Since 2020 has only just started and we’re yet to really have any major notable releases, I’ve decided to go with my most anticipated games of 2020. I’m obviously basing this on confirmed titles with a release date/window and can’t account for any potential last minute delays. So without further ado, here are the games…
5. Cyberpunk 2077
Confession time, I’ve never played a Witcher game. Wasn’t ever really interested. In general the fantasy setting does nothing for me and really lengthy RPGs even less so. But the cyberpunk aesthetic is the complete opposite and honestly CD Projekt Red look to be crafting a world that I really want to sink my teeth into, despite my usual disdain for overly long role playing games.
I don’t know if it’s the ridiculous visuals, the seemingly rock solid gunplay or even Keanu! I just know I want this game.
But the delay is simply perfect for me because I was intending on waiting for the Series X to release before buying this as I feel it will need to be experienced in a way that only a decent Gaming PC could normally deliver. Luckily we have a console coming that can do just that.
4. The Last of Us Part II
Let’s get this out of the way…I loved the Last of Us. For all its small flaws and quirks, it was still a magnificent package of visual brilliance, great character development and solid gameplay that made The Last of Us a modern classic.
Naughty Dog appears to really be upping the ante across the board with Last of Us Part II and everything shown thus far would suggest they’ve somehow managed to outdo themselves.
My only choice is whether I get it on PS4 or wait for the inevitable PS5 upgrade/version.
3. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Luckily we won’t have to wait long for this one. The first game was one of my all-time favourites and I have supreme confidence the sequel will best it on every level. It helps that I’ve also played a demo build of the game back at PAX Aus in 2018.
I simply can’t wait to completely get lost in the new world Ori finds himself in and enjoy that perfect platforming all over again.
Halo Infinite
I bet you were expecting this at number 1? It was close. I’m the first to admit that 343 have somewhat…mishandled the Halo franchise since taking over from Bungie all those years ago. But there’s a couple of things that give me hope.
For starters, despite missteps, 343 have always managed to at least nail at least one or more aspects of the Halo projects they’ve worked on. For example, Halo 4 showed they’re capable of producing industry leading visuals (when given access to the right hardware) and tell a decent character story. Halo 5 demonstrated that they know how to finally get the multiplayer right and make Halo feel amazing to play. Say what you want about the 343 Halo games, but if there’s one aspect of Halo where they’ve comfortably trumped Bungie, it’s in the gameplay department. Halo has simple never felt better to play than it does under 343’s stewardship.
Secondly, back after I beat Halo 5 on Legendary, the “extra” ending gave promise that Halo would return to a ring. Since then I’ve speculated, predicted and wished for Halo “6”, to be the Star Wars Episode VII of the Halo franchise. Essentially a reimagining of Halo that harkens back to Combat Evolved without being a straight up remake. So far everything we’ve seen definitely looks like that’s what they’re channeling. So it’s hard not to be excited.
1. Streets of Rage 4
Let’s be real, anyone who knows me online and is a regular watcher/listener of the XboxEra Podcast should have known this would be my number one.
Streets of Rage 2 is one of my favourite games of all time and this is a sequel I’ve wanted since 1994. I feel Streets of Rage is an underrated franchise in gaming because all its games were part of the 8 and 16-bit generations. But people forget that all 3 games in the series so far range from great to incredible. Not many franchises in gaming can say that, particularly ones from the pre-3D era.
My hope is that Streets of Rage 4 will not only be another fantastic entry in the franchise, but possibly inspire more modern sequels to classic franchises still stranded in the past.
