The year 2020 is going to mark the beginning of a new decade, and by the looks of it, it will kick start the dawn of a new era of gaming as well. Before too long we will finally get our hands on the next-generation flagship consoles from Microsoft and Sony. If that’s not reason enough for you to be excited, you should get psyched once you lay your eyes on the list of the top anticipated games of 2020.
A handful of original entries, much-coveted sequels, video game adaptations, remakes of classic retro releases, and excellent indie games await in the pipeline for next year. To make things easier, I have handpicked five entries that I feel will draw the most attention from gamers around the world among a myriad of choices. Here is my list of five most anticipated games of 2020 –
1. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
Release date: January 17, 2020
Release platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Publisher: CyberConnect2
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, which was originally called Project Z, is going to be the first heavyweight release of the year. Dragon Ball Z’s phenomenal success as a manga series has resulted in a long line of video game adaptations over the years. That success aims to continue, and the upcoming title promises to be a sheer delight for fans of the source material with its comprehensive take on the Dragon Ball lore.
The RPG will navigate some of the landmark events that have punctuated the series throughout its run, dating all the way back to the root of the original storyline. The Saiyan Saga, Frieza Saga, Cell Saga, and Buu Saga have been confirmed as the official story arcs of the game. To add to the fan service, the voice cast of Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot voice cast includes Kyle Hebert, who narrated the English version of the popular anime for years.
2. Cyberpunk 2077
Release date: April 16, 2020
Release platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Google Stadia, Microsoft Windows
Publisher: CD Projekt Red
Cyberpunk 2077 is the next project coming from CD Projekt Red, the studio who brought you the Witcher trilogy. But the Cyberpunk 2077 hype escalated to a whole new level when Keanu Reeves popped up on the screen during the game’s E3 trailer reveal. The Hollywood superstar will portray the role of Johnny Silverhand, who was one of the core characters in the 1988 Cyberpunk game.
Set in 2077, Cyberpunk 2077 takes us to the fictitious city of Night Sky, which lies somewhere between San Francisco and LA. In a futuristic Gotham City-ish setup, the game centers around the character V, who is a “gun for hire” as described in the game’s official synopsis. With no microtransactions and an abundance of character customization options, Cyberpunk 2077 is shaping up to be an impressive endeavor with the potential to surpass the studio’s previous accomplishments.
3. Final Fantasy VII Remake
Release date: March 3, 2020.
Release platform: PlayStation 4.
Publisher: Square Enix.
I don’t need to tell you how much of a success the original Final Fantasy VII was when it first came out. Unsurprisingly, PS4 owners marked the date on their calendars when it was announced that a refined version of the game would be released in March with completely reimagined graphics. To make sure the recreation falls nothing short of pitch-perfect, many members of the original development team have been involved in the development of the new game as well.
Final Fantasy VII Remake is not going to be the exact replication of the 1997 RPG built on a better engine. The developers have confirmed new content alongside several alterations to the original story arc. However, it has also been confirmed that the essence of the story will remain the same so that it could still be “recognized as Final Fantasy VII.’’
4. Doom Eternal
Release date: March 20, 2020
Release platform: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Google Stadia, Microsoft Windows
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
The 2016 Doom reboot performed well beyond its expectations, so a sequel was a matter of when, not if, and easily makes our list of top anticipated games of 2020. Originally slated for a November 22 release this year, the follow-up Doom entry Doom Eternal was delayed until March 20, 2020 as developers Id Software stated they don’t want to rush the game. They stated their priority is to ensure the game lives up to the standards set by its predecessor.
Doom earned rave reviews from gamers for its free flow battle mechanics and ruthless enemy design. To make things more interesting this time around, the developers have thrown in twice as many demons as we had encountered in the first game and also a wider range of weapons to slay your foes. One of the standout features of the new edition is the Invasion mode, where you can infiltrate other players’ campaigns as a demon.
5. The Last of Us Part II
Release date: May 29, 2020
Release platform: PlayStation 4
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
The Last of Us sequel is part of the ensemble of marquee video game releases heading our way in 2020. When the first Last of Us game came out in 2013, it was critically appraised for its remarkable storytelling. The game didn’t adhere to the template zombie apocalypse scenario by taking a unique turn to focus on the psychological toll of the characters involved.
The Last of Us Part II will depict the events that take place five years after the original game and focus on the relationship between Joel and Ellie. Unlike the previous game, Ellie is now the primary playable character. She’s an adult now and has picked up a few skills that has kept her alive in the zombie infested world all these years. Joel remains to be a father figure to Ellie, but will he be able to protect her throughout the entire adventure? We have to wait and find out!
