Best Games of 2020 So Far

This year we have been treated to a wide variety of incredible video game experiences. In a time where we could all use an escape at one point or another, the gaming industry has provided. From action to war strategy games there has been a wide variety of stellar experiences to play. I’ve organized my top picks by genre that have come out so far in 2020. There’s an experience for everyone, so charge up those controllers and get ready for some best in class action.

Top action-adventure games

The Last of Us Part 2 Last of Us Part2

Platform: PlayStation 4
Genre: Action-adventure
Release date: June 19, 2020

Naughty Dog is at it again, delivering another magnum opus that pushes the medium of video games forward. Yes, The Last of Us 2 is that good and you should absolutely play it now. The game picks up 5 years after The Last of Us Joel and Ellie are back in a tale of gritty survival. They live in relative peace, until a violent event forces Ellie onto the path of the revenge. From the jaw dropping graphics, to the incredible storytelling it’s a game that you shouldn’t miss out on.

Get The Last of Us Part 2 for PlayStation 4

Ghost of TsushimaGhost of Tsushima

Platform: PlayStation 4
Genre: Action-adventure
Release date: July 17, 2020

Another PlayStation Studios modern classic that will take your breath away. Step into the shoes of Jin Sakai as he battles to recapture his homeland from the Mongol invasion. Completely outnumbered Jin must rely on unorthodox combat tactics and become the Ghost of Tsushima. You’ll experience epic battles with your trusty katana as a samurai warrior. Master ranged combat with your bow and master stealth techniques to confuse and ambush your enemies.

Get Ghost of Tsushima for PlayStation 4

Ori and the Will of the WispsOri and the Will

Platform: Xbox One
Genre: Action-adventure
Release date: March 11, 2020

Join Ori on a beautiful adventure filled with wonder and excitement. Ori and the Will of Wisps has you join forces with old foes and friends in order to discover your true destiny. The world is vast, beautiful and filled with many challenges. The stunning art direction and beautiful graphics are a showcase experience for the Xbox platform, don’t miss out on this critically acclaimed sequel.

Get Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Gold standard of first-person shooters

Doom Eternal DOOM-Eternal

Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch
Genre: First person shooter
Release date: March 20, 2020

If you are looking for the quintessential FPS experience look no further than Doom Eternal. The follow-up to 2016’s award-winning DOOM triples down on the high octane, pulse pounding  experience. You can now fight across multiple dimensions with new brutal weapons against hell’s minions in a quest for vengeance. You are humanity’s last hope, it’s time to raze hell!

Purchase Doom Eternal for PlayStation 4
Get Doom Eternal for Xbox One
Buy Doom Eternal for Nintendo Switch (Preorder)

Get lost in a Role-Playing Game

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Final Fantasy 7

Platform: PlayStation 4
Genre: Role-Playing Game
Release date: April 10, 2020

A reimagining of the classic 1997 game, Final Fantasy 7 Remake is one of the best RPGs to arrive this year. The 2020 version faithfully follows the original game’s story and lore while expanding on both in meaningful ways. This is the first in an upcoming series of games that will complete the Final Fantasy VII story. Even you are new to FF7, you’ll be able to pick up and play without missing a beat. The gameplay includes more real-time action, while also making more turn-based gameplay available to remain faithful to the original. One of the best video game stories ever told has improved graphics, gameplay, and music now is the perfect time to take on Shinra.

Get Final Fantasy 7 Remake for PlayStation 4

Paper Mario Origami King Paper Mario Origami King

Platform: Nintendo Switch
Genre: Role-Playing Game
Release date: July 17, 2020

 If you are looking for a light-hearted, comedic take on RPG games, Paper Mario Origami King is your answer! Mario and his new partner, Olivia, must free Princess Peach’s castle from the evil origami menace King Olly. Explore the paper themed environment by pulling, peeling and folding your way to save the princess.

Purchase Paper Mario Origami King for the Nintendo Switch

Stellar open-world experiences

Animal Crossing: New Horizons animal-crossing-new-horizons

Platform: Nintendo Switch
Genre: Simulator
Release date: March 20, 2020

Are you looking for an island getaway? Animal Crossing: New Horizons let’s you carve out your own little piece of paradise. Escape to a deserted island and customise your character, home, and the landscape. Curtail your experience meet island residents, garden, fish, hunt for fossils, and more!

Buy Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Nintendo Switch

Mafia Trilogy Mafia

Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC
Genre: Open world
Release date: May 19, 2020

The open-world mob experience is back and looking more well-tailored than ever. I’m a huge fan of the series and to hear it’s back in ultra HD is exciting. This bundle includes the stellar Mafia II and Mafia III Definitive Editions giving players a re-introduction to the award-winning titles. On September 25th as part of this bundle Mafia: Definitive Edition also returns. The built-from-the-ground-up remake of the beloved classic is looking stellar.

Purchase the Mafia Trilogy for PlayStation 4
Purchase the Mafia Trilogy for Xbox One

Top tier scares

Resident Evil 3 resident evil 3

Platforms: PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
Genre: Survival Horror
Release date: April 3, 2020

After Capcom’s incredible remake of Resident Evil 2, they followed it up with an encore performance in Resident Evil 3. This time you play as Jill Valentine working together with fellow S.T.A.R.S. members to try to escape the horror of Racoon City. The game has been completely reimagined for current gen consoles with photo realistic graphics and updated controls. This time you are relentlessly hunted by Umbrella’s bioweapon Nemesis. This time around he comes packing a flame thrower and even faster-paced horror thrills.

Buy Resident Evil 3 for PlayStation 4
Get Resident Evil 3 for Xbox One

Top sports picks

F1 2020 f1 2020

Platforms: PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
Genre: Racing
Release date: July 10, 2020

Netflix’s live action series Formula 1: Drive to Survive brought me back into F1 fandom after a brief absence. The intense action and highly competitive nature of the sport has been accurately captured in F1 2020. You can now create your own F1 team and race alongside official teams and drivers. Compete on 22 highly detailed circuits, with current and classic content included. You even can attend media briefings, budget and fine tune your car in hopes of capturing the podium. F1 2020 puts you in the middle of the action like never before, if you are a gear-head like I am don’t let this game race past you.

Buy F1 2020 for Xbox One
Purchase F1 2020 for PlayStation 4

PGA Tour 2K21 pga-tour-2k21-boxart

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch
Genre: Racing
Release date: August 21, 2020

2K has brought back golf with a modern attitude, and it’s accessible for both rookies and pros. Forge your own golf legend right down to apparel, equipment and the style of your swing. You can take on the pros in the quest to claim the FedExCup earning gear along the way. If you are more of the social type, you can hit the links with friends both online and locally. Social modes such as Alt-Shot, Stroke Play, Skins and 4-Player Scramble are available. The course designer is phenomenal, allowing you to create a traditional course or something completely wild. It’s tee time, I’ll see you online!

Get PGA Tour 2K21 for Xbox One
Purchase PGA Tour 2K21 for PlayStation 4
Buy PGA Tour 2K21 for Nintendo Switch

Did your favourite game of 2020 so far make my list?

There’s my big list for the top games of the year up to this point. What are some of your favourites? Let me know in the comments below, happy gaming!

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Matthew Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things tech related since the start of the digital era. He shares his passion for technology in his day job as a teacher and via multiple media platforms. As a long-time veteran of the video game and tech industry, he's covered interactive entertainment and esports on the web, in video series, podcasts, and on international television. You can follow Matthew's tech-venture filled lifestyle on twitter, instagram @dapper_tux.

8 COMMENTS

    • Thanks Lee, you really can’t go wrong with any of these titles! Let me know what you decide to pick up, would love to know!

  1. Great list!

    I really wanted Final a Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered Edition to be one of my favourite games this year, but so far I am disappointed with it. It’s like Square Enid didn’t include any UI improvements. I don’t understand what caused them to delay the game by almost a year.

    I do plan to start Paper Mario in the next day or so, I’ve never played a game in that series and am looking forward to trying it out!

    • Hello Ian, let me know your thoughts on Paper Mario! I really liked the art style and hilarious writing. Let me know what you think! 🙂

  2. Love the Last of Us. The universe is a lot more interesting than The Walking Dead (in my opinion). Cant wait for the TV adaptation, I hope they do it justice.

    • Hello Declan, I couldn’t agree more, the characters in the Last of Us are so fleshed out. It only gets better with Part 2, it’s easily one of the best games I’ve played in the last ten years. The HBO adaption looks very interesting, they did a terrific job with “The Witcher” on Netflix, let’s hope TOLU translates just as well.

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