2020 was unsurprisingly light on superhero movies, and, in fact, this was the first year since 2009 that no Marvel movie hit the big screen. But that doesn’t mean we were completely lacking in quality cape-and-cowl content–far from it. While the MCU may have been MIA through 2020, the vacuum was filled by an unexpected bright spot by the name of Birds of Prey–or, perhaps more accurately, called Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn, the title it held onto for about a week or so after it hit theaters. But it’s just Birds of Prey now, and that’s what really matters.
Birds of Prey was a movie that nobody saw coming, especially given Margot Robbie’s introduction to the role of Harley Quinn back in 2016’s Suicide Squad. The movie really had no right to shape up the way it did, not with so much stacked against it. Sitting down in a theater to finally see it at release–just a month or so before the pandemic really took hold in early February–there was an overwhelming sense of both trepidation and curiosity from the crowd. Everything about this could so easily go south, or just become a Suicide Squad Part 2. It could have brought the DCEU’s winning streak to a crashing halt and regressed all the progress made right back to the rain-slicked, grey-toned monotony of days gone by.
Instead, what we got felt like some sort of revelation. Not only did Birds of Prey artfully subvert just about every anxiety its audiences might have had, it did so with the sort of over-the-top moxie only a character like Harley Quinn could provide. Robbie’s evolution in the role has taken her from featured sidekick in an otherwise forgettable team to absolutely quintessential embodiment, standing alongside the likes of Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman or Zach Levi’s Shazam. And her co-stars, Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Huntress, Jurnee Smollett as Black Canary, and Rosie Perez as Renee Montoya, all rose to the standard.
Rather than a regression to old familiar tropes and styles, Birds of Prey broke free of the superhero movie mold, blending the sort of wacky irreverence normally found in a standalone feature like Deadpool with the frantic, nonstop energy of a good heist movie, and splashed in a little Looney Tunes zaniness for good measure. It was cool, instantly re-watchable, and full of a seemingly endless forward momentum, repeatedly tossing in new characters and ideas that will inevitably make the DCEU a much richer, more interesting place in the future.
And perhaps most importantly, it still stands as a much-needed shot-in-the-arm for anyone suffering from superhero fatigue–or even regular fatigue after the way this year has gone. There’s no way anyone involved in Birds of Prey could have known where the year would go so shortly after its release, but that doesn’t matter–they still provided a fantastic escape (a Fantabulous Emancipation, if you will) from the boring and the drab, something we could all use a little more of, especially now.
The action-adventure genre is among the most prominent in gaming. As experiences that are easy to pick up but still demand a level of finesse to play, they’re frequently where folks go for a balanced mix of fun and challenge. If you’re a fan of the genre, then you’ll be happy to know that 2020 was packed with several standout gems.
In the following roundup, you can find a selection of action-adventure games that GameSpot has scored 8 or higher throughout 2020. The games below cover a wide range of styles within the genre as a whole, from action-RPGs and platformers to first-person shooters and beat-’em-ups. Whatever you lean toward, these action-adventure games are well worth playing and come highly recommended.
Like previous years, we’ve determined as a team some of the best games this year. For a look at what GameSpot finds as this year’s finest games, be sure to check out our Best Games of 2020, but if you’re keener to see what’s in store next year, jump into our hub for the Most Anticipated Games of 2021.
It’s worth noting that many of the Xbox One and PS4 games we listed below are backward compatible on new-generation consoles. So if you’re vying to pick up any of the games mentioned, then you’re well-capable of playing them, even if you’ve discarded your old consoles. Nearly every PS4 game works on PS5, and all non-Kinect Xbox One games work on Xbox Series X|S.
“Despite its strong connection to past games, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is more than capable of standing on its own. It takes a little while to build momentum, but when it hits its stride, Valhalla is a confident Assassin’s Creed title that takes a few narrative risks which, as a whole, pay off. Eivor is a good hero with an identity that drives the mystery behind the main narrative, and she shines in the self-contained arc structure of Valhalla’s story. The supporting cast may not shine as brightly, but it’s easy to forgive that when exploring England and discovering new nuggets of worldbuilding is so rewarding.” — Jordan Ramée, Associate Editor
“The best and worst thing I can say about Astro’s Playroom is that its role as a demonstration feels a bit wasteful. It’s a wondrous little dream world, and I would have loved to spend more time touring it. But that, in itself, is a tremendous achievement. Astro’s Playroom, a game that makes no attempt to hide the fact that it is an excuse to show you what a gamepad can do, conjures a world that you will want to see and explore. More than that, its surprisingly delightful celebration of PlayStation and its video games is a great way to kick off a console generation.” — Mike Epstein, Freelance Reviewer
“And yet, like so many challenging score chases, Bloodroots is still incredibly satisfying when you’re eventually successful. At its highest heights, you’ll find your way around, bouncing from weapon to weapon, kill to kill, to string together a perfect run. Better yet, there are so many ways to approach each area that, no matter how well you do, you can always do it better, faster, crazier. Even when playing Bloodroots is painful–like throw your controller so hard it bounces off the ground, hits you in the head, then breaks your TV painful–there’s always a wildly fun run within reach.” — Mike Epstein, Freelance Reviewer
“That Easter egg owes both its story justification and its level of meta weirdness to Hachi, which is really what sets Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 apart. It’s still a classic Castlevania homage at heart, but it has an eccentricity that feels right at home alongside the giant kitty-cats of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. When a game seems to be having this much fun at its own expense, it’s hard not to join in.” — Steve Watts, Associate Editor
“Unsurprisingly, Bugsnax’ best qualities are its cleverness and charm. The surprise and delight you feel when you see a Bugsnak wiggling around or watch someone eat one and change their arm into food never goes away. That alone would make Bugsnax worth your time, but creative puzzles and thoughtful story give it the body and depth to make a Snak feel more like a meal.” — Mike Epstein, Freelance Reviewer
“Even more so than playing the N.Sane Trilogy, which literally remade the original Crash games from my youth, playing Crash 4 felt like getting back in touch with the series. It’s an injection of new ideas into now-classic gameplay that surprises and delights, even as it feels like a homecoming. Truly, games like this are why we come running back to long-dormant franchises with open arms.” — Mike Epstein, Freelance Reviewer
“Quirks aside, Bluepoint’s remake is an unmitigated success. It is a technical tour de force and a true showpiece for the PS5 and the power of Sony’s next-generation console. But, more importantly, it’s also a creative marvel coming from a studio that is clearly showing the world it has its own voice. Bluepoint has taken From Software’s original game and expressed it in a richer and fuller way, and in doing so given me something I thought was impossible: the opportunity to relive the experience of falling in love with Souls games for the first time.” — Tamoor Hussain, Managing Editor
“Beyond Light might not be the biggest expansion, but it does feel like we’ve entered a new chapter in the game’s life, with new priorities and an approach that makes the game more resonant in a way that goes beyond satisfying shooting. On the whole, Destiny 2 might be more of the same than it is different, but what’s the same about it–like its phenomenal raids and tight, satisfying gameplay–is still largely pretty great, and what’s different is mostly making the game all the more worthwhile.” — Phil Hornshaw
“But you never really “win”‘ Disc Room. You just survive it adequately enough to move onto the next thing. The light, mysterious plot has a weird but worthwhile end, but the real reward that Disc Room gives you is learning how to appreciate your own small achievements. The game is fraught with dangers and failure, but it frames the handful of seconds you are able to hang on as something exciting, something to be proud of. Disc Room helps you feed on those tiny bursts of success, in addition to providing success in failure, to keep you moving and pushing through all its trials. Maybe we could all learn something from these… rooms full of discs. Like all great twitch-action games, Disc Room is at once exciting and stressful, challenging and fulfilling, and its spinning saw blades can seep into your everyday thoughts. But moreover, Disc Room feels like a pleasantly positive take on difficulty-first games–you didn’t die after 10 measly seconds, you managed to survive for 10 whole seconds. And that’s good enough for Disc Room. Thanks, Disc Room.” — Edmond Tran
“On the whole, though, Evergate is remarkably clever. It’s a short and sweet treat of a game that constantly invents new ways to interact with the world and to blend game elements together, making for a satisfying test of brainpower and reflexes.” — Steve Watts, Associate Editor
“Regardless of your history with the original game, Final Fantasy VII Remake is an astounding achievement. The wait for its release was a long one, but in gameplay, story, characters, and music, it delivers–the wait was worth it. For first-time players, it’s an opportunity to understand why Final Fantasy VII is held in such high regard. It’s the chance to experience a multifaceted story that grapples with complex subject matter, be in the company of memorable characters, and be moved by their plight. For returning fans, this isn’t the Final Fantasy VII your mind remembers, it’s the one your heart always knew it to be.” — Tamoor Hussain, Managing Editor
“I’m also thinking about how much I still have left to learn about Hades, both the character and the game, even dozens of hours in. Like in the Greek myths Hades takes inspiration from, endings aren’t tidy, and they’re almost never final. They’re protracted, often unsatisfying, and are hard to find real closure in, and the fact that Hades understands this is its greatest strength. I’m sure there’s a point where, after running through hell enough times, I’ll have seen all Hades has to offer, both in its clever and endless fights and its many alluring characters, intimate moments, and rewarding quests. The story does end. But what matters so much more are all the moments between the start and end of a story, and the people who help us see those climactic moments but also stick with us between them. They’re the reason we keep trying, and the reason we keep coming back.” — Suriel Vazquez, Freelance Reviewer
“Not only has Half-Life: Alyx made good on its shift to VR, it has elevated many of the aspects we’ve come to love about Half-Life games. It may not be as bombastic as previous games, but the intimacy of VR brings you closer to a world you might have thought you knew over the past 22 years. Even when familiarity starts to settle in, its gameplay systems still shine as a cohesive whole. And as it concludes, Half-Life: Alyx hits you with something unforgettable, transcending VR tropes for one of gaming’s greatest moments.” — Michael Higham, Associate Editor
“But when The Last Campfire captivates–which it does so often–it’s difficult not to sink into its breezy pacing and satisfying puzzle-solving. It never overstays its welcome or stretches puzzle ideas beyond their limits, letting each one leave an impression despite their brevity. The Last Campfire’s narrative contextualizes each of these with small anecdotes, letting your imagination fill in the blanks of its world between worlds to the backdrop of its colorful imagery. It’s a consistently relaxing and pleasant experience.” — Alessandro Barbosa, Freelance Reviewer
“By the time I finished The Last of Us Part II, I wasn’t sure if I liked it. It’s a hard game to stomach, in part because so much of who Ellie is and what she does is beyond your control. She is deeply complicated and flawed, and her selfishness hurts a lot of people. At times, the pain you inflict feels so senseless that it can leave you numb. It’s all messy and bleak and made me profoundly sad for myriad reasons, but the more I reflect on it, the more I appreciate the story and characters at its core. I wanted almost none of it to happen the way it did, and that’s what’s both beautiful and devastating about it.” — Kallie Plagge, Reviews Editor
“Still, Mortal Shell succeeds more often than not at capturing the specific feelings intrinsic to Souls-like games. The twists it adds to From-inspired mechanics do well to help this sort of game become more approachable than most, while maintaining the same air of mystery and foreboding that makes the genre itself so intriguing. Mortal Shell makes for a strong introduction to Souls-likes, a demonstration for new players of what so many have found so interesting about From Software’s games and those like them. But Mortal Shell is also a lovingly crafted, weird, and deceptively deep game in its own right that rewards you for wandering its twisted paths and challenging its deadliest foes.” — Phil Hornshaw, Editor
“At times, I wondered if maybe some of these bosses should be a little shorter, as there were many bosses where I felt I had mastered their patterns but couldn’t finish because they landed a single one-hit-kill late in the fight. Ultimately, that excruciating difficulty and the feeling it evokes are baked into Nioh’s DNA, though, and its boss fights remain compelling even as they vex and frustrate. Though it sometimes feels like a curse as you play, it is a testament that Nioh 2 successfully grabs and holds your complete attention so close for so long.” — Mike Epstein, Freelance Reviewer
“That finality could signal that this is the last Ori game, a farewell to the fantastical world and memorable characters that made Moon Studios such a standout developer from its very first effort. If that is the case, you could hardly ask for a better send-off. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a remarkable synthesis of artful design and beautiful moments.”— Steve Watts, Associate Editor
“Making a good retro-style game is hard–balancing old-fashioned play mechanics with newer advancements in game design is a tough tightrope to walk. But Panzer Paladin manages that balancing act with few slip-ups, delivering solid platforming action, fierce weapon duels, epic boss fights, and a cool weapon-sacrifice mechanic, all dressed up in an immensely charming classic-robot-anime wrapping. While it might have its brief moments of annoyance, the amazing globe-trotting, alien-smashing adventure of Flame and Grit proves to be a delight from beginning to end.” — Heidi Kemps, Freelance Reviewer
“Paradise Killer is a singular, exemplary experience. It’s a detective game that feels like real detective work in a way few games do, and it makes its extremely complex worldbuilding feel effortless. I put off the final trial for as long as I can not only because I wanted all the evidence I could find, but because I did not want to leave the island or the game. Paradise might have been killed, but when you’re deep into untangling the game’s conspiracies, it feels very much alive.” — James O’Connor, Freelance Reviewer
“Although Pikmin 3 Deluxe may not offer much in the way of substantial new content, the game still holds up wonderfully thanks to its unique gameplay and carefully constructed levels, and the tweaks and additions that have been implemented here help smooth over the whole package for newer players. Even three installments in, there is no other series quite like Pikmin, which helps Pikmin 3 still feel fresh seven years after its original release.” — Kevin Knezevic, Associate Editor
“Whether or not you’re an old-school Mystery Dungeon aficionado or a total newcomer to the long-derelict spin-off series doesn’t necessarily matter: Mystery Dungeon on Switch improves upon the originals with some valuable quality-of-life tweaks, making it a worthwhile play regardless of your familiarity with the series. It features a distinct combat system that provides an intriguing alternative to the mainline Pokemon formula with tile-based strategizing, humanizes the Pokemon you’ve fallen in love with over the years, tells a riveting and emotional story that will make you view the franchise in a totally different light, and does so with a stylish suite of visuals and music. Eventually, every ugly Ducklett becomes a Swanna.” — Cian Maher, Freelance Reviewer
“Risk of Rain 2 is lo-fi beats to relax to with the bass boosted until the subwoofers catch fire. And explode. And bleed? What begins as a chill loot-shooty time quickly escalates to a frantic fight for your life where everything is burning and there’s a big red target on your back. The lack of any strategic layer between the action did leave me feeling burned out. But the additive nature of the game’s builds give Risk of Rain 2 the feeling of a pebble skittering along a rocky cliff. When the avalanche begins, enemies would be well advised to get out of your way.” — Andrew King, Freelance Reviewer
“At least, that seems to be the case right now. The original Spelunky’s proc-gen depths hid secrets that took time for its avid community to discover, so it’s possible that Spelunky 2 has secrets of its own that I have yet to find, and they could push the game in a different direction from its predecessor. Spelunky 2 is a successful evolution of what made the original Spelunky work; the tight controls, impressive use of procedural generation, expressive art style, and interesting stage themes are better than ever here. But the more notable changes in how we play and talk about this game will likely happen in the coming months as players discover the heart of the game in the deep, dark depths we aren’t yet even aware exist.” — Andrew King, Freelance Reviewer
“All in all, though, Streets of Rage 4 is an admirable comeback for this long-dormant series. It looks great, sounds great, and plays very well. Even if the experience is relatively short, it’s the sort of game you and your buddies can easily enjoy playing and re-playing. If you’re craving some classic brawling action with a modern edge, these rage-filled streets are calling your name.” — Heidi Kemps, Freelance Reviewer
“Taken all together, Mario 3D All-Stars is a worthwhile collection, featuring the best versions of Mario 64, Sunshine, and Galaxy to appear on a Nintendo system. Although the individual games have been sparingly touched up and there’s little in the way of ancillary material to pore over, the titles themselves hold up well and are a delight to revisit. Despite their age, the games are still rife with inventive ideas and surprises, which more than makes up for the collection’s presentational shortcomings.” — Kevin Knezevic, Associate Editor
“Superliminal is a great puzzle experience, full of smart ideas that are richly realized. The game’s playful use of the first-person camera and clever perspective manipulation puzzles take video game tropes and mechanics most players will be familiar with and wring something truly fresh out of them. Superliminal achieves its clear central aim–it offers up some genuinely fresh perspectives on what first-person puzzle games can do.” — James O’Connor, Freelance Reviewer
“Treachery in Beatdown City uses humor skillfully as a tool to deal with contemporary issues with the gig economy, insidious tech company ploys, and obnoxious bigots. It has some lulls and a bit of an abrupt conclusion, but that’s overshadowed by how especially fun the conversations and combat are. The mechanics stand out and push against the standards of the brawler genre, injecting a strong tactics twist that lets you make some freestyle combos in the blink of an eye. In the end it was a short, satisfying playthrough that maintained its action movie aura the entire time. Treachery in Beatdown City is all about fighting, but it shines because at its core it’s about fighting back.” — Funke Joseph, Freelance Reviewer
“Watch Dogs: Legion is an anti-fascist game, and it’s admirable that it sticks to that message and sees it through to a satisfying and affirming conclusion. It also bolsters the franchise’s clever hacking gameplay to offer more creativity than ever. One of Legion’s more profound messages is about what it means to be a true Londoner, and by the game’s end, you’ll have a DedSec crew made of wildly diverse and disparate citizens from unique cultural, ethnic, and economic backgrounds–all united in their goal to restore their home. If anything, that’s as powerful a message for the game as you can get.” — Alessandro Fillari, Editor
There’s really nothing quite like getting invested into a great shooter. With games like Destiny 2 reinventing itself with new mechanics and storytelling, and Doom Eternal leaning further into combat puzzle formula, the shooters of 2020 offered players new ways to embrace fast-paced action and responsive shooting gameplay in satisfying ways. Along those games, there were also other shooters like Half-Life: Alyx that embraced new technology to further enhance the sense of immersion and reshape our view of what first-person shooters are capable of.
In GameSpot’s best of 2020 coverage, we’ve pulled together a selection of the year’s best shooters across different platforms. This particular breakdown focuses on games that GameSpot has given a score of 8 and above, which includes both first and third person shooters. For more on 2020’s best games, including a breakdown of GameSpot’s Game of the Year pick Half-Life: Alyx, be sure to check out our hub page of all the year’s standout titles.
“Beyond Light might not be the biggest expansion, but it does feel like we’ve entered a new chapter in the game’s life, with new priorities and an approach that makes the game more resonant in a way that goes beyond satisfying shooting. On the whole, Destiny 2 might be more of the same than it is different, but what’s the same about it–like its phenomenal raids and tight, satisfying gameplay–is still largely pretty great, and what’s different is mostly making the game all the more worthwhile.” — Phil Hornshaw
“Though it can take a bit to get the hang of it, the intricacies of Doom Eternal’s combat, combined with its enhanced mobility and option-heavy level design, create a ton of white-knuckle moments that elevate everything that made Doom 2016 work so well. Its combat is just as quick and chaotic, but requires you to constantly analyze everything that’s happening in order to come out victorious. Once you get the hang of the rhythm of Doom Eternal, it’ll make you feel like a demon-slaying savant.” — Phil Hornshaw, Editor
“Not only has Half-Life: Alyx made good on its shift to VR, it has elevated many of the aspects we’ve come to love about Half-Life games. It may not be as bombastic as previous games, but the intimacy of VR brings you closer to a world you might have thought you knew over the past 22 years. Even when familiarity starts to settle in, its gameplay systems still shine as a cohesive whole. And as it concludes, Half-Life: Alyx hits you with something unforgettable, transcending VR tropes for one of gaming’s greatest moments.” — Michael Higham, Associate Editor
“Watch Dogs: Legion is an anti-fascist game, and it’s admirable that it sticks to that message and sees it through to a satisfying and affirming conclusion. It also bolsters the franchise’s clever hacking gameplay to offer more creativity than ever. One of Legion’s more profound messages is about what it means to be a true Londoner, and by the game’s end, you’ll have a DedSec crew made of wildly diverse and disparate citizens from unique cultural, ethnic, and economic backgrounds–all united in their goal to restore their home. If anything, that’s as powerful a message for the game as you can get.” — Alessandro Fillari, Editor
All four games are available to any Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S owner with an Xbox Live Gold or Game Pass Ultimate membership.Check the list below to learn the availability of each.
Free Xbox Games With Gold For January 2021
Little Nightmares: January 1-31
The King of Fighters XIII: January 1-15
Breakdown: January 16-31
Dead Rising: January 16-February 15
Developed by Tarsier Studios and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, Little Nightmares is a 2D horror platformer where players must survive a massive industrial ship called The Maw with the fragile, yellow rainjacket-clad child Six. Having released to much critical acclaim in 2017 and receiving a few pieces of DLC thereafter, Tarsier Studios announced a sequel was in the works in 2019. Little Nightmares 2 drops on February 11, 2021.
Though not the most-recent entry of The King of Fighters, The King of Fighters XIII is one of the more recognizable, having been on the market for six years before creator SNK dropped The King of Fighters XIV in 2016. The King of Fighters XIII features mechanics familiar to fans of the series, such as its traditional 3v3 team composition. This entry also introduces the brand-new EX mode, a buff that unleashes a more powerful version of a character’s special. SNK recently confirmed that a reveal for The King of Fighters XV premieres early next month.
Dead Rising is Capcom’s wackier take on the zombie apocalypse, following journalist Frank West as he’s trapped in a mall nestled within a town suffering from an outbreak. Players can use everything in the mall as a weapon, from chairs and clothing racks to guns and explosives, or craft their own gear to clear the zombie horde and escape the Willamette mall in one piece.
The oldest game on the list and an original Xbox title at that, Breakdown is a first-person action game that was lauded for its choice of perspective to tell its story, something more common these days with the reemergence of immersive sim game design. Players control Derrick Cole, an amnesiac dude who, after discovering his new powers, must fight his way out of the industrial lab that performed inhumane experiments on him–and many others.
With Christmas just a few days away, retailers and digital storefronts are offering one last round of deals before 2021 begins. Whether you game on console or PC, there are plenty of great digital game deals, including multiple holiday sales on the Nintendo Switch eShop. If you’re looking for something new to play over the holiday, you can save big on popular games from Ubisoft, Bandai Namco, and Capcom.
You can check out the highlights below and see all of holiday deals at the Nintendo Switch eShop. You should also take a peek at the PlayStation Store‘s and Xbox Store‘s holiday sales as well as Steam’s Winter Sale.
Best deals at Nintendo Switch eShop
Assassin’s Creed III: Remastered — $16 ($40)
Assassin’s Creed: The Rebel Collection — $20 ($40)
Devil May Cry — $10 ($20)
Devil May Cry 2 — $10 ($20)
Devil May Cry 3 Special edition — $12 ($20)
Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen — $15 ($30)
Dragon Ball FighterZ — $9.59 ($60)
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 — $10 ($50)
Immortals Fenyx Rising — $40 ($60)
Jump Force — $30 ($50)
Just Dance 2021 — $30 ($50)
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle — $15 ($60)
Mega Man 11 — $15 ($30)
Mega Man Legacy Collection — $10 ($15)
Mega Man Legacy Collection 2 — $10 ($20)
Mega Man X Legacy Collection — $10 ($20)
Mega Man X Legacy Collection 2 — $10 ($20)
Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate — $16 ($40)
Mr. Driller DrillLand — $15 ($30)
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch — $15 ($50)
Okami HD — $10 ($20)
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy — $15 ($30)
Rayman Legends Definitive edition — $10 ($40)
Resident Evil 0 — $13 ($20)
Resident Evil — $13 ($20)
Resident Evil 4 — $15 ($20)
Resident Evil 5 — $15 ($20)
Resident Evil 6 — $15 ($20)
Resident Evil Revelations — $8 ($20)
Resident Evil Revelations 2 — $8 ($20)
Super Dragon Ball Heroes World Mission — $15 ($60)
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Throughout its history, the role-playing game genre has offered some of the more complex pieces of storytelling and gameplay within the medium of games. In 2020, the RPG genre hit some notable strides with some great releases. Along with the revival of the legendary JRPG Final Fantasy VII with its remake, we also saw other games lean further into the craft of letting players chart their own stories and character dynamics in games like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Crusader Kings III.
In the following roundup, you can find a selection of RPGs that GameSpot has rated an 8 and above throughout 2020. This year proved to be a remarkable year for the RPG genre, and the games we’ve pulled together below take the familiar tenets of the genre and reincorporate them in some exciting ways.
“But ultimately, the biggest problem with 13 Sentinels is that a chunk of the game is merely good while the majority of it is outstanding. The stories of these kids and their giant robots absolutely consumed me during my playtime, and even now, I’m ruminating over certain plot points, events, and relationships, wondering if I should go back through the archives to see what I’ve missed. I don’t think I’ll forget my time in the 13 Sentinels world, and I doubt you will, either.” –Heidi Kemps, Freelance Reviewer
“Despite its strong connection to past games, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is more than capable of standing on its own. It takes a little while to build momentum, but when it hits its stride, Valhalla is a confident Assassin’s Creed title that takes a few narrative risks which, as a whole, pay off. Eivor is a good hero with an identity that drives the mystery behind the main narrative, and she shines in the self-contained arc structure of Valhalla’s story. The supporting cast may not shine as brightly, but it’s easy to forgive that when exploring England and discovering new nuggets of worldbuilding is so rewarding.” — Jordan Ramée, Associate Editor
“In a sense, Crusader Kings 3 is all over the place. It doesn’t always work perfectly, and at times it really makes you work for it, but there’s something amazing in that any of it works at all. Strategy games can tell interesting stories as their empires rise and fall, but their procedural narratives are rarely as affecting and poignant as they are here.” — David Wildgoose, Freelancer Reviewer
“Quirks aside, Bluepoint’s remake is an unmitigated success. It is a technical tour de force and a true showpiece for the PS5 and the power of Sony’s next-generation console. But, more importantly, it’s also a creative marvel coming from a studio that is clearly showing the world it has its own voice. Bluepoint has taken From Software’s original game and expressed it in a richer and fuller way, and in doing so given me something I thought was impossible: the opportunity to relive the experience of falling in love with Souls games for the first time.” — Tamoor Hussain, Managing Editor
“Desperados 3 is a superb package. It’s a clever, cunning game of stealth and tactical thinking that, thanks to a generous quick-save system and wealth of informative visual cues, entices you to tinker with all the toys it has on offer and fully explore the possibility spaces of its elaborate levels. There’s no need for a do-over here; Desperados 3 is a dead-eye shot on the very first try.” — David Wildgoose, Freelance Reviewer
“Beyond Light might not be the biggest expansion, but it does feel like we’ve entered a new chapter in the game’s life, with new priorities and an approach that makes the game more resonant in a way that goes beyond satisfying shooting. On the whole, Destiny 2 might be more of the same than it is different, but what’s the same about it–like its phenomenal raids and tight, satisfying gameplay–is still largely pretty great, and what’s different is mostly making the game all the more worthwhile.” — Phil Hornshaw
“Regardless of your history with the original game, Final Fantasy VII Remake is an astounding achievement. The wait for its release was a long one, but in gameplay, story, characters, and music, it delivers–the wait was worth it. For first-time players, it’s an opportunity to understand why Final Fantasy VII is held in such high regard. It’s the chance to experience a multifaceted story that grapples with complex subject matter, be in the company of memorable characters, and be moved by their plight. For returning fans, this isn’t the Final Fantasy VII your mind remembers, it’s the one your heart always knew it to be.” — Tamoor Hussain, Managing Editor
Final Fantasy VII Remake is only available on PS4 but can be played on PS5 via backward compatibility.
“I’m also thinking about how much I still have left to learn about Hades, both the character and the game, even dozens of hours in. Like in the Greek myths Hades takes inspiration from, endings aren’t tidy, and they’re almost never final. They’re protracted, often unsatisfying, and are hard to find real closure in, and the fact that Hades understands this is its greatest strength. I’m sure there’s a point where, after running through hell enough times, I’ll have seen all Hades has to offer, both in its clever and endless fights and its many alluring characters, intimate moments, and rewarding quests. The story does end. But what matters so much more are all the moments between the start and end of a story, and the people who help us see those climactic moments but also stick with us between them. They’re the reason we keep trying, and the reason we keep coming back.” — Suriel Vazquez, Freelance Reviewer
“With a bit of good old determination, however, Moon’s flaws and frustrations are easily overcome. Despite being almost 25 years old, Moon remains a thoughtful, beautiful experience that has a lot to say about the static nature of video games, how the way stories are presented affects our perceptions of reality, the rewarding nature of kindness and stewardship, and how simply being a part of the world makes us important and valuable. I don’t think I’ll forget my experience in Moon World anytime soon, and should you embark on this journey and see it through to its conclusion, I doubt you will, either.” — Heidi Kemps, Freelance Reviewer
“Still, Mortal Shell succeeds more often than not at capturing the specific feelings intrinsic to Souls-like games. The twists it adds to From-inspired mechanics do well to help this sort of game become more approachable than most, while maintaining the same air of mystery and foreboding that makes the genre itself so intriguing. Mortal Shell makes for a strong introduction to Souls-likes, a demonstration for new players of what so many have found so interesting about From Software’s games and those like them. But Mortal Shell is also a lovingly crafted, weird, and deceptively deep game in its own right that rewards you for wandering its twisted paths and challenging its deadliest foes.” — Phil Hornshaw, Editor
“At times, I wondered if maybe some of these bosses should be a little shorter, as there were many bosses where I felt I had mastered their patterns but couldn’t finish because they landed a single one-hit-kill late in the fight. Ultimately, that excruciating difficulty and the feeling it evokes are baked into Nioh’s DNA, though, and its boss fights remain compelling even as they vex and frustrate. Though it sometimes feels like a curse as you play, it is a testament that Nioh 2 successfully grabs and holds your complete attention so close for so long.” — Mike Epstein, Freelance Reviewer
Nioh 2 is available on PS4. A new-gen upgraded version on PS5 and a PC port are expected sometime next year.
“It’s a concession I’m willing to take, though, since just about every other part of Paper Mario: The Origami King works so well. With a newfound combat system that steals the show and offers a novel take on turn-based combat, its winking, nodding, and adventuring shine all the brighter. Its world and characters might not be the series’ best, but it’s still able to consistently throw left turns, good gags, and smart surprises at you. Each piece of The Origami King elegantly fits into its whole, taking its irreverent flair to new heights. The Paper Mario series has recently shown that being clever and being smart are two different things, but thankfully, it’s once again managed to be both.” — Suriel Vazquez, Freelance Reviewer
Paper Mario: The Origami King is only available on Nintendo Switch.
“As P5R comes to a close, it tries to ease you into its end with heartfelt scenes, some new and some familiar. But in doing so, it only makes it harder to say goodbye again. Persona 5 Royal is many things: a collection of small inspiring stories, an ambitious harrowing journey with some good friends, a stunning visual and auditory experience, a resounding call to action. By refining what was already great and building on its best qualities with a brilliant new story arc, Persona 5 Royal asserts itself as an unforgettable and empowering RPG that should be recognized as one of the best games of our time.” — Michael Higham, Associate Editor
Persona 5 Royal is only available on PS4 but can be played on PS5 via backward compatibility.
“Risk of Rain 2 is lo-fi beats to relax to with the bass boosted until the subwoofers catch fire. And explode. And bleed? What begins as a chill loot-shooty time quickly escalates to a frantic fight for your life where everything is burning and there’s a big red target on your back. The lack of any strategic layer between the action did leave me feeling burned out. But the additive nature of the game’s builds give Risk of Rain 2 the feeling of a pebble skittering along a rocky cliff. When the avalanche begins, enemies would be well advised to get out of your way.” — Andrew King, Freelance Reviewer
“No matter how many hours I spent in Star Renegades, every run, every battle, every turn felt like a new captivating puzzle to solve. In my experience, roguelites lose their luster when the runs start to feel the same no matter how you change things up. Even after playing for dozens of hours and having seen the vast majority of what there is to see, I never lost interest in picking apart each battle to dismantle an opponent for a turn, then another one, and another until the battle is finished. The satisfying feeling of living in the moment and conquering it never gets old.” — Mike Epstein, Freelance Reviewer
“Treachery in Beatdown City uses humor skillfully as a tool to deal with contemporary issues with the gig economy, insidious tech company ploys, and obnoxious bigots. It has some lulls and a bit of an abrupt conclusion, but that’s overshadowed by how especially fun the conversations and combat are. The mechanics stand out and push against the standards of the brawler genre, injecting a strong tactics twist that lets you make some freestyle combos in the blink of an eye. In the end it was a short, satisfying playthrough that maintained its action movie aura the entire time. Treachery in Beatdown City is all about fighting, but it shines because at its core it’s about fighting back.” — Funke Joseph, Freelance Reviewer
“By stripping back XCOM combat to its bare minimum, Chimera Squad is able to make nearly all your choices vital. This isn’t a series of small choices that slowly accumulate into something interesting; it operates more like a one-two punch of big decisions. You don’t spend any time in an encounter here patiently edging forward, stationing your squad on overwatch and wearing down the enemy. Instead, the enemy is right there in your face from the jump, and you’ve got to act now and act decisively. Luckily the Chimera Squad is there to back you up.” — David Wildgoose, Freelance Reviewer
“Although not every aspect of Xenoblade Chronicles has aged as well as others, Definitive Edition proves that Xenoblade Chronicles is still a fantastic JRPG with an immense amount of strategic depth that’s still impressive in 2020. Its bevy of improvements and additions, as well as its fantastic epilogue, make this an adventure worth embarking on a decade later.” — Jacob Dekker, Video Producer
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is only available on Nintendo Switch.
“For RGG Studio’s first crack at an RPG, it’s a damn fine result. It delivers what I love most about Yakuza and introduces new ideas that largely pay off. Ichiban isn’t doing it alone, either. He has friends and mentors, ones who’ve helped him fight and overcome personal tragedies. It was an absolute thrill to watch him grow, and that’s what’s most important for a game so focused on its characters. Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a passing of the torch, and a fantastic entry in a beloved franchise that proves that it’s in good hands with Kasuga Ichiban.” — Michael Higham, Associate Editor
Developer CD Projekt Red has announced a new sales figure for Cyberpunk 2077. The embattled RPG sold more than 13 million copies as of December 20, which makes it one of the most successful RPG launches of all time.
CD Projekt Red said the number covers sales across all platforms, and it also factors in “returns submitted by retail clients in brick-and-mortar as well as digital storefronts.” From the wording of the news release, it sounds like 13 million is the number of copies sold, including returns, except for those filed to CDPR when this news release went out.
Here is the exact wording that CDPR used: “This figure represents the estimated volume of retail sales across all hardware platforms (factoring in returns submitted by retail clients in brick-and-mortar as well as digital storefronts), i.e. the ‘sell-through’ figure, less all refund requests e-mailed directly to the Company by the publication date of this report in the framework of the ‘Help Me Refund’ campaign.”
CDPR said it chose to disclose this information to help appease investors and shareholders. “The Management Board has decided to disclose the above information in the form of a current report due to its potential impact on investment-related decisions,” the company said.
CDPR previously disclosed that pre-orders for Cyberpunk 2077 reached 8 million by launch, so this suggests that the game sold an additional 5 million copies after release. The developer did not disclose the specific number of returns for Cyberpunk 2077.
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As is always the case with Christmas approaching, Valve has kicked off the latest winter sale on Steam. 2020’s edition features the usual array of discounts on thousands of games and DLC packs, making for an overwhelming selection to choose from. The Steam winter sale is live right now and runs until January 5 at 10 AM PT.
Make it through the standard server errors that are accompanying the sale’s launch and you’ll see it doesn’t have a corresponding minigame or anything terribly in-depth to it, as some past Steam sales have. That said, you’ll notice birds adorning the various hubs on the Steam store, and you can get “festive bird” stickers for use on Steam that celebrate various games. You can grab these from the Steam points shop.
But the real highlight of a Steam sale are the deals, and there is no shortage of them, including great new games released in 2020. Our Game of the Year, Half-Life: Alyx, is discounted to $45, although bear in mind you’ll need a VR headset in order to play it. Other GameSpot Game of the Year nominees are on sale, including Hades for $20, Yakuza: Like a Dragon for $45, and Spiritfarer for $22.49.
With Halo’s Master Chief Collection now complete on PC, you can pick it up for just $24, which works to about $4 per game–a real steal. Alternatively, you can buy its individual games for $6 a pop. Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete edition, the formerly PS4-exclusive open-world action game, is down to $40. Another ex-PS4 exclusive, Death Stranding, drops to $30.
Fall Guys may have fallen out of the zeitgeist compared to its launch, but it still makes for goofy fun and is down to $16. Another massively successful indie game from this year, Among Us, is $1 off, bringing its price to $4. Phasmophobia sees a small discount that takes it to $12.59, and Stardew Valley, fresh off update 1.5, is $10.
Doom Eternal was one of the year’s best shooters and can be had for just $19.79. No Man’s Sky, which has improved dramatically since its launch and continues to get substantial free updates, is down to $30. Monster Hunter World drops to $19.79, while its Iceborne expansion is down to $24.79. If The Mandalorian has put you in the mood for Star Wars, Jedi: Fallen Order is $24 and Star Wars: Squadrons is $24. Or if Cyberpunk 2077’s brand of cyberpunk isn’t doing it for you, Ghostrunner is down to $22.49.
Coinciding with this sale, voting is now live for the Steam Awards. You can vote for your picks in 10 different categories, including Game of the Year, from now until January 3 at 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET. Winners to be announced on January 4 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET.
Read on for a look at more of the highlights from this year’s sale.
Steam Winter Sale Best Deals
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The holiday season has hit the wild west in Red Dead Online, the multiplayer mode for Red Dead Redemption 2, bringing some seasonal goodies and bonuses alongside a special new bounty event.
To start, the holiday festivities will bring special decor like wreaths, lights, and decorations around the towns, and the streets will be filled with carolers. You can pick up some free gifts in the Benefits page, including a coupons for a free coat and repeater. You can also visit gunsmiths for a new Winter Evans Repeater variant, and a purchasable Krampus Shotgun variant.
You can also pick up some new Turkoman breeds of horses in four color variants, and gather triple RDO$ and XP payouts in holiday-themed competitive modes. The Wilderness Outfitters are offering 30% off everything, along with deep discounts on butcher tables, moonshine shacks and their respective upgrades.
A seasonal chill is sweeping through Red Dead Online, bringing heavy snowfall and a bracing shot of the warming Holiday spirit along with it.
Finally, bounty hunters can get double XP, and higher level bounty hunters can take on various Infamous Bounty missions from each of the 13 bounty boards. This comes alongside an event introducing Virgil “The Shepherd” Edwards, a cult leader who is making his followers progressively more violent. You can track down The Shepherd with a local bounty board, but the blog warns you’ll have to contend with his flock as well.
Red Dead Online began strictly as multiplayer mode for Red Dead Redemption 2, but it has since become available as a standalone version. The standalone game is discounted to just $5 through February 15.
Developer Treyarch has rolled out an update for Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S that shuffles the game’s multiplayer playlist and pushes out yet another double XP event for all players.
The update is now live and it makes a number of changes to the game. As previously promised, Treyarch is issuing a double battle pass XP event for all players until December 28. In addition to the double XP event, daily challenges have been added to Black Ops Cold War’s multiplayer and Zombies modes. Other changes include playlist updates, such as bringing Face Off, which consists of 3v3 Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Kill Confirmed matches on Gunfight maps. Raid 24/7 is also live, as well as Nuketown Holiday 24/7, Prop Hunt, and Gunfight.
This update comes not long after Treyarch and co-developer Raven Software released one patch after another that not only kicked off Season 1 for both Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and Warzone. The patches also made a number of changes to both games, including removing helicopters due to a bug from Warzone and adjusting the spawn logic for Nuketown ’84.
Now live in #BlackOpsColdWar: • Double Battle Pass XP through Dec. 28th • Daily Challenges in MP and Zombies • Face Off (3v3 TDM, Dom, Kill Confirmed on Gunfight maps) • Raid 24/7 • Nuketown Holiday 24/7 • Prop Hunt • Gunfight
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is available now on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. Those curious about Black Ops Cold War’s multiplayer can check out a free trial until December 22, which gives players access to the game’s 18 maps.
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