2020 has been an incredibly challenging year for a multitude of reasons. From a global pandemic that has impacted the lives of millions to the ongoing political and racial unrest across the world, it’s safe to say that we all need some pleasant form of escape.
Luckily for us, the holiday season is the perfect opportunity to reach out to family, reflect on the year ahead, and get immersed in the happy distractions of movies, TV shows, and video games. The following is our holiday gift guide of 20 video games that are worth picking up for yourself or a friend/family member that you consider a gamer.
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales is an action-adventure game developed by Insomniac Games. Billed as the second title in Marvel’s Spider-Man series, this standalone adventure revolves around Miles taking on greater responsibility protecting Harlem and all of New York City during the busy holiday season while Peter is out of town. This is without a doubt, the perfect game to play this time of the year and an absolute must-have if you own a PlayStation console. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales is out now for both PS4 and PS5.
– Buy Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales Now
– Check out our Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales PS5 Review
Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima is an open world action-adventure stealth game developed by Sucker Punch Productions. Taking place during the 13th-century, Ghost allows players to take on the role of lead protagonist Jin Sakai, a samurai on a quest to protect Tsushima Island during the first Mongol invasion of Japan. This was another standout exclusive title from Sony this year and is definitely worth checking out if you’re interested. Ghost of Tsushima is out now for PS4 and can be played on PS5 through backwards compatibility.
– Buy Ghost of Tsushima Now
– Check out our Ghost of Tsushima Review
Final Fantasy VII Remake
Final Fantasy VII Remake is an action role-playing game and the first installment in a series of remakes based on the 1997 PlayStation game Final Fantasy VII. Final Fantasy VII Remake was revealed during Sony’s E3 2015 press conference and ended up becoming April 2020’s best-selling game. If for any reason you never played the game, now is the best time to do so. Final Fantasy VII Remake is out now for PS4 and can be played on PS5 through backwards compatibility.
– Buy Final Fantasy VII Remake Now
– See the Breathtaking Official Trailer for Final Fantasy VII Remake
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a life simulation game and the fifth major installment in Nintendo’s Animal Crossing series. During this entire year of quarantine, New Horizons has served as the perfect happy distraction for many people around the globe. If you own a Nintendo Switch, then this is one title that you should seriously consider trying out. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is out right now.
– Buy Animal Crossing Now
– How The Nintendo Switch Helped Me Love Video Games Again
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a role-playing video game and the eighth main release in the Yakuza series. Like a Dragon introduces fans to a new protagonist named Ichiban Kasuga who goes on a personal journey to find out the reason why he was portrayed by a former boss. Fans of both role-playing games and Yakuza alike will definitely want to check this game out. Yakuza: Like a Dragon is out now for Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox Series X/S.
– BuyYakuza: Like a Dragon on PlayStation
– Check out our Yakuza: Like a Dragon Xbox One Review
Immortals Fenyx Rising
Immortals Fenyx Rising is a third-person action-adventure game developed by Ubisoft Quebec. Taking all of its inspiration from Greek Mythology, Immortals Fenyx Rising follows the trials and tribulations of a shield bearer named Fenyx who must use the powers of the Gods to end the reign of a deadly creature named Typhon. This is a game that really impressed me and is perfectly suited for both fans of Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. Immortals Fenyx Rising is out now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Google Stadia, and Amazon Luna.
– Buy Immortals Fenyx Rising Now
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Sackboy: A Big Adventure is an awesome platformer developed by Sumo Digital. As a LittleBigPlanet spinoff, A Big Adventure allows players to take on the role of Sackboy as he attempts to save Craftworld from lead antagonist Vex. The game is filled with various levels to explore, has a phenomenal soundtrack, and recently received a new update enabling online multiplayer. Sackboy: A Big Adventure is out now for PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4.
– Buy Sackboy: A Big Adventure Now
The Pathless
The Pathless is a third-person action-adventure indie game developed by Giant Squid and published by Annapurna Interactive. As a master archer simply named the hunter, players are tasked with finding a way to lift a curse on an island. This game is developed by the creators of Abzû and is an absolute blast to play through. The Pathless is out now for PlayStation 5, PC, PlayStation 4, macOS, and iOS.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a platform-adventure Metroidvania game developed by Moon Studios. It is a direct sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest and introduces both new combat mechanics and more challenging gameplay scenarios to keep players on the edge of their seats. island. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is out now for Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Xbox One.
– Buy Ori and the Will of the Wisps Now
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 is an outstanding puzzle game developed and published by Sega. As a direct sequel to Puyo Puyo Tetris, this game features a new story, characters, and modes for fans to dive into. If you love puzzle games in general, this is without a doubt the best offering currently on the market and will keep you busy for a very long time. Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 is out now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
– Buy Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 on PlayStation | Buy Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 On Xbox
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is a first-person shooter and the sixth installment in the COD: Black Ops series. Developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, Cold War features a campaign set within the 1980s with multiple endings, the return of Zombies mode, and several exciting multiplayer modes worth checking out. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is out now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.
– Buy Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War On Xbox | Buy Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War On PlayStation
– Check out our Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War PS5 Review
DOOM Eternal
DOOM Eternal is a first-person shooter developed by id Software and the sequel to 2016’s DOOM. The story takes place eight months after the previous game and revolves around the Doom Slayer continuing to decimate the demonic creatures of Hell who have now taken over Earth. If you love FPS games, then this is one you need to check out as soon as possible. DOOM Eternal is out now for PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Google Stadia, and Nintendo Switch. Next-gen updates for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S are coming in 2021 but the previous-gen version can still be played on these consoles now through backwards compatibility.
– Buy DOOM Eternal on PlayStation | Buy DOOM Eternal on Xbox
Gears Tactics
Gears Tactics is a turn-based tactics game developed by Splash Damage and The Coalition. This unique spinoff based on the Gears of War franchise really surprised me and served as a great reminder of why I fell in love with the XCOM series. If you love tactical action games, then Gears Tactics will exceed all of your expectations and more. Gears Tactics is out now for PC, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One.
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered is a remaster of the popular 2010 racing game Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit. EA has spent some time this year remastering several of their older games and this is the latest racer to enter the fray. If you never played the original game, then this remaster was definitely made for you. Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered is out now for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and the Nintendo Switch. Backward compatibility is also available for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
– Buy Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit on PlayStation | Buy Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit on Xbox | Buy Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit on Nintendo Switch
– Check out our Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered Review
NBA 2K21 Next-Gen
NBA 2K21 is the 22nd installment in the popular 2K Sports basketball simulation video game series. Developed by Visual Concepts, the next-gen version of NBA 2K21 for Xbox Series X/S and PS5 feels like an entirely different experience thanks to the addition of enhanced visuals, an expanded MyCareer mode, and a WNBA MyCareer Mode. NBA 2K21 Next-Gen is out now for PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
– Buy NBA 2K21 on PS5 | Buy NBA 2K21 on Xbox Series X
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 is a skateboarding game developed by Vicarious Visions. This impressive remaster includes the first two games in the Tony Hawk series and is currently the fastest-selling game in the franchise. This is another great pickup for fans of sports games and skateboarding in general. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 is out now for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Backward compatibility is also available for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
– Buy Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 on PS5 | Buy Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 on Xbox One
– Check out our Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 Review
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is an action role-playing game and the twelfth major installment in Ubisoft’s popular Assassin’s Creed franchise. Developed by Ubisoft Montreal, Valhalla takes place during AD 873 and revolves around a Viking raider named Eivor as he/she attempts to conquer Europe and all its riches. This game has an insane amount of content to get through and is guaranteed to keep you busy well into next year. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is out now for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Google Stadia, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
– Buy Assassin’s Creed Valhalla on PS5 | Buy Assassin’s Creed Valhalla on Xbox One
Demon’s Souls
Demon’s Souls is an action role-playing game and a remake of the original Demon’s Souls game created by FromSoftware. With Bluepoint Games at the helm of this remake, Demon’s Souls is another compelling reason to own a PS5 esp4ecially if you’re already into Souls games. Dying in these games over and over again is inevitable but learning from your mistakes and overcoming your enemies is one of the sweetest feelings in the world. Demon’s Souls is out now for PlayStation 5.
Watch Dogs: Legion
Watch Dogs: Legion is an action-adventure game created by Ubisoft Toronto. Legion is the third entry in the Watch Dogs series and revolves around you building up a resistance force within DedSec to take down corrupt organizations and clear your name from framed bombings orchestrated throughout London. If you have a love for open-world games and technology then this is definitely worth your time. Watch Dogs: Legion is out now for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Google Stadia, PlayStation 4, Amazon Luna, and Xbox One.
– Buy Watch Dogs on PS5 | Buy Watch Dogs on Xbox One
– Check out our interview with Watch Dogs Legion Game Director Kent Hudson
Astro’s Playroom
Astro’s Playroom is a 3D platformer developed by Asobi Team and comes pre-installed with every PlayStation 5 console. While Playroom has been described as a free tech demo, it simply can’t be overstated enough that it is a perfect representation of what possibilities are capable with the DualSense controller. If you do own a PS5 and you still haven’t played this game, then I would highly recommend that you check it out. I personally guarantee that you will be blown away by how immersive this game is from start to finish.
Check out our PlayStation 5 Hardware Review
This concludes our 2020 Holiday Gift Guide. Are there any other video games that you would recommend as great gifts for others? Please feel free to share them in the comments section below.
