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Game Informer's Top Scoring Reviews Of 2020
The pandemic has led to a much lighter release schedule that we usually see in any given year, but 2020 has still delivered a number of fantastic games. Whether you are gaming on a PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, or PC, the Game Informer staff has reviewed most of the year's notable releases, and given them their proper critique. Was a highly anticipated blockbuster worth the wait? Are there any indie games that you didn't know about that are must plays?
This list gives you a rundown of 2020's best scoring games from the top scorer down. Any game that scores between a 10 and 8.5 makes the list. We also provide a notable quote that hopefully sizes up the game along with a link to the complete review. The year is just getting started, and we'll update this list whenever a new game fits the criteria. Happy gaming!
10
The Last of Us Part II
Naughty Dog's masterpiece is a sequel unlike any other, taking video game storytelling to new heights. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4
Release Date:
9.5
Ghost of Tsushima
Sucker Punch borrows from other open world games, but ultimately charts an original and creative course to craft a samurai epic of tremendous breadth and beauty. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4
Release Date:
Ori And The Will Of The Wisps
Developer Moon Studios has made a sequel that shines brighter in platforming and combat. Read review
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
March 11, 2020 (Xbox One, PC), September 17, 2020 (Switch), November 10, 2020 (Xbox Series X/S)
9.25
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
With an engaging combination of combat, exploration, and crafted story content, this Viking legend is an epic with a little something for everyone. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC
Release Date:
November 10, 2020 (Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC), November 12, 2020 (PlayStation 5)
Demon's Souls (PS5)
Bluepoint serves up a scintillating remake of FromSoftware's classic. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5
Release Date:
Doom Eternal
The slayer is in rare form in this sequel, wielding an expended arsenal and more acrobatic moves. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, Stadia, PC
Release Date:
March 20, 2020 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC), December 8, 2020 (Switch), June 29, 2021 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S)
Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact delivers an enthralling world. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PC, iOS, Android
Release Date:
September 28, 2020 (PlayStation 4, PC, iOS, Android), April 28, 2021 (PlayStation 5), November 20, 2024 (Xbox Series X/S)
Persona 5 Royal
Whether you're looking to replay Persona 5 or experience the Phantom Thieves' adventure for the first time, Royal is your best bet. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
March 31, 2020 (PlayStation 4), October 21, 2022 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, PC)
9
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Looking for a soothing staycation in these troubled times? Welcome home. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
Children Of Morta
Developer Dead Mage has created an action/RPG that succeeds in story, combat, leveling, and the bond formed in a family. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
September 3, 2019 (PC), October 15, 2019 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One), November 20, 2019 (Switch)
Cyberpunk 2077
The wait is worth it for CD Projekt Red's next open-world RPG, but it's an uneven playthrough that shines in particular areas and struggles in others. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC
Release Date:
December 10, 2020 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC), February 15, 2022 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S)
Half-Life: Alyx
Valve ups the ante for virtual reality with a rich campaign and clever controls. Read review
Platforms: PC
Release Date:
Immortals Fenyx Rising
Immortals Fenyx Rising draws inspiration from movies and other games to create a unique and exciting mythological journey worth embarking on. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, Stadia, PC
Release Date:
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
The new Spider-Man's adventure is shorter and more focused, but is still an exhilarating blast. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC
Release Date:
November 12, 2020 (PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4), November 18, 2022 (PC)
Monster Train
Get on the train, we're taking back hell! Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, PC, iOS
Release Date:
May 21, 2020 (PC), December 17, 2020 (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One), August 19, 2021 (Switch), October 27, 2022 (iOS), July 25, 2024 (PlayStation 5)
Pikmin 3 Deluxe
With the deluxe edition, Pikmin 3 lives up to its potential as a game to bring people together – even if it’s just to move tangerines and grapes around. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
Resident Evil 3
A Relentless Terror. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, iOS
Release Date:
April 3, 2020 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC), June 13, 2022 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S), November 18, 2022 (Switch), March 18, 2025 (iOS)
Spelunky 2
Spelunky 2 is an addictive and chaotic experience that builds on the already exciting formula of the original. Read review
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
September 15, 2020 (PlayStation 4), September 29, 2020 (PC), August 26, 2021 (Switch), January 12, 2022 (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One)
Watch Dogs: Legion
Whether you're controlling a trained super spy or a gassy grandmother, Watch Dogs: Legion is a ton of fun. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC
Release Date:
October 29, 2020 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC), November 10, 2020 (Xbox Series X/S), November 12, 2020 (PlayStation 5)
8.75
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Call of Duty goes back to the '80s with a captivating campaign. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
Call of Duty: Warzone
Infinity Ward's take on the battle royale is all about the action. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
Fall Guys
Little beans bring big amounts of fun. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
August 4, 2020 (PlayStation 4, PC), June 21, 2022 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch)
Final Fantasy VII Remake
This remake of a legendary RPG finds an impressive equilibrium between its past and its present, crafting a distinctive world and exciting combat system that feel modern. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4
Release Date:
Fuser
Fuser is a magical music experience that will have you dreaming up new ways to incorporate different songs and sounds into your next creation. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
Marvel's Avengers
Crystal Dynamics delivers a fun brawler that hones in on each of the heroes' unique abilities. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC
Release Date:
September 4, 2020 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC), March 18, 2021 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S)
MLB The Show 20
Another good outing for the series, complete with additions across the board and gameplay that emphasizes skill. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4
Release Date:
Superhot: Mind Control Delete
By introducing a ton of exciting elements to the innovative formula, Superhot: Mind Control Delete elevates beyond the original title. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Mac, Linux
Release Date:
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2
This bundle of two of the most beloved skateboarding games of all time effectively recaptures the magic of the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater franchise. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
September 4, 2020 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC), March 26, 2021 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S), June 25, 2021 (Switch)
Visage
Explore a truly terrifying haunted house. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
World of Warcraft: Shadowlands
Shadowlands is a satisfying addition to the annals of World of Warcraft expansions, and with a robust and revamped leveling experience rolling out with it, it’s a great time to come back to the MMORPG that made the genre mainstream. Read review
Platforms: PC
Release Date:
8.5
Among Us
Among Us is hitting its stride two years after launch, and is the perfect representation of how integrated memes are within our entertainment infrastructure. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, iOS, Android
Release Date:
June 15, 2018 (PC, iOS, Android), December 15, 2020 (Switch), December 14, 2021 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One)
Bloodroots
This unique action game is all about precision and making huge chains of kills. It's a riot. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Switch, PC
Release Date:
Call of the Sea
Call of the Sea's fascinating mystery is backed by clever puzzle-solving to make it an island worth exploring. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
December 8, 2020 (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC), May 11, 2021 (PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4)
Deep Rock Galactic
Tightly balanced between resource gathering and fierce shooting exchanges, this dwarven mining expedition is a great time – especially with friends. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
May 13, 2020 (Xbox One, PC), January 4, 2022 (PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4)
Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition
Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition is the best way to play an already-good game, but the fine-tuning doesn’t elevate the experience to new heights. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Release Date:
November 10, 2020 (Xbox Series X/S), November 12, 2020 (PlayStation 5)
Dirt 5
Dirt 5 offers a fun career mode and exciting community features, but lacks depth in its peripheral modes. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC
Release Date:
November 6, 2020 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC), November 10, 2020 (Xbox Series X/S), November 12, 2020 (PlayStation 5), March 24, 2021 (Stadia)
EA Sports UFC 4
By carrying forward the best elements of past games while revamping and overhauling other parts of the package, UFC 4 delivers a strong new entry for the franchise. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Release Date:
Fury Unleashed
Mowing down enemies for rewards that stick with you is a lot of fun, especially when it plays this well. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
Gears Tactics
Smart mechanics, aggressive battles, and tight storytelling make this a strong new contender in the genre, even if the campaign's pacing sometimes misses the mark. Read review
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
April 28, 2020 (PC), November 10, 2020 (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One)
Kentucky Route Zero
Kentucky Route Zero is delightfully weird. It is focused intently on ideas rather than traditional puzzles or obstacles – but as a piece of interactive art, it’s poignant and enthralling. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath
Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath delivers a fun story to play through and three unique characters, making this a strong package for fans of the latest iteration of the bloody franchise. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, Stadia, PC
Release Date:
Nioh 2
Nioh 2 adds some cool new features to a familiar experience. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4
Release Date:
The Room VR: A Dark Matter
With A Dark Matter, Fireproof takes its mobile series into the bold new world of virtual reality, and the haunting journey translates perfectly. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation VR2, PlayStation VR, Rift, Vive
Release Date:
March 26, 2020 (PlayStation VR, Rift, Vive), July 27, 2023 (PlayStation VR2)
Valorant
Riot's free-to-play shooter turns up the tactics. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Release Date:
June 2, 2020 (PC), August 2, 2024 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S)
Wasteland 3
Wasteland 3 serves up a satisfying and highly customizable RPG experience. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
For more of our top reviews from recent years, head to the links below.
