Games look up in a down year
2020 won’t likely go down in history as a good year for many things, but it has been a big year for video games.
Perhaps because many Americans were stuck at home during the global coronavirus pandemic, U.S. consumers spent more than $33.7 billion on video games in the first three quarters of 2020, according to research firm The NPD Group. That's an increase of more than 20% from the $27.9 billion spent in the same period in 2019.
Perhaps then it’s no surprise that NPD forecasts a 24% increase in holiday game spending compared with to last year.
Spending could be even higher except new consoles – the Microsoft Xbox Series X and S and PlayStation 5 (with Blu-ray Disc drive or disc drivefree digital version) – constantly sold out after November debuts.
If you’re looking for something to gift a gamer, or to treat yourself to something new to play during a “staycation,” USA TODAY's Marc Saltzman, Brett Molina and Mike Snider recommend a handful of games, divided into various age groups (but be sure to read the recommended age rating before you buy).
Keep in mind, most Xbox One games will work on the new Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles, just as most PlayStation 4 games will work on the new PS5.
Video games for kids (of all ages)
● Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit ($99.99; Nintendo Switch). The Nintendo console turns your home into a realworld racetrack, challenging you to control your kart racer through gates (included) and around objects in your home, as you speed toward the finish line against up to three friends or family members. From an immersive first-person view, you see what the driver sees, including augmented visuals, such as power-ups, layered on the real world. Great for kids and kids at heart.
● Animal Crossing: New Horizons ($59.99, Nintendo Switch). This charming and engaging game lets you survive – nay, thrive – on a deserted island. There, you can fish, plant flowers and trees, and furnish your home. Amid the pandemic, the game has been a sanctuary – and a way to stay in touch with others – for many.
● NBA 2K21 (from $59.99 for Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4; $69.99; for Xbox Series S/X, PS5). 2K Sports' latest edition of the pro basketball video game is worth the upgrade to next-generation consoles with sharp, lifelike visuals, and lightning-fast load times. There's also a new feature called The City, where players can take their own budding superstar created in MyCareer mode and play against others online in a sprawling metropolis filled with basketball courts.
● Madden NFL 21 ($59.99; for Xbox One, PS4 and PC). This year's game has the annual roster of actual NFL players and stadiums, but also a new “The Yard” mode that lets you play sandlot football. As of Dec. 4, if you are lucky enough to have a PS5 or Xbox Series X, you get an update with more realistic 4K player animations.
● eFootball PES 2021 Season Update ($29.99; Xbox One, PS4). If soccer is more your thing, hit the pitch with Konami’s latest, which features some of the world’s biggest soccer clubs, like Manchester United and FC Barcelona, several solo and multiplayer game modes, and high-production quality.
Also to consider: EA Sports’ NHL 21 ($29.99; Xbox One, PS4) is one of the better hockey game installments in recent memory, while Minecraft fans don’t need to break the bank to get several dozens of hours of fun with Minecraft Dungeons ($19.99; multiple platforms), an engrossing action-adventure hybrid inspired by classic dungeon crawlers you can play solo or with up to three others.
Tips if buying games for teens
● Among Us (free for iOS/ Android or $5 for PC). While it debuted in 2018, this sleeper hit became a phenomenon in 2020.
Innersloth’s party game – typically played with four to 10 people online or via local Wi-Fi – challenges gamers to complete tasks, such as fixing up a spaceship, while imposters onboard are there to sabotage your efforts. You’ll work together to undo the impostors’ nefar-ious work and figure out the culprits.
● Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales (from $49.99; for PS4, PS5). Insomniac Games builds off the incredible world created in the 2018 game "Marvel’s Spider-Man" by introducing players to a wallcrawler boasting new abilities such as electricity-based powers and the ability to go invisible. With an all-new story and a varied collection of crimes to bust and citizens to help, Miles gives the Spider-Man game series a major jolt.
● Fuser ($59.99, for Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC). From Harmonix, the creators of Rock Band and Dance Central, comes their next music game worthy of your time and money. You are a DJ onstage at a virtual music festival and you must spin your way into the crowd’s hearts. No special peripherals are needed as you mix from more than 100 song parts – from the likes of Lizzo, Post Malone and Lady Gaga – to create custom mixes, which you can save and share, if desired. You can also play online (competitively or cooperatively), unlock customizable content and more.
Also consider: Marvel’s Avengers (Xbox One, PS4, PCs and Google Stadia), Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout (PS4, PC), and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 +2 (Xbox One, PS4).
Video game hints for those ages 17-up
● Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (from $54.99; Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, PS4 and PC). This year’s edition of Activision’s popular first-person shooting game series involves mind-bending spy games in Vietnam, Berlin and the Soviet Union. Beyond that, you can wage war on many new online multiplayer battlefields and, in a separate game mode, team up to blast zombies.
● The Last of Us Part II ($29.99; for PS4) doesn’t veer much from what made its predecessor so sought after – emotional storytelling, gripping action, and extraordinary graphics – as it reintroduces us to a more mature Ellie, the main protagonist, in a post-apocalyptic United States. Played from a third-person perspective, gamers can expect a broad variety of weapons, crafting abilities and a lush and interactive world.
● Assassin’s Creed Valhalla ($59.99; for Xbox One, PS4, PC, Google Stadia). This latest release in the action series is a brutal yet beautiful open-world game that challenges you to step into the boots of Eivor, a mighty Viking raider, as you lead your clan from Norway to a new home in England in the year 873 AD.
● Ghost of Tsushima ($59.99; for PS4). You are a samurai combating a Mongol takeover in the gorgeous-looking open world action game. While you explore the beautifully rendered ancient lands, you get a mix of satisfying brutal swordplay and zenlike moments of reflection. You can also play in the cinematic, black and white “Kurosawa mode,” a nod to the legendary Japanese filmmaker. An additional free Legends mode lets you tackle additional missions with two or four friends.
Other worthy suggestions: Hades (PC, Nintendo Switch), DOOM Eternal (Xbox One, PS4, PC), and Watch Dogs Legions (Xbox One, PS4, PC). And we're optimistic about singleplayer sci-fi role-playing game Cyberpunk 2077 ($59.99; Xbox One, PS4, PC, Stadia), due Dec. 10.