The most interesting games released in 2010
All the best and most popular games of the year, upcoming releases, and hits from the past. Use filters to narrow down search.
LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4
Action
June 25, 2010
A licensed LEGO action-adventure game, set in the fantasy universe of Harry Potter, created by the British writer J. K. Rowling. The story was based on the first four Harry Potter books and their movie adaptations by Warner Bros. During the gameplay, you witness the adventures of Harry and other characters, explore Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and fight many enemies, including the main antagonist of the cycle, the evil Lord Voldemort. Mechanics-wise, LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 combines the features of the earlier productions by Traveller's Tales, including the distinct sense of humor, with more serious elements of Harry Potter productions by e.g. EA. The game is set in a partially open world and features many varied activities, such as magic lessons, potion making or flying a broomstick.
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty
Strategy
July 27, 2010
A sequel to a bestselling RTS game released by the Blizzard company in 1998. The story of the second game was split into three separate episodes; Wings of Liberty is the first installment in the trilogy, focusing on Terrans. In the game you meet an old acquaintance - Jim Raynor. Deemed a rebel, now he fights with Zerg forces, who seem to be interested in a mysterious artifact. He also encounters the powerful and mysterious race of Protoss. In comparison with the prequel, gameplay mechanics did not go through any drastic changes, allowing the authors to focus on new, upgraded visuals, multiplayer mode enhancements, and other minor modifications. Single player campaign allows the player to complete the available scenarios in any order and freely choose which technologies to develop. Furthermore, between the missions you can explore the world, talk to non-player characters, and use their services.
Red Dead Redemption
Action
May 18, 2010
An open-world TPP action adventure game set during the Wild West period. In Red Dead Redemption we play as John Marston, forced by the government agents to go after the members of Dutch van der Linde's gang. The game offers plenty of side activities, like hunting or gambling.
Fable III
RPG
October 26, 2010
The third installment in the bestselling RPG series launched in 2004 by Peter Molyneux and his Lionhead Studios. In the game, we assume the role of the youngest descendant of the deceased king of Albion (the protagonist of Fable II) who opposes the authoritarian reign of his brother and joins forces with the local population to overthrow the tyrant and take the crown. This is the only way he can save the land from falling into ruin and protect it from the attack of a mysterious evil. The gameplay mechanics of Fable III, such as the character development system, gestures, or the constant necessity of making moral choices, are mostly derived from the previous installments of the series but were enhanced with completely new elements as well. Having seized the power, we are burdened with a number of difficult decisions concerning the economy and internal affairs of the kingdom, and our actions in this part of the game will significantly impact the final result of the confrontation with the impending threat.
God of War III
Action
March 16, 2010
The third installment in a best-selling slasher series, God of War, and the first one designed for the PlayStation 3 console. The game’s story picks up after the previous two installments, focusing on the war between titans and Olympian gods, fanned by the vengeful Kratos. The gameplay premise does not stray far from the standards of the series, focusing on spectacular battles with numerous opponents and mighty bosses. At the same time, God of War III offers several new weapons, each requiring a different combat style. The protagonist was given a brand new magic system and new, useful artifacts, such as Icarus Wings, Golden Fleece, or the Head of Helios. Thanks to the increased capabilities of PlayStation 3, the third installment in the series sports much better graphics and better AI of enemies.
Two Worlds II
RPG
November 9, 2010
A sequel to 2007's Two Worlds - an RPG developed by Reality Pump. The story is set five years after the events of the original game. The land of Antaloor are ruled by the dark lord Gandohar. The protagonist is kept prisoner in a dungeon after a failed attempt to rescue his sister. Surprisingly, his old enemies, the Orcs, rescue him, offering alliance in order to liberate Antaloor. Much like in the original game, the player explores a huge, open world on foot or on horseback. The game world itself is filled with new locations, challenges and threats. Apart from the progress the series has made in terms of the visuals since the first installment, the sequel improves the combat system - more combat tactics can be applied now, for an ability to actively block enemy strikes was introduced into the game. Additionally, magic was expanded, enabling the player to combining spells together to their liking.
Mafia II
Action
August 24, 2010
A sequel to the popular gangster game - the first Mafia was released in 2002. This new title was developed by the creators of the original game – also known for games like Hidden & Dangerous and Vietcong – working for the 2K Games company. The second part tells a completely new story; however, it contains multiple references to the previous title. The protagonist is a man named Vito Scaletta, who returns to his home city of Empire Bay after the end of Second World War; the city itself is a virtual creation heavily inspired by New York. Trying to find himself in a new, peaceful reality, Vito picks up jobs for the local criminal underground, gradually climbing up the mafia hierarchy. Apart from traditional shootouts with rival gangs, kidnappings, and getaways, there are lots of extra attractions, such as clothing stores and car customization options. A new game engine significantly improved the graphics and features like day and night cycle.
Metro 2033
Action
March 16, 2010
A post-apocalyptic first-person shooter featuring RPG and survival horror elements, based on the bestselling book written by Dmitry Glukhovsky. It was the first game developed by 4A Games, a studio that consists of developers working previously on the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series. The plot of the game takes place after a nuclear catastrophe that wiped out almost all life on Earth and made the natural environment irradiated and uninhabitable. The only survivors have formed a society, consisting of barely a few thousands of people, living hidden in the tunnels of the Moscow metro. The player assumes the role one of the young inhabitants of the tunnels – Artem, who must get to the central part of the tunnel system and inform other humans of a threat posed by the attacks of mutated monsters. During his journey Artem will face many dangers using a large array of weapons. The game us to choose our preferred combat style – direct confrontation or stealth attacks.
BioShock 2
Action
February 9, 2010
A sequel to 2007's action game BioShock. BioShock 2 was developed by 2K Marin, with the support of Digital Extremes, 2K China, Arkane Studios and Darkside Game Studios. The story is set in the underwater metropolis known as Rapture in year 1968 (eight years after the events of the original game). The player assumes the role of Subject Delta - a Big Daddy prototype. The protagonist has to find the his Little Sister. The administrator of Rapture by the name of Sofia Lamb is trying to prevent it at all cost. The game remains faithful to the original gameplay formula combining FPS elements with certain RPG mechanics. Contrary to the original game though, BioShock 2 offers also a multiplayer experience in the form of seven competition-oriented game modes.
Fallout: New Vegas
RPG
October 19, 2010
Fallout: New Vegas is a spin-off to the famous post-apocalyptic cRPG series. The game was developed by Obsidian Entertainment, studio founded by ex-employees of Black Isle Studios (the creators of Fallout and Fallout 2). The story in Fallout: New Vegas focuses on a conflict between two factions: New California Republic and Caesar’s Legion, with the mysterious Mr. House and the citizens of New Vegas in the middle. The player takes on the role of a courier that saved from imminent death by a friendly robot named Victor. In terms of gameplay mechanics, the game copies the solutions from Fallout 3. Depending on your preferences, you can play either in first or third person perspective. Moreover, a well-proven combat system called V.A.T.S. comes back, letting you pause the game and select a part of enemy body you want to aim at. The visuals are powered by a modified version of Gamebryo Engine, previously used e.g. in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
Action
November 16, 2010
Action-adventure game with stealth elements and the second major installment in the best-selling Assassin's Creed series. The game, created by Ubisoft Montreal, is the second part of the so-called Ezio trilogy. Players can follow the adventures of a Renaissance assassin, Ezio Auditore da Firenze (the protagonist of Assassin's Creed II). Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood is set in Rome - the city of conflicting interests of influential houses and the seat of the villainous Templar Order. The sandbox gameplay structure, well-known to fans of the series, was enriched with a new element – managing local structures belonging to the Brotherhood of Assassins that allow you to recruit and train new members, who can be ordered to aid you in combat. For the first time in the franchise's history, the developers decided to introduce an online multiplayer mode.
Alan Wake
Adventure
May 14, 2010
A psychological horror third-person action game inspired by the works of Stephen King. It was developed by Remedy Entertainment, the creators of the Max Payne series. The game’s protagonist is an author of widely-read novels who decides to go on vacation to the remote town of Bright Falls in hope of overcoming his writer’s block. After just a few days, Alan’s wife goes missing in unexplained circumstances and the writer sets out to find her. It quickly turns out that the picturesque town hides many secrets, similarly to the location of his latest novel. To save his beloved, Alan has to seek out fragments of his own work by exploring Bright Falls, talking to the people he encounters, and facing evil forces that lurk in the dark. In combat, not only firearms will come in handy but also a torchlight and other light sources which deter and weaken the ghosts. The dark atmosphere is intensified by an atmospheric soundtrack.
Mass Effect 2
RPG
January 26, 2010
A sequel to the bestselling action RPG developed by BioWare, continuing the story of Commander Shepard, who nearly lost his life attacked by a mysterious enemy after having beaten the Reapers during the final moments of Mass Effect. Restored to life by an enigmatic organization called Cerberus and considered rogue by his former allies, the protagonist assembles a team of daredevils capable of facing a new threat: the Collectors. In the game, we meet both the characters we met in the prequel, as well as a cast of entirely new heroes with unique physical and biotic abilities. As far as the gameplay mechanics are concerned, greater emphasis was placed on action elements, including a new, dynamic combat system. Character development and the equipment screen were, in turn, slightly simplified. What’s interesting, we can transfer our character from Mass Effect 1 to play the game. In such case, all moral choices will carry over and have some sort of consequences in Mass Effect 2.
Drakensang: The River of Time
RPG
February 19, 2010
The second part of the classic RPG with a third person perspective, embedded in the fantasy universe known from The Dark Eye feature system. In the game we set off with a team from the city of Nadoret on an adventure preceded by plot themes known from the original. Again, magical characters and creatures stand in our way. While exploring new corners of Aventuria we also find new objects or spells.
Mount & Blade: Warband
RPG
March 30, 2010
A standalone expansion to Mount & Blade, a popular game by TaleWorlds Studios, which gained acclaim for being a unique combination of strategy game and action-RPG. The developers responded to community feedback implementing an array of innovations and improvements to enrich the gameplay. First of all, artificial intelligence of commanders and vassals was significantly improved and the diplomacy options were expanded, giving you more control over your lands. Another thing that went through much improvement were the game’s visuals. However, the biggest novelty is the multiplayer gameplay for up to 64 people playing together in one of 7 different game modes. Warband features all locations present in the original Mount & Blade, as well as a brand new faction - the Sarranid Sultanate - and lots of new missions.
Heavy Rain
Adventure
February 23, 2010
An interactive thriller adventure game developed by studio Quantic Dream (Fahrenheit, Omikron: The Nomad Soul). The player controls several seemingly unrelated characters, each with their own storylines and motivations. How the story develops depends greatly on the decisions made by the player as all plots intertwine until they meet at the game's finale. What’s characteristic for the game is its focus on matters of morality and ethics. The developers took extra care to reflect the various types of human behavior and feelings of the characters in as realistic a way as possible. It can be noticed for example in great facial expressions. The game features high quality graphics with spectacular explosions and realistic weather conditions. It also features a pretty grim vibe that successfully builds an atmosphere of sadness and hopelessness.
Call of Duty: Black Ops
Action
November 9, 2010
A first-person shooter, the seventh installment in the Call of Duty series, and a start of a new sub-series. The game was developed by studio Treyarch, the team responsible for Call of Duty: World at War. The story campaign of Call of Duty: Black Ops is presented in the form of flashbacks suffered by the main protagonist, Alex Mason. Having previously worked for the CIA as a field operative, in his memories Mason returns to the age of Cold War. The game offers several single and multiplayer modes, including cooperation and zombie mode. Call of Duty: Black Ops is is powered by modified versions of IW Engine 3.0 and Demonware.
ArcaniA
RPG
October 12, 2010
A spin-off to the legendary Gothic series initiated back in 2001. While the creators of the franchise, Piranha Bytes, focused on developing the Risen franchise, the latest Gothic was developed by Spellbound Entertainment, known for the Realms of Arkania trilogy, among other titles. In the game, we assume the role of a completely new character, a young boy who seeks revenge on a newly enthroned king Robhar III, whose soldiers invaded his home village and murdered its inhabitants. The story is more linear than those of other installments of the Gothic series, although it similarly focuses on exploration, performing quests, and fighting numerous monsters. Depending on the chosen class and development path, the protagonist can specialize in melee combat, archery, or magic. The action is traditionally observed from the third-person perspective, but while in battle the camera is automatically zoomed out, providing the player with a better view on the battlefield.
Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit
Racing
November 16, 2010
Another installment in one of the most popular racing game series, developed since 1995 by Electronic Arts. Criterion Games, a team popular mainly for the Burnout console series, was entrusted with the task of creating this installment. The title of the game refers to the two earlier installments that featured police pursuits, released in 1998 and 2002 respectively. In the game, the player can pick their side and play either as a cop or a racer. A set of gadgets was introduced into the gameplay, emphasizing the arcade nature of the series. Cops can deploy spike strips and set up road blocks, while the racers can use things like radar jammers. As usual, the game features dozens of licensed cars and a soundtrack including numerous popular songs. The Autolog system is a completely new feature, the role of which is to organize a network of players allowing them to compete against each other.
Just Cause 2
Action
March 23, 2010
A continuation to the 2006 action game developed by Avalanche Studios. In the game, we learn the later fate of agent Rico Rodriguez, who set out on another dangerous mission; this time around, to Panau, an island in Southeast Asia. The new installment of the series features nearly unchanged gameplay mechanics, giving the players complete freedom in deciding the quest order and exploration of the climatically diverse isle. Once more, the protagonist runs, jumps, swims, and drives various kinds of land, air, and sea vehicles. Thanks to the enhanced physics, we may enjoy a more realistic driving model, while Rico — beside parachuting — can perform some really reckless stunts. Compared to its predecessor, Just Cause 2 is visibly prettier in terms of graphics. It is also enriched with entirely new vehicles and a myriad of additional weapons.
ArmA II: Operation Arrowhead
Action
June 29, 2010
A standalone expansion to the excellent soldier simulator. The action of the game takes place three years after the clash in Chernarus, and transports the player to the fictional region of Takistan. The task ahead is a simple one – defeat the local leader, who has a sizable army at his disposal. The vanilla production has been expanded with several new weapons and gadgets, including the AH-6X unmanned reconnaissance helicopter. The developers have also enhanced the capabilities of the mission editor.
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands
Adventure
May 18, 2010
Another major installment in the famous action adventure game series. In terms of story, Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands is set between The Sands of Time and Warrior Within, and focuses on the events that caused the drastic, dark change within the Prince. Upon reaching his brother’s realm, the Prince finds the capital city about to fall, besieged by an enemy army. In an attempt to protect the citizens from a massacre, the city’s ruler resorts to using a powerful, yet dangerous magic that eventually turns against him. The game itself is based on the core mechanics of the series. Therefore, we can expect multiple platforming sequences, environmental puzzles, and battles against powerful enemies. An interesting addition is the ability to control the forces of natures, which comes in handy both in combat and when traversing subsequent locations. Of course the series’ landmark feature — the ability to reverse and slow down time — is back. Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands is powered by the Anvil engine, the technology previously used in the two first Assassin’s Creed games.
Napoleon: Total War
Strategy
February 23, 2010
Another installment in a renowned series of spectacular strategy games developed by Creative Assembly since 2000. The game focuses on the character of Napoleon Bonaparte and his military conquests at the turn of the 19th century. The player observes his ups and downs during the Italian, the Egyptian, and the European story campaigns. Completing them allows the player to witness both the rise and the fall of his empire. When it comes to the gameplay mechanics, the game introduces only slight modifications. The game combines all the successful mechanics employed in Empire: Total War with a set of new features, such as the system of army provisions, ship repairs, further extension of diplomacy and the increased role of spies. During the battles, the generals (including Bonaparte himself) are of high relevance, as they are capable of punishing the soldiers and bolstering their spirit. Both the visuals and AI of the units were improved.
Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening
RPG
March 16, 2010
An official expansion for the bestselling RPG game Dragon Age: Origins created by BioWare. The story of the expansion starts a few months after the events that occurred in the basic game. The protagonist is tasked with rebuilding the order of Grey Wardens which was decimated during the great Battle of Ostagar. What makes the quest harder is the fact that, despite the defeat of the powerful archdemon, the dark forces did not return underground and remain a threat for the whole Ferelden. In Dragon Age: Origins – Awakening the player can visit a previously unavailable realm called Amaranthine, encounter never before seen beasts and obtain new specializations, talents, skills and spells. Five new characters and the dwarf Oghren known from the basic game can join the player’s party. One can play the expansion by importing his character from the basic game or by creating a completely new one which will automatically gain the required experience level.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2011
Sports
October 8, 2010
A new installment in the popular football series developed by an internal studio of Konami, led by Shingo “Seabass” Takatsuka. Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 introduces new gameplay modes and improved match mechanics, including new passing mechanics – from now on, the player has to choose the direction and the strength of the pass. The authors reworked tactical options, adding instructions for different phases of the match and the current score, as well as introduced a stadium editor and a gift shop. The game received new animations and improved looks of both stadiums and players. The 2011 edition holds the license for France’s Ligue 1 and Netherlands’ Eredivisie, with the remaining teams maintaining placeholder names.
Sniper: Ghost Warrior
Action
June 24, 2010
A tactical action game which casts the player in the role of an experienced sniper sent on a mission against a political regime controlling Isla Trueno. The game was created by City Interactive (CI Games currently) - a Polish developer popular mainly for such series as Code of Honor or Terrorist Takedown. In Sniper: Ghost Warrior, the player takes part in a series of missions aimed at testing their combat skills. Stealth-action is in the foreground here - the player has to remain silent when eliminating enemies and reach a location allowing the protagonist to neutralize the main target by taking a single precise shot. The game offers advanced shooting mechanics - when taking aim, the player has to keep in mind distance to the target, as well as both direction and power of the wind. Open combat occurs in other missions when the player is accompanied by local rebels. Usually, the player is the one who decides how the protagonist is going to reach the designated spot, as well as in what manner does he complete particular objectives.
Aliens vs Predator
Action
February 16, 2010
Aliens vs Predator is a first-person action game developed by Rebellion. It is a reboot of the popular FPS series released between 1999 and 2002. The game's plot combines elements from two popular comic book and movie series. We can play as a Xenomorph, the Predator, or as a Marine. There are three campaigns available, each of them having its own unique gameplay mechanics. If we choose to play as a Marine, we get a rather typical first-person shooter, where we use state-of-the-art technology to eliminate the alien species. However, playing as either a Xenomoprhs or the Predator is very different, due to the species unique abilities. Xenomorphs, endowed with deadly claws and tail, can walk on walls and ceilings. They can not only kill their enemies, but also assimilate them. The Predator can see in infrared, and is equipped with many useful and deadly weapons, like a plasma caster, spear, or a crossbow.
Battlefield: Bad Company 2
Action
March 2, 2010
A sequel to 2008's Battlefield: Bad Company - an acclaimed shooter game. Again, the game was created by DICE - a Swedish developer belonging to Electronic Arts. In the story campaign, the player is acquainted with further adventures of the titular Bad Company. This time, Privates Preston Marlowe, Terrence Sweetwater, Corporal George Haggard, and Staff Sergeant Samuel Redford are trying to obtain information on a secret scalar weapon capable of deciding the victor in the war between the United States and Russia. The gameplay here is based on spectacular, first-person shooting sequences, during which the player makes use of various weapons and vehicles. Also, the game offers an extensive multiplayer mode featuring a system of ranks and bonuses.
Medal of Honor
Action
October 12, 2010
Another installment in the bestselling Medal of Honor series. This entry is a reboot of the saga, and for the first time in history it takes place in modern times. The game was created by Danger Close studio in cooperation with EA Dice. The former created the single player mode, the latter developed multiplayer mode. In the game the player assumes the roles of two members of elite American forces, Tier 1 and US Rangers. Both teams support each other during the missions. The game takes place mostly in Afghanistan. The main protagonists are trying to neutralize the increasing threat of terrorism. Most of the missions were created based on actual military operations that took place in the region. What’s interesting, the game runs on two different graphic engines. The single player mode was created on an improved but slightly outdated Unreal Engine 3, while the multiplayer mode uses the Frostbite engine, which was used, for example, in Battlefield: Bad Company 2.
RAGE
Action
November 17, 2010
A first-person shooter featuring sandbox elements, set in a post-apocalyptic world. Rage is the first new IP created by id Software since 1996. The action takes place on Earth, though the planet was devastated by an asteroid. The protagonist has to face the new, brutal reality. Making allies among other survivors, they stand up to the military regime in order to fight for their future. The player completes subsequent story missions (rather simplistic) given by one of the parties involved in the conflict. Although the missions themselves follow the patterns established by classic first-person shooters, the protagonist is capable of using various vehicles and parts of equipment. The latter can be crafted by the protagonist, once the player has obtained adequate schematics. The single-player campaign is complemented by two multiplayer modes. The players can take part in classic deathmatches, in which vehicles can be used; they can also participate in scenarios created exclusively for the co-op mode.
Blur
Racing
May 25, 2010
Arcade races in crazy style, enriched with very nice graphics. In production we play the role of a driver standing for a series of races for money. A characteristic feature of the game is the return to the classic improvements located on the route, which modify the behavior of cars. The game will appeal to fans of Mario Kart or other typical arcade titles.
Drakensang: Phileasson's Secret
RPG
August 20, 2010
The first addition to the classic fantasy RPG by Radon Labs. The story tells the story of Asleif Phileasson, with whom we go on a journey through the dangerous continent of Aventuria. In the game you will encounter new characters, locations, spells, objects and magical creatures. The story refers to the Phileasson Saga, from The Dark Eye paper system.
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction
Action
April 13, 2010
Next installment of stealth action game series created by Ubisoft company, with agent Sam Fisher. The plot of the game focuses around searching for murderers of the main hero's daughter. While conducting his own investigation he breaks all the contacts with the agency and his old friends. When Sam receives help from his former colleague from Third Echelon, he doesn't realize that it's just a pretext to drag him back to work in the agency.
NBA 2K11
Sports
October 5, 2010
Twelfth installment of a series of basketball games signed with 2K Sports logo. Players can both play matches by themselves and play in the team manager. In the latter case it is necessary to take care of player training, financial condition of the club, signing contracts and tactical planning. The authors have made a lot of changes to the gameplay engine, which makes it even more realistic.
Gray Matter
Adventure
November 12, 2010
Adventure by Jane Jensen, writer and long-time employees of Sierra company, responsible, among others, for the creation of the famous Gabriel Knight series. The game tells the story of two heroes - the illusionist Samantha Everett and scientist David Styles. The game is about exploring the location, conducting conversations and solving riddles.