Video games have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.
Since childhood, I've always found immense joy in sitting down and trying out the latest games. The 2010s have proven to be a successful era for the video game industry, with countless engrossing titles to choose from and even more on the horizon. In honor of the 2010s drawing to a close, here is a countdown of my personal favorite games from this past decade (number one being the best of them all).
10. "Pokemon Sword"
The Pokemon franchise is one I hold very close to my heart, so I had no doubt that I would enjoy this latest entry. What I didn't know was how much I would enjoy it. It's a familiar, yet fresh, release that's fun for fans old and new, with plenty of features and activities that set it apart from past releases.
9. "Persona 5"
This game had me humming its theme song for months even after I'd already beaten it. With an amazing soundtrack, striking visuals, and an overall stylish atmosphere, this game was well worth the hundred-or-so hours I spent playing it. In fact, you can bet I’ll be giving it another go once the Royal edition is available in the United States!
8. "Spyro Reignited Trilogy"
Everyone loves a good platformer, and Spyro is known far and wide for being just that. Who doesn’t love that snarky little dragon? Growing up, I loved the original trilogy, so playing this game is like taking a delightful romp through memory lane. Needless to say, this remaster does justice and then some to the original.
7. "Undertale"
I hadn't expected much from this game initially, but it didn't take long for me to realize that I'd stumbled upon something truly special. Toby Fox cultivated a beautiful narrative through Undertale that has stood the test of time even now, nearly five years after its release. Plus, it helps that the gameplay itself is seriously addictive.
6. "Dragon Ball FighterZ"
For years, I've wanted a well-made Dragon Ball Z fighting game, and this game is that dream finally brought to stunning fruition. As someone who is a huge fan of the titular franchise, I adore this game, especially with the new DLC fighters that have been added since its release. Who knows which fan favorites will join the roster next?
5. "Borderlands 2"
If I could describe this game in one word, it would have to be fun. The gameplay is fun, the characters are fun, the dialogue is fun — all of it is an absolute blast. It's one of my favorite games to play with others because of that fact, and I still revisit it consistently to this day...even if some of the memes littered throughout its menus haven’t aged quite so well.
4. "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild"
What can I say about this game that hasn't already been said countless times? It is without a doubt my favorite Legend of Zelda game I have ever played, as well as one of the best games I have ever played overall. No other game has ever quenched my thirst for adventure the way this one has, and with a sequel confirmed to be in development, I can’t wait to see even more of what Hyrule has to offer.
3. "Pokemon Soul Silver"
Yes, Pokemon receives two entries on this list but with good reason. I consider this to be the best the franchise has to offer. The main campaign is incredible enough on its own, but the surplus of side content is what makes it stand out the most. On top of that, you get the opportunity to explore not one but two entire regions. Need I say more?
2. "Rune Factory 4"
This game may seem like a simple dungeon crawler at first glance, but it’s much more than that. It's the slice-of-life aspects that make it stand out to me. When I’m not battling monsters, for instance, I spend a great deal of my time in the game tending to my crops and trying to win the heart of a villager of my choosing. Fingers crossed the upcoming Switch port drops soon so I can revisit this underrated gem of a game.
1. "Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age"
To put it simply, this game is nothing short of a masterpiece. Playing through it for the first time was an experience I won't soon forget. Its characters are an absolute delight, the story is immersive and full of unexpected twists, and the turn-based combat provides a strategic element that makes battles all the more engaging. Never before has a game meant as much to me as this one, and I implore anyone out there who has yet to play it to drop everything and give it a try. I guarantee that you will not regret it.
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