Claire Brownstone's Top 5 Games of 2020

Claire Brownstone, Contributing Editor

Xenoblade Chronicles (Wii, 3DS, Switch)

Image Source: Nintendo.com

While technically this was a 2020 game with the release of the Definitive Edition on the Switch, I played the original version on the 3DS. Originally released in North America in 2012, Xenoblade Chronicles was widely regarded as one of the most revolutionary JRPGs of the decade, and with good reason. While the graphics of this version may be extremely dated, the combat is innovative, fun, and challenging. The MMO style of battles is not something I thought I would enjoy, but the game does an excellent job of easing you into it, and the addition of visions of the future make it exciting. The story is one of the most phenomenal pieces of writing I’ve encountered. The many mysteries of the universe slowly unfold as you traverse the massive open world. It leads to a sense of discovery that’s unmatched by most modern games. While there are probably too many side quests, making it very easy to get bogged down, the main story easily earns it the status of one of the best JRPGs ever made.

Ori and the Blind Forest/Ori and the Will of the Wisps (PC, Xbox One, Switch)

Image Source: store.steampowered.com

The Ori games are the epitome of the Metroidvania genre. The music, art style, and simple yet engaging stories of the original and its sequel combine to make a unique platformer that draws you in to its world. The levels are well-designed. They capture the essence of Metroidvania-style exploration, in which skills you obtain allow you to unlock new areas in previous sections of the map. And somehow, the sequel took everything that was great about the original and amplified it, adding adorable new characters, abilities, and a management system where you have to decide which abilities are active at any one time. These games will hold up well for years to come.

 Marvel’s Spider-Man (PS4)

Image Source: playstation.com

This is another game that doesn’t match my usual genre choice. I tend to avoid superhero games, since they’re often derivative. However, the developers did an excellent job of capturing Peter Parker’s unique sense of humor, while also making him more mature. The combat is fast-paced, but not chaotic. They managed to find the sweet spot between speed and strategy, so that fighting doesn’t degrade into button-mashing. Web-slinging and swinging are incredibly fun as well, especially when you’re admiring a beautifully rendered New York, flying effortlessly between skyscrapers. Another refreshing addition is making MJ a playable character with her own sections in the game, making her more like a partner rather than just a love interest. This game makes me very excited to play the sequel, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, which came out this year.

Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch)

Image Source: nintendo.com

 I’ve tried to play the older Zelda games, but none of them managed to really hold my attention. Perhaps it’s because I didn’t grow up playing them, but I always felt the puzzle-solving in the game to be a bit contrived, the combat clunky, and the overall game design lacking enough direction. However, with the attention received by the most recent entry, I had to try it out. And to be honest, this game’s a masterpiece. The story is mostly told through recovered memories, as Link travels throughout Hyrule. Even though you’re piecing together the story, and not necessarily in the correct order, it’s a satisfying and emotional tale that perfectly reflects the game’s emphasis on exploration and discovery. The music and art are simple and peaceful, creating a uniquely relaxing yet engaging experience. It’s the perfect game to spend countless hours on during the pandemic.

Kingdom Hearts III Re:Mind (PS4, Xbox One)

I am a Kingdom Hearts fangirl, through and through. I’ve followed the series since I became obsessed with the demo of KH 1 at Disney World before it was even released. While many fans criticized the newest addition to the series, the DLC released this year showed that the creators still listen to the fans, making adjustments in response to their feedback. The new Critical Mode difficulty, actually a free update to the game, made it an entirely new experience. It made me use all of Sora’s abilities just to stay alive. The DLC episode itself explained the ending in more detail, albeit through some retconning. The addition of new playable characters, challenging bosses, and some very badass moments with my favorite Keyblade warriors make this an incredible addition to the series. The secret ending also makes me excited to see where they will take the series going forward.

For more GOTY fun, check out Blake Reno and John Ferrari’s lists!