2020 has been one terrible year, as we’ve spent most of the year practically indoors. As such, we’ve been looking for more things to do now that the outdoors are somehow off-limits. Of course, as social beings, we also need some activities that we can do with our family and friends.

As most of the world remained indoors, the gaming industry became one of the first groups to adjust to the times. With initiatives like #PlayApartTogether, the industry encouraged the world to explore another hobby all together. With all that time, playing video games became a preferred pastime when watching Netflix got tiring.

In the spirit of year-ending lists, these video games surely made the indoor life worthwhile. However, a list of ten doesn’t feel enough with the amount of games we all played this year. So, without further ado, here are 2020’s gracious offering of great video games:

Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Nintendo Switch)

Animal Crossing made its glorious comeback to modern consoles this year, and the timing could not have been any perfect. Released in late March 2020, New Horizons became the game to play as the world initially had gone on lockdown. In this iteration of the popular franchise, Nintendo’s raccoon tycoon takes you to a deserted island.

Image source: Livedoor

Tom Nook gives you the freedom to design the island however you like, and that freedom was used splendidly. Some players absolutely killed it with islands that resemble famous cities or reference other games like Pokémon. Even brands like KFC jumped in on the fun with their own island creation.

It’s a game that pushed player creativity to the max, especially with seasonal updates. It surely kept people occupied while being stuck indoors, and having nothing better to do.

Final Fantasy VII Remake (PlayStation 4)

Final Fantasy VII is a PlayStation gem as it was one of the first games to adapt to the then-innovative 3D art style. As one of Square Enix’s most prominent franchises, critics praised the turn-based RPG for its gameplay and visuals. 23 years later, the company decided to bring that old magic back, and in a big way.

The 2020 remake improves so much from the original, from the visuals to the overall combat system. From the spectacle of lights on Midgar to Cloud Strife’s impeccable moveset, the Final Fantasy VII Remake gives a fresh experience for both new and old players alike. 

It’s an experience that brings you in slowly, and gets you right in the action in a heartbeat. Even with the amount of gorgeous design elements and tactical combat styles, you won’t be too overwhelmed with everything.

Valorant (PC)

You probably know Riot Games best for producing League of Legends. But in June 2020, the game formerly known as “Project A” made its way to the PC in waves. Since then, Valorant became one of the most popular tactical shooters to grace the PC in a long time.

Riot’s own version of a tactical shooter incorporates key elements of other team-based shooters. Basically, it’s a 5v5 team-based shooter and you choose among a roster of agents with their own sets of abilities. It’s an action-packed affair, as you use your abilities to secure the victory for your team on your rise to becoming Radiant.

Valorant has taken the world by storm, as professional players from other games jump ship to partake in the fun. With the recently concluded First Strike tournament, its own Esports scene is starting to grow, and will only continue into the years to come.

The Last Of Us Part II (PlayStation 4)

This year was also the year developers started to roll out sequels for top-selling franchises. The first of many that this list includes is the second part of The Last Of Us saga, which jumps off from the aftermath of Joel’s big decision in the prequel. Set five years since the prequel’s ending, The Last Of Us Part II served up a darker and more gruesome fallout.

Set in Infected-torn Seattle, The Last Of Us Part II explores Ellie’s life since being saved by Joel. Early tragedy strikes and rocks Ellie to the core, that it makes her hungry for vengeance. Meanwhile, the other side features Abby, the daughter of the doctor in charge of Ellie’s operation from the prequel.

As the events come full circle, you progress through a storyline filled with violence everywhere you turn. With smarter and more aggressive enemies, it’s a fight for survival every step of the way. 

Ghost of Tsushima (PlayStation 4)

As one of the last PlayStation exclusives for the modern consoles, Ghost of Tsushima hoped to be a proper sendoff into the sunset. As a samurai cast out into the shadows after battling the Mongols, you are fighting to take back the island of Tsushima by any means necessary. It’s an entire storyline with total bloodshed the moment it begins.

Combat requires your absolute patience and precision, similar to the ways of the samurai. From face-to-face combat to almost Assassin’s Creed-like stealth, players will maximize these move sets to progress through the vast overworld. Also, players will also have various side quests that are wonderfully integrated in the grander scheme of things.

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It’s an entire saga of the samurai that keeps you hooked in every step of the way. Along with landscapes that are teeming with life, Ghost of Tsushima gives you a legend worth exploring from beginning to end.

Among Us (PC, Mobile)

So, how come a game released in 2018 makes it to a list of 2020’s best games? At first, you wouldn’t believe something like Among Us would be a popular video game halfway through the year. However, this three-year-old game for the PC and mobile devices became the perfect party game to play with all your friends.

The aim of the game is pretty straightforward: you’re all crewmates in the ship, and you have to catch the impostors. However, you will be doing this on top of finishing up your tasks while the impostors lurk and eliminate everybody. It’s a classic game of basic skills, patterns, trust, and betrayal.

You wouldn’t believe the amount of videos popping up online that resembles Esports-level of strategies. Due to its rising popularity, it’s even made its way to pop culture and, at some point, U.S. politics. All of these resulted in Among Us becoming the most downloaded smartphone game this year.

Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout (PlayStation 4, PC, Mobile)

While we’re on the subject of round-shaped globs, another game that features such characters is Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout. The game was released in August to much deserved fanfare, that its impact even extended outside its own game world.

For starters, Fall Guys is a battle-royale game that takes a game show format. Essentially, a lobby of 60 players must outlast each other through a series of minigames. From racing uphill to breaking down doors, players will vie for the ultimate prize: the crown!

It’s a great stress-reliever and a creative endeavor altogether. With the amount of customization and waves of new levels, Fall Guys keeps itself fresh and vibrant for all players. Just don’t look up the anatomy of a Fall Guy.

Genshin Impact (PlayStation 4, PC, Mobile)

Mihoyo struck gold with Genshin Impact coming out on mobile devices during the latter part of the year. Released in early October 2020, the gacha based game incorporates a familiar art style while adding a developing storyline for players to go through. 

It made a huge splash as it covered both PC and mobile users upon launch. With the amount of in-game rewards upon signing up, it doesn’t give you a difficult time trying to get into the thick of things. Plus, the game also allows you to access your account across both platforms, and pick up right where you left off.

It’s a fantastic open-world affair that continuously grows with every patch the developers bring. With the amount of content already available and cross-play enabled, it surely keeps any player hooked and wanting more.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time (PlayStation 4, Xbox One)

After 22 long years, Crash Bandicoot finally received a proper sequel to its original trilogy. Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time explores an entire alternate timeline in the Crash saga, while sticking to the core platforming the franchise is known for. Released in early October, Crash fans both enjoyed and winced at the bandicoot’s wackiest adventure yet.

The game retains a huge chunk of gameplay mechanics taken from all the other released Crash Bandicoot titles. Complemented by stunning visuals and challenging level design, It’s About Time provides the most challenging Crash Bandicoot game to ever exist. Also, you get to play a bunch of characters instead of just Crash and Coco Bandicoot.

People praise the game for how it feels relative to the remastered N.Sane Trilogy a few months back. But, the same people also experienced unbelievable frustration at trying to complete it. They did say it was Crash’s wackiest adventure, right?

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC)

The first of two recently released games on our list is one of Ubisoft’s top selling games in recent memory. Forged in Norse lore, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla takes all the combat and gorgeous visuals to the northern lands of Norway. The game takes place during the Dark Ages of England, as the Vikings look to expand their settlement.

Through a series of exploration and constant battle, Eivor and Sigurd hope to establish a wide Norse settlement across all of England. You will be forging alliances with neighboring kingdoms, as you scratch and slash your way towards Viking expansion. In true Assassin’s Creed fashion, combat and stealth mechanics are also available to you at your disposal.

It’s arguably the franchise’s widest adventure to date, with the amount of places to explore and things to do. While there was a ton of bloodshed, Valhalla sought to give you a purpose to all of it. 

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5)

Finally, one of the most anticipated releases of the year made its way around the same time the next-gen consoles came around. It’s quite fitting, especially since this Spider-Man game features a next-generation hero! As a proper sequel to the initial Marvel’s Spider-Man, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales retains its core gameplay but paces everything well.

What truly separates Miles Morales from Peter Parker is that, well Miles’ spidey powers come with a little extra spark to them. As Miles’ Spider-Man, you still get to take down enemies and traverse through the cityscape with your webs. Now, you will be dealing with two different factions of enemies, with their own plans for the district of Harlem.

Spider-Man: Miles Morales keeps you in the story while also allowing you to explore the streets around you. Essentially, it keeps you engaged with the amount of stuff to do while getting through the main story line. Just to quote another Marvel villain, everything feels balanced, “as all things should be.”