6 Best Games of 2020

There have been some fantastic gaming releases in 2020, with some big-name sequels, long-awaited projects, and smaller indie games surprising us and setting the bar higher and higher. But, when looking at the best that 2020 had to offer, we’ve picked the following 6 games which stood out from the crowd this year. Now, these aren’t necessarily the highest-rated games of 2020, but rather our favourites that we loved playing through in 2020:

Ghost of Tsushima

Available on: PS4

Ghost of Tsushima isn’t just visually beautiful, but extremely well structured, paced, and put together. Everything from the intricacies of authenticity in Feudal Japan to the dynamic combat is done with a meticulous level of appreciation and polish, yet the game can also be in-your-face and brutal when it needs to be. Everyone had high expectations for Sucker Punch’s samurai game ever since it was announced, and the studio did one better by completely exceeding them.

The Last of Us Part II

Available on: PS4

Controversy aside, The Last of  Us Part II is a tragedy from start to finish; but that’s not because it’s a bad game, but because it’s sombre, visceral, provocative, and pulls on your heart strings when you least expect it. Much like its predecessor, this is not a game that’ll leave you feeling warm and fluffy inside, but rather leave you questioning who the real monsters of The Last of Us‘ post-apocalyptic world are. The graphics are stellar, the combat is brutal, and the production quality is second to none. The story may take a few too many detours, but The Last of Us Part II is undoubtedly a great game.

Mafia: Definitive Edition

Available on: Xbox One | PS4 | PC

Mafia: Definitive Edition brings new-age mechanics, like a cover system and improved driving physics, into a game already reverred for its captivating mafiosa story. It knows what made the original so beloved, and doubles-down on the cinematic elements, while ensuring that the things that held it back in 2002 have been completely reworked. This is what a remake should be, as Mafia: Definitive Edition earns our respect and a double-cheek-kiss of admiration.

Doom Eternal

Available on: Xbox One | PS4 | PC

If you were a fan of 2016’s Doom, you’re in luck. Doom Eternal delivers more of that slick, crisp shooting, along with upping the ante of the demonic entities trying to kill you. There is a familiarity to the formula, but the larger levels, new tricks, and attention to the story will grapple-hook you in until the credits roll.

Resident Evil 3 Remake

Available on: Xbox One | PS4 | PC

While some feel the Resident Evil 3 remake might be a little short, it is arguably the most well-paced RE game around, taking cues from Resident Evil 4‘s action-to-horror ratio, while incorporating the technology and systems that made RE 2‘s remake a hit. It provides the perfect blend of explosive action and eerie science-experiment horror, which captures the heart and soul of the series.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time

Available on: Xbox One | PS4

Seeing a new Crash Bandicoot game in 2020 is almost like a mirage. While it may seem too good to be true, Playstation’s iconic mascot has made his long-awaited return, with a whole range of new and returning friends, and some new tricks up his sleeve. While it has been 12 years since the release of the last primary entry in the series, Crash 4 feels more relevant as ever and as enjoyable to play, and that’s a testament to the tone, challenge, and clear focus on what this franchise is all about.

Which was your favourite game of 2020? Which console are you leaning towards? Let us know by commenting below and tweeting us @MenStuffZA, posting on our Facebook page, or commenting below.