two main continents and two new races, players couldn’t complain about not having enough to do. Most importantly, the emphasis on more quick, story-driven quests instead of simple “kill and retrieve” quests has made the levelling process much more fun in my eyes.
Most fun memory: Naturally, I’m still exploring, but so far it would have to be the swift but well designed dash through levels 1-10 as a Worgen.
4: Minecraft Alpha
Why it was fun: Minecraft is the indie sensation of 2010 for a good reason and that is its sheer playability. Anyone can play it and have fun with the simple power of imagination. The fact that Minecraft allows you to build as big as your heart desires is what sells it for me.
You only have to look at the countless YouTube videos of vast replicas of famous fictional places to see just how inspiring Minecraft has been to those with enough time, patience and of course, the almighty power of imagination.
Most fun memory: Completing my very own suspension bridge from the castle to the summer retreat island, most therapeutic!
5: Red Dead Redemption
Why it was fun: Just as the Grand Theft Auto format was getting old and stale, Rockstar pulled a new trick out of the bag, and what a trick it was. The Old West was a blast to romp around. A slight criticism would be that combat became a bit “samey” in the long run, but it still remained fun despite the repetition factor.
The classic Rockstar mini-games features really helped keep things light and interesting, especially the poker and blackjack which saw most of my hard-earned bounty money frittered away.
Most fun memory: Using the “Dead-eye” focused shots for the first time to blow four separate riders out of the saddle.
6: BioShock 2
Why it was fun: It had always bothered me that in Bioshock you had to constantly switch between your weapons arsenal and your plasmids. I never understood why it wasn’t possible to use both at the same time. Fortunately, developer 2K Marin answered my prayers and retuned Bioshock 2 to allow plasmid and weaponry combos.
While the first game might have had a stronger story and the perfect villain in Andrew Ryan, I still found Bioshock 2 more fun simply by the virtue of its tweaked combat system. Each of Subject Delta’s Big Daddy Weapons (especially the drill and speargun) were awesome and got their fair share of use.
Most Fun Memory: Laying down proximity mines, tripwires and mini-turrets for the perfect defensive position when guarding a Little Sister.
7: Civilization V
Why it was fun: Civilization 5 got me back into the Civ series after a long stint away from them. The welcome back was incredible; gone were the complicated command features and other minor annoyances of old. Instead, a truly well-formed and carefully considered strategy game waited.
What stood out about Civ V was the variety of equally attractive way to play it. Managing the small but culturally rich nation could be as exciting and challenging as marshalling the military might of a sprawling empire.
The introduction of city-states and the social policy structures all added to the incredibly fun and addictive gaming experience. Bravo Civ V, you are quite the world-beater.
Most fun memory: Crushing my old nemesis Montezuma for the first time with shiny new tanks and artillery pieces.
8: Fallout: New Vegas
Why it was fun: It’s Fallout 3, but a lot more fun. There’s nothing better than a huge open world where the only rules are what you feel like imposing on yourself. Cheating, lying, stealing and forcing my way through the unforgiving post-apocalyptic Nevada desert was tons of fun.
The interplay between the three major factions kept me on my toes and the tweaks and innovations such as hardcore mode made New Vegas a survival of the fittest fun factory.
Most fun memory: Conducting a successful shift as a doorman for the evil Van Graff siblings, then using a stealth boy to steal everything in their store from under their noses.
9: COD Black Ops
Why it was fun: The Call of Duty format has been refined to a near perfect point. Black Ops felt real, raw and exciting. Granted it wasn’t a million miles away from previous COD titles but jumping around the world performing wet work in the well-rendered and secluded locales was still awesome fun.
Also, I think everybody was very happy to see the zombie mode make a triumphant return.
Most fun memory: Leading my fellow politicians into battle against the undead aggressor!
10: Angry Birds
Why it was fun: Ok, technically this shouldn’t be here as it was released in mid December 2009, but I only recently gave it a try and it deserves an honourable mention at number 10.
Usually I hate quick pick up games like Angry Birds. There’s no real plot, no characters to get involved with, it’s simply a quick bit of catapulting birds at disembodied pigs. However, its simplistic beauty got me hooked this time.
As a (mostly) relaxing way to spend 5-10 minutes gaming with no thought process, tough choices on level upgrades or plot to concern me, Angry Birds was a genuinely fun break from more involving games.
Most fun memory: Slapping the screen in frustration which accidentally launched a red bird in such a way that the shot earned me a 3 star rating.
By Tom Murray posted December 30, 2010 4:41 PM with 10,651 views BlizzCon 2010 Costume Competition Winners
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