As 2019 comes to close, I figure I would dust off my game collection and pick out some of my favorite games from the past 10 years or so and say a few words about them. For this list I am going go by the games initial release and will put which platform I played the game on and there is no particular order for each year. The only other rule I set for myself for this list is I must have done a playthrough so sadly there will be quite a few games left out, but one day I will make progress on my backlog….one day. With that and begin with looking at games from 2010.
2010
Enslaved: Odyssey to the West (PS3)
Enslaved: Odyssey to the West is a future post-apocalyptic retelling of ‘Journey to the West’. You take control of Monkey, a loner with incredible strength, as he helps a young woman named Trip escape from being capture and make her way back home. From the beautiful yet grim world to the combat this game was a joy from beginning to end.
Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep (PSP)
This is one of my favorite titles in the Kingdom Hearts series. One of the reasons this was my favorite games is due to the combat system. Unlike the main series titles rather than a command board, there was the basic attack and then a deck of special attacks that you could use and power up those skills. Another part I like about this game is we learned a bit about keyblade wielders in this universe.
2011
Super Mario 3D Land (3DS)
In 2011, Nintendo released their next handheld console the 3DS and as per the laws written in the ancient language a new Nintendo console must be blessed with a new Mario game and later that year, Super Mario 3D Land was released. It was a great installment in the series and I think it did a good job showing off the 3DS features.
Uncharted: Golden Abyss (PS Vita)
In 2011 we also saw the release of a new handheld, the PS Vita. This was my first Uncharted game and it was a really good game. Uncharted: Golden Abyss did a great job utilizing the front and back touchscreens for puzzle solving
Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception (PS3)
After playing Uncharted: Golden Abyss, my next Uncharted game was the third game in the series. It was one of the PlayStation Plus free games a while back. I think the nice thing was for the most part for Uncharted 3, I felt like I really didn’t need to play the previous game to understand what was going on. I loved playing Uncharted 3 and have been needing to play the first 2 games.
Ratchet and Clank: All 4 One (PS3)
Ratchet and Clank: All 4 One was a fun entry in the series. The 4-player campaign was well designed with the gadget and weapons to encourage teamwork and a bit of mischief. I had great time playing this game with family and friends and the game was also fun to play solo so that is always a plus.
Little Big Planet 2 (PS3)
The Little Big Planet series is one of my top series from the PS3 era. I really enjoyed the first Little Big Planet game and was super excited to see that a sequel came out for it. The second game it a great job of expanding on what the game did well with introducing new gadgets and vehicles and having a lively cast of characters.
Bastion (PS4)
Bastion originally was released in the Xbox Live Arcade back in 2011, but I didn’t play it until it made its way to the PS4 in 2015. Bastion is such a beautiful looking and sounding game and plays well. It is one of my favorite Indie games and would recommend it to everyone to at least try.
2012
Dust: An Elysian Tail (PC)
I ended up playing Dust: An Elysian Tail on the PC via Steam and its one of the few games I streamed from beginning to end. Another game whose art style is what initial caught my attention and I grew to like the combat and I found the story to be quite good.
Gravity Rush (PS Vita)
To be honest, I could not tell you why Gravity Rush caught my eye, but I really glad I picked up this game. I enjoyed the art style of the game and gravity-based combat, though can be frustrating, did really enjoyed and found the world it is based in interesting. I was happy to see this game get a proper sequel and really need to sit down and play it.
PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royal (PS3)
PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royal was an interesting concept. I found characters that I really enjoyed playing as and the morphing of the stage between two games was super cool. I did really enjoy playing this game with friends and I would like PlayStation to give it another try. If they worked with a company that had a bit more experience in fighting games, I think a proper sequel could work.
Ratchet and Clank: Full Frontal Assault (PS3)
Another spin off title in the Ratchet and Clank series, Full Frontal Assault though a short game was fun to play. Other than a bit of tower defense added to most the missions, it still stayed true to the formula and I thought it was done very well.
2013
Puppeteer (PS3)
Puppeteer is one of my favorite games of all time and one I really would like to see a sequel or have another game done in the same style. Another game that I’m not sure why it caught my eye, but I just fell in love with the puppet show look and how they story was told from beginning to end was told as stage play. This is another game that if you get a chance to play, I would highly recommend you give it a try.
Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time (PS3)
The 4th installment to one of my favorite PS2 era series, Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time for me was a good game. Though I did have a few issues with some parts of the story I felt that Sanzaru Games did a great job staying true to the Sly Cooper formula but adding a few things to make it their own. There is still a little hope in my heart that there will be a 5th game that gives us a proper ending.
The Last of Us (PS3)
The Last of Us in another great game from the folks over at Naughty Dog. This another game that looks makes a sad and grim world look beautiful and the story is what personally won me over. For me, The Last of Us wasn’t so much about surviving the infection party but surviving humanity after an event like this. I really enjoyed playing through this game and can’t wait to see what the sequel will bring.
Guacamelee (PS4)
Another game I didn’t play until much later, Guacamelee was such a fun and enjoyable experience. From the hilarious writing to the fun combat to the awesome world they built, I fully enjoyed my time with this game and was so happy to see this game get a sequel. This is another game I highly recommend.
Ratchet and Clank: Into the Nexus (PS3)
Another short and sweet game set in the Ratchet and Clank world. It didn’t stand up against any of the previous games but I was just happy to see this game series get some love and attention and not fall into the same treatment as Spyro and Crash did.
2014
Never Alone (PS4)
Never Alone is a beautiful and wonderful game. It tells a great story and plays mostly well; the controls can be a bit wonky at times. However, I enjoy the fact this game told a story that many of people may have not heard and that made for a great experience.
Little Big Planet 3 (PS3)
Little Big Planet 3 is another great evolution of the series. What I love about the Little Big Planet series is each installment felt like a true improvement. This game had great levels, voice acting, awesome gadgets and the 3 new playable added so much for the game. It is the ultimate experience and I highly recommend it.
2015
Rocket League (PS4)
Rocket League is just a fun game. It had been a long time since I played a sports themed game that made me actually excited while playing it. Flying through the air, scoring that impossible goal, making an incredible save and with the added games modes and power-ups has made it an awesome time with friends.
Armello (PC)
2015 was about the time I was getting into board games and did include digital board games. When I came across Armello, I just feel in love with the art style and theme. It’s has a nice mix of PvP and PvE and the game has improved and changed since release and I am always happy to go back to it when a major update happens and play it with friends.
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth (PS4)
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth re-kindle my love for this franchise. I really enjoyed the world and really enjoyed the 3 on 3 combat and strategy the game required. Another thing this game did was actually make me want to collect all the different Digimon which doesn’t happen a lot in creature collecting games. What helped with this, was the ability to move back and forth in evolution lines and have multiple ways to get certain Digimon.
2016
Overcooked (PS4)
Overcooked is a fun co-op game and where you and your friends work together to cook and server as many guests as possible in fun and crazy kitchens. The fun and unpredictable of get map and the mayhem of working as a team made this such a fun game that I recommend.
Ratchet and Clank (PS4)
This re-telling of first Ratchet and Clank game was really good. I think it did a good job of re-creating the first game in the style of what the Ratchet and Clank Future series did. Though it will probably be the last Ratchet and Clank game we will get, I really enjoyed this game.
Stardew Valley (PC)
I never played games like Harvest Moon and the ones I did try I lost interest pretty quick. Stardew Valley though was a very different case. This game become my “zone” out game as I found doing simple daily task to a chill soundtrack was relaxing after a long day at work. Another game that has improved with updates and multi-player and a game I always enjoy returning to.
Slime Rancher (PC)
Going to space and racing slime instead of killing them for easy experience points has been very fun. I enjoyed exploring the world in Slime Rancher more than the ranching part. I really enjoyed finding new slimes, secrets and new areas.
Stories: The Path of Destinies (PC)
Stories: The Path of Destinies, was a fun story branching adventure game. Focus point of this game was to complete a path of the story, go back to the beginning and use what you know to maybe create and find the correct path. I completed a few paths and really enjoyed the cast of characters of the story.
ABZU (PS4)
ABZU is a simple and beautiful story. From the level design to the music, I really enjoyed this game and is a great example that you to tell a story with no commentary but through pure actions and environment. If you haven’t played this game, I would highly recommend it.
2017
Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions (Nintendo 3DS)
This remake of Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga for the Gameboy Advance was done super well. Superstar Saga was such a fun game on the GBA and is one of favorite Mario games. From the story, the cast of characters, exploring the Bean Kingdom, this was just a good time and was super excited get the remake treatment. The Bowser’s Minions was very interesting add-on though I didn’t spend a lot of time on it.
Mr. Shifty (Switch)
Mr. Shifty was a fun and short experience. I really enjoyed this beat ‘em up as each floor brought a new challenge and finding the best way to clear the floor and solve each puzzle.
Nefarious (Switch)
Nefarious is a platformer that puts the player in the role of the villain kidnapping the princess. Nefarious was a great time to play as it pays tribute to a lot of different genre of games. I love the cast of characters and the game played very well.
Battle Chef Brigade (Switch)
Battle Chef Brigade was an awesome experience. Taking cooking competition game, where each round you go out and beat ‘em enemies to collect ingredients and cook them in a match 3 game was an interesting choice but I think it paid off. Not only is the game fun but I adore the art work and voice acting in this game. Another game I would highly recommend.
Mario + Rabbids Battle Kingdom (Switch)
Now to be completely honest, I wasn’t quite sure how to feel about this game when it was first announced, but man did I enjoy this game. Putting Mario and crew in a turn-base tactics game felt odd at first but it works and was done very well. Not only was the game fun, it had a great sense of humor from beginning to end and I would love to see this game get a proper sequel.
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch)
This would be my first proper Legend of Zelda experience and man was this a fun experience. I extremely enjoyed the freedom this game gave you and definitely forced myself to complete the story instead of exploring every inch of the map. A solid game and I can’t wait for the sequel.
Super Mario Odyssey (Switch)
Super Mario Odyssey was such a fun game. I found most the worlds fun to explore and the capture ability was a unique twist that definitely help making exploring those worlds a lot of fun. Another beautiful looking and sounding game and I really would like to see a sequel or another game in this style for the Mario series.
Crash Bandicoot: N Sane Trilogy (PS4)
The Crash Bandicoot series was one of my all-time favorite series growing up and was super excited when they announced full remake of the first 3 games. The game is well made and I had a lot of fun playing through these games and remembering how much I hate the bridge levels in the first game. Hoping this will bring in a new age of Crash Bandicoot games.
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth-Hacker’s Memory (PS4)
Cyber Sleuth-Hacker’s Memory, takes place during the same timeline as the first Cyber Sleuth but focuses on different set events. I personally enjoyed the story of this game more as it felt like it flowed better. Same gameplay, art style and great sound track and made more excited for the next Digimon adventure.
2018
Guacamelee 2 (PS4)
Guacamelee 2 was an awesome sequel to the first one. Continues the great art style and game play of the first game with a good-humored story. Extremely enjoyed this game and it left me wanting more Guacamelee.
Overcooked 2 (PC)
Overcooked 2 took what formula from the first game and took it to another level. Even crazier kitchens to cook in but they also added new methods of cooking and new obstacles to make it more fun and chaotic and with the addition of online play you now can have fun with friends across the world. If you are looking for a fun online and couch co-op game, this is one game I will always recommend.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy (PS4)
After Crash got the remake treatment, many including myself, were wanting the purple dragon to be next. The Reignited Trilogy did a wonderful job of bring Spyro and friends into this current generation. The worlds all look beautiful and for the first time I actually wanted to 100% a game series. Spyro has always been a good time and I am hoping that more adventures with the purple dragon are on the horizon.
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle (Switch)
BlazBlue was one of the first fighting games that I actually enjoyed and got me into the genre. Though I am not good at fighting games, the cast that BlazBlue, Persona 4, Under Night In-Birth and RWBY bring made the game fun to learn and master and the cast of characters is ever growing.
Donut County (Switch)
A short and sweet Indie game with fun writing and a cute look it to. Going level to level and finding ways to make my pot hole bigger so I can sink an entire building hundreds of feet underground was very satisfying.
GRIS (Switch)
GRIS was a beautiful looking game and tells a good story. I had a great time going through this journey and didn’t take up too much of my time.
Kirby Star Allies (Switch)
I haven’t played too many Kirby games but when I do play them, I always have a good time and Kirby Star Allies was no different. Though these games aren’t overly hard, I do have fun playing this game. Being able to have 3 allies to help with defeating baddies and solves puzzles was a nice touch.
Minit (Switch)
Minit had a fun and interesting concept where you play the game a minute at a time. Figuring out what you need to do to setup the next couple of sessions so you can make some progress was so much fun. I highly recommend this game.
Marvel’s Spider-Man (PS4)
Marvel’s Spider-man was such a fun game to play. I would spend hours just swinging around the city and discovering new things to do and hearing J.J. Jameson yell about Spider-Man. I would love this game to get a proper sequel.
The Gardens Between (Switch)
Past couple of years I seem to be playing a lot of puzzle games and The Gardens Between was a great puzzle game. You use the ability to move time forward and backwards to change the world around you to solve various puzzles. On top of having great puzzles, but it tells a great story about two friends just through images.
Wandersong (Switch)
Wandersong was one of my favorite games of 2018. You play as a bard who uses must save the world through…singing. I love the arts and craft style it has and it has a great cast of characters that made the game fun to playthrough from beginning to end.
2019
Super Mario Maker 2 (Switch)
I never got into Super Mario Maker since I didn’t own a Wii U but was super happy with what Super Mario Maker 2 brought to the table. Put in a lot of hours in both the story mode, creating and playing other people’s levels. Also, with new content coming out for this game I excited to hop back in and see what I can do.
Untitled Goose Game (Switch)
Not much to say about this game. Untitled Goose Game was just one of those games that got everyone talking due to the simple fun they had just being a goose causing mayhem for the town’s folk.
Kingdom hearts 3 (PS4)
Kingdom Hearts 3 is an interesting one for me to talk about. It had its ups and its downs and the amount for each may vary person to person. I enjoyed my time with the game and what I want more than anything is for them to wrap whatever loose ends they need to and give the series a fresh start. Will that happen, don’t know will see what the Re:Mind DLC brings to the table.
Crash Team Racing: Nitro Fueled (PS4)
This game by far too up most of the 2019. Crash Team Racing was another game I really enjoyed growing up and the remake was done so well and has been a lot of fun to play especially with the addition of the Grand Prix. It has included content from most of the Crash Bandicoot games and even through the Pit Stop leaves a bad taste in my mouth, I still have a great time with it and can’t wait to see what the game brings in 2020.
Well that was a lot of games and I still haven’t touch some of the bigger titles, but hopefully will..one day. Now to look forward and see what 2020 will bring us. Thank you for reading this post and stay tune for more random thoughts around gaming and such and have a great morning/day/evening.
-Mike
rambullaarena.com 