Games of the Last Decade Ranked – (Part 7)
Second verse, same as the first! It’s time to continue with our look back at the games that released in the last decade. As usual, if the game is on this list, it’s because it released sometime between January 1st, 2010 and December 31st, 2019, in addition to being a title that I have actually played. I apologize in advance if your favorite game didn’t make my list… now let’s get to it!
#30 – Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Platform
Nintendo Switch
Release Date
April 28, 2017
I’ve gotta be honest, I’m not that big on racing games in general, with the exception of Midnight Club on the PlayStation 2. Now I did get into Mario Kart on the Wii, but that was the extent of my interest in racing games. I did get Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U, but I just never felt compelled enough to play it. Everything changed for me when this title saw an enhanced port on the Switch, and it since has become one of my favorite racing games. I do think it’s a little bit basic, but I think that’s also what I like about it so much.
#29 – Wind Waker HD
Platform
Wii U
Release Date
September 20, 2013
Like so many people, I had fond memories of playing Wind Waker on the GameCube. At the time, it so many gamers disliked this title for it’s art style being a departure from what came before it, but as a kid I always liked it. Technically this isn’t a game from the last decade, but I included the remake on this list because I felt like it made enough changes to the original that it warrants a spot on this list.
#28 – Cadence of Hyrule
Platform
Nintendo Switch
Release Date
June 13, 2019
Cadence of Hyrule is such an interesting title. With it being a rhythm based Zelda game, it combined two of my favorite things and it is a blast to play. From the fanastic remixed tracks, to the grid based layout of the overworld, this is a game that I have fun playing anytime.
#27 – Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Platform
Nintendo 3DS
Release Date
June 9, 2013
This is a series I got into late, so much so that this was the first game I actually played. With it being such a laid back experience, it’s understandable if this game isn’t everybody’s cup of tea. However, I found it quite charming and can’t wait to play New Horizons on the Switch when it releases.
#26 – FEZ
Platform
Steam, iOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, XBOX 360
Release Date
April 13, 2012
Easily one of the best indie games I played on the Playstation 3. It’s unfortunate that we probably won’t see a sequel to this title due to it’s troubled development, but at least we got an amazing game out of it.
#25 – A Link Between Worlds
Platform
Nintendo 3DS
Release Date
November 22, 2013
I loved the 3DS for what it was but I can’t say I’m big on playing portable games. It’s not that I find them boring or terrible or that they don’t have any redeeming qualities. Games that are designed for mobile experiences in mind don’t tend to hold my attention for long. That’s where A Link Between Worlds differs from most titles on the 3DS for me. It has everything I generally look for in a 2D Zelda while also bringing something new to the table. I REALLY hope we get a Switch port of this system seller.
#24 – Kingdom Hearts 3
Platform
PlayStation 4, XBOX One
Release Date
January 29, 2019
Ok so this one is complicated for me to talk about due to how much of a mixed bag I feel it is. I don’t really want to go too much into this game right now since I will be reviewing it in the near future. Just know that I do love this game and it’s series, but this title does raise some concerns for me. That’s all I’ll say until I expand on my thoughts later.
#23 – LEGO City: Undercover
Platform
Wii U, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, XBOX One, Steam
Release Date
March 18, 2013
Easily one of the best LEGO games I have played in recent memory. It features a robust open world with tons to do (for a LEGO game), cute fan service references, and some of my favorite Metroidvania style of exploration.
#22 – Uncharted 3
Platform
PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4
Release Date
November 1, 2011
This was another series I got into later on. While I was well aware of it’s reputation during the PS3’s life cycle, it wasn’t until I heard about the 4th game and saw all that it offered through trailers and word of mouth that I decided to give this franchise a chance. Easily Uncharted 3 (among the PS3 trilogy) is my favorite. Yes I know 2 had some of the best moments in the series, but the ending kind of dragged on a little too long for me.
#21 – Shovel Knight
Platform
Steam, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, XBOX One
Release Date
June 26, 2014
What can I say about Shovel Knight? It’s a great 2D platformer that pulls heavy inspiration from some of the greatest games of all time. Relying on nostalgia too much can potentially be a hindrance to the over all enjoyment of a game, but fortunately that isn’t the case here. You’ll come for the nostalgia, and stay for the game and all it has to offer.