Another Top 10 Most Addictive Video Games

Despite the sci-fi genre being rather saturated as of late, this series stands far above the rest as both a real-time strategy game as well as an excellent example of a compelling space-faring narrative. But then again this is Blizzard, so what else would you expect? Whether you’re enthralled by the story of humanity’s fight against the insectoid threat of the Zerg, or are just a diehard fan of its outstanding online multiplayer that has even spawned several world championships still going to this day, time has done little to diminish this game’s staying power. After all this did give us the awesomeness that is Sarah Kerrigan.

Very few of us will ever actually reach the legendary status of rock star, but thanks to this franchise we all felt like we gods on the guitar from the comfort of our own living rooms. With nothing but a plastic guitar, hundreds of classic rock tracks to choose from and endless determination, players were given the chance to rock out in such a way that other music related games have yet to match. Of course you have to pace yourself, you might think you’re just going in for a casual strum, but next thing you know you are spending days on end trying to best Through The Fire and the Flames on Expert Mode!

Blizzard strikes again, and this time they created a modern phenomenon that not only was critically adored but had legions of fans all over the world dying for the chance at another match. Despite lacking any kind of single-player story mode, the sheer scope and success of its multiplayer stands as a testament at how by just getting one thing oh so right makes up for everything else. Especially when it comes complete with such a colourful cast of characters. Whether you’re forever sticking to the idea that Mei is bae or are well-versed in them all, this game proved that you really can never have too much of a good thing.

While its later sequels are no strangers to success, this particular entry in Nintendo’s mass collaboration of their greatest hits was so packed with content that any fan of Mario, Zelda, Metroid and the rest could easily lose themselves in it. Single player mode gave us a series of heated battles as well as a truly epic final boss in the form of Master Hand, not to mention a series of increasingly difficult challenges to overcome. All the while Multiplayer truly took advantage of four-player free-for-all, undoubtedly offering countless hours of fast paced fighting and killing many friendships in the process.

Anyone remember this little gem? Sure it may not be the MMORPG on everyone’s lips these days but it still has a dedicated fanbase, largely due to its initial appeal of crafting, exploring and combat. With several fantastical regions, each containing a whole variety of challenges to overcome, as well as gameplay and graphics that have been subject to constant updates and expansions for over a decade now, its core audience has managed to flourish. It may be classic in its approach, but there’s no denying its popularity or its wide-reaching appeal!

Much like Blizzard, Valve know a little something when it comes to making excellent games, and when they’re not filled with rich storytelling chances are they will go onto become MOBAs and eventual eSport sensations. Cultivating an intense following, its fast paced, five player RTS mechanics have dominates the genre, along with a huge roster of heroes for any wary newcomers to find their groove, it’s showing no signs of losing its fanbase. After all, once you’ve taken down the opposition’s Ancient, you’re going to have a hankering to throw yourself into the next match as soon as possible.

What’s a thousand times more awesome than your average soccer video game? Adding race cars with built in rocket engines, of course! This relatively simple premise was so effective that it practically exploded, providing an outlet for gamers to play against their friends in vast online tournaments and test out their mad skills with customizable vehicles in several stunning arenas. Even if you hate sport and driving related games, once you start scoring goals and nailing those sick tricks chances are just one game won’t be enough, no matter how many times you might be tempted to rage quit.

There’s nothing quite like arming yourself with ridiculously large weapons in order to take out an even more ridiculously large beast and claim their hide’s to build even bigger ridiculously large weapons and so on and so fourth. Taking this tried and tested formula of its predecessors and making full use of the 3DS, this edition in the Monster Hunter franchise not only gave us the always essential online multiplayer feature but also a greater emphasis on storytelling and exploration. Of course, the real treat comes from the creatures you have to face, and with bosses like the Rajang standing in your way, just one hunt isn’t going to cut it.

You’ve undoubtedly poured countless hours into the main story and side activities of GTA V. Maybe on some small level you think you’ve completed everything? Well toss that thought out the window as the game’s online mode has so much more to offer. As a fully customizable, original character, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a persistent open world version of Los Santos and cause as much chaos with other players as you see fit. Whether its engaging others in massive firefights on land, sea or sky, taking on contact missions or just taking a luxury drive, the continuously added content has ensured that even after you’ve said goodbyes to Trevor and company your fun is far from over.

Before we reveal our number one pick, here are a few honourable mentions.

“FTL: Faster Than Light” (2014)

“Football Manager” series (2004-)

This icon of gaming may be basic in its mechanics and singular in its content, but be honest, after those bricks start falling could you resist seeing it through to the end? Ever after over thirty years, Tetris still has all the makings of a truly addictive game if you ever get tired of modern gaming’s complexities and just fancy testing you wits in this basic yet oddly frustrating tile-matching puzzler. It paved the way for all other hits of the genre and still manages to stand its ground in the wake of numerous reimagining’s and copycats. Talk about timeless.