My next favorite game of 2010 was Mass Effect 2. Really I should include the first Mass Effect, since the decisions and relationships carry over into the sequel and make both games in the series even better. I felt that the fish tank in Shepard's quarters was a nice metaphor for the rest of the game. You travel around the galaxy collecting your team members and nurturing your relationships with them between missions, in hopes that they will survive the journey.
Design + Direction