Written by JM Cabral
It’s no secret to gamers everywhere that 2020 has been a year to look forward to in terms of video game releases with so many sequels and new franchises were introduced to us by this one heck of a year! As someone who has spent almost half of his time in quarantine slouching on his bed playing video games for hours to no end, I personally feel like I have a bunch to contribute when it comes to hyping up PlayStation 4 games and that is why I’m extremely excited to be given the chance to talk about five of my most favourite games (so far) this 2020!
Let’s get this started.
Ghost of Tsuhima
Developed by Sucker Punch Productions
Release date: July 17, 2020
Ghost of Tsushima is yet another action-adventure, role-playing game and it follows Jin Sakai, a samurai warrior and the head of the Sakai clan, as he tries to reclaim Tsushima Island from the Mongols who overthrew its Jitō, Lord Shimura, who also happens to be our protagonist’s uncle. On his path to redemption, he meets and recruits several allies, encounters unexpected foes, and, just when you thought you know what’s going to happen next, you’ll be surprised with unexpected twists and turns, making it a very memorable game worth playing even after the credits start rolling.
What’s so great about it: The samurai-style combat is phenomenal and it gives players something to swoon over because everything is just flawless—from the light and heavy attacks to blocks and changing stances. Everything is tactical, and switching from different stances offer several features and outcomes and so it enables its players to choose strategically, all while trying to play defensively. The visuals are jaw-dropping too, and it’s very obvious just how talented the team was in producing such an aesthetically pleasing masterpiece. The overall length of the game’s also pretty impressive as it usually takes maybe 40 to 50 hours before achieving 90 to 100% game completion.
What’s not so great: The open world aspect was something that I was really looking forward to! However, the lack of guides and necessary waypoints made it a little hard for me to navigate through the game. There are moments when I have to go to one specific area and end up spending hours trying to actually get there because of the lack of guides. I would’ve liked it more if the game developers spent a little more time perfecting this specific aspect.
Final Fantasy VII Remake
Developed by Square Enix
Release date: March 2, 2020
2020’s Final Fantasy VII is the first in a planned series of games remaking the legendary 1997 PlayStation game of the same name. Set in the post-apocalyptic, cyberpunk city of Midgar, it puts players in the perspective of Cloud Strife, an ex-mercenary who joins eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE. Together, they try to stop the insanely influential Shinra Corp from using the planet’s life essence as an energy source. With a combination of role-playing elements, and real-time action, the FFVII remake will no doubt be an instant favourite for those who have been in love with the franchise since it’s humble beginnings.
What’s so great about it: The upgraded combat controls make it ten times more exciting than the ’97 classic because it just works smoothly. The overall design of the game is also very fresh and I don’t know how to explain it but it looks old and new at the same time. The story also feels like it’s gotten an upgrade—the dialogues sound engaging, and the overall plot feels like it’s been given so many twists and turns, promising a very thrilling experience.
What’s not so great: The game ends with a literal cliff hanger. After a brutal *final* boss battle, players are given a long cinematic to watch, and later on, the unexpected credits roll out! Although the game can be played for days—that is if you’re not planning on doing the side quests—the ending just caught me off guard only to realise that the next game in the series won’t be released until after the release of PlayStation 5. And who knows, it might even be a PS5 exclusive, which may or may not be a huge dealbreaker for those who might not be able to purchase the new generation console in a moment’s notice.
Resident Evil 3 Remake
Developed by Capcom
Release date: April 3, 2020
2020’s Resident Evil 3 is a third-person survival horror game that completely remade the 1999 classic and it follows badass Jill Valentine as she attempts her “last escape” from the zombie-infested Raccoon City, together with the brave mercenary Carlos Oliveira. Perfect for long-time fans of the Resident Evil franchise, Jill’s new and updated story will surely give its players that undeniably nostalgic feeling. Game developers also added “Resident Evil Resistance”, a completely separate online gameplay experience where players are given the chance to play as a mastermind, a character who can fully control an “arena” where four other online players are given limited time to escape from. Masterminds are given freedom to strategically place different kinds of creatures, deadly traps, and mechanised weapons that will aim to challenge other players.
What’s so great about it: The game’s inventory management will, once again, test each and every player’s ability to prioritise and weigh the impact/s of keeping or discarding certain items. The combat system’s also pretty commendable seeing that the developers made several improvements from 2019’s Resident Evil 2. Also, for those who are familiar with Nemesis, I’ve got great news for you. They completely remade him (is he even a him???). If you thought 1999 Nemesis was scary, then you definitely have another thing coming.
What’s not so great: If you play the game non-stop without aiming to acquire and maximise weapon upgrades, then you’ll be able to get through it in less than 3 hours. It’s insanely short! And I don’t know why that is—believe me, I’ve read tons of articles!—but they’ve removed a lot of essential elements that ultimately shortened the entire experience, and made it slightly less compelling. Also, the stand-alone Resident Evil Resistance isn’t that thrilling to me because it wasn’t what I was expecting. As a huge fan of the source material, I have to stand my ground and say that everything would have been a lot more impactful and engaging if they just focused on doing the base game justice.
The Last of Us Part II
Developed by Naughty Dog
Release date: June 19, 2020
The Last of Us Part II is another third-person, role-playing, action adventure title that is set five years after the events of the hit 2013 game of the same name. Set in a post-apocalyptic United States that is mostly overrun by infected cannibalistic creatures, it tells the story of Ellie, a badass woman who, after suffering a life-changing tragedy, leaves her life of security behind to seek for revenge, and Abby, a high-profile soldier who is part of a militia group who encounters deathly risks on the hands of an insane cult. Told through intersecting points of view and timelines, Ellie and Abby’s story will no doubt be an instant favourite for those who are fans of its predecessor and generally the action adventure genre.
What’s so great about it: The main story takes hours to finish, and it’s very obvious just how much care and precision went into the whole creative designing process. The weapon crafting and customisation improves over time because players will get the chance to unlock several functions for different guns and melee weapons. From incendiary shotgun shells to crafted explosive arrows, this game literally has everything. It’s brutal, it’s engaging, and, whether you go on full stealth mode or come out with guns blazing, it’s absolutely thrilling to play.
What’s not so great: I NEED ANOTHER SEQUEL. And I’m not sure I’ll get one this time around because this game’s ending wrapped everything up quite nicely.
Marvel’s Avengers
Developed by Crystal Dynamics and Square Enix
Release date: September 4, 2020
Marvel’s Avengers is a third-person, role-playing, action-adventure game that combines an original cinematic story with single player and co-op gameplay. It can be played offline by a single player or online with up to four other gamers during distinct parts within the campaign mode or through the “Avenger’s Initiative”, a segment that’s unlocked once a player finishes the main story. One thing that really got me so hyped up with this title is the impressive in-game character customisation feature. It gives its players full control over the original six Avengers (that is if you remove Hawkeye, and replace him with the iconic Kamala Khan a.k.a. Ms. Marvel), allowing them to personalise the entire gameplay experience from assigning abilities, to choosing legendary gears and outfits.
What’s great about it: The game’s plotline is so interesting, and it makes it easy for players to love the story instantly. Also, the customisation features turned the game into something that’s authentic and dynamic, allowing everyone to personalise their own game experience. The in-game photo mode is nice to play with too, and the combat system is extremely badass. (Did I mention that y’all can even customise each Avenger’s takedown moves???) And lastly, future game updates are promised to be completely free of charge! Hawkeye, and Kate Bishop will be part of a new update this November while Black Panther and Spider-man are confirmed to come at a much later date, albeit exclusively on the PlayStation platform.
What’s not so great: The insane number of glitches get distractingly annoying, especially when it disturbs campaign missions. I’m not gonna lie, it came to a point that it almost became a dealbreaker for me. Good thing the game developers were quickly able to deploy an update! Also, the repetitive use of assets and other resources for side quests and daily missions make the experience less exciting, especially if you’re the type of gamer who can play the same game for hours.
The year’s almost over, but there are tons of other games that’s just waiting to be released! We have the new Spider-man title, Miles Morales, Cyber Punk 2077, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and so much more! Give me a few months to play those too, and I’ll be back for yet another list of amazing games that will no doubt be worth your time!
