Lockdown legends
IT’S NEARLY the end of 2020 - a year like no other in living memory. Life has changed so much in just nine short months, but there is light at the end of the tunnel – we just have to be patient.
One of the few gifts of this year has been more time at home – and for gamers, that has meant hours of play time without feeling too guilty.
With that in mind, we’ve cast an eye over the last 12 months of releases to try to decide which games were our favourites.
There were tears and tantrums, but a definitive list has been reached – these were 2020’s gaming stars.
LAST OF US: PART II (PEGI 18)
PS4 THE Last of Us was a tour de force of storytelling, and an experience that leaves a lasting impression.
The ending didn’t demand a sequel, but I’m so glad we got one anyway.
The Last of Us Part II is set largely in Seattle and picks up with Ellie and Joel four years after the original.
It is not for the faint of heart – it is brutal, violent and absolutely compelling.
Graphically, this game is stunning – the crumbling ruins of the city are a sight to behold, while the characters are exquisitely rendered, the voice acting delivered with so much heart that at times, you forget you’re playing a game.
Unlike its predecessor, which saw you play as Joel – in this game you play as Ellie. The Last of Us Part II is uncompromising, it’s emotional. For every act of sheer bloody savagery, there are tender, heart rending moments that almost let you forget what has gone before.
A masterpiece which transcends expectations, this is an experience not every gamer will want, but those brave enough will take part in a journey they will never forget.
ORI AND THE WILL OF THE WISPS (PEGI 7)
XBOX ONE, PC, Switch, XBOX Series X BUILDING on the solid foundations set down by Blind Forest, Will of the Wisps feels comfortingly familiar without retreading old ground.
The attention to detail is simply breathtaking, painting a picture of a living, breathing world that you just can’t wait to explore.
Ori’s ability to fight back has been souped-up, with a greater array of combat tools available to him. And he needs them, for there are some very interesting enemies he has to face.
Don’t let the gorgeous graphics fool you, this game is very challenging –particularly when it comes to boss battles. But your hard work pays off, and success is rewarded beautifully.
Another lovely addition is a village where Ori can meet and interact with other creatures from the forest. While some of the exchanges are merely sweet interactions, some of the cute critters will offer up rewards in exchange for carrying out tasks, and some are merchants from whom you can purchase items to upgrade your abilities.
It all adds to a sense of community, further fleshing out the world in which Ori lives and, more importantly, making you more determined to help save it.
As devastatingly wonderful as its predecessor, Will of the Wisps is a game full of fun and emotion.
PERSONA 5 ROYAL (PEGI 16)
PS4 THIS is a prime example of how to take a great game, and make it even better.
Persona 5 is considered one of the greatest JRPGS of all time, and this enhanced version of the game introduces not just a new character, but new music, a playable third semester, and additional plot.
It also now supports the PS4 Pro (which I get is a tad, ‘who cares’, now that the PS5 is out.)
Like many, I questioned the need to re-buy a game I’d already played through – but the reality is this feels like a completely different game, with jaw-dropping new twists and turns that will leave you breathless.
Just goes to show you can improve on perfect.
HADES (PEGI 12) Switch, PC
A VIVID adventure which marries fabulous combat with compelling characters – this coming of age story is dripping with Greek mythology.
Following the journey of Zagreus, prince of the Underworld, who is trying to slip the clutches of his father, Hades, and reach the heights of Mount Olympus.
Boasting a large cast of characters, you build and evolve your abilities –learning from each defeat, and each death until you manage to blast through and beat the boss.
Combat is eye-wateringly fast, aided by a deep and intuitive combat system which is a delight to navigate. But the fun really starts after the credits have rolled, and you find yourself heading back in to uncover more secrets and unlock more adventures.
For a game developed by just 20 people, this is an extraordinary accomplishment – and one that will have you re-running levels in your dreams.
GHOST OF TSUSHIMA (PEGI 18) PS4
WITH stunning landscapes and beautifully fluid animations, Ghost of Tsushima has cemented itself as one of the best samurai games of all time.
Using the history of feudal Japan for inspiration, the game follows Jin Sakai, one of the last samurai on Tsushima Island during the first Mongol invasion of Japan in the 1270s.
Set in a large open world, there are no waypoints – allowing players to explore without guidance. A horse allows for quick travel, and Jin is armed with items which make traversing and investigating the world easier – like a grappling hook to access difficult to reach areas.
The plot is a slow burner, allowing you to savour Jin’s gradual transformation into the eponymous ghost, and the sword combat is some of the best I’ve ever played.
And the ending... well, you should find that out for yourself.