My Top 10 Games NOT Featured on the GameFAQs.com Game of the Decade List

Hey all, and welcome to another video game listing. So yesterday I counted down my 10 Favourite  Games Featured on the GAmeFAQs.com Game of the Decade List. You can read that by clicking here. I also did that same listing 10 years ago with the previous decade, you can read that by clicking here.

So GameFAQs nominated their users to choose their favourite games of the decade and narrowed it down to their Top 128. That's a lot of games to be fair. But for me, there were some omissions that deserved some love. This is not taking away anything from the 128 games on the list, these are wonderful games, but I just felt that some other games needed highlighting too. So without any further delay, here are my Top 10 Games of the Decade NOT featured on that list.

#10: Armello

Available On: PC, Playstation 4, XBox One, Nintendo Switch

Original Release: 2015

My Rating: ****1/4 stars

My friend and sister both got me into Armello and I must say it's been a heck of a treat, playing this game. Armello does the perfect job in combining board games with online game play, the way the game plays out you genuinely wouldn't put it past the idea that the game was a board game before a video game. The truth is it's not, it's purely an online game. It had mixed to positive reviews on release but has since developed a strong cult fan base. If you want to try a different strategy RPG style board game, definitely give this a try. It's definitely best played online.

#9: Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy

Available On: PC, Playstation 4, XBox One, Nintendo Switch

Original Release: 2017

My Rating: ****1/4 stars

I've reviewed this game for this website, you can view it here.

I was disappointed when I discovered that neither Crash Bandicoot Trilogy Remaster or Spyro Trilogy Remaster made the GameFAQs list, disappointed and a little surprised. A lot of GameFAQs users are actually a similar age to me (*coughs* early thirties *coughs*) so nostalgia does have a place in some of these placements. Both trilogies were solid remasters and done very well, and for me, Crash Bandicoot just edges it. I think Activision had a difficult job on their hands, ensuring that the games they were remastering were treated will the utmost care, because it wasn't their games when they were released in the late nineties. But they did it complete justice; the gameplay felt fresh yet almost identical to the original, and the addition of certain levels as free DLC and doing the Relic challenges on all three games were lovely touches.

#8: Rogue Legacy

Available On: PC, Playstation 3, PS Vita, Playstation 4, XBox One, Nintendo Switch

Original Release: 2013

My Rating: ****1/4 stars

The first time I heard about this game was actually by my son, he must have been four at the time - genuinely. He said that his Mum plays it at her house and I should give it a go. And honestly, it's a tremendous game. It's a rogue metroidvania game where you try and rescue the king in a randomly generated castle dungeon. You are likely to die many times playing through the game, and every time you do, your child tries to redeem your death, taking your abilities and coin forward to the next generation. It's very child friendly, at moments very funny and has a surprisingly deeper plot than it lets on at the beginning. It's well worth your time if you want to play a platformer that you may not have heard of before.

#7: Doki Doki Literature Club!

Available On: PC

Original Release: 2017

My Rating: ****1/4 stars

I implore you, if you have a PC and a Steam account, download this game. It's free. And whatever you do, don't check out for spoilers, and ride it out. It will take you 2 to 4 hours maximum.

You may start playing the game thinking, what is this? A dating sim? Why am I still playing it? It's cheesy, cringey, fluffy nonsense. Keep playing it. Ride it out. Trust me. The game takes a turn. And when it does, you won't look back. This is one of the scariest games I've ever played. And it's FREE. Download it and play it, please, I beg you. I don't want to say more than that. You won't regret it.

#6: Limbo

Available On: PC, XBox 360, XBox One, Playstation 3, Playstation 4, Nintendo Switch

Original Release: 2010

My Rating: ****1/4 stars

I've reviewed this game for this website, you can view it here.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that Inside had made the Top 128 when nominations game in from GameFAQs users, but shocked when I realised that Limbo didn't make the cut. Out of the two experiences, I would have thought a lot of fans would have chosen Limbo, it's the original, it has a stronger art design and it made a much bigger impact upon release. Both games are incredible of course. If you want to play a game that looks absolutely stunning, full of puzzles and traps, lots of great atmospheric ambience then give this game a go. It's available very cheap nowadays. Again it's not the longest game in the world and can be finished in a few hours, but it's truly a wonderful experience with a plot that has been the topic of many a discussion to what the game truly is about and how it can be interpreted in many ways.

#5: Outlast

Available On: PC, Playstation 4, XBox One, Nintendo Switch

Original Release: 2013

My Rating: ****1/4 stars

When it comes to games on this list that truly surprised me that didn't make the cut, Outlast is definitely up there. While Resident Evil 7 made the list, there are true claims to be made that Resi 7 may not have existed the way it did if it wasn't for the likes of Outlast and PT having the impact they did. PT isn't a game but a demo of course, but Outlast was released and scared the absolute bejeezus out of people. It's truly a terrifying game that needs to be played. It showed horror fans a revitalised way of playing scary games, with the use of darkness, gritty graphics, and feeling truly defenceless. Outlast's camera and battery finding system really was a stroke of genius. Of course Outlast II upped the ante, but for me, the Outlast is the better experience, but both are worth a visit for horror fans.

#4: Until Dawn

Available On: Playstation 4

Original Release: 2015

My Rating: ****1/4 stars

When it comes to a polished horror experience, look no further than Until Dawn. This game mixes novel narration with horror to perfection. Again, I'm very surprised it didn't make the cut because many fans were surprised by how solid this game was. Until Dawn is probably the best "horror cliche" movie turned into video game ever made. What Heavy Rain did for murder and spy drama movies, Until Dawn does with horror movies. It takes its sweet time introducing you to these friends with different personalities and gives you the opportunity to see them all survive or die in the game. It has many great sequences and plenty of gory deaths on offer. Until Dawn is a must play for horror fans in a very different way to how Outlast was above.

#3: Final Fantasy XIII

Available On: PC, Playstation 3, XBox 360

Original Release: 2010

My Rating: ****1/2 stars

I've reviewed this game for this website, you can view it here.

I know this entry will divide people, it divides more Final Fantasy fans than any other entry in the series. I was surprised to see Final Fantasy XV in the 128 games cut but not XIII. For me it's a solid Final Fantasy experience. Is it perfect? No. Is it linear? Yes. But I love the battle system and the story, when you break it down is incredible. The stagger system that's getting so much love in Final Fantasy VII Remake stemmed from the very same stagger system that FF13 introduced. A lot of fans are torn on this game, in the same way why they were torn on XII - for me XIII is a much better game than XII. I'll leave it at that.

#2: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors

Available On: PC, PS Vita, Playstation 4, Nintendo DS

Original Release: 2010

My Rating: ****1/2 stars

I was pleasantly surprised when I read that Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward made the 128 games shortlist. I never expected any of the Zero Escape games to make the list because they have such a cult following. For me, the original game was the best of the trilogy and is a must when it comes to a starting point in this trilogy. If you want to try something different, definitely give the Zero Escape games a go. These games are Japanese visual novels with puzzle gameplay, but have some of the strongest narrative I've ever seen in a video game. In this game nine people are kidnapped and placed on a boat to play a game. The nine people all have numbered bracelets and must try and find ways to survive and escape the ship. Why are they on the boat? What do they have in common? Who kidnapped them and why? It's a great game that is terribly underrated. Do yourself a favour too and don't spoil the game for yourself, play through the games blind in order, starting with this one. The twists and turns throughout the gameplay will keep you guessing throughout the whole game in terms of what is going on.

#1: Detroit: Become Human

Available On: PC, Playstation 4

Original Release: 2018

My Rating: ****1/2 stars

When it comes to defining gaming moments of the decade, Detroit Become Human is very high on my list. I was very happy to see Heavy Rain make the 128 cut, but disappointed when I discovered this game didn't. Is it better than Heavy Rain? Many fans don't think so, but I do. What I love so much about this game is that it creates a bleak but equally possible future for humanity and robots. Robots have taken jobs and will continue to do so. There will be a time in the future when robots will be able to do things to make our lives even easier. Will robots ever become sentient? Many think so. The choices available in this game for its three robots really tests you as a person. Do you want them to be slaves to humans? Should they be sentient? There's that and so much more in this game. I cried during moments of this game in ways I haven't done for a long long time. I have no shame in that. It moved me in so many ways and I'm so thankful to have had this game in my life and it truly was one of the best gaming experiences of this decade, and deserves much more attention.

I hope you enjoyed the list. What for you are the best games of the last 10 years? Comments below are greatly appreciated. Until next time, take care and see you soon!

For the latest updates on my work, follow me on Facebook and Twitter here!

My Top 10 Games Featured on the GameFAQs.com Game of the Decade List

Hey all, and welcome to another video game listing. In fact, this is the same listing I did 10 years ago, but with the last decade rather than the one before. Can you believe that I've had this website for almost a decade??! I can't!

I wrote this exact same article nearly 10 years ago, to read it click here.

So, another decade, another GameFAQs poll tournament. Despite certain articles I've written suggesting otherwise, I do still have a lot of time for GameFAQs and love participating in their tournaments. I'm intrigued to know what will win this tournament. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask won it last time. My guess? Either The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

So these are, to me, my 10 favourite games of the 128 that have been put down for the tournament. Let's go!

#10: South Park: The Stick of Truth

Available On: PC, PS3, PS4, XBox 360, XBox One, Nintendo Switch

Original Release: 2014

My Rating: ****1/4 stars

Just as an aside, this was the last game I thoroughly played on my XBox 360 before I moved on to the Playstation 4.

For me, this game is terribly underrated. I had so much fun playing it, for me it's one of the funniest games ever created. If you're a South Park fan, and you love RPG games, it's a MUST play. It looks and feels like South Park, and the combat system, while takes a lot of inspiration from Final Fantasy X, is solid. It truly was a spectacular game.

#9: Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward

Available On: PC, PS Vita, Playstation 4, Nintendo 3DS

Original Release: 2012

My Rating: ****1/4 stars

I first heard about the Zero Escape games probably about 2 or 3 years ago. I saw the trailer for the first game (Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors) and pencilled it as a game I wanted to play at some point. I actually only played through the games back in December of last year.

I'm telling you now - get the Nonary Games. It's available on PC or PS4. The games are simply incredible when it comes to storytelling, plot twists and keeping you on your toes.

When it comes to individual titles in the series, Virtue's Last Reward is arguably the most famous of the trilogy, but for me, "999" is a better game. That takes nothing away from this title, it's a solid title and well worth your time. The puzzles are intricately detailed and, as stated above, the story is fantastic. My advice however would be to play them in order, although they are an experience individually too.

#8: The Walking Dead: A Telltale Games Series

Available On: PC, Playstation 3, PS Vita, Playstation 4, XBox 360, XBox One, Nintendo Switch

Original Release: 2012

My Rating: ****1/4 stars

This is another game that took me longer to finish than it should. All the Walking Dead video games by Telltale Games are fantastic but unfortunately they couldn't improve on the first series. The story between Lee and Clementine is so beautiful, you forget these are fictional characters. It almost feels real, responding to Clementine's difficult questions during this apocalyptic zombie world. It's a shame that Telltale Games probably won't be making any more games, because I truly don't know if they made a bad game, sure there's some that are better than others, and perhaps none better than this first season of Walking Dead, but they really did know how to work this multichoice narrative style of gaming.

#7: Heavy Rain

Available On: PC, Playstation 3, Playstation 4

Original Release: 2010

My Rating: ****1/2 stars

I'll confess to never having a PS3, in that one generation of gaming I changed my allegiances to the XBox 360. There was always one game that was, at the time, a PS3 exclusive that I always wanted to play, and that was Heavy Rain. It wasn't until it was bundled with Beyond Two Souls and put on PS4 that I finally got to play this absolute gem. When it comes to doing a game in the style of a movie, this game really, for me, is the first to do the narrative drama perfectly. The visuals are stunning for 2010, the music is incredibly fully of suspense, the characters are well acted and animated and, of course, the choices you make were difficult to make and lead to some brilliant plot twists. Heavy Rain truly pioneered this genre and the game still plays brilliantly today.

#6: Resident Evil 7

Available On: PC, Playstation 4, XBox One, Nintendo Switch

Original Release: 2017

My Rating: ****1/2 stars

I've reviewed this game for this website, you can view it here.

Resident Evil 7 returned the series to its roots and boy it delivered well. The game really did go above and beyond grossing us out and making us feel tense again. It had been such a long time since we had those feelings and it was so good. Sure, the game, as it goes on, gets less nervy but in fairness most horror games fall into that trap. I genuinely didn't see the plot twist coming at the end of the game and all the characters played their parts very well. It's well worth your time if you want a fantastic horror game on the modern consoles.

#5: Grand Theft Auto V

Available On: PC, Playstation 3, Playstation 4, XBox 360, XBox One

Original Release: 2013

My Rating: ****1/2 stars

I can imagine some people being surprised that this game "only" got to #5 in my list considering how popular it is. Don't get me wrong this is a blockbuster title and an instant classic. My main issue with this game is that I truly don't think that Rockstar have really elevated the series since San Andreas. That takes nothing away by how damn good it is, but I can honestly say that this game doesn't add much more than the PS2 era games. That all being said it's an absolutely brilliant game, and the best thing about it for me is the three main characters, and, of course, particularly Trevor Phillips, who has become one of the best video game characters of all time. The dialogue, atmosphere and tensions between the three characters is truly a joy to watch and is the main reason why the game is so good. Heists are a big ball of joy too, and some of the side missions are hilarious.

#4: Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver

Available On: Nintendo DS

Original Release: 2010

My Rating: ****1/2 stars

For me, this is THE most complete Pokemon game ever made. I always loved Pokemon Gold and Silver on the Game Boy Color, and loved how it was the only games in the series that allowed you to go to two different locations and get a total of 16 gym badges. I loved the day and night system and it was back in the days where adding 100 new Pokemon or so felt like a big deal. So when it got the remake treatment, I wasn't disappointed. It's still the only Pokemon games that allow you to traverse between two places and get those badges. Also the final battle of the game (as in, the REAL final battle) feels just as epic as it did the first time. The visuals really did make the most of the power of the DS at the time. Simply for me, this is the ultimate Pokemon experience and you must play it if you haven't before and you like what the games have to offer.

#3: Resident Evil 2

Available On: PC, Playstation 4, XBox One

Original Release: 2019

My Rating: ****1/2 stars

For a very long time I wished for a Resi 2 Remake. The original back in 1998 was a truly incredible experience for so many people that I really felt that it could do with a modern touch. And while it falls ever so short of the original in my eyes, this is by far the best Resident Evil game since Resident Evil 4. It's a truly amazing experience, the gameplay so damn slick, the monsters are truly horrifying, the attention to detail in the gore is incredible, specifically when you take out the zombies limb by limb. Tyrant, otherwise known as Mr X is as terrifying as he was back in the day. William Birkin's transformations are so well done. The main thing that lets the game down is the serious lack of a proper "B" campaign for Leon and Claire, they were so good in the original and were a serious afterthought in the Remake. Otherwise, this is the best modern Resident Evil experience we have today and I implore you to play it.

#2: Portal 2

Available On: PC, Playstation 3, XBox 360

Original Release: 2011

My Rating: ****3/4 stars

I've reviewed this game, to read it click here.

Over the past 9 years, two games came out in 2011 that, for me, were truly incredible gaming experiences. At the time I wasn't sure what I preferred, and after a lot of deliberation, I went with Portal 2. Over time my feelings have changed, but that doesn't take anything away from how amazing this game is.

Portal 2 is truly a game you must play before you die. It's gutwrenchingly funny, clever, with excellent plot twists and some of the best puzzles any video game has to offer. It improves on the original in every way possible and delivers a 6-8 hour masterpiece. It's such a damn shame that Valve haven't brought this classic to PS4 because I'd totally buy it for my modern system. Thankfully I have it on my PC to play whenever I boot this damn thing up. Seriously play this game. I mean it!

#1: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Available On: PC, Playstation 3, Playstation 4, XBox 360, XBox One, Nintendo Switch

Original Release: 2011

My Rating: ****3/4 stars

As I stated above, two amazing games came out in 2011 and they're both amazing in so many different ways. I used to say I preferred Portal 2 to Skyrim but now I honestly don't know how true that is. Skyrim has aged like a fine wine (so has Portal 2 but... anyway), and still for me is the ultimate modern RPG experience. Sure there are those who will say that the game was improved by The Witcher 3, but I just don't agree. For me, Skyrim just feels so good, it's close to perfection. I love the stories, the side quests, the levelling up system, the excellent characters but above all, I absolutely love the province that is Skyrim itself. It's such a wonderful place to be, I love the snowy mountains, certain cities in the game, and how this Dragonborn makes such a difference to this part of the world of Tamriel. For me it's simply one of the best games of all time, and the best gaming experience, for me, in the last decade.

Well I hope you enjoyed the list. I'm sure you'll disagree with certain entries and be distraught that some of your favourite games didn't make the cut. What for you are the best games of the last 10 years? Comment below. Until next time, stay safe, take care and see you soon!

For the latest updates on my work, follow me on Facebook and Twitter here!