10. Streets of Rage 4
Best PS4 Games of 2020
First up on our list of best PS4 games of 2020 so far is the stylized and exciting Streets of Rage 4. A revival of the classic Streets of Rage series, the newest game brings all that we loved about the old school beat em’ ups into a modern light.
The combat feels exciting to play, thanks to an array of combos and tricks you can use to fight through each and every level. The entire campaign can also be experienced co-operatively with friends, either online or on the couch.
The game’s aesthetic is particularly noteworthy as a sort of retro-modern hybrid that mixes up the nostalgia of old with a breath of fresh air. In combination with the rockin’ soundtrack, Streets of Rage 4 is a spectacle that should land with players old and new.
9. F1 2020
The newest addition to the popular and longstanding racing series, F1 2020 represents its high watermark.
It’s made plenty of improvements since its last game and once you hop into the driver’s seat you’ll easily notice why.
The driving mechanics are exhilarating and heart-pumping in a way that makes you feel like you’re truly driving a race car. There’s a profound difference between each car you choose to drive so you’re able to craft the best racing experience possible.
There are also plenty of game modes to pick from so, in addition to the exciting driving, you can race against other players in ranked and casual competitions, personalize your own team and career, and take part in weekly events.
8. Cuphead
After initially launching on PC and Xbox One, the brutally difficult action-platformer Cuphead is finally available for those using Sony hardware.
Cuphead is one of those games that will both infuriate you and excite you at the exact same time. Its fusion of SHMUP action, tricky platforming, and numerous punishing boss fights enemies will certainly raise your blood pressure. Think of it as the lovechild of Dark Souls and the Mario games.
Cuphead’s unique aesthetic pays surreal homage to old school cartoons. The entirety of Cuphead looks like a wild and crazy Tom and Jerry adventure that took a sharp left turn.
However, Cuphead is undeniably fun and it’s one of those PS4 games that’s hard to stop playing.
7. Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is a densely packed RPG with rich lore, plenty of content, and several lovable characters. It’s one of those games that feels like a true role-playing game especially due to the grand adventure you go on, its deep and engaging tactical combat system, and plenty of branching dialogue options.
We’re not joking when we say that the story in this game is dense. You’ll be spending a lot of time cruising through its plot, but the story is compelling in a way that can easily keep your attention.
Your choices also matter significantly in Pillars of Eternity II. Even the smallest decision could have monumental consequences so you have to be very aware of what you’re saying and doing as you play through.
6. Nioh 2
A Souls-like set in Feudal Japan, Nioh 2 takes you on a demonic journey that takes place before the events of the original game. Incredible boss design is what truly makes the Nioh series unique from other Souls-like games and Nioh 2 has so many gorgeously designed fights.
Be warned, though: Nioh 2 is brutally difficult and it’ll make you mad more often than it’ll make you happy, but that’s all a part of its charm. You’ll keep coming back to play it because its combat is energetic, compelling, and fun.
Nioh 2 is a worthy sequel that expands upon and improves many of the elements we came to enjoy about its predecessor. Combat is more fluid, the bosses look gorgeous, and nearly every encounter feels unique.
5. Doom Eternal
Doom Eternal needs no introduction. It’s a descendant of one of the most violent video game series out there and it easily keeps up the tradition of excessive and gratuitous gore.
As a worthy sequel to Doom (2016), Doom Eternal is packed full of crazy violence, over-the-top action, and Doom Slayer’s biceps. The story is admittedly a bit lacking, but you don’t really come to the Doom series for a compelling plot.
The gameplay is energetic, heart-pumping, brutally difficult, and very, very violent. The amount of different enemy types is impressive which offers a bunch of variety between encounters over its 20 or so hour campaign.
Doom Eternal is a PS4 game that will certainly keep you entertained especially due to its diversity in combat styles, weapons, and battle arenas.
4. Persona 5 Royal
It’s an understatement to say that Persona 5 Royal is a long game. The original was already densely packed with content and plenty to do. Personal 5 Royal simply cranked up the volume to 100 and added even more.
That said, we’re not really complaining. Playing Persona 5 Royal is like riding a stylized and fantastic roller coaster that takes you up hills, through tunnels, and around winding turns.
The Royal Edition of the game is worth playing even for veterans of the original version since there have been a plenty of tweaks and adjustments to gameplay, content, dungeons, and characters.
More specifically, this edition adds the characters Kasumi Yoshizawa and Takuto Maruki, expands dungeon layouts, overhauls Mementos, adds new combat mechanics, and a new location known as the Thieves’ Den.
It’s a pleasure to experience Persona 5 all over again with a whole lot more to do. It’s no surprise it’s one of the best PS4 games of 2020 so far.
3. Final Fantasy VII Remake
The long-awaited game, Final Fantasy VII Remake takes the third spot in our list of best PS4 games of 2020 so far. In all senses of the word “remake,” Square Enix’s latest RPG is a complete overhaul of a lot of the original game’s elements.
However, it manages to retain that wonderful Final Fantasy VII charm, especially since we get to experience the character’s we’ve come to love in beautiful and stunning HD.
The addition of a new combat system that allows players to actively switch between characters makes gameplay more dynamic and diverse. Plenty of weapons, spells, and accessories also allow you to customize each character’s playstyle to fit your personal preference or any boss encounter.
And, technically, Final Fantasy VII Remake isn’t even finished yet, with Part 2 hopefully coming out sometime this, er, decade. The game’s return started off with a lovely bang with its first part especially since it hints at possibly changing a few things about the story we’ve come to know. We can’t wait to see what’s in store next.
2. The Last of Us Part II
This may be a controversial second pick, especially since it seems as though the community is very divided on The Last of Us Part II. The conclusion of its predecessor’s story is something that some players seem to adore, whilst others despise.
Regardless, The Last of Us Part II is a powerful sequel that presents you with a plot that tugs at your heartstrings at every possible moment. The story is gritty and intense, brought to life with a quality in its production that’s become a signature of developer Naughty Dog.
Additionally, the voice acting is so immersive and intense to the point that it’s easy to hear and understand the raw emotion each character is feeling. It adds a depth to the story and gameplay in a way that emphasizes the realism players can feel.
The graphics and visuals are also so detailed to the point that facial expressions, wounds and cuts on skin, and even Ellie’s freckles seem so real.
The Last of Us Part II reflects the complexity of the human mind and it is absolutely a PS4 game people should play.
1. Ghost of Tsushima
Our top pick for best PS4 games of 2020 (so far) is none other than Ghost of Tsushima. So many beautiful and incredible elements come together to create this phenomenal open-world experience that’ll hold your attention for countless hours.
The setting is downright gorgeous especially when paired with the game’s dynamic lighting that turns literally any scene into a work of art. The game also pays homage to old school Japanese films and it doesn’t hide this fact. You’ll often experience drawn-out cutscenes, dramatic moments, and camera close-ups.
Ghost of Tsushima’s story is also gripping and it’s the kind that will take you on an emotional roller coaster. It doesn’t try to hide the brutality of war and what this violence can do to the people closest to it.
The characters are complex three-dimensional people, and you follow a protagonist whose unique in the fact that he’s genuinely a good person trying to save his home.
He’s prepared to do whatever it takes to keep his people safe, and that includes sacrificing his morals, code of honor, and social status to win a terrible war. He understands that sometimes the ends justify the means and that his people need to work in ways they never have to fight an enemy that would do anything to win.
Ghost of Tsushima is definitely a game of the year contender and we look forward to finding out which game finally grabs that title for 2020.
Published: Aug 20, 2020 10:00 am