X

The top 10 best games of 2010 (screenshots)

For a gaming year that started out with a bang, 2010 has stumbled to the finish line. Here are our top 10 best games of 2010.

Jeff Bakalar
Jeff is CNET Editor at Large and a host for CNET video. He's regularly featured on CBS and CBSN. He founded the site's longest-running podcast, The 404 Show, which ran for 10 years. He's currently featured on Giant Bomb's Giant Beastcast podcast and has an unhealthy obsession with ice hockey and pinball.
Jeff Bakalar
ensla.jpg
1 of 10 Gamespot

10. Enslaved: Odyssey to the West (360, PS3)

Enslaved makes our top-10 list this year because it was one of the most unique titles we had played in a while. Developed by the same studio behind Heavenly Sword, Enslaved incorporated impressive motion-capture cut scenes and a story that gripped us till the end. Actor Andy Serkis also helps craft the game with his direction, making Enslaved our pick for sleeper hit of the year.
limbo.jpg
2 of 10 Gamespot

9. Limbo (XBLA)

Limbo shocked us this summer with its intoxicating noir art style and unflinching delivery. It's able to keep the player on edge the entire time, with a gloomy sense of impending doom at every turn. Though the game ended all too quickly, Limbo is this year's download-only breakout hit and a shining example of the success independent games can garner when given the chance.
s2.jpg
3 of 10 Gamespot

8. Starcraft II (PC)

PC gamers had a lot to cheer about with the release of Starcraft II, the real-time strategy game 12 years in the making. Starcraft II delighted us with a revamped graphics engine that ensured that all gamers--regardless of their PC setup--would be able to experience a great-looking game.
rain.jpg
4 of 10 Gamespot

7. Heavy Rain (PS3)

Heavy Rain takes the No. 7 spot on our list because of the ways the game was able to successfully innovate. Heavy Rain played more like a movie that you interact with, rather than a standard action title. A thrilling whodunit story, characters we could identify with, and a unique control style put Heavy Rain in a league by itself.
reach.jpg
5 of 10 Gamespot

6. Halo: Reach (360)

Without a doubt, Halo: Reach is the best Halo game developer Bungie has ever made. It's only fitting that Reach takes place before the original Xbox's Halo: Combat Evolved, as the game is the ultimate send-off for fans of the series. We loved the new graphics engine, online multiplayer modes, and overwhelming sense of customization the game is able to provide.
bo.jpg
6 of 10 Gamespot

5. Call of Duty: Black Ops (360, PS3, Wii, PC)

We'd be crazy not to include Black Ops in our list this year, not just because of its record-breaking success, but because it incorporates everything we love about the franchise into one complete package. Though the single-player experience is among the best in the series, it's the addictive online multiplayer mode that once again steals the show.
me2.jpg
7 of 10 Gamespot

4. Mass Effect 2 (360, PC, PS3 next year)

Mass Effect 2 improved upon the original in so many ways, ultimately making it a much more accessible RPG than ever before. A truly memorable cast of characters is at your disposal, each with his or her own unique personality and behavior. Mass Effect 2 is the sequel we all hoped it would be, and rumors of a third installment have fans eagerly waiting.
smg2.jpg
8 of 10 Gamespot

3. Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii)

Super Mario Galaxy 2 seemed like an absolute no-brainer because of the original's success and the fact that Nintendo had developed much more content than went into the first game. Galaxy 2 was bigger, more challenging, and introduced Yoshi to the series. A title that can be enjoyed by any gamer of any age, Super Mario Galaxy 2 features some of the most clever level designs and creative boss battles we've seen.
gow3.jpg
9 of 10 Gamespot

2. God of War III (PS3)

Arguably the PlayStation 3's best-looking game ever, God of War III exploded onto the system earlier this year with tons of brutal action and an unforgiving laundry list of mythological creatures to battle. Not only is God of War III a graphical and technical achievement, but it's consistently referred to as one of the only games that truly pushes the PS3 to its boiling point.
rdr.jpg
10 of 10 Gamespot

1. Red Dead Redemption (360, PS3)

Red Dead Redemption captures the No. 1 spot because it combines near-flawless control and gameplay with excellent voice acting and incredible cut scenes. Red Dead is able to capture the Old West setting better than any game before it, completely transporting you to an America teetering on the edge of industrial revolution. Everything about Red Dead Redemption oozes with production value; its attention to detail, soundtrack, weapons, and more all add up to our pick for the best game of 2010.

Go back to the original Crave post.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos