2010 is going to end the first decade of a new generation in gaming like no other. From technological advances in interface, to expanding capabilities of next generation consoles, and  incredible gaming software. The past ten years have seen so much go on  in gaming, and the world stage of our beloved hobby. I thought it only right to give you some notable games that captivated the masses. My list is going to go from each year, and will cover just some of the games that made an impression on me. If you have your titles, leave a comment listing them.  Some of our friends, family, and other loved ones didn’t make it this far. Games are about fun. So when you look at this list keep that in mind…True Gamers…These are our heroes.

Be a gamer…Not a hater

Virtua Tennis

This game brought the classic sport to the masses. Sega made Tennis a bonafide sports game worth your money. First introduced in the Arcades, and home consoles.  Becoming so popular, that Tennis is one of the featured games in Wii sports. There isn’t a person who owns a Wii that hasn’t played the sport game. Tennis is viable, and although Tennis games have not grown over the years in terms of expanded game play. Sega showed us that a great game of it can be made of the sport when a developer cares. I finally got to go to Wimbledon…Who can beat that?

Devil May Cry Series

This game by Capcom brought back the style in action games. I mean Dante is such a cool character with swagg on hundred million. The fact that you can change fighting styles, use guns, and play the way you want was a feature that endeared you to the series. Very refreshing to see action games gain their legs with a series such as this. Devil May Cry stayed on the PS2, and the action never let up.

Project Gotham

This racing game began life on Sega’s Dreamcast as Metropolis. Then Microsoft brought the studio over, and they created Project Gotham. It was one of the best games to not be a simulation, but not arcadey at the same time. You might ask “How come you don’t have Forza?”. Well Forza Racing as great as the series is, the template was to follow, and best Sony’s Gran Turisimo. Project Gotham had no rival, instead in it’s own right, offered what both Gran Turisimo, and Forza didn’t. It was a show piece for the Xbox 360’s launch with part 3. A game you can pop in, and still be awed by graphically, and gameplay wise. Giving you a great balance of tracks racing, car owning, Kudos, and one of the first titles I used my in-game soundtrack for. Having a blast driving too Jay-z’s “All I Need” not being confined to in game created music. This racing game gave life to the Xbox outside of Halo, is absolutely a fun racing series. I can’t wait for the 5th game in the series (Hopefully this year).

Uncharted 2

Before I get into this one. I’d like to say thanks Amy Henning for being in gaming. You are one of the most unsung heroines of the gaming industry. Those who know of you, know you hold what you do high. Uncharted 2 is a breath-taking game that shows not just what the PS3 can do, but more importantly what a team of dedicated professionals can do. Naughty Dog has been a qualitative studio from its outset. The nuances of greatness that is contained in this action game can’t be counted. You can say that the game is just a regular action title. That may be right, but the way it brings the elements together is so great that all you ask is that other studios are paying attention. We need to keep this quality going. Thank you Naughty Dog.

Gears of War

Epic games brought in a new generation of technology with the Unreal Engine 3, and Gears of War that blew the sox’s off gamers. Sure it was on the Xbox 360, but there was nothing like the game ever. The mechanics refined from other inspiring games of its ilk.  The game has a unique world, premise, and setting which allows it to stand on it’s on two. The game did more right than wrong. Spawning so much hate and love that I don’t think besides Halo any other game gets the most attention. In fact Gears of War may be the only title that Halo must respect. If you are a PS3 hater, and never played this game, you can hate on it. I feel sorry for you though. Gears of War is pinnacle gaming showing that the best is never here till it’s here. Thanks Epic Games.

Oddworld Strangers Wrath

Lorne Lannining and company had the right idea with the Oddworld series. The problem was the portfolio was not diverse enough. With that said though he was spot on with Oddworld Strangers Wrath. I mean the mechanics alone in the game still have yet to be matched, let alone refined. There are minor issues with the game, but overall this title was unique, fun, interesting, and impressive. I still have this game, and I promise you just like Panzer Dragoon Saga it will go down as a game to have owned, and played.

Counter Strike

Although technically you can call this a late 90’s title. I rather put it in the 2k decade because the game went in with a bang, and didn’t let go. This FPS is the single reason Mod gaming should be respected. Why community gaming is really where it’s at. The blueprint for doing it right. Just ask the Modern Warfare guys.

Freedom Fighters

IO Interactive responsible for the Hitman series came out with Freedom Fighters. Long before co-op became synopsis with this generation of gaming. Freedom Fighters did everything right, from the easy management style, to the commands, the weapons, level layout, and progression. Just a really done well title, EA put it out and honestly it should have gotten more attention along with a sequel. If you want to know what a good co-op game can be without being dumb check out Freedom Fighters. I have it right there with OddWorld Stranger as a sleeper.

Guitar Hero

Now there have been other music games just as worthy of being on my list, but I wanted to go with the door opener of it all. The one title to blow the lid on this music thing, introducing a level of DLC unlike any. The game’s marketing was smart, and small only to blow up the way a game should. Activision has had their hand on the pulse of this gaming generation. Going from top 5 to #1 publisher. Guitar Hero brought life back to music as a culture, and melded gaming/gamers to it. Revitalizing everything in its wake. You see how people play the game, how families came together around Guitar Hero. It inspired clones. Just an awesome game, and defining of a genre.

Halo: The Series

The impact of Halo honestly is unexplainable, and just can’t be put into words. The best way is to look at the love, and hate the series gets. I’ve asked people what do they want a good game to be? How would you want your favorite game be represented? Halo did for console First Person Shooters on console what Street Fighter did for fighting games on consoles last decade. Halo gave the world a glimpse into what could be an adventure, a universe, mechanics that anyone can adopt. Each iteration was heralded, breaking records, and still the games had more to go on. Now there is no perfect game, just perfect experiences. Halo gave us that. Thanks Bungie…

God of War series

Coming at the tail end of the PS2 era God of War brought action gaming, an anti hero, incredible game story telling to a new level. Solidifying that this is a genre of gaming that can grow. The mechanics, and savagery merged different types of gameplay refining them, and pushed the PS2. Kratos is a character that is easily identifiable, down right vicious, and fearless. If this were just about sales, you’d have a point that the game is marginal. Then again you have been wrong before, and on this one you’d be dumb. God of War is sparking clones, yet it’s an original. No doubt about it.

Metal Gear Series

Hideo Kojima is part of an echelon of game designers that gaming can never be better without. If you don’t know his name, well it’s ok. You grew up with his game series Metal Gear. This is my Jean Paul Guttier, my Tom Ford of gaming. In the 2k decade he brought Solid Snake back in a form that made an impact for a new generation of gamers. He didn’t forget the legacy, he improved it. Out doing himself each time. There is no Konami without Metal Gear, and with out this game series gamers wouldn’t know what quality is. Fine the story is convoluted, and a soapbox rant like no other. Behind all that though is a solid experience.

Zone of Enders 2

I don’t know where to start with this game. I mean it honestly came out of nowhere. Yet this is the only game that made me play from beginning to end for a whole weekend straight. My friend came into the room and said to me “Yo this is the first game I have ever seen you like this with”. All I could do was look at him, and say “I’m almost done, and I’m getting mad”. I had so much fun with the games feel, presentation, and play. I wasn’t too fond of the story, but every new level brought a new experience within the game. It unfolded in such a way that you had to appreciate it without talking. Just play this game, get it however you have to…Just play this game.

World of Warcraft

The Billion dollar beast that is World of Warcraft. Where you can be any manner of being within a class, and create magic. This game is the crown jewel of what MMO gaming is. Going from potential niche to a genre everyone wanted in on. No other game exemplifies both the good, and bad of MMO gaming. No other MMO has brought in legions of people who normally would not even care about the subject matter. The game created addictions in people, spawned friendships, and relationships that are the legacy of its introduction. World of Warcraft is special. A game worthy of your time, and grace.

Killzone 2

What started out as an introduction to hoax. Killzone 2 emerged in 2oo9 to show the world that after 5 years in development the game was indeed a masterpiece. Granted as a stand alone FPS it had it’s short comings in gameplay, but graphically the game held testament that the PS3 is a beast. With the right attention, and commitment the console was capable of wowing. Killzone 2 is a quintesential title for the PS3, and stands as one of the best this decade of gaming has to offer. Well done Sony.

Grand Theft Auto Series

I don’t believe there is any other game on this list to have had the impact on gaming culture the way Grand Theft Auto series has had. The “Hot Coffee” scandal of in game sex, the wanton destruction in playability, the incredible depth, and complexity of the game sets the world ablaze. You had senators, to community activists around the world up in arms. Gamers coming out in defense. Even with the last game selling 10 million units GTA as a series is relevant and won’t be going anywhere. There were other games talked about in the past ten years, but none with the mainstream impact of Grand Theft Auto.

Lookout for more Games of The Decade next year/TheKingslayers Journal/TheBitbag.com