Ten years have gone by, and now it’s time to list the Duck’s ten very favorite games from the last decade, ranging from horror to Metroidvania to expansive adventure and platformer games.  The last decade saw the release of some pretty amazing games from well-known series, along with a whole bunch of amazing indie gems.  Trust me, dear readers, there are at least a few games here that I think you’ll want to add to your wishlist.

10: Luigi’s Mansion 3 (2019) – It may not be without its flaws (too bright for a “horror” game and the ghosts are generic), but boy, did I have a blast with Luigi’s Mansion 3 when it first came out.  Exploring The Last Resort, a towering haunted hotel of 17 stories with a variety of themes was so much fun.  Plus, sucking ghosts up in a vacuum never gets old.

9: Spiritfarer (2020) – This bittersweet resource management game is all about death, but it’s not nearly as dismal as one might expect.  You play as Stella, whose job is to ferry the spirits of the dead to the afterlife.  But first, you will get to know each and every spirit on your boat, build them a home, tend to their needs, and finally, help them to move on.  Now, just because this game is not depressing, don’t think you won’t need a lot of tissues…

8: Little Nightmares 2 (2021) – Both Little Nightmares games (a third should be released this year, I‘ve heard) are chilling horror games with a great atmosphere, in which you are tiny, and the world and its grotesque monsters tower over us.  Although I’ve never fully understood the story behind these games, that only makes them even more eerie and unsettling.  Both games are awesome, but the second is just a bit better and, hence, has earned its place on this list.

7: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017) – Yes, since the release of Tears of the Kingdom, this is no longer the biggest Zelda game to date.  And sure, TotK had more content.  But BotW shouldn’t be forgotten as the game that paved the way for future open-world Zelda games.  I had such good memories of exploring this massive version of Hyrule that I won’t soon forget.

6: Super Mario Odyssey (2017) – Super Mario Odyssey is truly an amazing 3D platformer, and I know it’s not just my preference for this genre influencing me here.  This game was a major contributing factor to me buying a Switch, and it was well worth it.  The worlds are just massive and unique, and Mario’s new ability to…possess enemies with Cappy, his sentient hat, just made the gameplay so much more interesting.  Come on, Nintendo, we need a sequel!

5: Ori and the Will of the Wisps (2020) – Although the first game, Ori and the Blind Forest, is pretty amazing, as well, the second game is just a bit better, with more freedom to choose where we go next and fewer annoying chase sequences.  Both Ori games, however, are beautiful 2D platformers with poignant stories, challenging gameplay, and gorgeous graphics set in natural environments.

4: Hollow Knight (2017) – This difficult Metroidvania takes place in the world of bugs, or more specifically, the ruins of Hallownest after its inhabitants were wiped out by a vile infection.  I had so many amazing hours exploring this hostile underground world and learning what happened here.

3: Subnautica (2014) – Subnautica is an underwater survival game unlike any other.  My experience dealing with the aquatic horrors of alien planet, 4546B, was terrifying, especially considering my thalassophobia (and the multitude of glitches and crashes)!  But facing my fears, building my undersea base, and exploring this hostile ocean was quite the experience.  I get uneasy just thinking about it…

2: Undertale (2015) – Undertale is a groundbreaking RPG that gives you an option no other game before it does.  Sure, you can defeat your foes like any other game.  Or…you can show mercy and spare everyone.  Undertale was easily one of my favorite gaming experiences of the last decade, with unique gameplay, a compelling story, and lovable characters. 

1: Outer Wilds (2019) – Outer Wilds is a bit like Majora’s Mask or the movie Groundhog Day.  But in space.  By repeating a 22-minute time loop ending in a supernova, you must explore the solar system and try to solve the mystery of the Nomai and the time loop.  Due to the nature of this game, you can only really play once, but boy, is this one of the most amazing gaming experiences of my life.  I don’t really know how to properly convey how truly unique this game is, but just trust me, it’s the biggest must-play of the decade!