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Top 10 BEST Games Of The Decade (According To Critics)

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Zelda Breath Wild Decade

Now that 2019 is officially over and most critics have voiced their opinions on what the best games of the year were, it’s time to move our attention over to a much bigger question: what were the best games of the decade? Narrowing a list down to just 10 games that have released over the span of 10 years is a massive undertaking, but in this article we’re going to show you the 10 best games according to the critics’ Metacritic average.

Keep in mind that there are many ties on this list, so in order to break the tie we used the average user score to pick a winner. Without further ado, here are the top 10 best games of the decade (2010 – 2019) according to critics.

10. Red Dead Redemption (2010)

Red Dead Redemption

While Red Dead Revolver has its fair share of fans, it wasn’t until 2010’s Red Dead Redemption that the Red Dead series became a critically-acclaimed hit. While the first game was a linear experience with limited locations, Redemption offered a sprawling open-world for gamers to explore and get immersed in. The western setting and story mixed with excellent gunplay ensured that the game would become a success, and eventually paved the way for the sequel that appears later on this list.

9. The Last of Us (2013)

The Last of Us Remastered

While the zombie apocalypse genre is one that is definitely over saturated, The Last of Us did things differently when it launched in 2013. Naughty Dog took things in a unique direction by taking a much more story-driven approach, creating characters that were well-developed and put them through harrowing scenarios. The relationship between Ellie and Joel is one of the most memorable ones of any game, and the things they have to do to survive in their world are horrifying. It remains to be seen if the long-awaited sequel can match its predecessor when it finally launches later this year, but the first game will remain a classic, regardless.

8. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)

The Elder Scrolls 5 Skyrim Game of the Decade

The Elder Scrolls series has been chugging along for over 25 years now, and each game has offered an increasingly massive world to offer packed to the brim with characters and quests to take part in. However, it was 2011’s Skyrim that hit it out of the park, offering that same level of depth while also being much more accessible. In fact, there is so much content that many still regularly play the game to this day, and likely will for the foreseeable future thanks to the prolific modding community. The Elder Scrolls 6 is still a ways off, but Skyrim still has people enamored all these years later.

7. Batman: Arkham City (2011)

Batman Arkham City

Rocksteady’s take on the Batman IP can only be considered a massive success, being far better than any other attempt that the many other gaming companies that took it on in the past. 2009’s Arkham Asylum got things off to an excellent start, but 2011’s Arkham City offered a bigger and better experience that was hard to put down. Batman finds himself incarcerated in Arkham City, which is a super-prison enclosing the decaying urban slums of Gotham City. Batman faces off with numerous villains in the game, with the main one (of course) being the Joker. It’s an action adventure that shouldn’t be missed, and is essential for even the most casual of Batman fans.

6. Mass Effect 2 (2010)

Mass Effect 2 game of the decade

Developer BioWare has a knack for creating immersive RPGs, with the likes of Baldur’s Gate and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic being beloved adventures. However, when it comes to current series, their most cherished is easily Mass Effect. While the first game that released in 2007 was a solid first installment, many agree that the 2010 sequel blows it out of the water and is one of the finest action RPG experiences that you can find. More emphasis was put on action in the combat, and both main and optional missions carried an intensity unmatched by most games. The third game’s ending left things off on a controversial note (and Andromeda was an absolute mess), but the second game is pretty much flawless.

5. Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)

Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption is back for more on this list, and this time it’s the sequel that released in 2018. While it certainly took Rockstar Studios a long enough time to release the follow-up, fans were rewarded with an absolutely massive world overflowing with things to do and explore. It’s so easy to spend dozens of hours just mindlessly traversing the game’s gorgeous world, without even giving a single thought to the campaign. Luckily, the campaign is similarly engrossing, filled with lots of well-written characters and exciting scenarios. This is another western masterpiece that any fan of the genre would be a fool to skip.

4. Grand Theft Auto V (2013)

Grand Theft Auto 6

The Grand Theft Auto series is one that needs no introduction, as it has found its way into headlines regularly ever since the third installment in 2001. The lone release that the series got this decade was Grand Theft Auto V in 2013, but luckily for fans it ended up being what many consider to be the best in the series. This time players take control of three criminals as they attempt to commit heists without getting arrested (or killed). The game’s huge world offers plenty to do, though it is GTA Online that keeps many players still playing the game today.

3. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)

Zelda Breath Wild Decade

While The Legend of Zelda series is known for offering unique experiences no matter which one you play, there is definitely a formula that most of them follow that gives the player an idea of what to expect going into it. However, with 2017’s Breath of the Wild Nintendo threw that formula out the window and took things in a very different direction. Instead of offering a medium-sized world containing a handful of complex dungeons, Nintendo instead created a massive world packed with over 100 mini-dungeons (called Shrines). This resulted in the game’s open-world being incredibly fun to explore, as it always felt like your efforts were rewarded. While the story and regular dungeons took a bit of a back seat, the core gameplay found here was so enthralling that many overlooked the shortcomings entirely.

2. Super Mario Odyssey (2017)

Super Mario Odyssey more costumes 2018

Releasing the same year as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey similarly took things in a new direction for its respective series. This time Mario can throw his hat (named Cappy) to “capture” certain enemies and objects to take possession of them and use unique abilities. These include the likes of flying across gaps as Bullet Bill or blowing up enemies as a tank called a Sherm. This was all wrapped up in an open-ended world that was a blast to explore, making it one of the best installments of the entire series.

1. Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010)

Super Mario Galaxy

When Super Mario Galaxy launched for the Wii in 2007, it was a very exciting moment for the Mario series. The fact that Mario was headed for space seemed like a crazy idea, but Nintendo pulled it off with flying colors. However, it was with the 2010 sequel that they really nailed the formula, offering even better levels and clever puzzles to overcome. It was even more creative than the original game, and offered technical improvements that made it an overall more enjoyable experience. It’s an amazing experience from start to finish, and is the game critics says is the best of the entire decade.

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Will Stellar Blade be available for PC?

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It’s quite possible. Fans all over the world are interested in Shift Up’s highly anticipated action-adventure game, Stellar Blade. With its captivating post-apocalyptic setting reminiscent of Nier and a compelling protagonist named Eve, it’s no wonder the game has generated such widespread attention.

The game consistently impresses with its stunning visuals and high-octane action, leaving players in awe with each new trailer.

Yet, just like other noteworthy second-party and third-party game releases, fans are pondering: Will Stellar Blade be available on PC?

In this article, we delve into the details to determine the platform availability of the highly anticipated title.

Will Stellar Blade be available on PC? Allow me to provide you with the answer.

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Unfortunately, Stellar Blade will not be available on PC, at least not initially. Currently, the game is only available on PlayStation 5 starting on April 26, 2024.

Regrettably, it appears that there is no indication of a potential PC release for Stellar Blade in the future. In most cases, trailers for PlayStation timed-exclusive titles conclude with a disclaimer that specifies the duration of their exclusivity.

In the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth launch trailer, it is explicitly stated that the game will only be accessible on other platforms starting on May 29, 2024.

Regrettably, when it comes to the stellar blade, there is no indication of such.

It’s important to note that Sony Entertainment Interactive published Stellar Blade, unlike Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. This means that the chances of it being released on PC or other platforms in the near future are even slimmer.

However, it is worth noting that there is a chance the game might be released on PC in the future, given PlayStation’s track record of bringing their exclusive titles to the platform. However, it could be a while before this comes to fruition.

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A Review of Fallout 4

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After nearly ten years since its initial release, Bethesda has brought Fallout 4 to the PS5, offering enhanced technical performance that one would anticipate from a leap to a new generation. Does the open-world RPG still hold up in 2024?

Answering that question is quite challenging, I must say. While opinions may vary, it’s worth noting that Fallout 4 has its fair share of critics. However, one cannot deny the allure of its captivating gameplay loop, which keeps players hooked with its constant exploration, mutant battles, and character progression. The loop in question has undoubtedly stood the test of time, and Fallout 4 continues to captivate players with its addictive character development mechanics. From acquiring loot to distributing perk points, the game offers a truly engaging experience.

Fallout 4’s post-apocalyptic Boston is yet another example of Bethesda’s talent for creating immersive worlds that captivate and divert your attention from your intended path. This map is incredibly dense, providing adventure at every corner. This open world is incredibly immersive, captivating players for hours on end. The various character progression systems add depth and complexity to the experience.

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However, this is where the game begins to show some weaknesses, especially when compared to more contemporary standards. Technical limitations that were already dubious when Fallout 4’s release in 2015 hinder the gameplay experience. It’s quite disappointing to encounter a loading screen every time you enter or exit an interior location, which feels incredibly outdated, even with the significantly improved load times of the PS5 version.

Additionally, comparable restrictions limit the game’s overall scope. Now, it’s clear that one wouldn’t anticipate a radiation-soaked wasteland to be bustling with life, but Boston can’t help but come across as lacking ambition. As you journey through different locations, you’ll notice a noticeable lack of action. Even well-known settlements such as Diamond City and Goodneighbor, which are supposed to be bustling hubs of activity and trade, feel disappointingly empty with a population of only around 30 NPCs.

This illusion may have been somewhat passable back in 2015, but after almost a decade, it’s clear that the game’s outdated engine is to blame for many of its glaring flaws. It’s undeniable that some aspects of Fallout 4’s design haven’t aged well, especially considering how much the open-world genre has evolved in the past decade. While it’s not fair to expect a complete remake in the 2024 re-release, there are certain aspects that could have been improved upon.

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Fallout 4 undeniably possesses an alluring atmosphere, capturing that eerie sense of wonder that has become synonymous with the series. There is a unique experience in scaling the remnants of a decrepit skyscraper and surveying the desolate landscape, immersing oneself in the inherent solitude while the game’s subtly captivating music softly plays in the distance.

When it comes to immersion, let’s delve into Fallout 4’s take on role-playing. Upon its release, numerous dedicated Fallout fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the game’s decision to introduce a fully voiced protagonist, along with the limited dialogue choices that accompanied this change. Truly, the absence of morally ambiguous decisions in this game is quite noticeable, especially when comparing it to titles such as Fallout: New Vegas or even Fallout 3. The side quests often guide you towards two predictable options, where you can either embody a beacon of hope or a deranged maniac, and the latter option never truly feels authentic, given the protagonist’s predetermined, almost heroic role in the story.

Emerging from a two-century cryogenic sleep, the protagonist must navigate the treacherous landscape of post-apocalyptic America to save their kidnapped infant son, who was taken from the very same cryogenic facility. In this particular situation, deviating from the main questline may not contribute to the overall narrative coherence. However, it must be acknowledged that the story presents significant opportunities for making impactful decisions that can greatly influence the game world, especially when aligning oneself with pivotal factions.

Once again, it’s worth noting that there is limited opportunity to delve into your character’s personality and motivations in Fallout 4. As a result, the game can be seen as a regression compared to its predecessors. Furthermore, the side quests tend to be quite forgettable. The main plot of Fallout 3 had its fair share of issues, but it managed to find balance by incorporating some wild and unpredictable misadventures. The sequel, on the other hand, lacks personality, featuring one-dimensional characters and unremarkable dialogue. It heavily relies on self-referential storytelling, which can be immersion-breaking.

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If you’re interested in seeing faction plotlines come to a conclusion, you’ll have to go through a plethora of ‘radiant’ filler quests. These are the types of games that provide little context and simply place a procedurally generated objective marker on your map, instructing you to “go here, do something.” While the prospect of embarking on an adventure and uncovering hidden treasures is certainly enticing, the overall experience feels somewhat lacking in depth and emotion. It’s hard to ignore the excessive filler content that hinders your progress towards important narrative milestones.

However, it is worth mentioning that the gameplay loop of Fallout 4 is incredibly captivating, and combat plays a vital role in this experience. While it may not boast the most polished shooting mechanics compared to other games on the market, it undeniably stands out as the most enjoyable Fallout installment to date. The action in the game is filled with a satisfying and almost comical bloodlust. Whether you’re sniping super mutants with precision or hacking raiders to bits with modified chainsaws, the result is a spectacle of skulls popping and limbs flying.

The standout feature of the game is undoubtedly V.A.T.S., which grants you the power to manipulate time and execute visually stunning attacks on specific body parts. Even after nearly ten years, there is still no other system quite like it. The version of V.A.T.S. in Fallout 4 truly stands out, offering moments of pure chaos and excitement. Experiencing the exhilarating thrill of a deathclaw’s head exploding mere moments before its talons make contact with your face; being rendered speechless as a mini nuke hurtles directly towards you; obliterating grotesquely mutated wildlife with your beloved energy weapon, all captured in flawless slow motion. This is an exceptional experience.

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Regrettably, not everything that Fallout 4 does is met with universal acclaim. Despite being largely overlooked, the game’s settlement system continues to be a topic of heated debate. During your adventure, you’ll stumble upon small communities that you can nurture by collecting various items and utilizing specific materials to construct a wide range of structures. These include essential defenses like walls and gates, as well as intricate computer networks and ingenious mechanical contraptions.

The system itself is undeniably impressive, providing an immense amount of depth for players who truly want to immerse themselves in the experience. If you’re looking for a classic Fallout experience, settlements might come across as unnecessary baggage, adding unnecessary weight to an already content-packed game that can sometimes feel like busywork. It’s quite frustrating how settlements don’t immediately prove their value. The initial phase involves the monotonous task of collecting a vast amount of resources, and that’s just for the basic needs such as shelter, food, and water.

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While certain aspects of Fallout 4 may not have stood the test of time, it’s worth noting that the PS5 port does indeed deliver on its commitment to enhancing the game’s technical performance. The game’s performance mode, running at 60 frames per second, is impressively smooth overall, with only occasional minor hitches lasting for a fraction of a second in crowded areas. The smooth frame rate greatly enhances the gunplay, which can sometimes feel a bit twitchy. Additionally, the dynamic 4K resolution significantly improves the overall visual experience, making everything look better than ever.

From an artistic standpoint, this video game can be visually unappealing. It’s safe to say that the visuals were less than impressive back in 2015, and unfortunately, they haven’t aged well. The human character models leave much to be desired, with their lackluster facial features and lifeless expressions. The lip-syncing and facial animations are particularly disappointing.

In summary

The core gameplay loop of Fallout 4 remains strong, despite the fact that the surrounding adventure is starting to show its age, nearly ten years after its initial release. The addition of a smooth 60-fps performance mode will surely please many returning players. Roaming through post-apocalyptic Boston can still provide some enjoyment, especially with the reliable V.A.T.S. system at your disposal. However, it is undeniable that open-world games have made significant progress since the release of Fallout 4, which some may argue already felt outdated even at its launch in 2015.

Pros:

  • The open-world design is both dense and engaging
  • Engaging progression systems that keep you hooked
  • V.A.T.S. continues to impress
  • The performance on PS5 is impressively smooth
  • Significantly decreased loading times
  • Several poignant narrative moments
  • The soundtrack creates a captivating atmosphere

Cons:

  • Shows signs of significant deterioration in various aspects
  • Unremarkable side quests and forgettable characters
  • Lacking depth in the realm of role-playing
  • An abundance of mundane tasks
  • The character models are visually unappealing

Good 7/10

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Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.46 introduces an exciting addition to the roster of exclusive cars available in the PS5 and PS4 racing game

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Gran Turismo 7 has just received an exciting update to version 1.46 on both PS5 and PS4. This latest update introduces a unique addition to the game: the Škoda Vision Gran Turismo, a car that you won’t come across in any other game. Škoda makes its debut in the franchise with a visionary study of a single-seater, all-electric racing concept car, designed exclusively for the Polyphony Digital racer.

Once you’ve downloaded update 1.46, you’ll have the opportunity to test drive not one but two additional cars: the AFEELA Prototype 2024 and the iconic Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Sport Coupe ’70. Get ready for an exhilarating ride! Watch as they take to the track in the video above.

Additionally, the update introduces a new menu for players to tackle in the GT Café. At Collector Level 38, players have the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of Ferrari 12-cylinder engines, gaining knowledge and expanding their collection. In World Circuits, players can look forward to exciting new events such as the Japanese Clubman Cup 550, the American FR Challenge 550, and the Vision Gran Turismo Trophy. For all the avid fans of Photo Mode, there’s an exciting opportunity to explore the captivating city of San Diego in a brand new Scape.

What are your thoughts on the latest update for Gran Turismo 7? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section.

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