Jan 13, 2020

Top 12 Video Games to Look Forward to in 2020

We saw a lot of great games that came out in 2019. After being in 2020 for a while now, I know that all of you are excited for 2020’s video games. As Sony and Microsoft eye the next generation of video game consoles (PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, respectively), and PC obviously evolves as normal, studios everywhere are preparing to give this generation its swan song while crafting the future of the industry.

The result will be a 2020 full of compelling new experiences, jaw-dropping remakes, long-awaited sequels, and a few games that defy classification. As such, I picked the top 12 games you need to keep an eye on in 2020.

I am only including games that have been actually granted a 2020 release window or release date (except for one or two). So, without further ado …

12. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Release Date: March 2, 2020
Platform: Switch

I was as disappointed as many were to learn that Animal Crossing: New Horizons wasn't going to be released in 2019, however, it seems that Nintendo needed just a little more time to get things right. That usually works out in our favor as gamers who love a series. The good news is that it looks like Nintendo seems to be on the right track with this anticipated installment. It has already been a pretty long time since we have seen a proper, new Animal Crossing game for consoles. Considering how long they have been working on this one for the Switch, New Horizons should make it worth the wait.

The game brings in many of the features introduced in the more recent, Pocket Camp mobile spinoff. Some of which include a crafting system as well as the ability to customize the appearance of your character at any time. So, a character customization junkie like me is sure to be happy. Also, here’s a weird but amazing new feature: New Horizons will have a dynamic weather system that adjusts to your real-life location. Which I didn’t know I wanted until they told us we were getting it.

11. Bleeding Edge

Release Date: March 24, 2020
Platforms: Xbox One and PC

I don’t think that anyone expected Ninja Theory's, makers of DmC and Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, first Xbox exclusive to be, what looks like, a multiplayer melee brawler, but that's exactly what Bleeding Edge is.

This online melee 4 vs 4 game looks like the unholy union between the hero-based Overwatch and the long forgotten Dreamcast brawler Power Stone, with the obvious violent upgrades. No matter what the outcome of this game is, I hope it has a good launch. New IPs can sometimes take a backseat to some of the big names even on this list.

We have all put our faith in the incredible abilities and stellar line up of Ninja Theory before, and I think it's a good idea to do it again.

10. The Last of Us Part 2

Release Date: May 29, 2020
Platform: PlayStation 4

Considering that The Last of Us was up there in the best games of the decade, it's safe to say that The Last of Us Part 2 has a hype train a mile long. While many of us have already been waiting at the station for the game, we also know that Naughty Dog faces an extremely difficult task. Not only do they have to create an entertaining game, but they also have to continue one of the greatest stories ever told in gaming form. I will say that I remain optimistic that they will come through once again and find a way to meet and beat all of our expectations, but I also understand that if we hold it in too high regard, we could be disappointed … but we probably won't.

Spoilers, but the sequel picks up several years after Joel and Ellie's escape from the Firefly facility. Seemingly from the trailer above, Ellie is safe and living within the walls of a thriving community. She’s got a romantic partner, but things quickly go to hell. A world still overrun by monsters and enemy settlements. Ellie will be forced to leave the relative safety of her settlement and go off to face new dangers and a brand new adventure. Everything I’ve seen of The Last of Us Part 2 so far suggests that it's going to be a brilliant, terrifying, and worthwhile game in its own right. I just can't wait.

9. Resident Evil 3

Release Date: April 3, 2020
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC

After having two successful remakes in the Resident Evil franchise, it really is no wonder that Capcom is rolling out Resident Evil 3. I’ll be honest, this is the one RE title that I missed as an original, so I’m even more excited to play it as a remake. Especially since the RE2 remake was so incredible.

Not only do we get to see an updated Jill Valentine walking around Raccoon City, but we also get to see a new multiplayer component. This is a new standalone mode that comes with the game. Dubbed “Project Resistance,” it will pit four survivors against a “mastermind” that will drop in enemies for the survivors to fight against.

From the little information we have to go on, it sounds like a Resident Evil version of Dead by Daylight meets Gears of War Horde mode, which could be incredible. The Mastermind can even drop in Mr. X to shake things up and, hopefully, they can also drop in Nemesis. I mean, that is the name of the game.

Read more:

18 Best Resident Evil Games Ranked

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8. Marvel's Avengers

Release Date: September 4, 2020
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Google Stadia

While Marvel’s Ultimate Alliance scratches a superhero itch in the gaming community, I think we’ve all waited for years to get a proper Avengers game. Knowing about Square Enix's secret Avengers project for some time now hasn't made the wait any easier.

Now that we've actually seen a proper trailer and some gameplay footage, we can say with confidence that the results are positive for the most part. Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics seem to have made a well-written story mixed with wonderful gameplay about heroes we all love. I know people were upset the way the characters looked, but as time goes on and the more they show, the less it seems to really matter. The way I see it is, “New artist, new look.”

There are plenty of reasons to be excited for this game, as Square Enix said they are committed to expanding and improving it for years after its release, bringing in new heroes and stories. If Square stays true to its vision, Marvel's Avengers could prove to be a definitive superhero title, which hopefully means that DC will need to make a just as incredible Justice League game to answer in return.

7. Halo Infinite

Release Date: Holiday 2020
Platforms: Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and PC

Halo Infinite one of the titles in this list that doesn’t have an official release date but is very much on my list. I was a Halo player. While I dabbled in Call of Duty, Halo is where FPS games were best. So for me, Halo Infinite was kind of already one of the biggest upcoming games in the world. However, the anticipation for the title has only grown in following since the announcement that it will be a launch title for Xbox Series X.

Halo Infinite is positioned as something of a soft reboot of the franchise. It will continue the series' story but will re-imagine certain concepts a la God of War. It's also the first confirmed next-gen title and the most exciting Halo game since Bungie left the franchise.

6. Doom Eternal

Release Date: March 20, 2020
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and Stadia

Both myself and G FUEL are no strangers to our love for DOOM. I think it is also fair to say that there were few people that expected much from 2016's DOOM, but it ended up being one of the year's best games.

Needless to say, my expectations are quite high for the sequel. And it looks like DOOM Eternal is going to meet all those expectations by giving us more of what we want from modern-day DOOM. That, of course, means more absurdity, more blood, more guns, more action, larger levels, more hardcore music, and bigger and badder demons.

I don’t think anyone will argue that the fast-paced action, the addition of the grappling hook, and a few other tricks the Doom Slayer has up his sleeve this time around will disappoint us. Although I do hope they put a little more into the multiplayer as well. Id Software did amazing work with DOOM 2016’s multiplayer, but there was little hype around it. Which is a dang shame.

5. Watch Dogs: Legion

Release Date: March 6, 2020
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC

I’ll be the first one to admit that I think Watch Dogs has a great premise, and yet I was completely bored playing the first one. Watch Dogs 2 fixed a lot of the issues I had with the first, and now, after seeing the E3 reveal for Watch Dogs Legion, I am 100% on board for this next installment.

While you continue to play as a hacker in London, you're not just playing as an individual. Instead, you're a legion of different people. Get it? Better still: You'll recruit more people as the game progresses, each with their own unique skills. It's a unique twist on a game series that's already full of unique delights.

To me, there is still nothing better than controlling some old lady only to have her beat up some unsuspecting guard. A scene I didn’t know I wanted in a video game until now.

4. Ghost of Tsushima

Release Date: Summer 2020
Platform: PlayStation 4

This was the other title on this list that didn’t have an exact release date, however, this game has started to peak my interest. Since Sucker Punch was the studio that brought us Infamous, my hopes are high for something equally as engaging. From what the trailer shows, Ghost of Tsushima is a third-person, character-driven action game with a focus on swordplay. This is a samurai game, after all.

While we don’t know much about the game, other than the time period, Ghost of Tsushima simply looks incredibly unique. The game is set in 13th century Japan — the time of the Mongol invasions. It looks gorgeous, bloody, and action-packed. While the game will have many up-close-and-personal combat situations, there will also be an emphasis on stealth with players using the element of surprise to avoid being outnumbered.

It is just awesome to see another game set in a time period rarely explored in blockbuster video games. While, yes, we have a few of those now, with Nioh and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, it’s nice to see samurai games make the scene again.

3. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot

Release Date: January 17, 2020
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC

I have been a long time Dragon Ball fan from the OG Series to GT, and now Super. I know the Z story backwards and forwards and I still love it. I’ve read the manga and I have a Vegeta tattoo, so when I tell you that after playing Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot at PAX West 2019 all I wanted was more, please take my word for it. Published by Bandai Namco, DBZ Kakarot retells the story of Goku starting with Raditz and ending with Buu. Not just the main story but there will also include side stories with other characters like Piccolo and Vegeta.

Some of the side quests and new missions that are in the game will, apparently, "answer some burning questions of Dragon Ball lore for the first time." Which sounds even more promising. The only reason this game didn’t make my number one was because it comes out so soon I barely have to wait.

2. Final Fantasy VII Remake

Release Date: April 10, 2020
Platform: PlayStation 4

This may be the second remake on this list, but I think this is number one when it comes to something fans have been waiting for. Final Fantasy VII Remake drops on March 3rd, and I couldn’t be more excited. This was another one I was able to play at PAX West 2019, so I am fully aboard the hype train to Midgar.

Square Enix embraced the idea of completely re-imagining one of the greatest JRPGs of all-time from the ground up. This is only the first installment of their re-creation of the story. It will only be the events that happen in Midgar. We have no word on when a second (and maybe even a third) part would release, but we have to realize this may be the only one on PS4.

While the results will almost certainly be divisive, everything I've seen of the Final Fantasy VII Remake thus far suggests it's going to be an ambitious and epic experience.I think the best part about this remake is that there is an entire generation that gets to play this story, with these amazing upgrades in graphics, for the very first time. I am 100% jealous. Yet, for me, this will still feel like something new, and I am bound to have a good time with it.

1. Cyberpunk 2077

Release Date: September 17, 2020
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC

It is no stretch of the imagination to say that Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the most anticipated games in years, and that was true even before anyone had any idea that internet god Keanu Reeves was going to be in it.

Developed by the team responsible for the critically-acclaimed The Witcher III, CD Projekt Red, Cyberpunk 2077 aims to be one of the largest, deepest, and most intense sci-fi RPG experiences ever made. It’s an open world RPG with strong elements of immersive sim. Cyberpunk 2077 promises factions, reputation systems, and branching storylines dependent on player choice.

It comes with all types of fighting styles that can be mixed and matched at will. So if you prefer guns and stealth, melee and magic(hacking), exploration and dialogue skills player, or any or all of those types, Cyberpunk 2077 will have a playstyle for you.

We may not be in a total cyberpunk dystopia, but the game will most likely give off a lot of real-life controversy. Definitely way more often than The Witcher 3 ever has. It has crowds of NPCs, cars, motorcycles, skill trees and stats, and, as I said before, it has Keanu Reeves.

Well those are my picks for 2020. There were a few runner ups that didn’t make the list only because we don’t have official dates for them as of this writing. Games like Valorant (releasing Summer 2020), Skull & Bones, Oddworld: Soul Storm, and Phantasy Star Online 2. All look amazing but there was only so much room.

What games are you most excited to play in 2020?

Tell us in the comment section below!

For a full list of games that are due out in 2020, check out our list of 2020 video games.

Read more:

20 Best Video Games Of 2020

13 Best Video Games To Play During Quarantine Now That We Have A Lot Of Time

8 Best FPS Video Games Coming In 2020

Here Are The 12 Best Indie Games Coming In 2020

10 Best RPG Video Games Coming In 2020

Top image via Polygon/Capcom

This article was written by John D. AKA SomeBeardy2Love. John has been gaming for over 30 years, has a podcast, and watches nothing but anime and Bob’s Burgers. He has a sponsored beard and a modest book collection.

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