The past year has been great for gamers. Owners of all platforms and fans of all franchises have had a lot to celebrate. Still, no matter how awesome the games of today and yesterday are, it seems natural for us to continually be looking forward. It’s easy to get caught up in the hype, and succumb to this myopic tunnel vision. It is important, every so often, to take stock and appreciate the things we already have.
With that in mind, we have compiled a list of ten games released over the past six months (roughly) that every gamer should at least consider buying at some point. Many of these will already be available second-hand, or at reduced new prices, making for some potentially exciting prospects for cash-strapped gamers.
To get a final score for each game that primarily reflects our preference, but also takes into account the views of the broader global reviewing community, we added our score to the game’s Metacritic score, and took an average.
1. Uncharted 2 – PS3 (Our Score – 96/100) (Metacritic Score 96/100) – 96/100
Uncharted 2 achieved new levels of overall awesomeness with its unrivalled production values, strong character development, intriguing story, and most importantly; its highly compelling gameplay. Throw in endless hours of addictive multiplayer, and it is easy to understand why Uncharted 2 won just about every Game of the Year 2010 Award on the planet.
2. Mass Effect 2 – 360, PC (Our Score – 94/100) (Metacritic Score 95/100) – 94.5/100
If it’s a space opera of epic proportions that you’re after, then you need look no further than Mass Effect 2. Explore the galaxy, mine resources, shoot your way through alien locations, upgrade your crew/weapons/ship/self, and if you have time at the end, save the universe. Mass Effect is one of the most important game franchises of recent years, and Mass Effect 2 exceeded the expectations laid by its progenitor.
3. God of War III – PS3 (Our Score 90/100) (Metacritic Score 93/100) – 91.5/100
What more can be said about God of War III? Kratos is the poster child for the PS3. Well, him and Sackboy. The third iteration of one of Sony’s most violent franchises did not disappoint, and is a worthy, nay, a necessary addition to any self respecting PS3 owner.
MyGaming God of War III Review
4. Heavy Rain – PS3 (Our Score 95/100) (Metacritic Score 87/100) – 91/100
The third PS3 exclusive to make this list, Heavy Rain is truly unique game, with the capacity to incite in gamers an emotional response that is usually reserved for only the best cinema classics. Action junkies should steer clear, as heavy Rain is somewhat of an experiment in game design, combining story telling with puzzle solving and rich character development.
5. Modern Warfare 2 – 360, PS3, PC (Our Score 90/100) (Metacritic Score 91/100) – 90.5/100
Going solely on the posts of some rabid forum users, you would be forgiven for assuming that Modern Warfare 2 is a rubbish game. The fact is that it’s anything but rubbish. The single player warms you up for an epic multiplayer experience that is likely to keep you hooked for 50+ hours of adrenalin fuelled online FPS gaming at its finest – when it’s working. Beware, the PC version does not use dedicated servers, and the matchmaking gets a little shaky at times. If you don’t have the patience for occasional disconnects and matchmaking problems, then you may be better served by the more cerebral – and reliable – Battlefield: Bad Company 2.
MyGaming Modern Warfare 2 Review
6. Bad Company 2 – 360, PS3, PC (Our Score 91/100) (Metacritic Score 87/100) – 89/100
If Modern Warfare 2 were checkers (if checkers was loads of fun and super addictive), then Bad Company 2 would be chess. Characterised by massive sprawling battlefields, unique player classes, and a focus on squad driven gameplay, Bad Company 2 is a must for any online FPS junky hungry for some depth.
MyGaming Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Review
7. Bioshock 2 – 360, PC, PS3 (Our Score 87/100) (Metacritic Score 88/100) – 87.5/100
While falling slightly short of the grandeur of its predecessor, Bioshock 2 is still an excellent game. Solid gameplay, some nifty combat mechanics, a pervasive atmosphere and compelling story that is likely to have players emotionally invested in the destinies of the protagonists by the end, make Bioshock 2 well worth owning.
8. Borderlands – 360,PS3, PC (Our Score 92/100) (Metacritic Score 82/100) – 87/100
2010’s biggest sleeper hit, along with Demon’s Souls (which would have made this least if it were widely available in PAL regions), Borderlands is a welcome new IP in an industry suffering from a bad case of sequelitus. A unique artistic direction, immersive atmosphere and more personality than someone with dissociative identity disorder, Borderlands perfects the kill-loot-level formula, and finishes it off with the inclusion of online coop.
9. Splinter Cell: Conviction – 360, PC (Our Score 86/100) (Metacritic Score 85/100) – 85.5/100
The latest rendition of this classic stealth franchise tries a number of new things. Some long-time fans bemoaned the changes, while others loved the new direction. If you open yourself up to Sam Fisher’s new look, then you will most probably end up enjoying it, a lot.
MyGaming Splinter Cell: Conviction Review
10. Darksiders – 360, PS3, PC incoming (Our Score 85/100) (Metacritic Score 82.5/100) – 84/100
God of War + Metroid x 1 FLAMING HORSE = Darksiders. That’s good enough for us.
Metacritic scores for multi-platform titles averaged between platforms. Final scores rounded to nearest .5 decimal place.
Of course these are by no means the only 10 games released in the past 6 months that are worth noting. What have been your recent gaming highlights? Share them in the forums.
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