Top 10 Best PS3 Games of 2010

The Playstation 3 is not the most popular console, nor is it the most affordable. However, it is my favorite, and arguably, it is the prettiest in terms of graphics. It's always difficult to pick select favorites from among many strong contenders, many of which are a wholly new experience on a PS3, simply because of the level of detail that is available. While this isn't true all the time, it's true enough that there are some multi-platform games which are best experienced on this console. And of course, there are some clearly standout PS3 exclusives, as well, and 2010 was a big year. Check out the list of top 10 best PS3 games of 2010, including major releases as well as some indies available on PSN. 

#10 Nier 

A father, a foul-mouthed lingerie-wearing possessed woman, and a magical talking book must team up to save the life of a little girl, and drive evil from the land. This title, a recent but often overlooked release from Square Enix has been fairly divisive among players. Those who like it appreciate the top-notch soundtrack and general environment of the game, which is rather like some of the later Final Fantasy titles, but without the turn-based combat. Common criticisms from detractors usually have to do with one of three things: 1) There are a few bosses which can only be defeated with very specific actions, and often have a stun lock attack which gets frustrating very quickly. 2) The mode of gameplay temporarily shifts several times throughout the game to other formats, including overhead perspective and even text-based at one point, and for no readily apparent reason. 3) The fishing quests are notorious for being very difficult. However, if the player follows the red "X" on the map and fishes from the correct spot, these quests are not so bad, and the correct fish is eventually granted by the game if the player is having too much trouble, in the interest of time. On the whole, this title is worth a shot for any fantasy RPG fan, particularly for those interested in post-apocalyptic scenarios with slight steampunk leanings. 

#9 Bioshock 2 

In this first person shooter sequel, the player assumes the role of a Big Daddy, a presumably human being whose guts and skin have been grafted into a diving suit, who has no memories of the events of the previous game, and who knows only to look for the Little Sister with whom it was paired, named Eleanor. Naturally, Sofia Lamb is threatened by this, though it seems a small thing at first, in light of the grandiose plans she has, and so she sends out her minions, the Rapture Family and new creatures call Big Sisters. 

      Most of the weaponry available to the player is similar to that of Big Daddies in the first game. There's a rivet gun, ability enhancing plasmids and tonics, and of course, the giant drill. Players are also faced with a similar ethical dilemma as was experienced in the original Bioshock in that they can engage other Big Daddies and either kill or adopt the subsequent Little Sisters. If the players opts to kill the Little Sister, more ADAM will be gained. If the players adopts the Little Sister, she will lead him around to more ADAM (found on corpses), but the player will be responsible for defending her in attacks. 

      With 8 different additional multiplayer modes, this game has a lot of replay value after the single player campaign is through. Additionally, there are quite a few downloadable expansions and campaigns for single player mode out at this point, which gives the game added appeal. 

#8 Deathspank 

This title, released by Hothead for PC in October of 2010, is potentially going to be the most controversial on my list, due to the fact that this game was not particularly high profile, and a lot of folks dismissed it due to the cartoonish graphics, and that it includes clear elements of an RPG. However, both the original Deathspank and the sequel, Thongs of Virtue have been some of my favorite games this year, and I would argue that at best, the mode of gameplay, which is similar to Diablo, is and RPG-action hybrid. It certainly helps that the dialogue is full of cheeky smartarsery, and the world in which Deathspank exists is so absurd that after a while, players don't bat an eye when given quests which involve collecting unicorn feces or buying felt from a traveling salesman. While the original is more heavily dependent on melee weapons and features a more RPG-oriented aesthetic (unicorns, right?) the second game takes place during a war which references WWI and features more ranged weapons and a few science fiction elements, as well.  

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