The 2010s mark retro's latest frontier: high definition, the explosion of indie games, and the swan song of the 3DS and PS Vita handhelds. This Top 50 gathers the decade's best titles, the ones already becoming classics. RomWize re-tests and ranks them by its re-evaluated scores, with versions, rarity and collector value.
"A CRPG of almost dizzying freedom. Elemental interactions turn every fight into a living puzzle, and the origin characters give it huge replay value. Dense and occasionally rough on a small screen, but four-player co-op is a treat."
"Call of Duty Black Ops II dares to go to 2025 with a branching narrative campaign and renewed competitive multiplayer. Memorable villains, original Strike Force. An ambitious CoD that delivers."
"Brutally demanding yet never losing sight of emotion. The pixel-perfect jumps feel flawlessly tuned, and the story about anxiety lands with real honesty. Assist options open the challenge to anyone without diluting the thrill of finally nailing a screen."
"Fire Emblem Awakening on 3DS saved the franchise and created a new generation of fans. Character support system, pair-up in combat and optional permadeath. Epic storytelling and memorable cast. A masterpiece."
"BioShock Infinite Complete Edition with all DLC including Burial at Sea, return to Rapture with Booker and Elizabeth. The most complete version of a major work, the DLC considerably enriches it."
"God of War III is one of the greatest PS3 games. Kratos climbs Olympus and faces the gods one by one in titanic epic battles. Sublime art direction, perfect fluid combat, memorable bosses. A monument."
"Gran Turismo 5 is THE automotive simulation on PS3 with over 1000 vehicles. Unmatched driving physics precision, immense game modes. Imperfect in structure but the pinnacle of auto simulation."
"The classic JRPG in all its warmth. The S version adds voice acting, a 2D mode and extra content that enrich an already charming tale. The combat breaks no new ground, but the bond you form with the party makes all the difference."
"Stylish action at its peak. The Witch Time dodge rewards boldness, and chaining combos stays gloriously fluid. The set pieces border on excess, but that's exactly what makes Bayonetta such a rush to play."
"Direct sequel to Mario Galaxy, harder, denser, more inventive. Yoshi finally playable with complementary abilities (tongue, transformations). Fifty galaxies with ever crazier ideas, Nintendo level design at absolute peak. Secret green stars for ultimate challenge, Comet mode for speedrun. Even more orchestral musically. Considered by many superior to the first, the peak of all-time 3D platforming. Absolute must-own."
"Super Street Fighter IV expands the roster with ten new emblematic fighters and a revised Ultra system. Side modes are more generous, the multi is polished, and this entry marks the recommended version for fully enjoying the Street Fighter IV formula on 360."
"Dragon Age Origins Ultimate Edition groups DAO and all its expansions including Awakening and the DLC. The most complete version of a western RPG masterpiece. The full Ferelden experience without missing anything."
"Rayman Legends on Vita is a perfect version of Michel Ancel's platformer. Musical levels, challenges, visual creativity and cooperation. One of the best platformers of the generation across all consoles."
"Gears 3 closes the original trilogy with lavish staging, four-player co-op and an older but ever loyal Marcus Fenix. The campaign rubs shoulders with Hollywood spectacle and the closing notes hit with rare restraint for the genre."
"Dead Space 2 perfects the original formula by adding action and a sprawling colonial city. Isaac now speaks, Necromorphs are even more varied. One of the best PS3 sequels, intense and brilliant."
"BioShock Ultimate Rapture Edition gathers BioShock 1 and 2 with all their DLC. The complete Rapture dive for latecomers. Essential for any PS3 player who hasn't explored the underwater city."
"Metal Gear Solid V The Phantom Pain is Kojima's last MGS with Big Boss in 1984 in Afghanistan and Africa. Revolutionary open world MGS, gigantic Mother Base, missions with infinite approaches. A major work."
"Zelda no Densetsu Toki no Ocarina 3D on 3DS, original Japanese version of Ocarina of Time 3D. The definitive version of the greatest video game ever made in its original Japanese presentation. For collectors."
"Uncharted 3 delivers even more spectacular staging with memorable sequences like the cruise ship and desert. Slightly behind Among Thieves narratively but technically breathtaking for PS3."
"Twilight Princess marks a return to mature, darker, more cinematic Zelda. Farmhand Link becomes wolf hero in Midna's twilight realm, descends into monumental dungeons stuffed with ideas. Mastered sword combat, brilliant puzzles, Epona mount returns. Wii version with Wiimote swordplay, GameCube version for nostalgia. An absolute series peak, seven years of Zelda condensed."
