The PC, as a gaming platform, has had something of a tumultuous history. Despite struggling somewhat in the early 00's thanks to console competition, the popularity of digital downloads and online multiplayer has thrust PC gaming back into the spotlight in recent years. By far the most dynamic gaming platform available, the PC has the advantage of being totally open in comparison to the consoles. This has not only allowed indie developers to more easily release their games on PC, but it's also given players the opportunity to release mods - labours of love that can change the original game significantly. In this list, we've put together the greatest games ever released on PC, from early 90's classics to modern hits. There's a lot of choice when it comes to the three decades or so of PC gaming history, and we've had cut some of our favourites, but every title in this top 20 has earned its place in one way or another.
20. Mass Effect 2
The original Mass Effect was an incredibly good game, beginning what would become one of the most beloved sci-fi franchises ever. It was the equivalent of Star Wars Episode IV, introducing a unique, compelling universe, with a tightly focused story. Mass Effect 2 was The Empire Strikes Back though, taking what made the first game great, and expanding upon it in every way. Completely redoing the clunky combat system and vastly improving the graphics, Mass Effect 2 was a total joy to play from start to finish. Rather than rushing from one planet to the next towards a specific end goal, Mass Effect 2 felt more like playing an epic space opera television series, with an episodic approach to questing. Despite the third game's ending spitting in the face of fans, Mass Effect 2 and its predecessor truly cemented the series as one of the all-time greats.
