My Most Anticipated Games of 2020
With a countless number of amazing titles debuting this year, 2020 is gearing up to be one of the biggest years in video games yet. Whether you’re a fan of established franchises or independent projects, there is a lot to love in the new year. In this week’s article I will breakdown five of my most anticipated games of the year.
5) Animal Crossing: New Horizons: Nintendo
When life gets stressful and overwhelming, the best cure is visiting the colorful world of Animal Crossing. From building your dream home, to making new friends and seeing K.K Slider perform a new musical set, there is something for everyone. I find the world of Animal Crossing incredibly relaxing as I really enjoy the simple gameplay loop of collecting materials and improving my home. Additionally, the new island setting will prove to be a good time as Tom Nook continues to swindle my money as he has countless generations previously. Having this new installment on the Nintendo Switch will also be great as I will be able to visit my friends’ towns and meet and interact with the weird animal creatures that inhabit them. The game’s delay to March 20th crushed me, as I can’t wait to be a part of this world again.
4) 12 Minutes: Luis Antonio
I have always been a sucker for a good mystery and 12 Minutes looks to be that and more. The story-based title centered around a husband and wife in their apartment features a unique time loop mechanic in which the player experiences the same 12-minute sequence with different branching paths based on player choice. The concept is almost akin to an interactive version of the 1993 film Groundhog Day with its repetition of events leading to the main character using previously gained knowledge to increase their chances of success in the next sequence. I also adore the top-down perspective used in the game as I feel it adds an interesting visual aesthetic that allows the player to see the cinematics from a distance. Luis Antonio’s first project has me extremely intrigued and I can’t wait to see what this mystery has in store for players when it releases in 2020.
3) Marvel’s The Avengers: Square Enix
After finishing Marvel’s Spiderman in 2018, I could only dream of getting a similar level of treatment in an Avengers game. While I realize this game is a different take than the single-player focused nature of Spiderman, I am beyond excited to wield Thor’s hammer, fly through the sky as Iron Man, smash stuff as Hulk and so much more. Additionally, the idea that I will be able to team up with friends to save the day as our favorite heroes is so exciting. The game’s use of customization and upgradable abilities within the different playable characters should also add replayability to the game. Finally, the game features a unique story surrounding the death of Captain America as the Avengers deal with the aftermath of an attack on “A-Day.” It is refreshing to see Crystal Dynamics try something new after Tomb Raider and I for one can’t wait to see these Avengers assemble on May 15th, 2020.
2) Cyberpunk 2077: CD Projekt Red
Am I the only person who has dreamed of living in the world of Blade Runner 2049 and driving flying cars? Clearly not, because the developers of CD Projekt Red share my dream and are making it a virtual reality in their latest project Cyberpunk 2077. From its vivid neon skylines to the grime-infested slums, the world of Cyberpunk feels fully realized and brimming with little details to uncover for years to come. Based on the amount of content in the studio’s previous title, The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt, I assume I will be playing this one for a long time. I am eager to start customizing my character and learning the mechanics of the fighting and gunplay. With all this to discuss, I didn’t even mention the fact that Keanu Reeves is in the game?! Take all of my money CD Projekt Red and I’ll see you in Night City this April.
1) The Last of Us Part II: Naughty Dog
In 2013, I rolled credits on what would become not only my favorite game of the decade but my favorite game of all time. The brilliant storytelling and fully realized characters were unlike anything I had seen before in a game. The relationship between Joel and Ellie seemed so real and believable as I felt the pain and anguish that the characters were experiencing. I finished the game and I felt completely blown away by what I had just experienced, and at the time I truly believed that was the end of Joel and Ellie’s story.
Fast-forward to the announcement of The Last of Us Part II at PSX 2016 and I was both absolutely thrilled about the announcement and concerned about the writers returning to a story that already felt complete in my mind. But after following every trailer and preview of the game, I can safely say that I think The Last of Us Part II is going to be something truly special, just like its predecessor. I can’t wait to find out how Ellie has changed since the events of the original game and how the surrounding world has grown alongside her. May 29, 2020 cannot come soon enough….
These are just a few of my most anticipated games of the year, and there are countless others that I can’t wait to play. Stay tuned to lukewarmgames.com for my review impressions as new titles begin to release in 2020. Come back next week for an in-depth retrospective look at why I believe The Last of Us is one of the most influential games of all time.
