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20. Bioshock Infinite

Columbia,
Elisabeth, and the infinite loop; all are reasons for why it’s on the list, but
there are many other reasons why it’s just barely on this list. Comparatively
the mechanics and structure are not as refined as the original Bioshock, and
its conceit is not as infectious. The tone and aesthetic pull this game out of
what could have been fps mediocrity and firmly supplanted it as one of the more
memorable gaming experiences of the last generation.

19. Outland

No real
story to be told, no great drama, no character study, just pure game design.
This game relied on none of the modern trappings that sell most games. It didn’t
sell you on a vast, expansive world. It didn’t give you the most visually
stimulating experience on the market. Outland gave you platforming, and boss
battles. That’s it, and that is all you needed. Metroid Ikaruga as our founders
called it is one of the most engaging gameplay experiences of the last
generation, and shame on those of you that never played it.

18. Journey

Games
as art is a conversation that will never end; in many respects we are still
trying to define what art in general is. With that said: ThatGameCompany had
set out on multiple occasions to (in their eyes) validate the artistic merits
of this medium we have all grown with, and this is their best work yet. I
remember each experience I had with this game; the first time I was lead
through this world, and the multitude of times I led others through it. An
unspoken bond was created as the vicious animosity that was forged by the
advent of internet anonymity dissipated and that feeling of compassion and camaraderie
is something I’ll never forget.

17. Saints Row The Third

Some
may be thinking: “What the fuck?!” My retort: This was the single most
unexpected gaming experience of the last generation. I purchased this game due
to the rave reviews the now defunct NoobToob podcast gave its predecessor.
Based on their acclaim I was anticipating a fun, juvenile ride in an expansive
world that would last 20+ hours; I got that, and I also received a stark
sardonic commentary on many of the current affairs going on in America today.
It not only poked fun at modern pop culture, materialism, and the male gaze,
but it also went after the overt militarization of our police and the Orwellian
nature of varying administrations. Some may see it as completely off base or so
over the top that its irreparable, but having not expected that kind of tone I
was left utterly speechless. I didn’t played Grand Theft Auto V, and I don’t
feel like I need to.

16. inFamous

I
bought this for the Uncharted 2 multiplayer beta, expected very little from it,
and ended up being completely immersed in it. The powers, the upgrades, the
karma; what more could you really want? It has a great “villain” too. I played
through both the good and evil, and while the choices were often devoid of any
real ambiguity, the reaction from the civilians and subsequent rise or decline
of the city based on your actions made everything you did feel like it actually
mattered. Playing as a hero, doing everything I could to help people and being
adulated was truly uplifting. Compound a great “villain”, someone who actually
had a plan, true motivation made this game even more memorable. Being a hero, a
good person is about more than just powers, it’s what you do and the sacrifices
you’re willing to make.

15. Darksiders

You
know what? God of War 3 was mediocre and Zelda outside of handheld releases has
been really lackluster over the years. That’s okay though, because in 2010 we
were given Darksiders and that game filled both voids. This game is a slow
burn, which to some is a detriment, but as I progressed I become more and more
invested in what has clearly been one of the better gaming experiences in my
life. If you looked through my comics and novels you’ll clearly see I am one
for mythology, esoteric, and the occult. This game has some aspects of those
things, nothing heavy handed, but a design and conceit that comes from those
particular wheelhouses. Add in some nice puzzle solving and really good boss
fights, and you have a pretty stellar game.

14. Deus Ex Human Revolution

Blade
Runner is one of my all time favorite films, and this world is very much
inspired by it. What does it mean to be human? Do we have any freedom? Do the
choices we make really matter, or are well simply cogs in a machine? The game
wasn’t a profound piece or dissertation on those questions, but it was one that
asked them. You could play this game as most modern gamers would, run and gun,
or you could put yourself at a total disadvantage; it’s your choice (or is it?).
Its one failing was its use of obligatory boss fights. A game built around
choice should have found a way around that, but I digress, most everything else
was wonderful.

13. Dead Space

 You
will be afraid, I know I was. I distinctly remember sitting at a Meijer staring at
a case trying to choose between Far Cry 2 and Dead Space. I chose Far Cry 2;
that was dumb, I’m well aware. Eventually I ended up purchasing Dead Space on a
later date, and holy shit was that some great UI. Yes the game is genuinely terrifying,
but that’s only the tipping point of its immersion. Visceral completely pulls
you into their game by stripping away all the tradition design aspects we’ve
come accustomed to. Obligatory health bar sitting somewhere on the screen?
Visceral said “Fuck that” and actually incorporated it into the characters
suit. Everything you interact with is actually part of the world, not some aberration
that pops up for your convenience. I wish other game designers had that kind of
ingenuity.

12. Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time

 Sadly
they’re continuing the series, but with this game it felt like a departure and
true goodbye. We’ve uncovered Clanks history, and the bond between Lombax and
machine is now stronger than ever; they finally know their place in the world.
Between Ratchets planet hopping, arena fighting, and general platforming there
isn’t much more you could ask for, but Insomniac is not content with just that
and so they have fun and challenging time puzzles with Clank. Going back and
forth between the two, seeing their stories unfold, and eventually returning to
each other was a really fun experience. Sometimes that’s all a game really
needs to be.

11. Uncharted Drakes Fortune

 Disregarding
a few handheld games, this was my onset to the last generation. I was without a
modern console, and having been listening to the podcast for a little over half
a year I decided it was time for me to join the modern generation of games and
see what I was missing. Having listened to nearly every episode of the podcast
I found that I tended to like similar kinds of games as Tobin, and considering
his sheer adoration of Uncharted I decided to make it the first game I’d play
and bought it when I purchased my PS3. I was not disappointed. It was fun,
intense, captivating, awe-inspiring, and more. I was riveted, like a phoenix
rising from the ashes I was invested in games and the culture all over again,
and it started here.

10. Demon’s Souls

 You
know what’s scarier than Necromorphs? Losing all of your souls. I had no
interest in purchasing this game after hearing everyone recanting their horrifying
experiences. It just sounded so antiquated. I’m no masochist, so why would I
want to venture off into a world designed to punish my every mistake? The
answer: credibility. This niche experience was quickly becoming a badge of
honor, and one I wanted to wear. I was not going to let my trepidations get the
better of me. I slowly slogged my way through, learning every way I could die
and constantly succeeding where I had failed just a few moments prior. All the
same risks would be involved, but the rewards were always worth it. My fears
began to fade and I noticed the shortcuts, the tricks, the hints, everything
that made my experience all the better. I didn’t just beat this game, I grew
with it, and that’s what really counts.

9. The Last of Us

Ellie.
I can think of a hundred beautiful and profound things to say about this game.
Its use of violence as part of its storytelling, the subtle elements of design,
the thoughtful design of its multiplayer component and how they actually
managed to make it distinct from every other shooter on the market. I could
comment on its sound design, the score, and general writing, but Ellie is the
main thing that matters. If I ever have a daughter, her name will be Ellie, and
it will be for the character in this game. She is so full of life, so courageous,
and has the biggest heart. As I was playing I not only began to understand
Joel, but in a way I felt that I was becoming him. I felt protective of Ellie,
wanted to do everything I could to make her safe, and felt willing to do almost
anything to those who would (or did) hurt her. In a world so bleak and devoid
of humanity, Ellie is the Last of Us; a shining example of whom we use to be
and what we always should have been.

8. Rayman Origins

 Very
rarely do I come across an experience in any art form that makes me feel like I’m
a kid again, but this did just that. Beautiful cell shaded art, perfect level
design, and crisp, clean platforming from beginning to end. The sound track was
exceptional, particularly in the water levels. It was everything I remembered
from when I was a little boy. Mario, Donkey Kong, and Sonic all came rushing
back through my mind in some way. It’s nice to know these kinds of games still
have their place because I wouldn’t be a gamer without them.

7. Ni No Kuni

 Level 5
strikes again, and this time with an assist from the renowned Studio Ghibli. I
expected great things, and it delivered in more ways than I had hoped. It was a
long, fulfilling experience with every trite aspect of RPG’s that I could
imagine (and I mean that in the best way). My team consisted of a bard, mage,
and thief. My main fighting force was an array of monsters I collected and
evolved over the course of the game. I eventually tamed a Dragon that would
allow me to travel on his back on around the world. The main villains of the
game were a Dark Genie and Dark Spirit. Many of these things are the bread and
butter of Level 5 game design, and those are the things I love most about them.
The gameplay is solid. The setting is beautiful and expansive. The lore is
surprisingly deep, and the amount of side work given will keep you busy long
after you’ve beaten the game. I can never have enough Level 5 in my life.

6. infamous 2

The
goal of any sequel is to build on what worked and fix what didn’t, and this
game did exactly that. I was enthralled when this game released, doing
everything I could until I got the platinum trophy. It wasn’t my first platinum
mind you, but it was one of the quicker ones I’ve gotten. This game was
intense, the cityscape was varied, and the powers really made you feel like a
God. The game had a similar blueprint in regards to enemies and power
progression as its predecessor, but SuckerPunch managed to perfect those
blueprints to a point in which you had little to complain about. It was a huge
leap, and was only made better by the focus on the relationship between Cole
and Zeke. Like its predecessor this game is all about the choices you make, and
those choices drive the relationship of these two characters. In the end, you
either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.

5. Dark Souls

 The
more I think about this game, the more I appreciate it, and the higher it goes
on my list. Having played Demon’s Souls I didn’t have the dread going into this
game. I knew what to expect, understood the consequences of my actions, and for
that managed to get so much more out of it. I understood how to summon other
players, and knew where to look if I wanted to join someone else’s game. I was
more patient with boss battles than I was with Demon’s Souls because I knew
they were patterns I had to learn, not soul stealers I had to be concerned
with. I was more methodical, and therefore more ingrained in the overall
setting, lore, and design. I kept my distance from Demon’s Souls fearing the
consequences, but with Dark Souls I was far more willing to dive right in.

4. Dragon Age: Origins

The
plight of the Grey Wardens is one I won’t soon forget. Betrayed by those who
they swore to protect, facing off against all forms of adversity, and
eventually saving all of Ferelden; that is their story. I say “their” not
because I had a cast of Grey Wardens but because I played through multiple Origins
and experienced different adventures, friendships, romances, and deaths
throughout. In my initial game I ventured off as a noble white male, someone I
could somewhat relate. I devoted myself to being the most upstanding Grey
Warden, building a team that would trust me and help me slay the beast. In my
second game I was a female Elvin mage. I was the very worst in the eyes of
Ferelden, completely untrustworthy, a monster that would destroy them all. The
citizens felt this way even though I did every good deed imaginable, but I was
not judged for what I did, but rather for how I looked and what I could do.
Other experiences soon followed, and through those varying experiences I felt
as if I was playing an entirely new game almost every time. I recall Bioware
selling this as a single player MMO, and considering the amount of time I put
into this, that advertisement was correct.

3. Bioshock

 “A man
lives, a slave obeys.” Those words are forever trapped in my mind. Compelling,
erudite, sublime; those words encapsulate the experience that is Bioshock.
Often video games are granted artistic merit due to visual design, but Bioshock
stand head and shoulders above most other games for its storytelling and
characterizations. This is one of the few games I can think of in which the
writing came first, but somehow nothing else suffered. The aesthetic was
breathtaking, with some of the best water effects of that time, and a city that
stilled resonates in the mind of gamers everywhere. Simply put, for those of
you who haven’t, would you kindly play Bioshock?

2. Super Mario Galaxy 2

 Joy,
this video game is pure joy. From its flawless design to bounciful soundtrack,
it is the single greatest Mario game ever made and possibly Nintendo’s crowning
achievement. This game not only expounded upon the brilliance that was Super
Mario Galaxy, but recalled level design and imagery from the twenty plus years
of Mario. They take you from the most complex worlds to the most absurdly
simple of levels, showcasing their remarkable design each and every time. They
have a seemingly endless number of ways to make what appears to be simple
jumping into one of the most intoxicating gaming experience ever produced. I
could not wipe the smile off of my face.

1. Uncharted 2 Among Thieves

Minimalism
and spectacle are two words that come to mind when I think of this game. You
come for the show, the falling building, gun fight on the train, and giant city
of gold. However, you will return for all those little things they do: the lack
of load times, the conversations that are always in context to the event at
hand, and the perfect placement of every checkpoint. You will replay the game
to uncover every possible avenue to beating your opponents, such as climbing
over rooftops, incapacitating them from behind, or maybe even punching them
directly in the face. As you return, you’ll find yourself falling for the charm
of each protagonist, and despising the antagonist(s) you face. This game taught
me a lot about what I like and look for in a game. It mixed varying aspects of
this medium that I appreciate, from storytelling, to character development, to
level design, overall design, and much more. 
Oh yeah, and who doesn’t love a game of cat and mouse?