A Decade Gone by – Best Games of the Decade

20.Prince of Persia: Sands of Time

“Most people think Time is like a river that flows swift and sure in one direction. But I have seen the face of time, and I can tell you they are wrong. Time is an ocean in a storm. Sit down and I will tell you a tale like none that you have ever heard.”

Prince of Persia has been around for a very long time, but the game that put it on the gamer’s map was Sands of Time. The power to rewind time, especially in a platformer, gave something extremely unique, yet required to the genre -The ability to instantaneously retry a part which was failed. While it may seem trivial, it was revolutionary in its own way. That, combined with beautiful graphics, brilliant combat techniques topped with interesting enemies and an engaging storyline makes it among the best of the decade.

19.Gears of War

“The ‘Cole Train’ always runs on time!”

Epic Games have always been known for their superb level design and addictive multiplayer. With Gears of War, they upped the ante far higher than we expected. Sure, we knew Gears of War was going to be a great game, but one that would set such high standards for shooters…that did come as a pleasant surprise. Whether it be the gritty presentation, the over-the-top violence and gore or the fantastic visuals; Gears of War delivered on all fronts. After all, it was the coming out part for the Unreal Engine 3.0…Epic had to make a game worthy of remembrance, which they certainly did. In the race for gaining absolute photo realistic graphics, many developers forgot the main reason we play games for – FUN. Epic Games got back one of the most important aspects that was missing this generation, Co-operative play. A campaign that was built from the ground up to be played with a friend and a multiplayer mode that spread like wildfire…Gears of War was an instant classic. Let’s not forget the amazing cover system that is being used in almost every game these days. This franchise is sure to be chainsawing its way far into the next decade.

18.GTA:Vice City

“IT’S TIME FOR THE LANCE VANCE DANCE!”

We at Gamersmint had many debates (which broke into uncontrollable fist fights) about which game deserves a spot on our list. While GTA 3 may have laid the foundations for the sandbox gameplay, GTA: Vice City took the idea and ran with it, far away from all competition. A new setting and timeline helped resonate the game better with the public. The strong story and tight script was helped by voice acting by prominent Hollywood celebrities. It also didn’t hurt that the game featured an upbeat, licensed 80’s soundtrack. We remember parking our car in an empty lane and spending hours listening to the songs and the hilarious spoof advertisements. Gameplay was refined as well with diverse and varied missions. Everyone can attest to the fact that Tommy Vercetti was infinitely more badass than the literally dumb Claude from GTA 3. There was a certain vibe and attitude in Vice City which few other games can match. Rockstar sure knows how to make them right. GTA: Vice City sits cozy at our #18 spot.

17.Portal

“Remember when the platform was sliding into the fire pit and I said ‘Goodbye’ and you were like NO WAY! And then I was all ‘We pretended we were going to murder you?’ Ha Ha! That was great!”

When Portal released as a part of the Orange Box, we didn’t give it much thought. How could it possible warrant our attention when we had Half Life 2 and its episodes on one hand and Team Fortress 2 on the other? Imagine our shock as the final credits rolled by with GlaDOS singing ‘Still Alive.’ Portal caught us off-guard and blew us away with its intelligent puzzles and dark humor. There are so many things that could have gone wrong with this game; an FPS with no guns and no enemies to shoot or attack? However, Valve showed us once again why they are regarded as developers of the highest caliber. Portal forced players to think out of the box for solutions that were logically simple but never apparent at first. Having good puzzles in a game is one thing, but making you feel like a rocket scientist once you have solved them, is a whole different ball-game altogether. Also the great script helped bring out the character of the rogue A.I. GlaDOS. Move over Shodan, there is a new challenger to take your place. Portal will definitely be ‘Still Alive’ in our memories for decades to come.

16.Shadow of the Colossus

Are you Dormin? I was told that in this place at the ends of the world there exists a being who can control the souls of the dead.

Developed by Team ICO, Shadow of the Colossus can only be defined as an absolute masterpiece. The game takes the concept of boss fights to a different level altogether, giving the player only 16 boss fights and nothing else throughout the game. Each of the colossi was a fully realized level in itself and the desolate world and its mythology only added to make it an experience unlike any other.

Players were to follow unquestionable orders from a voice to slay the colossi, a task which they would have to complete in order to save the girl. No explanations are given about the origins of the girl, her relation to you or why she is in her helpless state. While this may be a detriment to the story in many other games, the hint of mystery that is ever present throughout Shadow of Colossus elevates it to a higher degree of immersion. Many experts argue if video games are an art form…Shadow of Colossus is a living breathing example of that very fact.

Next Page-Slaying Demons, hitting the apex, Nazi-killing and one hot babe

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10