10 of the Best Video Games Released in 2010

This year has been a fantastic time to be a gamer. Not only did we see great sequels to beloved franchises, but there were original games that made everyone take notice. While no video game is perfect, I think these 10 are the best released in 2010.

Red Dead Redemption (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
Red Dead is such a beautiful, engrossing experience. The graphics are stunning, the story pulls you in, and the characters are wonderfully human. This is the first Wild West game that really made an impression on gamers and critics. With the recent release of the Undead Nightmare DLC, Red Dead just got better.

Call of Duty Black Ops (Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii, DS)
The Call of Duty series is the leader in online multiplayer. With Black Ops, players are behind enemy lines during the Cold War. The game continues and builds on the franchise's suburb FPS style. Multiplayer includes a zombie mode, bringing this fan favorite back from World at War.

Halo Reach (Xbox 360)
Reach is the last Bungie Halo game. With its improved combat, single player and multiplayer modes, Reach is the game Halo fans were waiting for. While players aren't Master Chief, there is an interesting cast of characters through out the game. Due to the vast online modes like Forge, Reach has great replay value.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii)
Mario has been going strong for 25 years and 2010 was a great year for the franchise. Galaxy 2 took everything that made the first game fantastic and improved them. The co-op mode is a much richer experience, the travel between worlds is streamlined, and the graphics are amazing for a Wii game.

BioShock 2 (PS3, Xbox 360, PC)
Taking place almost 10 years after the first game, BioShock 2 shows the decaying Rapture under new leadership. As a Big Daddy searching for his Little Sister, players encounter splicers, Big Sisters, and other Big Daddies. The choices you make in the game has a bigger effect on the story and there are multiple endings. There is also multiplayer modes and several DLCs, making BioShock 2 a great game to replay.

Donkey Kong Country Returns (Wii)
After 14 years, Donkey Kong returns with a new platformer. Taking the best elements from the classic Super Nintendo title and building on them, this is a difficult game for more hardcore players. Beating it 100% will take patience and time. This is how platformers should be, fun but challenging.

Heavy Rain (PS3)
This game is as close to a controllable movie as it gets. Action is not the driving force behind Heavy Rain. By controlling the characters, players must figure out who is the Origami Killer and try to save the latest kidnap victim before it's too late.The game relies on its compelling story and the choices you have to make. While it's not a typical game, Heavy Rain is an experience like no other.

Fallout: New Vegas (Xbox 360, PS3, PC)
For me, there are few games as engrossing as Fallout titles. This one brings the post nuclear series to the bright lights of Sin City with more companions, choices, and factions then Fallout 3. There is so much to see and do in New Vegas, you need to replay it multiple times to experience it all. DLCs should be arriving in 2011 making the game even bigger.

Mass Effect 2 (Xbox 360, PC)
Players with saved Mass Effect data saw how their choices in the first game impacted the sequel. The sequel also improves on streamlining character customization and slow loading environments. The story becomes a truly personal experience that weighs the consequences of your in game actions. With all the different ways to play, Mass Effect 2 can be replayed over and over.

GoldenEye 007 (Wii)
One of the best games for the Nintendo 64 was the original GoldenEye. For years, players were wondering when another one would be made. 2010 saw the triumphant return with 007. Both familiar and new, this FPS has a great story and graphics. Levels should be replayed over, due to multiple paths. There is also co-op and multiplayer modes.

There are many other great video games including God of War 3, Limbo, and Battlefield Bad Company 2 that released in 2010. To pick just 10 games is always difficult. With games like the new Legend of Zelda, Dragon Age 2, and Gears of War 3, 2011 is shaping up to be another stellar year for video games.

Sources:

Personal Experience

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