No matter how much I wish to halt the passage of time, it relentlessly marches forward. It feels like just yesterday the internet was abuzz with debates over the canon of MGS V, PC fans were trying to find flaws in Bloodborne to justify its absence from their platform, and the third installment of Geralt’s adventures introduced Gwent to the world.
Yet it’s daunting to think all this occurred a full decade ago. Today, I invite you to reminisce about 5 projects that have gracefully stood the test of time, making it easy to forget they’ve been with us for an entire decade.
❯ 1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — A benchmark in concluding a career
Even today, certain corners of the internet vehemently argue that the upcoming “Witcher” entry will be narrative debris, lament the portrayal of Ciri, and produce notarized screenshots alleging universe lore desecration in the trailer.
But let’s set aside these futile outbursts and cast our minds back 10 years. On May 19, 2015, the final journey of Geralt of Rivia was released, still remembered as a genre-defining emblem.
Whether this is entirely true is subjective, but let’s consider the facts. Even in its classic form (assuming there’s a graphical remaster available, hypothetically), The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt remains a stunningly beautiful game. The mods available for PC only enhance the experience.
In terms of narrative, the game propelled the trilogy forward with immense variability, influencing the entire Action-RPG industry. Debates over the choice between Yennefer and Triss, as well as the fate of the Bloody Baron, persist to this day.
Additionally, CD Projekt set the gold standard for DLCs with “Hearts of Stone” and “Blood and Wine” — almost standalone games adding dozens of hours of content, remaining deeper than many full-fledged releases even after 10 years.
❯ 2. Batman: Arkham Knight — The dark knight in a world of technology
A decade ago, this game, intended for all the current platforms, showcased that consoles are indeed integral for the gaming world. I wouldn’t be surprised if many experienced their first Steam refund in 2015 due to this game.
The concluding chapter of the epic Arkham trilogy was groundbreaking in every sense. With visuals that still seem next-gen, an atmosphere of a perpetually rain-soaked gloomy city, a perfected combat system, and finally the Batmobile… Well, it wasn’t the coolest, but it was included!
So, what happened with the PC release? It’s simple. Rocksteady (or rather, Iron Galaxy Studios, who handled the port) focused so intensely on delivering a next-gen game that they completely neglected optimization. The release was plagued with bugs, crashes, flickering screens, FPS drops, detective mode glitches, leading players to contemplate purchasing a PS4 where the game ran significantly better.
Thankfully, all these issues have since been resolved, and the game is now fully playable—even having made its way to the Nintendo Switch. And what better occasion than the 10th anniversary of its release to revisit this masterpiece?
❯ 3. Bloodborne — A dark masterpiece by FromSoftware
For a decade now, gamers worldwide have pleaded with Sony for at least a remaster of this collaboration between FromSoftware and the now-defunct Japan Studio. For years, Bloodborne remained a primary reason to purchase a PS4 and now serves as the driving force behind developing a PC emulator.
The allure partly lies in its setting. While Demon and Dark Souls mined typical dark fantasy environments, Bloodborne ventured into Victorian-gothic body horror territory (just the realization of being observed by the projection of the Amygdala is still terrifying, as is the howl of the Cleric Beast) with copious blood, mutations, and exquisite grotesque design.
Excluding the frame rate, the truth is that the game hasn’t aged a day. It remains a fantastic souls-like experience, challenging players to truly understand their actions. It’s a must-play for everyone.
❯ 4. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain — A stealth revolution
It may have seemed that the MGS storyline concluded with the fourth game. However, the brand was far from finished. Following its grand finale, a portable prequel was released (technically a prequel to a sequel), a paid prologue to the pre-sequel, and then came the game that still sparks debates. Some wish it weren’t canon, others believe V is not the numeral but a letter, and then there are those who outright loathe Kojima and Konami for this release.
Understanding the reasons for this chaos would require more than a single long read, so let’s cut to one key point: regardless of MGS V’s narrative failings, in terms of gameplay, it stands as the best in the series and one of the finest in the genre.
Thanks to its freedom of choice, MGS V continues to offer exceptional gameplay experiences. The series’ final game finally moved away from narrow corridors (both literal and narrative) allowing players to PLAN their moves. In some ways, MGS V transformed from a linear stealth action game into a sandbox that encourages experimentation. No longer are players compelled to follow the developer’s intended path. Want to storm an enemy base in a tank? By all means! Looking to complete a stage without taking a life? Absolutely. Prefer entering through a different hole in the fence? Go ahead. I personally know people who continue to play MGS V purely for its gameplay.
❯ 5. Life is Strange — Boys love it, but are shy to admit
These days, it’s fashionable to criticize this series, discussing agendas, propaganda, and the like. But let us refrain from that. At least the first installment is a remarkable story and a snapshot of the era and youth of that time.
Arcadia Bay, a fictional town in Oregon, is steeped in melancholia and secrets. The game’s visual style is a mix of hyperrealism with watercolor strokes, like living pages from Max’s (the main character) diary. Every location, from Blackwell’s academic halls to the cliffside lighthouse, exudes a poetic sadness. It’s a world where even sunlight takes on a nostalgic hue.
The narrative is a blend of detective work, teenage drama, and mysticism. And it’s 100% effective. The game tackles numerous themes, ranging from misguided perceptions of choice to bullying and delusions of grandeur.
Life is Strange is more than a game; it’s an emotional journey. It demonstrates that video games can be profound art, capable of eliciting tears, laughter, and introspection. Its strength lies in its genuine portrayal of growing up, loss, and hope, leaving players with enduring memories of Arcadia Bay as a place where they lived a part of their lives. This story is gripping, and therein lies its magic.
Of course, more than just 5 amazing games were released a decade ago, but these stand out in particular to the author.
And because the author invites you to a discussion! Share your top 5 in the comments and explain what you love about them.
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