The past decade of video games has seen mishaps such as companies getting greedy with loot boxes and games not living up to promises made by developers. But this decade has also produced some amazing games. Before we enter the new roaring 20s, let’s take a look back at the top 3 games of the last decade.
(This list is my own opinion based on the games I’ve played.)
3. ‘Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,’ Bethesda 2011
As the Dragonborn of legend, you must discover the meaning behind the return of dragons, while a civil war rages across Skyrim. Bethesda’s 5th entry into their “Elder Scrolls” franchise, “Skyrim” takes players through an intricate narrative of war, magic, and heroism. However, players also have the option to skip the story and do whatever they want. They can lie, steal, cheat, and kill almost anyone they want to, but must also face the consequences. Skyrim offers something extra, as well, in the form of game moderations (mods). Bethesda opened up the world of Skyrim, allowing gamers to create their own content such as weapons, armor, characters, and new quests, using the same assets used to create the original game. I use mods that keep me from dying, so I can have a smooth ride and explore the world without worrying about survivability.
2. ‘Mass Effect 2,’ Bioware 2010
Humanity is under attack. As Commander Shepard, you must assemble the best operatives the Milky Way has to offer and take the fight to the Reapers. BioWare’s “Mass Effect 2” continues the story of Shepard and his fight against the biggest threat the galaxy has ever faced. Similar to most of BioWare’s games, players are given control of who they want their character to be. They can choose their look, background, class, and make noble decisions, paragon, or more rebellious decisions, renegade, throughout the series that will affect the world around them in different, oftentimes unforeseen, ways. Where “ME2” excels in is its characters. In order to complete the mission, Shepard gathers the most skilled individuals in the galaxy, regardless of race or planet of origin, who all come with their own strengths, weaknesses, and histories. Add that to some polished gameplay mechanics and an epic soundtrack, and “Mass Effect 2” offers an incredible gaming experience that can be replayed either with the same decisions or totally new ones. I usually play my Shepard as a paragon, with a few cool renegade choices thrown in to keep things fun.
1. ‘Red Dead Redemption 2’, Rockstar Games 2018
The American west of 1899 has been tamed. Arthur Morgan must keep his family of outlaws safe from the government, and from themselves. Rockstar’s “Red Dead Redemption 2” is the long-awaited sequel to 2010’s “Red Dead Redemption.” Throughout the story, players get to know each member of Arthur’s gang, bonding with them between missions as they hang around their camp. “Red Dead Redemption 2” also achieves a level of simulation that no other game has before. Playing as Arthur Morgan, gamers have the chance to experience one of the most authentic western experiences to date, like gambling in saloons, eating, drinking, riding and taking care of your horse, and of course exciting gunfights. And, as an added bonus for local readers of the Driftwood, much of the game takes place in Saint-Denis, an intricately designed, fictional version of New Orleans in 1899. It’s truly a game someone can escape into. The first time I beat this game, it felt like I’d just lived another life. I also sobbed like a baby at the ending.
This is just my list, and I know everyone will have their own top games of the decade, so I reached out to fellow gamers to hear their own favorites. “‘Nier Automata’ for sure, ‘Detroit: Become Human,’ and ‘Kingdom Hearts 3,’” says Grecia Medina, soon to be UNO master’s graduate. Maylon Waldrop, a UNO grad student says “‘Assassin’s Creed II’ or ‘Fallout 4!’” Making this list was more difficult than I thought it’d be. There are so many truly amazing games that have come out over the past 10 years, and I wish I could talk about every single one of them.
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