10 Best Video Games Of The Decade (So Far)

With the first-half of the decade drawing to an end, now is the time to reflect on the best games of the last five years. During that period, the gaming industry has provided hundreds of magnificent titles, and as a result, it's pretty challenging to decide which are the absolute top tier.

Even though some titles have been phenomenal, they might not leave a lasting impact on the masses. But there are other RPGs, roguelikes and shooters that broke the rules, redefined a genre, or elevated the industry. Each entry on this list had a specific quality that guarantees the gaming community will be talking about them for years to come.

Of course, there's no recipe that guarantees a masterpiece, which is why the best of the best come in all shapes and sizes. Some have photorealistic graphics and are drenched in character development, creating a heart-wrenching and thought-provoking story that hits players right where it hurts. Others keep things simple with aesthetic and plot, but make gameplay as fun as possible.

The 2020s may only be half over, but there are already a few impeccable titles that secured their reputation as the best games of the decade. 

In Supergiant Games' dungeon crawler, Prince of the underworld, Zagreus, has vowed to escape his home to reunite with his mother. Zagreus is sure to die many times on his travels, since he has to go through literal hell to find his mom.

Though this sort of gameplay should be repetitive, it's quite the opposite. The combat is fierce, creative, and adaptable, so players won't mind battling hydras, demons, Furies, and evil pots umpteen times. Each playthrough offers randomised upgrades that varies Zag's combat style and abilities significantly, so it rarely feels tedious.

Also, having our hero die over and over isn't annoying. In fact, it's arguably the best part of Hades. Dialogue from the underworld's denizens is unlocked every time the defiant prince perishes, which expands the lore and develops Zag's relationship with every character. Since Zagreus' deaths can also open new weapons, areas, purchasable items, and upgrades, players may deliberately die, solely to get their hands on more goodies. 

You'll also find yourself enraptured by each character's intricate storylines, especially after speaking for them for hours.  Hades may boast magnificent gameplay, beautiful music, and top-of-the-line voice-acting, but watching your bond grow with the ensemble leaves the largest impression.