This past year was a big deal in the world of video games. Whether you are a hardcore gamer, a casual on the go gamer, or anything in between, there was plenty of merchandise to keep you busy.

If you love video games, then 2010 was a big year for you. Titles such as Halo Reach, Starcraft 2, and Call of Duty: Black Ops were some of the most anticipated games of the year. And for the casual gamer, you weren’t left in the dark. Games like Plants vs. Zombies and Robot Unicorn Attack were cheap and fun to play on the go.

While waiting for 2011 to start rolling out more games, this map will provide both the dedicated and casual gamer with a guide to the games from 2010. (Click the image on the right to enlarge)

In the know

Get familiar with a few popular 2010 games

Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood

Not only is this a great action game, but the multiplayer experience is unlike anything seen before. Instead of using firepower and your trigger finger, Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood is all about stealth and patience. Although that may seem boring, this style of multiplayer offers a surprisingly intense experience, as you are constantly on the edge of your seat.

Mass Effect 2

This space-age sci-fi fantasy is one of the most popular and innovative role-playing games (RPG) on the market. It combines the elements of a third-person shooter with the use of an RPG to make an exciting hybrid video game. But what will really keep you hooked is the storyline. Mass Effect 2 is a character-driven story that you’ll find similar to watching a movie you never want to end.

StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty

After 12 years of waiting, StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty is finally among us. Blizzard, which also developed World of Warcraft, does not disappoint. The single-player storyline is one of the best so far in any real-time strategy game (RTS). The multiplayer experience can be frustrating if you are new to the game of StarCraft, but the single-player will be enough to keep you busy for a long time.

Dance Central

Dance Central is one of the first of a batch of games to utilize the Xbox 360 Kinect technology. This controller-free game will get you off your couch and dancing around your living room with friends. This is a unique music game which is fun for both the amateur and professional dancer.

Sonic 4: Episode 1

Sonic is back, and this time it’s a game worth playing. If you are a fan of the original Sonic games on the Sega Genesis, then you will love Sonic 4: Episode 1. The best part is that this is only the first of many installments for the arcade game. It is only playable by download through Xbox Live, Playstation Network, WiiWare or PC.