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.
"A relentless shower of fresh ideas. Possessing enemies with Cappy reinvents every kingdom, and the sheer density of Moons keeps you poking at corners. Mario has never controlled with this much expressive, joyful freedom."
"Still the benchmark open-world on Switch. Climbing anything and gliding wherever you want feels liberating, and the physics-driven systems reward experimentation. Weapon durability remains divisive, yet exploring Hyrule keeps its quiet magic."
"Grand Theft Auto V is one of the best-selling games in history. Gigantic Los Santos, three playable protagonists, perfect spiral narrative, pharaonic GTA Online. A total masterpiece, absolute reference of open gaming."
"Sky-borne Columbia, Booker and Elizabeth, and a finale that scrambles your brain: BioShock Infinite dares everything. The shooting is simplified, but the staging, writing and soundtrack form an unforgettable ride."
"Batman Arkham City GOTY with all DLC including Harley Quinn's Revenge, the most complete version of an absolute masterpiece. Catwoman, Nightwing and Robin also playable. The ultimate Batman game."
"Mass Effect 2 turns the promise into pure craftsmanship: the suicide mission stands as a game design peak, every companion grows unforgettable, and BioWare prove an RPG can be both space opera and tightly paced corridor thriller."
"The ultimate fan fantasy taken to its limit. With a colossal roster and stages spanning gaming history, it's couch chaos at its finest. Mastering a character takes patience, but for local multiplayer nothing touches it."
"Absolute masterpiece that redefined open-world action-adventure. Total freedom, organic exploration, reactive physics and chemistry. WiiU execution is slightly inferior to Switch but the experience remains transcendent."
"Batman Arkham City is even better than Asylum. Open Gotham City, playable Catwoman, extraordinary villain gallery with Two-Face, Penguin and Ra's al Ghul. Dense and masterful narrative. An absolute masterpiece."
"Valve deliver the perfect Portal sequel with a wild co-op mode and writing that peaks in GLaDOS and Wheatley duets penned for Stephen Merchant. The puzzles dazzle, the staging hits dead centre, and the whole stands as an utterly essential modern puzzle peak."
"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."
"The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim is one of the most played games in history. Nordic High Reaches, dragons, Dovahkiin shouts. Total absolute freedom, colossal content, infinite exploration. An unsurpassable monument."
"Fire Emblem Awakening on 3DS saved the franchise and created a new generation of fans. Character support system, pair-up in combat and optional permadeath. Epic storytelling and memorable cast. A masterpiece."
"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."
"Call of Duty Black Ops II dares to go to 2025 with a branching narrative campaign and renewed competitive multiplayer. Memorable villains, original Strike Force. An ambitious CoD that delivers."
"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."
"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."
"BioShock Infinite Complete Edition with all DLC including Burial at Sea, return to Rapture with Booker and Elizabeth. The most complete version of a major work, the DLC considerably enriches it."
"Gran Turismo 5 is THE automotive simulation on PS3 with over 1000 vehicles. Unmatched driving physics precision, immense game modes. Imperfect in structure but the pinnacle of auto simulation."
