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A Look Back at the Best Games of 2020

As the year comes to an end, it’s time to look back at the best games of 2020. These are the titles that stood out for their outstanding experience, pushing gaming to its limit or we just played it for four hours straight. Regardless of the reason, they are a representation of the video games that defined the year.

10. Cyberpunk 2077 (PC Version)

To call Cyberpunk 2077 one of the most ambitious games would be an understatement. It takes players to a livid cyberpunk world that is rich in gameplay and world building. Take on the role of V and work with Johnny Silverhand to fight the powers of Night City. Nobody should expect anything less from the same talent that brought the The Witcher to life. Be warned that the game still has many performance issues at the time of writing (which is why it made the bottom of the list).

9. Resident Evil 3

Resident Evil 3 is a remake that completely rebuilds a classic work of horror while also keeping the elements that defined the original. Players don’t re-experience the same nightmare but instead a reimagined the horror. The key plot points are there but this is not the same nightmare we all played back in the day. It goes against expectations while also respecting the wishes of the fandom. It has some shortcomings but Capcom should look at these mistakes as a learning lesson for the next remake.

8. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

I’ve always felt the series peaked with Black Ops II and every entry starting with Ghost was dull. That changed with last years Modern Warfare, as it shows that the series should never forget what has defined it as a gaming icon. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is another return to the series roots in regard to everything while embracing its 1980’s setting. Following in the footsteps of Modern Warfare, it shows that the series should never forget what has defined it as a gaming icon.

7. Destroy All Humans (Remake)

Destroy All Humans! is another fine example of a remake done right by modernizing the gameplay and graphics but respecting the overall experience. Adding to the experience is the inclusion of cut content along with keeping its sense of humor and the original stellar cast. It’s the same great game we all played back in the day only with a lot of major improvements.

6. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot

Taking the concept of an open world RPG and going all out on the nostalgia, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is a retelling of the iconic series. It gets so much of the experience right with very few mistakes. If you grew up watching Dragon Ball Z on Toonami, then this game will take you back to those good ole days. It truly is a tribute to a series that introduced a generation to anime.

5. Streets of Rage 4

Streets of Rage 4 is a classic beat ’em up that has the retro appeal while also pushing boundaries to make it stand out. It also has multiple difficulty levels so everyone can play and the fun is pretty much guaranteed (especially with friends). You just need to give it a try for yourself and you will be quite amazed with the value and results being brought to the table.

4. Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs. Maxi Boost ON

Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs. Maxi Boost ON is a gift to the fans as it allows them to pit their favorite mobile suits against each other in the ultimate battle. This arcade style game allows fans to pit their favorite mobile suit against each other in a verity of levels. Players are given access to 180 mobile suits from the many series, spin-offs and movies. All this makes it the ultimate game for Gundam fans.

3. ManEater

ManEater is a unique experience that has you assert your dominance on the top of the food chain through cartoonish levels of carnage. Most of the fun comes from you just swimming around and eating everything in sight. It’s not scientifically accurate (but realism be damned) as it’s basically Grand Theft Auto with a shark.

2. Doom: Eternal

Doom Eternal is basically id Software having to show the gaming industry once again how to make a f***ing shooter. Players will still slaughter every demon they encountered while solving puzzles to progress. There isn’t much to say about the gameplay because you’re a walking personification of death (complemented by a killer soundtrack). This is still a simple shooter at its core that will take gamers back to the 90’s while showing a new generation what a real FPS is suppose to feel like.

1. Watch Dogs Legion

Watch Dogs Legion is an overhaul of the series that allows players to wage a guerrilla war in a cyberpunk setting. Players take on the role of any average resident of London who is recruited into DedSec. They are tasked with fighting a viscous PMC and their allies who have transformed the city into a police state. Players use the skills and tools of their character to fight the system. The concept was ambitious but it paid off with an unforgettable experience that is now the crowning achievement of the series.

It was an ambitious game while also building upon the lessons of its predecessors. It delivered what it promised with minimal issues. In the end, that is why Watch Dogs Legion is our favorite game of 2020.

What do you think of our list, was there a game that should have been the “Best Games of 2019”? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides an insight into the video game community and industry of the San Francisco Bay Area.