Monster Hunter Rise is an amazing game and probably one of the best titles on the Nintendo Switch. Veterans of the series may feel there is more emphasis on the action elements of the game compared to previous entries, but I feel that the game does well to balance the RPG elements with the action. The few other tweaks made to Monster Hunter Rise are fully welcomed as they don't take away what made previous titles great making it one of the best games in the series.
I really think the developers have done a marvellous job reinventing this classic series for a new audience without compromising much of the key elements. Tales of Arise is sure to cause a massive stir amongst JRPG fans and the gaming community
Horizon Forbidden West is an amazing sequel that fulfils most of the missing elements from the first game. Its immersive adventure is easily one of the best experiences on offer on the Playstation 5. Guerrilla Games should really take a bow for crafting not only a brilliant action game but manages to do the seemingly impossible by improving on Horizon’s already fantastic lore, adding stunning new locations and stellar characters.
Elden Ring is a beautiful but brutal game that stays true to its Souls roots, I will say that it's not for the faint-hearted as completing quests is equally as difficult as the dungeons and combat sequences. However, FromSoftware has added another great game to their already impressive catalogue. Elden Ring is certainly one of this years must-have titles as it's an experience like nothing else.
Gran Turismo 7 offers such a rich experience that will please car enthusiasts, it's the purest celebration of car culture that will far exceed expectations.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is another great platforming epic from Nintendo that will constantly challenge the player. There’s a good balance between combat and platforming that keeps the game fresh and compelling throughout. There are tons of secrets and replay value that will keep players coming back for a long time.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is not only a fantastic follow-up to Turtles in Time but an amazing celebration of the entire franchise.
The Last Of Us Part I is a phenomenal remake that has elevated every department from the original and even the remaster.
Dragon ball Z: Kakarot is a game that has been crafted with a lot of care by Bandai Namco and CyberConnect2. It's the gift that keeps giving, after playing 10-12 hours of the game and still hadn't made it to Namek I was happy with the depth this game has to offer.
My Hero One's Justice 2 is a fun fighter with added depth from the huge single player, loads of improvements form its predecessor. The huge roster alone is enough here to justify this sequel and with DLC on the way there's loads more value for players. Although I enjoyed all the single players campaigns, there are a few little tweaks that can make this into a competitive fighter.
Arc System Works has stayed true to its creative identity bringing an action packed fighter with stunning graphics, hopefully we see them bring more franchises to the genre. And while the game does suffer from a dull RPG mode, which does well to introduce newcomers to the series but lacks depth, difficulty and becomes repetitive way too quickly. The gaming system may be different from the norm, not what fighting may gamers may have been expecting, but they will definitely want to master this system as with the DLC and exposure it's getting, Granblue Fantasy Versus is set to become a household name very soon.
Trials of Mana is an exciting remake and Square Enix should be praised for making a new experience as close to the original as possible.
Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions is an amazing comeback for the series, all the detail that has gone into recreating the feel of the anime is a winning combination alongside the character animation.
This is certainly one of 2020’s hidden gems, and survival enthusiasts will want to get stuck into this gruelling but beautiful experience.
Steve and Alex are amazing characters that have so much depth to them, I think they may prove hard to master for some people. They definitely aren’t pick up and play characters, with so much to think about during the fast paced combat. There will be a steep learning curve for players as the pair don’t excel in all areas as much as they do in others.
Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin is a breath of fresh air that shouldn't be overlooked. It's hard to believe that a game with this much detail and depth is from just two developers. The team at Edelweiss have created such a unique game with amazing production and polished gameplay. There are a few little features like enemy repetition and lacklustre level layouts at times that could be improved. However I think Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin is definitely one of 2020's exceptional releases.
Sam & Max Save the World Remastered is a great revival for the franchise and Skunkape Games have done an amazing job on implementing the much-needed updates without losing any of the original charm. Die-hard fans will welcome all the obvious and subtle changes that have been made and releasing a new version on the Switch, was definitely a great choice to attract a new generation of fans. Some people may find the humour is slightly dated and inappropriate, however I feel Steve Purcell's stellar writing still makes me chuckle after all these years.
Sephiroth does play like other swordsmen in the game, but his long-range and explosive projectiles will make him stand out. He does have a few drawbacks that can make him less desirable like his charged attacks that can leave him wide open or his uninspiring grabs that lack range. Saying that Sephiroth's shortcomings are meagre compared to what makes him great. The One-Winged Angel is a great addition to the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate roster with enough depth to become a deadly force.
Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy is a great early entry for 2021 and an unmissable gem for JRPG fans.
Bravely Default II to its core is what fans should expect from a well devised JRPG, with the depth of customisation and a stellar battle system combining for an enthralling experience. Only to be matched by its engaging script and blissful music making this a must have for Nintendo Switch owners. Saying that newcomers to the series or JRPGs in general may find Bravely Default II a bit too difficult and demanding, especially with the bosses dishing out defeats left, right and centre.