Top PC Games by Collective Ratings of the past 5 years? [closed]

Question

I've built my first near-top of the line desktop PC in a decade and have some serious catching up to do. I'm interested in recommendations regarding time-tested classics from the past half-decade.

My initial list is:

• Portal
• Half-life 2
• Mass Effect 1/2
• BioShock
• Fallout 3

I enjoy just about every genre besides RTS games. However, since I didn't have suitable hardware I stopped following the PC gaming scene around about 2005. Thus, I ask you, dear friends, for some help.

(Note - I've read the FAQ and hope that the specificity of the question combined with my good faith effort to provide the beginnings of an answer put this query in the clear)

Asked by n/a

Answer

Based on the review aggregator Metacritic:

• Best games of 2006
  • Top rated: Out of the Park Baseball 2007 (sports simulation)
• Best games of 2007
  • Top rated: The Orange Box (first person shooters)
• Best games of 2008
  • Top rated: Galactic Civilizations II: Twilight of the Arnor (turn based strategy)
• Best games of 2009
  • Top rated: Batman: Arkham Asylum (third person stealth)
• Best games of 2010
  • 2010 isn't over yet ;)

Just make sure you take reviews with a grain of salt or maybe two.

Answered by n/a

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How to find out about overlooked/underrated games?

Question

Often the most interesting/innovative games don't really get the attention they deserve - at least when it comes to mainstream media.

Some examples of PS3 games include Folklore, Overlord II or Brütal Legend which did not really get the best reviews and were mostly commercial failures. Nevertheless these games are something special with a large fanbase.

Now here's the question: How do I find out about such games (not limited to PS3)?

It appears that sites like Metacritic don't work in those cases because these games usually don't get high review scores.

Are there specialized sites out there that feature lists of such (future) cult classics?

Answer

Ask your friends. Seriously, that's how the best games you've never played get played, by people spreading the word to their friends.

I suggest this over "google it" because there are lots of game genres that may have underrated or overlooked games. I don't care much for the best underrated car racing game, for example. Your friends are more likely to care about game genres you care about.

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