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.
"An RPG that slyly subverts its own genre. Being able to spare every enemy changes everything, and the witty writing hides genuine depth. The retro presentation can throw you off, but few games leave such a personal mark."
"Red Dead Redemption is one of the most important games ever created. John Marston, the twilight of the Wild West, a narrative of rare maturity. Living and poetic open world, total freedom in sublime nature. An absolute monument."
"A remarkable feat of porting on Switch. The image inevitably loses sharpness, yet this dense world and its carefully written side quests hold up just as well. Roaming Velen on the go remains a small technical miracle."
"The Last of Us is simply the absolute masterpiece of PS3 and one of the most important games ever created. Joel and Ellie in post-apocalyptic America, narrative of rare maturity and emotion. A perfect score well deserved."
"Skyrim Legendary Edition is the complete version with the three major DLC: Dawnguard, Hearthfire and Dragonborn. Hundreds of additional hours of exceptional content. The definitive way to play Skyrim."
"The definitive kart racer on Switch. Driving is wildly accessible yet the skill ceiling stays deep, and with the DLC the track count is staggering. Local or online, it's still the safest bet for any game night."
"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."
"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."
"Persona 4 Golden is the best JRPG on Vita and one of the best of all time. Murder investigation in a small Japanese town with an unforgettable cast. Perfect combat and Social Link systems. A monument."
"GOTY edition of Uncharted 3 with all multiplayer DLC. Exceptional cinematic spectacle with unforgettable sequences. Full additional content significantly extends multiplayer for a complete, generous experience."
"Bethesda's behemoth, now portable. Wandering Skyrim anywhere you like is still seductive, and the freedom of approach hasn't lost its charm. The engine shows its age and bugs persist, yet the sheer volume of content remains colossal."
"A high-water mark for the 2D platformer, fully realised in this definitive cut. The musical levels remain showstopping set pieces, and the hand-drawn animation is endlessly elegant. Played four-handed, it's a riot of fluid joy."
"Ubisoft Montpellier deliver a 2D platformer of stunning beauty thanks to a perfectly mastered UbiArt engine. The musical levels become a genre peak, four-player local co-op works miracles, and this is probably the best modern Rayman available on 360 without hesitation."
"A genre touchstone, sublime on Switch. The hand-drawn world and the melancholy soaking through Hallownest are unforgettable. The lack of a map in fresh areas can frustrate, but the exploration and combat are exquisitely tuned."
"Ocarina of Time 3D on 3DS is the definitive version of the greatest video game ever made. Remastered visuals, gyroscope for aiming, Master Quest included. The perfect masterpiece in its best version. Essential."
"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."
"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."