Holidays were canceled, exchange rates hit anti-records, concerts and films were postponed. The only thing that remained was to close in the apartment and play, since there were no less new video games than usual. In this regard, the year turned out to be very good and very eventful, because in addition to the releases, we were pleased with the new generation of consoles, which instantly sold like hot cakes. Ads by Ad.Plus
As always, we note that this list contains only those titles that we ourselves have played. If suddenly we did not mention your favorite game, it is most likely because we did not find the time to get acquainted with it. But in the comments, you can always note who we have forgotten.
Finally, one more note – Cyberpunk 2077 is not here for a reason. And not because we didn’t play it. Perhaps in 2021, when the PS5 version is released, it will be possible to return to it.
1. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (Ubisoft Montreal)
The Assassin’s Creed series continues to be inspired by a wide variety of eras, and the Vikings are next. Sounds good – who didn’t want to arm themselves with a virtual ax and go to smash the Saxon settlements? Like nobody? Don’t be creative.
I’m not going to pretend that Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is some kind of revelation. Not at all. But it’s a logical sequel to a never-fading series that continues to garner huge attention and huge sales. There is something about these games that simply does not let people go.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla turned out to be a kind of connecting link between new RPG-like parts and more classic ones. As well as dialogues and quests – the influence of the third “Witcher” is still traced. True, the further, the less historical reliability. But most will only be happy to sacrifice it for the sake of greater epicenes
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2. Demon’s Souls (Bluepoint Games)
I don’t really like remakes, but there is simply nowhere to hide from Demon’s Souls. Since its release, it has not been included in any list. It is clear why: firstly, it resurrects the cult original of 2009, and secondly, it demonstrates the full power of the PS5 in all its glory. Well, almost: for some reason, ray tracing was not delivered.
If you are a fan of souls likes, then you cannot miss Demon’s Souls. The remake reproduces the original as faithfully as possible down to the smallest detail. But everything has become more convenient and, most importantly, faster – no long loading screens for you.
After playing Demon’s Souls, it will be very difficult for you to return to the antediluvian Dark Souls.
3. Gears Tactics (Splash Damage/The Coalition)
Why: Excellent variation of XCOM, worthy of a spin-off
Every time someone says the words “turn-based tactics”, everyone immediately thinks of XCOM. It’s like Super Mario and platformer. You can’t hide from associations. But Gears Tactics doesn’t try. Why be ashamed? Why not be inspired by the best?
I wasn’t expecting much from this spin-off of the Gears of War franchise, and I was pleasantly surprised. No, we were not offered any phenomenal new ideas, but practically everything that the developers tried to do, they did perfectly. Most of all, I am glad how skillfully they have shifted all the fundamental elements of the series to a completely different genre. The result is a spin-off that is almost better than some mainline games.
Inspired by the gore of the originals, Splash Damage made tactics faster and more aggressive than most counterparts. And also – perhaps the most beautiful. I can’t think of any other Eskom where there would be such colorful screensavers and such savory violence.
4. Sickbay: A Big Adventure (Sumo Digital)
Why: The perfect game for the company
Sometimes a game doesn’t have to be great to make it to the top list – it just has to offer exactly what it promises. And Sickbay: A Big Adventure didn’t fool anyone. It promised to be a great family game on the brand new PS5, and it didn’t cheat. Bloodthirsty and harsh games are good, but sometimes you want to hand the controller to your wife and just relax, enjoying the beautiful graphics and uncomplicated gameplay. That’s where Sickbay exists – perhaps the most Nintendo-like game from Sony in a long time. And I say this as a compliment.
I admit that I myself hate mobile and overly casual games, but I am also against artificial walls that interfere with inexperienced players. The more choice, the better for all of us. That’s why I rate Sickbay: A Big Adventure so highly, which turned out to be not very difficult and not very simple, and which will appeal to players of all ages. In other words, it’s a very, very good platformer with great music, controls and endlessly creative levels.
