Final Fantasy VII Remake – March 3
While this remake might not be the “updated graphics/same gameplay” fantasy some have wanted, it has generated a great deal of hype after showing off some gameplay in 2019. The game will feature a real-time hack and slash style of combat rather than the original active battle system. This remake will also be released in parts to allow for more expansive areas to be created. The first part is set for March 3. Recently, a leaked demo showed off similar gameplay to what was displayed at E3.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps – March 11
Ori and the Blind Forest was one of the most enjoyable Metroidvania games I’ve ever played. The beauty of the environments, strange unique characters, and touching story made it a wonderful (and challenging) adventure. The sequel looks to be even more visually impressive while employing plenty of tough-looking combat and platforming. It is set to release March 11
Doom Eternal – March 20
There’s no question that I’m a big fan of Doom. The fourth iteration from 2016 is one of my favorite games of the decade. Doom Eternal is expanding on that high adrenaline attack-to-survive gameplay and bringing the war against the demons back to Earth. The game was originally supposed to release on November 22 of 2019 but was delayed until March 20 of this year.
Half-Life: Alyx – March
In a world where Half-Life 3 has been in demand for more than a decade, any addition to the franchise is going to be welcomed with open arms. Half-Life: Alyx’s announcement as a prequel to Half-Life 2 presented some mild disappointment from fans, but has created significant demand for VR headsets given its requirement of one. It remains unknown whether it will deliver the same quality of gameplay as its predecessors, but we’ll find out March of 2020.
Resident Evil 3 – April 3
The Resident Evil 2 remake was one of the most successful of 2019. Adapting the restrictive movement of the original into the fluidity of the over-the-shoulder style of Resident Evil 4 ended up working flawlessly and the game received critical acclaim upon release. Now barely more than a year later, the same adaptation is happening with Resident Evil 3 and it looks to be even more appealing. Its release date is April 3.
Cyberpunk 2077 – April 16
There may not be a game more hyped than Cyberpunk 2077. After showing off multiple cinematics and gameplay action, the now prestigious CD Projekt Red is getting ready to release this gritty first-person action/shooter/stealth/dialogue-driven game to its eager fans. With their success in the Witcher franchise, the consensus is that this will be a success, but this much hype is never good for expectations. We’ll find out if it can live up to their previous work on April 16th.
Gears Tactics – April 28
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WENurEOb9pE
This game has flown a bit under the radar since it didn’t have anything to show at E3 last year, but from what I’ve seen it looks like it might be a solid turn-based strategy game. The gameplay design is reminiscent of XCOM, which is becoming quite common, but given Gears of Wars cover-based action, it seems to fit in well. On April 28th, we’ll see if it’s a worthy competitor.
Wasteland 3 – May 19
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkD83u94_54
Following up on the 2014 resurrection of this franchise from its ancient 1988 origins, Wasteland 3 will head to Colorado to further explore this post-apocalyptic universe. The classic turn-based RPG will have players digging through more rich stories and building characters to suit their playstyle when it’s available on May 19.
Maneater – May 22
After showing off crazy open-world carnage featuring a shark protagonist at two years of E3s, Maneater is finally going to make its way to release. The most recent trailer shows off more over-the-top shark attacks and upgrade systems that will probably make Sharknado look like a documentary. We’ll have to wait until May 22 to see if it’s as amazing as it looks to be.
The Last of Us Part II – May 29
Fighting for survival in a world where a fungus turns people into mutated zombie-like monsters is already a tough prospect, but much of what we’ve seen for this sequel involves surviving the brutality of fellow humans. This was a prominent feature of the original, but now somehow seems even more visceral in the sequel. With so many amazing games coming out before it, the hype for The Last of Us 2 is a little less than it may have been otherwise, but I think we’re in for something special when it hits the shelves (or hard drives) on May 29th.
These are only a small number of the many games anticipated for release this year. With the various delays and new games popping up to be released over the next twelve months, people have already been saying this will be a stellar year. While I definitely agree, I think it’s probably wise to be only cautiously optimistic. Setting the bar too high may have you disappointed with games that don’t achieve perfection.
What games are you most interested in seeing in 2020?
