In my last blog, I said that "2010 was a great year for gaming" and that "I figured it be nice to make a top list for once, in recognition of the great gaming year of 2010." In case you forgot (or didn't read :P) here's the list so far:
Top 30 Games of 2010 I played - #26 - 30
#30 - Modnation Racers - PS3
#29 - Risk Factions - XBLA
#28 - Alien Breed Impact - PC (Steam)
#27 - Beat Hazard - PC (Steam)
#26 - UFC Undisputed 2010 - PS3
So on with part 2 of the list: My top 30 Games I played in 2010 continues with #21 - 25
#25 - Green Day Rock Band - Xbox 360
Green Day Rock Band was a pure joy for me. As a Green Day fan, getting to play All of the Dookie, American Idiot, and 21st Century Breakdown albums, plus other hits from their other albums was fun in 2010. Sure it wasn't as packed to the brim as other Rock Band games, but their songs sure are pretty darn fun to play. Not to mention the WHOLE game set list can be transferred to Rock Band 1, 2 and 3. Major plus. Also worked with the previous 6 Green Day songs released on the Rock Band marketplace. It's no music game of the year contender, but for Rock Band and Green Day enthusiasts, you gotta own this game. Not to mention, the unlockable extras were icing on the cake.
I've spent quite a bit of time with this title - more then I expected to really. Something about their songs makes me come back to it. Even after all the time spent I've yet to complete all the challenges for the game...I just find myself playing it without the purpose of goals. Just to have fun. Which is why I have it on this list.
#24 - Alien Swarm - PC (Steam)
And out of no where in 2010 came Alien Swarm. A FREE game by Valve on Steam. Not only is it free, but it's great! The game was released as a way to present the new Source Engine version and SDK. It's Left 4 Dead meets Alien Breed here folks and it's fun. You as a team of 4, try to get to the bottom of an Alien outbreak. As you go through each mission (or chapter) you have to complete certain goals. The game features a robust rank up system, unlockable weapons and items, and different ranks, such as special weapons, medic, or the tech. (For certain levels someone has to play the tech, as key areas must be accessed and this can only be done by the tech.) The gameplay controls a lot like Alien Breed (top down shooting perspective and all), but features a big emphasis on teamwork and survival. When you die, there is no respawn, your buddies have to move on without you until the end of the chapter. (unless like I said, if the tech is required and he dies well then you have to restart). Featuring great graphics, intense gameplay Alien Storm was a pleasant surprise. It definitely invokes feelings of Left 4 Dead gameplay, and that my friends, can only mean good things.
It's fun, different, and worth playing over and over again.
Did I mention that it was free?
(Note if you ever want to play with me, just send me a message over Steam :P)
#23 - Ilomilo - Windows Phone 7
A PS3, a new laptop and a new phone. Wait, not just any phone. The Samsung Focus: a Windows 7 Phone. Not only is it sweet looking, and runs some pretty neat apps, it's an Xbox phone. Yes, it integrates with Xbox live which means...games, games and more games! And for AT&T users they got a free (temporarily) exclusive game...Ilomilo. Not your standard free game fare, this title is actually AAA quality in terms of mobile phone gaming. Featuring great gameplay, beautiful graphics, and sound, this title is worth paying for, and the best part is that you don't even have to pay a cent for it!
Ilomilo is the tale of Ilo and Milo who are separated, and it's your job to reunite the pair together again. Ingenious 3D puzzles are a staple here, including some real brain trippers, but keep at it. It's definitely a recommended title to play.
I was totally shocked at the quality of the game, and how addicting it was. Folks, if this is the future of mobile phone gaming, I'm in.
A different version of this game is out on XBLA as well. I recommend that as well (based on the demo I played)
BTW, Gamespot get to it on adding Windows Phone 7 games! Why haven't you done it yet?
#22 - Hydrophobia (Pure) - XBLA
Hydrophobia, or rather Hydrophobia Pure as some call it now, was a game I kept on my radar for a long time. Featuring incredible water physics, and graphics for a XBLA title, it definitely threw me by surprise. I played the original version, and yes I had some issues with the gunplay, and knowing where to go, but after playing through it again after the big update (the pure update) the game is definitely worth checking in to. A lot of my quirks with the game were fixed making the game much more playable. The game flows faster, controls handle better, as well as battle is easier to handle. After playing the pure update, I can thoroughly say it's worthy of this list. The water pouring in, the floods, the environment is the star in this game. There's nothing like i;ve played before. I enjoyed it for sure, I just hope they up the ante if the release another part.
Note in addition to all the numerous fixes they did with the patch in December, they lowered the price to just ten dollars, and put up a new longer demo. Folks, it's worth it. Give it a shot. I'm glad I did in 2010.
#21 Magic The Gathering: Duels Of The Planeswalkers - PC (Steam)
Magic the Gathering: Duels of the Planeswalkers was released earlier this year on PC, nearly a year after the 360 version. I own the 360 version, but I loved the game so much, I wanted to have the PC version as well, especially since my girlfriend got me the complete collection version, that had all the DLC (expansions 1 + 2), and unlockables. Both versions are extremely refined, and even though some enthusiasts were disappointed by not having more cards, and that you can't mix and match cards from decks, everyone can agree the game is still top notch. From the great layout, cool decks, online play, single player mode and challenges to the easy to pick up rules, Magic is still as awesome as ever. Just like I said last year, the game, whether it's on 360 or now, the PC, Duels of the Planeswalkers is the best video game based on a card game ever released. Period.
Even if you never ever thought about even trying to play Magic, try the game. It's great, and with it's mentoring mode, the vets can help you learn the ropes. Plus the game was designed for expansion, they've released 3 expansion packs so far (PC and 360) and they've added new decks, rules, and even 3 and 4 player battle modes.
Hope you are enjoying the countdown so far. :D
Stay tuned for part 3, The Top 30 Games of 2010 I played - #16 - 20!