With the PlayStation 5 andXbox Series Xset to launch this holiday season, 2020 is on track to being one of the biggest years in gaming history. But while many fans are looking forward to the next generation of consoles, the year has already seen its fair share of critically-acclaimed games that are available right now on current-generation platforms.
Many games released in 2020 so far have earned high scores from critics, but the 10 listed here stand above them all. This list was compiled using information from the review aggregate site OpenCritic, and showcases the 10 highest rated games of 2020 to date.
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This list discounts remasters and enhanced re-releases, so even thoughPersona 5 Royalhas been critically-acclaimed, it doesn’t qualify. However, full-fledged remakes likeFinal Fantasy 7 Remakeare eligible.
10. Nioh 2 (85)
The originalNiohwas a big hit for Team Ninja, with the game serving as one of the higher-qualitySouls-like games not developed by genre originators From Software. Like any good sequel,Nioh 2keeps what made the original game great while improving on the various gameplay features and mechanics.Nioh 2is tough as nails and will push even the most experienced gamers to the limit, but those that take the time to master it will find an incredibly rewarding experience.
Nioh 2is available exclusively on PlayStation 4.
9. Desperados 3 (86)
Over a decade after the release ofDesperados 2: Cooper’s Revenge, theDesperadosfranchise is back withDesperados 3. Carrying on the real-time tactics legacy of its predecessors,Desperados 3delivers high-quality action and plenty of thrilling stealth gameplay combined with an engrossing story and memorable cast. It may not be quite as high profile as many of the other games on this list, but it is still definitely something fans of the genre should check out.
Desperados 3is out now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
8. Final Fantasy 7 Remake (87)
At E3 2015, Sony shocked the world with the announcement of the long-awaitedFinal Fantasy 7 Remake. Five years after its announcement, Square Enix finally released the game, and by all accounts, it lived up to the hype.Final Fantasy 7 Remakeupdates the classic JRPG for modern gamers with dazzling, state-of-the-art visuals and a revamped, action-packed combat system. It expands on the story of the originalFinal Fantasy 7in unique ways, and while some of the changes weren’t well-received by all fans, most fans are still excited to see where the series will go next.
Final Fantasy 7 Remakeis out now, exclusively for PlayStation 4.
7. Legends of Runeterra (88)
For years, Riot Games has focused almost solely onLeague of Legends, but lately the studio has decided to branch out into other games and genres. Its hero shooterValorantmay be stealing most of the headlines, butRiot’sLegends of RuneterrahasValorantbeat when it comes to review scores. A collectible card game in the vein ofHearthstone,Legends of Runeterrahas earned high scores from a number of outlets, with many hailing it as the new standard for digital card games.
Legends of Runeterrais available now for PC as well as Android and iOS mobile devices.
6. Doom Eternal (89)
The 2016Doomreboot was well-received at the time of its release, but it’s safe to say thatDoom Eternalhas completely blown it out of the water.Doom Eternalcranks the action and excitement up to 11 with an adrenaline-fueled campaign that never stops throwing players right into the action. A nonstop thrill ride of action-packed battles,Doom Eternalhas also been praised for its eye-popping visuals, smooth animations, and thunderous soundtrack.Doom Eternal’s multiplayer mode also has its fans, though most of the praise has been directed at its phenomenal story campaign.
Doom Eternalis available now for PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One, with a Nintendo Switch version also in development.
5. Ori and the Will of the Wisps (90)
Ori and the Blind Forestwas a great Metroidvania game in its own right, but the sequelOri and the Will of the Wispstakes it to the next level. The followup is a vast improvement on the original game in every way, with better graphics, controls, and more. The game has earned near-universal acclaim from critics for a variety of reasons, with praise given especially to its story and soundtrack.
Ori and the Will of the Wispsis available now for PC and Xbox One.
4. Dreams (90)
Media Molecule made a name for itself with theLittleBigPlanetseries, which offered unprecedented user-creation tools in a classic platformer skin.Dreamsis a massive leap forward from what Media Molecule accomplished withLittleBigPlanet, with the game’s robust creation suite giving players the power to create their very own, full-fledged video games from scratch.Dreamsis an incredible achievement when it comes to games of its like, and is virtually unmatched. Users have continued to release compelling, high-quality content inDreamssince launch, and so the game just gets better with each passing day.
While the user-created content is the main draw ofDreams, the game also has some levels from Media Molecule that are quite compelling. Plus,Dreams' short story mode is emotional and has some great gameplay to boot.
Dreamsis available now, exclusively for PS4.
3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (90)
With the world in the midst of a pandemic and everyone stuck at home,Animal Crossing: New Horizonstruly came out at the perfect time. Giving gamers the world over a much needed break from the daily stress of the coronavirus pandemic and economic hardship,Animal Crossing: New Horizonsis both relaxing and impossible to put down.
Since launch, Nintendo has continued to expand theAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsexperience with new content, and it looks like more is on the way. Even without any of the post-launch content, though, players could easily dump hundreds of hours intoAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsand still find things to do, whether it’s completing their bug collection or catching every fish in the game. Easily one of the top Switch games,Animal Crossing: New Horizonsis one of 2020’s must-play games.
Animal Crossing: New Horizonsis out now, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
2. Half-Life: Alyx (92)
It’s taken virtual reality games awhile to find their footing, butHalf-Life: Alyxproves the medium has come a long way.Half-Life: Alyxis one of the most fully-featured VR games available to date, taking full advantage of VR’s unique capabilities to provide a genuinely fresh gameplay experience that can’t be replicated with standard game hardware.Half-Life: Alyxis a genius VR experience, and hopefully it’s a sign of things to come from Valve.
Half-Life: Alyxis available for PC.
1. The Last of Us 2 (96)
Naughty Dog’sThe Last of Uswas one of the top-rated games of the previous generation, and so expectations have always been high forThe Last of Us 2. As the top-rated game of 2020 so far, it’s safe to say thatThe Last of Us 2has lived up to expectations and then some, with critics throwing near-universal praise at Ellie’s blood-soaked adventure. WhileLast of Us 2spoilers leaking online may have hurt the game’s momentum somewhat, there’s truly nothing that can replace actually playing it for oneself. Naughty Dog has outdone itself yet again withThe Last of Us 2, and it will be exciting to see what the studio comes up with next.
