I really enjoyed reading this list and Sam's explanations. It helped me to better reflect on exactly which games resonated with me this decade and why (often a matter of when). Still stumped though. I have 11 at the moment and when I compare any two games on that list, my brain explodes trying to understand which should be ranked higher. In any case, FPS are disproportionately represented on my list. Whoops.
It was interesting to see that I don't have any games in common with Sam, but I absolutely can understand the choices. Except Skyrim and Mass Effect 2.
It's certainly a product of how I play/enjoy videogames, but I've always thought those two were overrated; the Witcher 3 may not suit me, but I can still feel the magic in that game that I don't with Skyrim or Mass Effect 2 (of course, I know many many people love them and I'm sure they're great in their ways). Oh well. At least Halo: Reach and Portal 2 hold a special place in my heart and are worthy of being honourable mentions in my top 10/11.
I'm looking forward to starting Gone Home and Celeste in this decade!