Top 10 of 2010 - Part II

Part 1 can be found here.

7.

Halo: Reach
Xbox 360
Developer: Bungie
Publisher: Microsoft
Release Date: September 14th, 2010



Hailed as the last of Halo we shall see for a while, Halo: Reach keeps the fun of the series alive. With the addition of new "abilities" for each class, the game has changed and been given an identity all its own. The same addicting multiplayer is refined with more playlists and daily challenges. With a solid campaign to tie it all together, Reach is a fine addition to any FPS addict's collection.

6.

Call of Duty: Black Ops
PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii
Developer: Treyarch
Publisher: Activision
Release Date: November 9th, 2010



Call of Duty struck hard once again this year with Black Ops. Treyarch took what made the previous games enjoyable and attached a whole bunch of goodies with them. A Michael Bay inspired Campaign, refined multiplayer, zombie survival shooter, dead ops arcade, and even ZORK are shoved into this one disc. As far as games go, this was one where you got your money's worth and then some.

- 5 -

God of War III
PS3
Developer: Santa Monica Studio
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Release Date: March 16th, 2010



God of War III gave some of the most jaw dropping visuals gaming has ever seen. The sheer scale of the world you explored and the enemies you dismembered was incredible. Taking Kratos through Hades and back again was a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy and one of the most memorable single player experiences of the year. From start to finish, it was hard to put the controller down as each world you entered felt more polished than the last. It was satisfyingly brutal, a sight to behold, and one of the best action/adventure games of the year.

-- 4 --

Donkey Kong Country: Returns
Wii
Developer: Retro Studios
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date: November 21st, 2010


Donkey Kong Country: Returns was like a nolstagic feeling slapping me in the face and throwing me down a pit. The music, platforming, and cartoonish style of the game all fit together for a total package. Each level had its own unique touch to it, with the action in the backdrop giving a great amount of depth to each stage. Much like set pieces in a 3D shooter, the pieces in Donkey Kong were memorable, insanely fun, and made finishing a level that much more satisfying. Most importantly, it was a throwback to a more unforgiving time of gaming, where extra lives were precious and timing is everything. Nintendo should just keep throwing any old titles toward Retro Studios, as they clearly know how to revive them.

Third and Final installment tomorrow for my Top 10 of 2010.

Note: These are only games I have spent time on to fully play through and enjoy. With plenty of other titles missed along the way, don't feel distraught if you don't see your personal favorites on the list. I'm sure I'd love them too.