Summary
- Third-person shooters like Resident Evil 4 revolutionized single-player games in the 2010s.
- Control and Rise of the Tomb Raider offer unique and immersive experiences.
- Games like Metal Gear Solid 5 and The Last of Us set benchmarks for narrative-driven gaming.
The 2010s saw video games emerge as the dominant form of entertainment, surpassing even film and music. With huge online multiplayer games leading the charge, the industry advanced both technically and narratively. However, one style of game would dominate single-player experiences throughout the decade.
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Third-person shooters often combine several genres, including horror, stealth, adventure, and role-playing. The over-the-shoulder POV was first introduced in 2005’s Resident Evil 4 and would innovate not only the long-running franchise but single-player games for the next decade. This popular gaming perspective immerses players in the character's story, putting them directly into the action, while offering a wide field of view. This style of game allows developers to bring their unique characters to life while offering players tense and exciting action.
10 Control
A Surreal & Stylish Shooter
Control
- Released
- August 27, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Remedy Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- 505 Games
- Genre(s)
- Action, Third-Person Shooter, Supernatural
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Highly inspired by the SCP Foundation creative project and connected to the Alan Wake gaming universe, Control is a fun and stylish third-person shooter. In the game, players take command of Jesse Faden as she searches for her missing brother in Oldest House, a featureless corporate skyscraper, home to the Federal Bureau of Control.
The game presents a non-linear, Metroidvania-style of gameplay, with the player gaining different abilities as they progress, which include telekinesis and flying, that allow greater access to the Oldest House. Control is a very well-designed and atmospheric game, with some great third-person action and memorable set pieces. While Control may not be as critically acclaimed as other games on this list, its fast-paced action, stunning art style, and immersive narrative make this an underrated shooter that is well worth the time.
9 Hitman (2016)
A Return to Form for the Long Running Series
Hitman (2016)
- Released
- March 11, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- IO Interactive
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- Stealth, Third-Person Shooter
First introduced in 2000 with Hitman: Codename 47, the Hitman series has been a mainstay in the stealth genre over the last two decades. Featuring the shiny-headed assassin, Agent 47, the goal of each game is to eliminate various targets without being seen.
In 2016, the Hitman series was rebooted with the World of Assassination trilogy. The first installment, Hitman, was considered a return to form for the series and was presented over several episodes, with each episode taking place in a different large sandbox environment. The game once again follows Agent 47 as he investigates a series of strange assassinations. For fans of stealth gaming, Hitman is a must-play experience, and while the title requires online access at all times, its fun gameplay and easy replayability make it a highlight of the long-running franchise.
8 Rise of the Tomb Raider
The Highlight of the Survivor Trilogy
Rise of the Tomb Raider
- Released
- November 10, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Crystal Dynamics
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- Action
- Platform(s)
- Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC, Stadia, PlayStation 4
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Tomb Raider is undoubtedly one of the most famous names in video game history. The series’ adventure-seeking heroine, Lara Croft, is an icon of the industry, with numerous games and films featuring the beloved character.
In 2013, Tomb Raider became the tenth entry in the franchise and rebooted the series into a grittier survival-adventure-style game. In 2015, Tomb Raider’s fantastic sequel would improve on the game in almost every way. Rise of the Tomb Raider excels in cinematic adventure storytelling, with excellent combat and stealth mechanics, heart-pounding set pieces, and an engaging narrative. Players explore semi-open world areas as they battle with Trinity while searching for the lost city of Kitezh. For fans of cinematic solo adventure games, Rise of the Tomb Raider is one of the best offerings available today.
7 Dead Space 2
A Brilliant & Tense Horror Sequel
Dead Space 2
- Released
- January 25, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Visceral Games
- Publisher(s)
- Electronic Arts
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
The original Dead Space introduced players to the series protagonist, engineer Isaac Clarke, and the horrific (and gory) world of the game. In the game, players are stranded on a deep space mining vessel, called the Ishimura, with a mysterious artifact that turns people into deformed, bloodthirsty monsters called necromorphs. The game’s superb blend of sci-fi action and tense, gory horror made it an instant hit with genre fans.
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Dead Space 2 follows on from the original game's story, with Clarke being taken and held in a facility on Saturn’s moon, Titan. With another marker being created from Clarkes memories, it isn’t long before a Necromorph outbreak decimates the facility. Dead Space 2 is a brilliant sequel to a horror classic, bringing improved gameplay and the same dark and disturbing atmosphere as the original. While subsequent games would fall off in quality (until the fantastic Dead Space remake in 2023), Dead Space 2 remains a classic sci-fi horror experience.
6 Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
One of the Best Stealth Shooters of all Time
Metal Gear Solid 5 The Phantom Pain
- Released
- September 1, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
The ninth installment of the classic Metal Gear series is a fun, action-packed stealth game that brings players to the open-world deserts of Afghanistan and the dangerous jungles of Africa. Set in 1984, players control Venom Snake. After being heavily wounded, Snake continues his mission to stop the evil Cipher organization from developing a new deadly Metal Gear system.
Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain excels in its addictive action gameplay that rewards patience and planning. Slowly picking off enemies throughout an area to achieve the objective is genuinely satisfying, and the larger set pieces are epic and memorable. On release, the game received critical acclaim and was hailed as one of the best stealth games ever made.
5 Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
A Fitting End to a Brilliant Series
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End
- Released
- May 10, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Naughty Dog
- Publisher(s)
- Sony
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Adventure
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
The Uncharted series has been one of the best single-player game franchises of the modern era. Taking obvious influence from the treasure-hunting adventures of Lara Croft, Uncharted would bring a spectacular cinematic style that would ultimately inspire the Tomb Raider reboot in 2013.
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Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End is the perfect send-off to the series and completes Nathan Drake’s adventures with heartfelt storytelling, heart-pounding action, and incredible set pieces. The story follows Drake as he searches for a lost treasure with his once-presumed-dead brother, Samuel. Uncharted 4 brings the semi-open world exploration and addictive action that developers, Naughty Dog, have perfected over their history, and is a must-play for fans of single-player action adventure games.
4 Mass Effect 2
A Classic Sci-Fi Adventure
Mass Effect 2
- Released
- January 26, 2010
WHERE TO PLAY
The second entry to the brilliant Mass Effect trilogy is one of the best third-person shooters of the era. Improving on the original game in almost every way, Mass Effect 2 combines heart-pounding action with immersive RPG elements. In the game, players are taken on an exciting journey across the galaxy, as Shepard and his team investigate the disappearance of human colonies by the mysterious Collectors.
This second entry advances the series’ narrative and character stories while perfectly setting up the dramatic final installment. The game’s fun blend of immersive storytelling, memorable characters, and addictive action makes Mass Effect 2 a high point in the series and a must-play for all sci-fi fans.
3 Grand Theft Auto 5
One of the Best Open-World Experiences Ever
Grand Theft Auto 5
- Released
- September 17, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Rockstar North
- Publisher(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action
- Platform(s)
- Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
GTA is one of the most popular video game franchises of all time. Each new release is a benchmark in open-world design and immersive gameplay. The fifth mainline entry in the series was no different, bringing players to the vast area of San Andreas and the chaotic city of Los Santos. In the game, players take on the role of three main characters in a wild, interconnected story centered around a series of daring heists.
As with all the GTA games, the fifth installment blends fast-driving, action-packed shootouts, a fantastic soundtrack, and Rockstar's razor-sharp wit. Players will meet an assortment of strange and memorable characters as they navigate the vibrant world of the game. While Grand Theft Auto 5 has seen several re-releases across its long lifespan, it remains one of the best open-world, third-person experiences on the market.
2 The Last of Us
A Benchmark in Narrative-Led Video Games
The Last of Us
- Released
- June 14, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
The Last of Us was a groundbreaking release for narrative-led video games. Combining tense horror, stealth gameplay, and challenging action, this classic title excels in every department. The game follows the story of Joel, a broken and dangerous man, who is tasked with taking young Ellie across post-apocalyptic America in the hopes of saving the world.
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With deeply emotional storytelling, the game takes players on an unforgettable journey as players face off against bands of raiders and the ever-present infected. The Last of Us is widely considered one of the greatest video games ever made and was followed by a powerful sequel and a popular TV adaptation.
1 Red Dead Redemption 2
A Deeply Immersive & Emotional Gaming Classic
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Released
- October 26, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Publisher(s)
- Rockstar Games
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
One of the greatest achievements in video game history, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a stunning open-world adventure filled with immersive detail, memorable characters, and compelling narratives. A prequel to Red Dead Redemption, players take on the role of Arthur Morgan, a loyal member of the Van Der Linde outlaw gang, as they complete jobs and avoid the law in a massive open world.
RDR2’s vast western backdrop is stunningly designed and offers a sense of realism few games achieve. The game's pace is noticeably slower than many third-person shooters, which adds to the overall immersion of the setting. In addition, the game's story is expertly crafted throughout its substantial playtime, with numerous side quests and random encounters found along the way. Red Dead Redemption 2 allows players to experience the old West like never before. The game presents a deeply emotional and captivating story that will stay with players long after completion.
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