With the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X set to launch this holiday season, 2020 is on track to being one of the biggest years in gaming history. But while many fans are looking forward to the next generation of consoles, the year has already seen its fair share of critically-acclaimed games that are available right now on current-generation platforms.
Many games released in 2020 so far have earned high scores from critics, but the 10 listed here stand above them all. This list was compiled using information from the review aggregate site OpenCritic, and showcases the 10 highest rated games of 2020 to date.
This list discounts remasters and enhanced re-releases, so even though Persona 5 Royal has been critically-acclaimed, it doesn't qualify. However, full-fledged remakes like Final Fantasy 7 Remake are eligible.
10. Nioh 2 (85)
The original Nioh was a big hit for Team Ninja, with the game serving as one of the higher-quality Souls-like games not developed by genre originators From Software. Like any good sequel, Nioh 2 keeps what made the original game great while improving on the various gameplay features and mechanics. Nioh 2 is tough as nails and will push even the most experienced gamers to the limit, but those that take the time to master it will find an incredibly rewarding experience.
Nioh 2 is available exclusively on PlayStation 4.
9. Desperados 3 (86)
Over a decade after the release of Desperados 2: Cooper's Revenge, the Desperados franchise is back with Desperados 3. Carrying on the real-time tactics legacy of its predecessors, Desperados 3 delivers high-quality action and plenty of thrilling stealth gameplay combined with an engrossing story and memorable cast. It may not be quite as high profile as many of the other games on this list, but it is still definitely something fans of the genre should check out.
Desperados 3 is out now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
8. Final Fantasy 7 Remake (87)
At E3 2015, Sony shocked the world with the announcement of the long-awaited Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Five years after its announcement, Square Enix finally released the game, and by all accounts, it lived up to the hype. Final Fantasy 7 Remake updates the classic JRPG for modern gamers with dazzling, state-of-the-art visuals and a revamped, action-packed combat system. It expands on the story of the original Final Fantasy 7 in unique ways, and while some of the changes weren't well-received by all fans, most fans are still excited to see where the series will go next.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake is out now, exclusively for PlayStation 4.
7. Legends of Runeterra (88)
For years, Riot Games has focused almost solely on League of Legends, but lately the studio has decided to branch out into other games and genres. Its hero shooter Valorant may be stealing most of the headlines, but Riot's Legends of Runeterra has Valorant beat when it comes to review scores. A collectible card game in the vein of Hearthstone, Legends of Runeterra has earned high scores from a number of outlets, with many hailing it as the new standard for digital card games.
Legends of Runeterra is available now for PC as well as Android and iOS mobile devices.
6. Doom Eternal (89)
The 2016 Doom reboot was well-received at the time of its release, but it's safe to say that Doom Eternal has completely blown it out of the water. Doom Eternal cranks the action and excitement up to 11 with an adrenaline-fueled campaign that never stops throwing players right into the action. A nonstop thrill ride of action-packed battles, Doom Eternal has also been praised for its eye-popping visuals, smooth animations, and thunderous soundtrack. Doom Eternal's multiplayer mode also has its fans, though most of the praise has been directed at its phenomenal story campaign.
Doom Eternal is available now for PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One, with a Nintendo Switch version also in development.
5. Ori and the Will of the Wisps (90)
Ori and the Blind Forest was a great Metroidvania game in its own right, but the sequel Ori and the Will of the Wisps takes it to the next level. The followup is a vast improvement on the original game in every way, with better graphics, controls, and more. The game has earned near-universal acclaim from critics for a variety of reasons, with praise given especially to its story and soundtrack.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is available now for PC and Xbox One.
4. Dreams (90)
Media Molecule made a name for itself with the LittleBigPlanet series, which offered unprecedented user-creation tools in a classic platformer skin. Dreams is a massive leap forward from what Media Molecule accomplished with LittleBigPlanet, with the game's robust creation suite giving players the power to create their very own, full-fledged video games from scratch. Dreams is an incredible achievement when it comes to games of its like, and is virtually unmatched. Users have continued to release compelling, high-quality content in Dreams since launch, and so the game just gets better with each passing day.
While the user-created content is the main draw of Dreams, the game also has some levels from Media Molecule that are quite compelling. Plus, Dreams' short story mode is emotional and has some great gameplay to boot.
Dreams is available now, exclusively for PS4.
3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (90)
With the world in the midst of a pandemic and everyone stuck at home, Animal Crossing: New Horizons truly came out at the perfect time. Giving gamers the world over a much needed break from the daily stress of the coronavirus pandemic and economic hardship, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is both relaxing and impossible to put down.
Since launch, Nintendo has continued to expand the Animal Crossing: New Horizons experience with new content, and it looks like more is on the way. Even without any of the post-launch content, though, players could easily dump hundreds of hours into Animal Crossing: New Horizons and still find things to do, whether it's completing their bug collection or catching every fish in the game. Easily one of the top Switch games, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is one of 2020's must-play games.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is out now, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
2. Half-Life: Alyx (92)
It's taken virtual reality games awhile to find their footing, but Half-Life: Alyx proves the medium has come a long way. Half-Life: Alyx is one of the most fully-featured VR games available to date, taking full advantage of VR's unique capabilities to provide a genuinely fresh gameplay experience that can't be replicated with standard game hardware. Half-Life: Alyx is a genius VR experience, and hopefully it's a sign of things to come from Valve.
Half-Life: Alyx is available for PC.
1. The Last of Us 2 (96)
Naughty Dog's The Last of Us was one of the top-rated games of the previous generation, and so expectations have always been high for The Last of Us 2. As the top-rated game of 2020 so far, it's safe to say that The Last of Us 2 has lived up to expectations and then some, with critics throwing near-universal praise at Ellie's blood-soaked adventure. While Last of Us 2 spoilers leaking online may have hurt the game's momentum somewhat, there's truly nothing that can replace actually playing it for oneself. Naughty Dog has outdone itself yet again with The Last of Us 2, and it will be exciting to see what the studio comes up with next.
The Last of Us 2 is available exclusively for PS4.