While 2020 was an awful year not just for gaming but the Coronavirus but there were plenty of good games that help us get through the pandemic. Here are the Ten Best of the Best in Video Gaming of the Year 2020.
Rules:
- European Releases Only
- Cyberpunk 2077 despite being a good game got a disastrous launch on consoles so it can't be allowed here
- Only good games that deserved a spot for this list are allowed
10: Spider Man Miles Morales
Platform: PlayStation 4/PlayStation 5
Developer: Insomniac Games
Insomniac games brought us perhaps one of the best Superhero experiences in recent memory with the 2018 Spider Man and they return to deliver us a more thrilling experience with the follow up. This early into the PlayStation 5's life and it is an all around fantastic package with gameplay elements retained from the 2018 Spider Man but also it adds Venom powers which adds a risk versus reward system where you either use it to heal or unleash devastating attacks or to use camouflage for stealth. Sure the PS4 version might be as optimized as the PS5 version but the excellent gameplay, fantastic presentation and storyline make it an easy recommendation.
9: Astro's Playroom
Platform: PlayStation 5
Developer: Studio Japan
Astro's Playroom is a platforming tech demo that comes with every PS5 and for something built in for free it shows off the incredible technology and capabilities of the PS5 and DualSense Controller. Many of the levels are additive and fun, the graphics are absolutely gorgeous and how the gameplay feels on the controller is a spectacle to behold.
8: Spiritfarer
Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, XBox One, Stadia
Developer: Thunder Lotus Games
Here is a game where you are a Spiritfarer who has to guide spirits of the deceased to the afterlife. It was a beautiful game that was well praised for the slow paced gameplay, beautifully detailed animation, orchestral musical score and also the unique themes it has.
7: Dreams
Platform: PlayStation 4
Developer: Media Molecule
Brought to us by Media Molecule is the ultimate game creating program that allows you to make your own game, mechanics, assets, art and so on and then share your creations to others online. You also get to check out other content that people around the world has made and many of the stuff that people have made into it are actually pretty amazing. A fantastic game for the creative minds who are into game creation tools.
6: Genshin Impact
Platform: PS4, PS5, PC, iOS
Developer: miHoYo
While the endgame isn't great what makes up and why it is on here though is the gameplay, the solid anime style visuals, the fantastically executed combat and the brilliant open world freedom. It is a fantastic game with tons of stuff to do and best of all it is available for FREE with new content and improvements added in.
5: Half Life Alyx
Platform: PC
Developer: Valve
At last a killer app that is worth owning a VR Headset and not because of VR Chat. It's been ages since a Half Life came out and while we are still hoping for a Half Life 3 we at least got a VR Game. Half Life Alyx takes the gameplay and puzzle solving aspects of the Half Life games and translate them into VR flawlessly. It also told a fantastic storyline with Alyx and taking place before the events of Half Life. It runs fantastically well and runs at a solid 60 FPS throughout. If you are looking for a solid VR experience and love the Half Life IP than you need to play Half Life Alyx.
4: Hades
Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch,
Developer: Supergiant Games
Hades is a truly remarkable isometric hack & slash game with rouge like action RPG elements that are easily well executed. It allowed the player to explore branching storyline paths over the course of several runs and the narrative is well delivered. The gameplay and the combat are brilliant and the amount of weapons, abilties & upgrades available to the player. What does make Hades stand out as a rouge-like aside from the cool artstyle is how the characters talk about your latest run. Top that with superb voice acting and everything that manages to avoid repetition than you got a well executed package that is worth your time.
3: Animal Crossing New Horizons
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Nintendo
Now we have a fantastic entry in the life simulation series that is Animal Crossing New Horizons. It carries the formula that made the previous games excellent but you create your own tropical island for your residence to live in. It introduces a crafting system where materials you find become useful tools as well as furniture. The other new features help flesh out the package in building up islands allowing others online to share them with each other. In the raise of the Coronavirus this was the game that helped us all through with the times we are stuck staying at home.
2: Doom Eternal
Platform: PS4, XBox One, PC
Developer: id Software
Oh yes, we have Doom Eternal which is everything outstanding about Doom (2016) and dials it up to eleven. From a number of new finishing glory kills that are an absolute joy to witness, incredible levels, rocking soundtrack that gets your blood pumping, a new Battlemode that is rather enjoyable and new abilities and weapons. These include Flame Belch, the Crucible Blade, the Double Barrel Shotgun that has a Meathook on it, the Doomblade as well as other returning weapons like the Chain Gun and of course what we can't forget the chainsaw and the BFG 9000. Arenas are much more bigger and also require making use of kind of resource and combat tactics if you are to combat the demons from hell, remember the only thing they fear is you. You are the Doom Slayer and nothing stands in your way against the forces of hell. Doom Eternal's well executed gameplay, variety and outstanding new additions alongside DLC content make it one of the best FPS campaigns of this year. This and also Doom 64 which I'm personally glad it made its way to modern consoles especially consoles that are not Nintendo.
Honourable Mentions
Demon's Souls Remake (PlayStation 5) (Bluepoint Games)
Assassin's Creed Valhalla (PS4, PS5, XBox One, XBox Series X, PC, Stadia) (Ubisoft)
Fall Guys Ultimate Knockout (PlayStation 4, PC) (Mediatonic)
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 & 2 (PS4, XBox One, PC) (Vicarious Visions)
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time (PlayStation 4, XBox One) (Toys for Bob)
1: Ghosts of Tsushima
Platform: PlayStation 4
Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
This game is pure samurai power fantasy that is beautifully well presented. The visuals especially the many areas you explore look absolutely gorgeous and you make your best shots with Photo Mode. The combat is really tight forcing you to know when to strike and the fights themselves are fantastic. Sucker Punch even added a Multiplayer Mode called Legends where you take part in different missions with other players and it was a excellent addition. There is a lot going on with Ghosts of Tsushima with Gameplay and Presentation to make it one of 2020's Best Games.
Written By Anthony Hayball (AQWBlaZer91)
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