Games of 2010: No.7

StarCraft 2.

Choosing our favourite games of 2010 was no easy task, with arguments, witchcraft and mathematical equations all being used to take hundreds of games and whittle them down to just 10. Read on for our thoughts on why each game deserves its place and head to our Game of the Year 2010 hub for access to video features and loads of other content.

Neon Kelly, Deputy Editor

Was there any doubt that StarCraft II was going to be worth the wait? There probably was, I suspect, but those naysayers were largely smart enough to keep their mouths shut. StarCraft II manages to feel fresh and original despite the fact that it openly embraces traditional (read: ancient) gameplay mechanics. The RPG-like touches certainly added to the single-player campaign, but it's Blizzard's level of care and attention to detail that allow the game to shine. From the design of the campaign maps to the look and feel of each individual unit, this is one of those rare releases that simply oozes quality from every orifice. It's a clear labour of love, built with its adoring fanbase in mind. In short, it's sensational.

Martin Gaston, Staff Writer

Everything about StarCraft has already been said: Zerg rushes, APM and kekekekekekekeke ^_^. If you ask me it's undoubtedly the best game of the year, but the votes have been counted and the enormous barrier of entry has caused it to be relegated to such lowly status. When it comes to StarCraft, you're either in the camp who love it or you're one of the people who aren't nearly smart enough to play it. I feel sorry for the latter, though it's in the way I imagine God feels when he looks down on the miserable human race as if they were pitiful ants.

Emily Gera - Staff Writer

This game is fast. It's very fast. If you don't enjoy multitasking then this probably isn't the game for you - but if you love thinking on your feet, there are few better feelings than the one you get from creating a perfect build order and then watching it all come together. While occasionally RTS titles can feel a bit distant or mechanical, StarCraft 2's main campaign harnesses the personality of its principle character, Jim Raynor. Out on his ship, The Hyperion, Raynor is nothing but a cool, rough-around-the-edges kind of guy, tired and jaded beyond his years. He creates the narrative structure that each battle falls into, giving solid context to the gameplay. The game's presentational skills have evolved over the years, and StarCraft 2 proves to be another brilliant addition to PC gaming in an era where consoles have taken the industry by the reigns.

For more end of year content, head over to our Game of the Year 2010 hub. Amongst other things you'll be able to watch videos in which we talk about each game in the Top 10.