2020 has been a tremendous year for video games. From massive AAA releases to breakout indie titles, players have had no shortage of ways to entertain themselves - and in a year like 2020, that's been a much-needed distraction for many.
It wasn't just the amount of quality games which drew player interest in 2020, but the new consoles as well. Both Sony and Microsoft released the next generation of their gaming platforms in 2020, effectively ending the PS4 and Xbox One generation and moving players on to the PS5 and Xbox Series X. While both new consoles remain relatively difficult to obtain, even over a month after launch, many players have been enjoying PS5-exclusive titles like Demon's Souls as well as rediscovering older games through the Xbox Series X's backwards compatibility.
To celebrate the end of the year and move on to the next, some of Screen Rant's staff writers and editors have selected their own Best Game of 2020. This is not a ranked list, only an amalgamation of what we feel the best titles to release this year were.
Best Game of 2020 - Half-Life: Alyx
Selected by Christopher J. Teuton, Screen Rant's Lead Gaming Editor
Valve's return to the Half-Life franchise isn't just the best game of 2020, it may be the best game available right now period. While the cost to entry is still a steep ask for most players, the way Half-Life: Alyx toys with the medium of VR makes for one of the most immersive and enjoyable gameplay experiences I've had in my entire life. From physically lying on the floor and shooting around the corner of an open doorway to using a plastic tray to knock headcrabs out of the way, playing Half-Life: Alyx felt like the biggest leap forward for gaming since the jump from 2D to 3D graphics.
2020 was a fantastic year for video games and one which brought a number of excellent titles (many of which are listed below). However, all of them share the similar theme of "perfecting what has come before." Half-Life: Alyx isn't just a perfection of the mechanics first introduced all the way back in 1998 with the original Half-Life, it's an actual evolution - one which makes me incredibly excited for all the gaming possibilities in 2021 and beyond.
Best Game of 2020 - Final Fantasy VII Remake
Selected by Cody Gravelle, Screen Rant's Game Reviews Editor
This wasn’t a year that required a lot of consideration for Game of the Year from me. The Final Fantasy series has always meant a lot to me, and the original Final Fantasy 7 in particular resonated as a title that, while not my favorite of all-time, was the one for a lot of my friends growing up - the only Final Fantasy they’d ever played or heard of, and the one I most often heard referenced as exemplary not just for the franchise, but for JRPGs as a whole.
That’s why Final Fantasy 7 Remake taking its story and gameplay, crumpling it up into a ball, and tossing it out the passenger side window of a gorgeously rendered Shinra helicopter was so refreshing to me. Here is a game that, while affording its predecessor the proper amount of reverence, was unafraid to change things considered sacred to it. The combat was smooth and compelling, the characters got more time to breathe - with an incredible rendition of Aerith, the star of the show - and the story ebbed and flowed in captivating ways. Was the narrative completely insane by the time it had been partially explained? Yes. But if you’re telling me you didn’t eat up every second of Cloud and Sephiroth having a showdown on a place in between time and space while One Winged Angel plays in the background, then clearly Final Fantasy 7 Remake was never going to do it for you.
And that Zack reveal? The surprisingly great Cloud dancing rhythm game? All perfect. Final Fantasy 7 Remake was a fantastic game that played fast and loose with the rules of both its genre and the unique restrictions of its “remake” label, and the result was a beautiful mess that will undoubtedly be getting replayed by me over this holiday season.
Best Game Of 2020 - Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2
Selected by William Cennamo, Screen Rant's Game Guides Editor
Throughout a year of anger, confusion, and lockdowns there was one beacon of light in the video gaming world: Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 + 2. The Tony Hawk series has seen its ups and downs throughout the years. From its amazing 900 beginnings to its Bam Margera lows, the series has always held a special place in 90's kid's hearts.
Although remakes and reboots have been done horribly in the past, Vicarious Visions really knocked it out of the skate park with this one. The focus on core gameplay and a soundtrack full of new and original series hits brought back the nostalgia of being a kid again. It was easy to find myself right back in the world of arcade-like skateboarding, trying over and over to grab that hidden tape or hit that Sick Score. With added multiplayer and achievements Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 + 2 made me forget about the outside world for a while, and allowed me to remember how enjoyable video games can be again.
Best Game Of 2020 - The Last of Us: Part II
Selected by Alex Leadbeater, Screen Rant's Managing Editor
The Last of Us: Part II subverts expectations so hard it makes Star Wars: The Last Jedi look passé. Joel is bludgeoned to death in the first hours by a random new character, eventually revealed not as payback for his violent decision at the end of the previous game but because in doing so he killed the murderer's father. However, not satisfied with affronting, Naughty Dog's controversy du jour messes with the player's perception. When the game flips perspective from Ellie to Abby, our empathy goes with it. Abby has committed a horrific act, yet is just as human (if not more so) than the original game's heroes and goes on a much more soul-searching (and visually interesting) adventure. To get the player into the position when they're fighting the hero of the original game and they won't hold back in hitting her with bombs, it's clear that the developers have achieved something brilliant.
If anything, The Last of Us 2 goes too far. When the story jumps forward and you return to Ellie on a last-ditch effort to kill Abby, it feels almost strange. Ellie's rabid lust for revenge doesn't fit the experience anymore, a fitting cap to the spotlighting of futile cycles.
Best Game of 2020 - Hades
Selected By Hayes Madsen, Screen Rant Game Features Staff Writer
Hades is the kind of game that comes around once in a blue moon, completely redefining the roguelike genre while telling a heartfelt family story. At the heart of Hades is its wonderful Greek mythology characters who all slowly develop across the length of the game. As players try to escape from the underworld little bits of character development is layered in, making the story evolve in real-time with the roguelike elements. Of course, the backbone of any roguelike is gameplay, and Hades absolutely knocks that out of the park as well.
Hades provides so many options that each run feels unique and exciting, especially as players start to get more familiar with the game’s mechanics. It’s truly astonishing how well Hades manages to marry its narrative and gameplay systems, creating an experience that feels fresh no matter how many hours players sink in. Supergiant’s take on the roguelike could change the face of the genre forever, and it’s a title that will undoubtedly have influence for years to come.
Best Game of 2020 - Final Fantasy VII Remake
Selected by Alexandria Turney, Screen Rant Game Features Staff Writer
Final Fantasy 7 Remake is a game I’ve wanted long before it’s 2015 announcement, and when I first saw the reveal trailer all kinds of emotional and nostalgic feelings started to emerge. Like many classic fans, the Final Fantasy series served as my introduction to RPGs, with the original Final Fantasy 7 being the first big game I ever completed. I fell in love with the story and characters, including the antagonists, and seeing them come to life with Remake’s stunning visuals is a dream I didn’t think would come true. It somehow makes me love them even more. Watching streamers’ moving reactions to the opening cinematic is so wholesome as it solidifies what a huge impact FF7 has on so many people.
Exploring Midgar with modern graphics created an immersive experience that didn’t disappoint. As much as I thought I wanted a beat-by-beat reimagining, I am thoroughly enjoying the liberties taken by the development staff as it offers a brilliant and refreshing take while staying true enough for sentimentality. The clever detail and subtle cues sprinkled throughout the game has triggered a number of interesting fan theories that I love to explore, and I’ve been fan-girling out similar to the anticipation preceding Game of Thrones’ unfortunate final season. I feel any deviations are coming from a thoughtful place, considering the writers created the original title. They are giving fans more of the universe they already love while also generating a novel way to introduce newcomers to this sensational chronicle. Knowing more installments are in the works gives me so much hope and excitement for the future of Final Fantasy 7 Remake.
Best Game of 2020 - Yakuza: Like A Dragon
Selected By Austin King, Screen Rant Game Features Staff Writer
Turning a long-running beat ‘em up into a love letter to JRPGs is no easy task, but that’s exactly what Yakuza: Like a Dragon did this year. With turn-based combat and a protagonist who loves Dragon Quest, this latest Yakuza entry is more than just a wink and nudge at RPG fans - it’s also one of the most fun and innovative games of the year.
Arcades are full of SEGA classics, and there are Mario Kart-inspired Dragon Kart races, a business-simulation mini-game, and a battle arena run by robots. There’s always something fun to do, which can be a nice distraction from the sometimes heartbreaking and violent story. The characters are well-written - archetypal without being cliché - and there’s enough side content to keep players busy for dozens of hours after beating the main story. Totally shaking up the formula of a series in its seventh mainline installment is a major risk, but it’s one that seems to have paid off well for Yakuza: Like a Dragon. It’s that kind of risk and experimentation that’s been truly reinvigorating this year.
Best Game of 2020 - Bugsnax
Selected By Zackerie Fairfax, Screen Rant Gaming Staff Writer
It can be hard for a game to break away from the harsh prejudice of gamers, especially for a title like Bugsnax which carried a meme-like stigma for months leading up to its release. However, when the current-gen launch title finally arrived, critics sang its praises but couldn't commit to a perfect score because of the way Bugsnax presents itself. I believe the lack of perfect scores was due to how Bugsnax embraces its remarkable, yet offbeat, style and refuses to be anything else.
Just as critics couldn't express their reasoning for nearly perfect scores, it's hard to put into words why I think Bugsnax is the greatest game of 2020. It's not graphically impressive or technically groundbreaking, but it does a lot to deserve a spot on this list. Bugsnax is a tale of redemption from all fronts while weaving in notes of horror, humor, and realism that hits home for many players. The inhabitants of Snaxburg are loveable (or hateable) and require the player's help to resolve their character flaws. Fighting for survival while also uncovering the mystery of Snaktooth Island will keep players on the edge of their seats until the very end. Bugsnax offers the perfect amount of things to do that make the overall game feel like a hearty snack break away from monotonous shooters. Bugsnax isn't a conventional title to make it onto any GOTY list, but it is a complete package worthy of its unexpected accolades.
Best Game of 2020 - Persona 5 Royale
Selected By Peter Morics, Screen Rant Gaming Staff Writer
Persona 5 was a phenomenal title when it released in 2016. The franchise’s classic blending of deep RPG mechanics with in-depth social simulation made it an instant hit. Persona 5 Royal kept everything fans adored about the first iteration and added a frankly preposterous amount of new content on top of it.
Following a Japanese release in 2019, Persona 5 Royal wowed worldwide audiences in March 2020. Atlus improved almost every aspect of the initial game. Bold new combat mechanics were added to expand an already robust system, and the social scene was extended as well with new activities and city districts to explore. It even added new characters, whose stories melded seamlessly with the game’s pre-existing plot and flourished in Persona 5 Royal’s tremendous post-game Palace. It all culminates in a spectacular and endlessly memorable boss fight, giving a thrilling conclusion to one of the best RPGs in recent memory.
Best Game of 2020 - DOOM Eternal
Selected By Alex Santa Maria, Screen Rant Game News Staff Writer
When a huge franchise returns after a long time away, players want a hit of nostalgia, and that’s just what they got with 2016’s DOOM reboot. It rode a trend of returning retro shooters and pleased just about everyone. The sequel to a reboot has to move things forward in some way, forging a new path ahead and adding variety. While not the immediate crowd pleaser of its predecessor, DOOM Eternal succeeds in challenging players with an innovative sequel that still feels amazing at its core.
id Software made smart changes in DOOM Eternal’s gameplay and presented narrative hooks that finally tie the whole franchise together. It doesn’t hit players over the head with complicated lore, but it does present tiny elements throughout the campaign that longtime fans can’t help but go nuts over. With one more bit of DLC on the way, the campaign’s tale isn’t set in stone, but the complete package has the potential to be the best of the legendary franchise. Not many games are topping that.