As we launch ourselves into the 2021, it can be a chore waiting for the newest releases to come out. Luckily, 2020 was a fantastic year for video games and there is a plethora of wonderful games to choose from. Here are the best choices from 2020 to lead into 2021!
1.) Hades by Supergiant Games Â
As some may already know, Hades was declared GOTY by IGN, and was a nominee for several awards at the Game Awards last year. It won the award for Best Action game. Hades is an experience like no other rogue-like video game that has been released so far. One of the most genius and unique aspects of the game comes from that you are rewarded for dying and making your way through the depths of hell trying to escape repeatedly with Zagreus, son of Hades. The art style, animations, and voice acting are all superb. It is up to the player whether they will escape from Tartarus all the way to the surface while fighting hordes of enemies along the way while uncovering the lore of Zagreus and his other fellow gods. Definitely a release you don’t want to miss!
2.) Among Us by InnerSlothÂ
Among Us is the most popular multiplayer party game to date, even overtaking Fall Guys’ rise in popularity during the same year in just a few short months. It is one of the most versatile games as you can play it on multiple systems including PC starting at $5 USD, and the mobile version of the game is free! A new map along with new skins were announced during the Game Awards last year, and will also be releasing early 2021! Your meetings with your crewmates, memory, and game knowledge of your assigned tasks are crucial in snuffing out whoever is on board killing! This is the go-to game when you have a group of friends and you all want to have a fun yet stressful party game to play together. Just don’t be surprised if you lose a friend or two in the process.
3.) Borderlands 3 by Gearbox Studios
The long-awaited sequel to Borderlands 2 made its debut last year in March 2020. Borderlands 3 innovates on almost everything from the previous installments. It’s difficult to go back to because the gameplay in 3 is just so much better than its predecessors. With the addition of mantling, sliding, and a complete overhaul of every gun manufacturer, the gameplay of Borderlands 3 is much better than any other game. The new cast of vault hunters are also a lovely addition to the series. With the overhaul of the skill trees, and making the characters a combination of Borderlands 2’s characters with other additions, it makes them the most fun to play.
4.) Fall Guys by Mediatonic
Released in February 2020, Fall Guys was THE party game king for months on end. Even with Among Us taking the crown, this does not mean Fall Guys still isn’t a great time with friends and is just a charming and adorable game in general. Playing with 59 other people in a race to the finish or a matching tile game is nerve-wracking, hilarious, and competitive all at the same time. Your goal in Fall Guys is simple: best the other players in the multiple game modes the game offers you, and win the crown at the very end. If you end up getting eliminated during a round and don’t make it to the next don’t worry. You can just exit spectator mode in two clicks and jump right back into another match.
5.) Persona 4 Golden by ATLUSÂ
Persona 4 Golden is a great starting point for anyone who is interested in the Persona series. Golden was originally released way back on the PS Vita in 2012 and finally got a steam port in 2020. You play as the Investigaton Team trying to uncover the mysterious murders of Inaba while your Personas aid you in the TV world battles. It sounds confusing but it makes sense once you play the game. For an RPG, it’s very straightforward and the soundtrack blaring in the background is always a joy to listen to whether you’re exploring Inaba or fighting Shadows in the TV world. Each character is loveable and memorable and is one of the best RPG casts to date.
6.) Detroit: Become Human by Quantic DreamÂ
Detroit: Become Human is probably the game with the most replay value in our list. There is one over-arching storyline with 3 different playable characters. Your choices in each route you play in can directly affect the other route in the story. Become Human has so many possible choices you can make it is impossible to make them all during a first playthrough. It is crucial to pay attention to the little details in this game or a favorite character of yours may just wind-up dead. The hours of content, enjoyment, and narrative choices will keep the player on their toes until the very end.
7.) Phasmophobia by Kinetic GamesÂ
Phasmophobia is a horror-based VR title is the definition of hunt or be hunted. You have one simple goal in Phasmophobia: hunt down the ghosts plaguing the area with your other friends using the numerous paranormal hunting equipment required. Like Among Us, communication in this game is vital and it is truly terrifying when you happen to spot a ghost roaming. A VR headset is recommended when playing but all PC users can play the game normally as well.
8.) Temtem by Humble BundleÂ
Anyone who looks at Temtem will probably relate it to Pokémon as it draws certain inspirations from it. Most notably, the magic of raising and training different types of loveable creatures for the purpose of battling with them. Where Temtem differs from Pokémon is that the battle system is much more engaging. Instead of the traditional Power Point system Pokémon uses you have to rely on the stamina of your Temtem, which is a breath of fresh air in new experiences with turn based Pokémon-esque battles. Temtem is still an early access title at the time of writing, so make sure to look out when the full game releases!
9.) Death Stranding by Kojima ProductionsÂ
Right off the bat; Death Stranding is a game that is not for everyone. Few players would say that they played Death Stranding solely for gameplay. Carrying packages and shooting enemies is the most of what you do. The most interesting factor about Death Stranding is the story. It involves revolves around Sam Porter Bridges carrying around a fetus. Above all else, Death stranding is one of the most interesting experiences out of the 2020 releases.
10.) Left 4 Dead 2 by ValveÂ
If you didn’t know, Left 4 Dead 2 got one massive final update in late 2020 called The Last Stand. Involving a brand-new campaign, 30 brand new maps, new weapons, and even new steam achievements for the completionists. For all the Left 4 dead fans, it is highly recommended going back to Left 4 Dead 2 to check out the new available update that was released. Valve released a statement that this will be the final update for the game, and they definitely made it count.
