Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a stunning campaign. Telling the story of a derelict group of outlaws, this game offers a deep narrative experience. As tensions rise between the increasingly unwelcome outlaws, players can witness the end of the Wild West.
While the campaign received almost unanimous praise for both story and gameplay, the online mode is a different story. Seeing protests from players because of the lack of content, this online mode has been disappointing to loyal fans of Rockstar. There are more rewarding online experiences on the market that succeed where this western has failed.
10 Grand Theft Auto V
Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto V contains one of the best online experiences on the market. Grand Theft Auto Online lets its community explore Los Santos with their own custom characters. A litany of activities await players when they head online. These include races, deathmatches, and trips to the casino. The most notable online experience, however, is the Grand Theft Auto Online Heists. Here, four players team up to complete a large scale criminal plot. If they are successful, players are rewarded with large amounts of cash. These missions are equally challenging and exciting, offering several different ways to approach them.
9 Star Wars Battlefront II
Star Wars Battlefront II is known for one of the most infamous launch stories in gaming history. Initially, it contained a pay-to-win system that locked iconic Star Wars characters and upgrades behind paywalls. This game sparked outrage within the gaming community. The backlash forced the developers at DICE to make substantial changes to the way the game functioned. Since its launch in 2017, it has evolved to become an online experience well worth investing in. Available now far below retail price, gamers can enjoy a game with far more content. One that has removed the predatory business model originally included.
8 Portal 2
Valve's Portal franchise is known for its comedic dialogue and cleverly designed puzzles. Portal 2 takes the original's design expertise and expands upon it. With more content and endearing characters like Wheatley and GLaDOS to explore, Portal 2 gives players plenty to enjoy.
There is also a cooperative experience in Portal 2. In this mode, robots P-Body and Atlas controlled by two different users must work together with their portal guns to find a solution to a gauntlet of puzzles, all while GLaDOS mocks her test subjects. Those looking for fun with a friend will love this set of brain teasers.
7 Assassin's Creed Brotherhood
Currently, the Assassin's Creed series only focuses on narrative experiences. This hasn't always been the case though. Back in 2010, the Assassin's Creed series expanded upon its offering. Ubisoft decided to include a multiplayer mode with the release of Brotherhood. This Animus training module saw Templars hunt down adversaries among a crowd of lookalikes. Each player was given a human target. Assassins had to distinguish the player from the AI crowds they were trying to hide within. The multiplayer in Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood afforded a more tactical way for players to competitively play.
6 Overwatch
2015's Game of the Year, Overwatch, offers a team-based shooter. This game can be played both competitively and casually. Overwatch pits teams against each other vying for objectives. With several classes of characters, those being DPS, Tanks, and healers, teams will have to select characters that best compliment each other. This online game contains 32 unique heroes to choose from. Each of these characters is completely unique from the other. With Blizzard consistently adding heroes and maps, the game has seen substantial support over the past five years.
5 Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Sackboy: A Big Adventure provides a family-friendly multiplayer experience. Each level allows up to four users to play together. On top of this, some levels require at least two users to work together. Sackboy and his partner will need to use their skills to complete the level using a handful of platforming skills introduced in this spinoff. Local coop is currently the only option, but Sumo Digital, the game's developer, plans on adding the online cooperative mode by the end of 2020 for everyone to enjoy.
4 Titanfall 2
The criminally overlooked FPS Titanfall 2 was forgotten by many due to an oversaturation of the FPS market. Releasing in between Battlefield 1 and Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, Respawn Entertainment's second entry in the Titanfall franchise received very little publicity.
Boasting exciting jet-powered traversal and incredible mecha gameplay, fans of this series can attest to this lovingly crafted FPS. Those looking for a shooter with deeper gameplay should give this game a shot.
3 Rocket League
Combining soccer and racing, Rocket League, became an indie darling after releasing in 2015. Players boost and catapult towards a giant ball, trying to score the most goals in before time expires. With gameplay that is easy to pick up, but difficult to master, Rocket League lets all who play enjoy a high-octane experience. This game recently switched to a free-to-play model, meaning anyone can enjoy rocket-powered soccer matches free of charge. Those interested in supporting developers, Psyonix, can buy the season pass for access to cosmetics to personalize their cars.
2 Uncharted 4
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End is known for being a worthy sendoff for Nathan Drake. The final adventure of the series protagonist garnered a heartfelt response from fans old and new. Not only is there a story mode in Uncharted 4, but there is also a multiplayer mode. Up to 10 players can engage in combat using the same mechanics from the single-player experience. A large selection of characters from the franchise can be selected and customized while playing as well. For those who enjoy third-person shooters, Uncharted 4 offers an excellent competitive experience.
1 Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time
The latest entry in the Crash Bandicoot series introduces several multiplayer modes. Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time features a Checkpoint Race. Here, up to four people can compete for the best times on checkpoints or entire levels. Not only this, but players can enjoy Crate Combo, a variant that lets bandicoots battle to see who can smash the most crates in a level. This mode is entirely new to the franchise. Even so, it is a welcome addition that lets friends compete in this stellar platformer.