With one of the worst years I've ever lived through finally over, I decided to take a look back to list out the best games from 2020 that I've played. This list will only be for games that originally came out in 2020 (sorry Luna Nights), that I've actually gotten around to playing (sorry Hades):
Omori: This was nearly a 2021 game, but it actually came out six days before the end of the year, so I guess it just stole Game Of The Year at the last second? This is an amazing indie RPG whose massive development time absolutely shows. Beautiful and unique visuals, an involving battle system, a compelling and emotional story, and some of the best side quests I've seen in a game make this one of the best RPGs I've played in quite a while. If you're okay with a bit of horror and some heavy themes, Omori is an absolute must-play that deserves every bit of praise it can get.
One Step From Eden: One Step From Eden did have a stretch of early access, but it officially came out in March of 2020 so it counts. This game kept me engrossed more than any roguelike I've played, with its fast-paced Battle Network-style gameplay, massive amount of movesets and cards, and phenomenal soundtrack encouraging me to keep learning and mastering the game until I made it to the final boss. Even more, the game's developer has been continuously balancing and updating the game, with the most recent update implementing a great assist mode, one that doesn't block out any of the game while allowing you to slow the pace if it's too overwhelming. I absolutely fell in love with One Step From Eden and it has quickly become one of my favorite Indies period.
Pikmin 3 Deluxe: Pikmin 3 Deluxe is one of the, if not the best ports Nintendo has ever made. The original game was pretty good, but this remake fixed pretty much all of its issues. The quality of life improvements, from the improved charge, to the amazing gyro controls, to the better map screen, made the game much more enjoyable for me. The minimal content of the original was pretty much resolved with a new achievement system, the side campaigns, the difficulty modes, and the Piklopedia. The graphics and music are just as great as the original, and the DLC being packed in for free is a great bonus. Most of Nintendo's ports make an already great game just a little bit better, but Pikmin 3 Deluxe feels like the complete version this game deserved.
Paper Mario: The Origami King: These last few games, Nintendo had been trying to turn Paper Mario into more of an adventure game, to somewhat mixed results. Origami King, however, feels like they finally perfected the formula. The exploration is fun and compelling, the locations are interesting, the writing is top-notch, the battle system is unique, the soundtrack is one of the best ever, and the story is surprisingly emotional. Despite its long length, Origami King barely felt like it had any fat or slow moments in it, I was just completely hooked from start to finish. We'll see how well it ages, but right now, Origami King is up there with my favorite Mario RPGs.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons: I'm not the biggest Animal Crossing fan out there, but I can't deny the fact that New Horizons was the game of 2020. Coming out at pretty much the perfect time, right after the quarantine began, this game was pure escapism as you get to move onto a desert island and make your own little town with its own residents, stores, and landmarks. The real-time gameplay, massive amount of things to do, and charmingly adorable cast of villagers keeps you coming back day after day until... oh wait, it's already June?!
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