Best Games of 2010 
The Best Games of 2010
In a community like RPGG, a lot of buzz is generated by upcoming products and evaluations of the latest and greatest in our hobby. The truth is that there are hundreds of RPGs released each year and only a few survive long enough to become memorable. These games have been consistently popular since their release and, being the latest and greatest, are good ideas for the gamer who has everything.
Deathwatch
Another in the popular Warhammer line, Deathwatch casts players as Space Marines, the violent, sometimes noble, sometimes vicious defenders of the Terran Empire. Their opponents are numerous and come in many forms, but when geared up for battle, a Space Marine is less a warrior and more a force of nature.
- Ages: 15+
- Availability: Local Games Stores and Online (Amazon among others)
- Price: $59.95
- Reviews
- by Aidan W.
Doctor Who: Adventures in Time and Space
Based on the world's best and longest-running Science Fiction TV show, Doctor Who: Adventures in Time and Space allows the players to adopt the roles of characters from the series or create their own Time Lord and TARDIS for the purpose of do-gooding all over the galaxy. The game is easy to learn and play and features a fun, cinematic combat system that mirrors the show's ideology.
The Dresden Files
Hot on the heels of the best selling novels and TV show, The Dresden Files thrusts players into the darkness-filled world of Harry Dresden, where they use their experience of the supernatural to help those less fortunate. The game is powered by the innovative and popular FATE engine and won two prestigious 'Golden Geek' awards this year (for best Roleplaying Game and Best Art).
Fiasco
A game about criminals with character, Fiasco is about events spinning out of control, a spiral of chaos caused by seemingly innocuous events. Using a dynamic, GM-less system and drawing inspiration from various heist films, particularly those of the Coen brothers, this is not a game for the faint-hearted or innocent.
Pathfinder
Pathfinder was designed based on thousands of pieces of feedback from fans on how to improve D&D. Combining those elements into an exciting, dynamic world with an evolving storyline, the game's creators have scored a massive hit with the fans. Pathfinder is about options, power and high fantasy - all desired by gamers the world over!
- Ages: 17+
- Availability: Local Games Stores, Borders and Online (Amazon among others)
- Price: $49.95
- Reviews
- by Paco Jaen
Collectible Games
As time goes by, certain games become harder and harder (and thus more desirable) to find. Their enduring popularity and the challenge of obtaining them makes these games very difficult to get, but most gamers would be thrilled to get their hands on a copy. You'll have to do a little searching, but if you can get them, these will make someone very happy these holidays.
7th Sea Player's Guide
Avast, me hearties! 7th Sea be the piratical game of choice here on the good ship RPGGeek and this book be what ye need to play it! Arrrrr! Also allowing players to take on the role of Musketeers, Shapeshifters and Slavers amongst others, this is a fantastic game if you can find it.
- Ages: 14+
- Availability: Online
- Price: $50+
- Reviews
- by Styfen
Beyond the Mountains of Madness
Deep in the Antarctic, there is a range of mountains that dwarf even the greatest peaks known to man. There, an expedition has uncovered something hideous and shaking about the origins of mankind, something which must remain a secret if we are to survive. A campaign for Call of Cthulhu, this is highly desirable and hard to find.
- Ages: 17+
- Availability: Online
- Price: $150+
- Reviews
- by Eric Dodd
Castle Zagyg: The Upper Works
Designed by Gary Gygax, creator of Dungeons and Dragons, this adventure module was published for only a short time before Gygax's passing. Being the last work he produced, it quickly became collectable and is now very hard to find as well as being quite good, apparently!
Pendragon
Pendragon allows players to become knights in the service of King Arthur Pendragon, battling the Saxon foe and doing chivalric deeds of the highest order. Against them stand the forces of darkness and sorcerous evils uncounted by man! While not as famous as some of the bigger fantasy games, Pendragon offers a sense of history that many others don't capture.
RPGs For Kids
Gaming stereotypes of the past are based on the period when roleplaying games were invented and the marketing campaigns of the 1980s that targeted teenagers. In fact, the origins of roleplaying can be traced back to childhood games like 'Cowboys and Indians' and 'Peek a Boo' and many roleplayers are now in their 30s and have children. Playing these games with children is a joy and they will please any roleplaying Dad or Mum.
Faery's Tale
In Faery's Tale, the players are sprites, brownies or other forest spirits from the fairy tale realm of Brightwood. They encounter other creatures from such stories and progress to become princesses or knights in this enchanting storytelling game. It can be played 'freestyle' or with dice mechanics.
Meddling Kids
Mysterious things down by the lake? Strange stuff going on at school? Only one person can solve this mystery... YOU! Meddling Kids is designed as an introductory roleplaying game based on traditional Saturday Morning cartoons like Scooby-Doo and Josie and the Pussy Cats. It has appeal for children of all ages.
Happy Birthday, Robot!
In Happy Birthday, Robot, players take turns writing the story of Robot's birthday.How many words you'll get to write is determined randomly - how much can you say in four words? How much can your friends add in just three? What will Robot's birthday be like? Will Robot meet new friends? Go to outer space? You decide, one roll at a time!
- Ages: 10+
- Availability: Local Games Stores and Online
- Price: $15 - 25
- Reviews
- by Joshua Rensch
The Princes' Kingdom
In The Princes' Kingdom, you are nine years old! You just had a birthday and your brothers gave you a puppy. The three of you are seeing the world from your very own boat. You are the sons of the King of Islandia - and you are the only three that can stop the war. The Princes’ Kingdom is a game about children, adults, and ideals that uses a simplified version of the rules from Dogs in the Vineyard
Note: this list was extracted from the 2010 RPG Gift Guide.
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