Top 50 Games Of The Last Decade: 20 to 11
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Can you feel it? Nervous? Excited? We hit the top 20 and have some absolutely fantastic titles for your consideration. No joke, the next batch of ten may induce a coma from the overload of gaming ecstasy we are about to deliver.
15. Civilization 4 (PC, 2005)
Developer: Firaxis Games
Publisher: 2K Games
Although it took a couple of add-ons and several patches to get it running properly, Civilization IV is a must-have for any emperor-wannabe. New gameplay tweaks, an awe-inspiring soundtrack and extra strategic choices led to Civ IV being the best game of the series thus far. There is no telling how many sleepless nights can be attributed to this game, but at least those early golden dawns we witnessed provided a scenic backdrop equivalent to the epic scale of this fine strategy game. Just one more turn...
14. Batman: Arkham Asylum (PS3, 2009)
Developer: Rocksteady Studios
Publisher: Eidos Interactive
For years we'd got used to the idea that licenced games suck. Then Batman: Arkham Asylum came out and not only proved us wrong, it arguably even beat all other competition as Game of the Year 2009. Rocksteady's master stroke was in confining the game to the comic's iconic madhouse, allowing them to nudge players in the right direction and still allow them to explore at will. Then they brought in veteran Batman writer Paul Dini and a few of his Animated Series actor pals for fan service, finally ending with their greatest feat of all - making players feel like Batman. An astonishingly good game, no matter how many times you play it (and we've played it a lot).
13. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (PC, 2003)
Developer: Bioware
Publisher: Lucas Arts
This was the game that every Star Wars fan had been waiting for, and boy did it deliver. A cast of brilliant characters, an insane plot twist that blows any fragile gamer's mind, and a totally original story that, well, just wow. This was the game that proved the Star Wars franchise could still offer pure gold, even though the prequel film trilogy was trying to prove the opposite around the same time. HK-47 forever!
12. The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker (GC, 2003)
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Publisher: Nintendo
Admit it, the cartoon look worked: The Wind Waker still looks and plays great today. However, don't make the mistake that this is kiddy Zelda - the game actually opens with the annihilation of Hyrule and most of its population. This is the game where the series finally decided to tell a compelling cinematic story, making Ganondorf a sympathetic villain and turning iconic Zelda music into John Williams-esque theme tunes. There are twists, shocks, and the best female character in the series in the form of ass-kicking pirate captain Tetra. And through it all, the exploration factor that the Zelda games are so good at remains. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll jump out of your seat the first time your pleasant ship voyage is interrupted by a giant squid.
11. Portal (PC, 2007)
Developer: Valve Corporation
Publisher: Valve Corporation
The great thing about games is, and we often forget this, is that they can totally blow our minds. Portal did just that, and in such a simple way too, if you think about it. Actually, don't think about it, because if you think too much about the portal mechanic then we are not liable for your brain frying. The short play time was made up for with incredible level design and the most memorable AI since SHODAN. It can also be charged with forcing popular culture to feature plenty of cake jokes for years afterward. Portal is one of those games that changed everything. It will still not be forgiven for making us lose one of our best friends though - the companion cube.
Now we have come to the end of today's list, you know what that means, don't you? It's time for us to have one last clobbering match to decide the top 10. We're all sick in the stomach just thinking about it, so let's just focus on today's for now shall we. Any thoughts, disagreements or have something random to say? Please use the comment section below!
We emerged bruised and battered just so you could click here for entries 10-1!