XboxEra Community Game of the Year - Post your lists!

  1. Animal Crossing New Horizons
  2. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
  3. Gears 5 Hivebusters
  4. Minecraft Dungeons 5: AC: Valhalla

Best ongoing: Warhammer Total War 2

Best Publisher: Sony (though I didn’t play any of their titles this year the quality is hard to argue.

With COVID and a newborn I really didn’t play a lot of new games this year. I spent a lot of time with games I already owned which made best ongoing a big struggle. That came down to Minecraft, Sea of Thieves and Warhammer Total War 2 for me.

I eliminated Minecraft because while I appreciate the revival with the aquatic and nether updates and work on raytracing I’m simply not pleased with how they are handling console versions currently. No basic Series X enhancements or even a “raytracing will come eventually statement” is ridiculous to me… I’m just going to stop here because I’m so disappointed (overall) I have a hard time even having a conversation about it.

Sea of Thieves has been robbed basically every year since it released, but I haven’t played much this year. It doesn’t feel right to give it 2020 just because I think it was robbed in past years.

There simply are no asterisks on Warhammer though. That’s an amazing game with amazing support and it doesn’t get enough attention, likely due to genre and platform, taking media attention from it.

3 Likes

Top 8 Games of the Year

1.) Ori and the Will of the Wisps - Ori is just so dam phenomenal. The soundtrack, the art style, the gameplay, just pretty much everything. The bosses having rubberbanding was kinda cheap for some of them, but overall was still an amazing experience! Went through and beat it mutiple times, but I still have to beat my Hard mode run. (9.5/10)

2.) Cyberpunk 2077 - Even with the bugs, this game is a game like no other. There’s not a single gaming world that can come close to it for me. The story was amazing and the characters in it are so dam memorable. I finally beat this last night clocking in 45+ hours and I love the game so dam much. When it gets the next-gen patch, I fully intend on doing another playthrough. (9/10) [Would probly be a 9.5 if they could fix the bugs and make some QoL improvements for the inventory stuff.]

3.) Yakuza: Like a Dragon - I’ve always liked the Yakuza games but was still surprised just how dam good this game was. Going turn-based was the best decision they could’ve made. The side quests are still whacky, the mini games are still fun, and the classes to choose from were all pretty great. The story really surprised me as well. Got 50+ hours in the game and loved every second of it! (9/10)

4.) Nexomon Extinction - I had no clue about this game until the day it came out. It’s like Pokemon, but better and I cannot wait for the sequel. Easily the surprise hit of the year for me, since I had never even heard of it. I even made a thread for it and was very happy to get some extra sales for it from here. Thanks again to the ppl who took interest and bought it. I hope that means we get the next one on Xbox again :smiley:! (9/10)

5.) Fuser - I love Harmonix. Dam near everything they do is just genius when it comes to music games. I miss the old Rock Band days and we’ll probly never get them back, but this Fuser game lets you be a DJ and mix songs so easily. I’ve had a blast making some great sounding stuff and it’s fun take turns with friends to see what they make. Sadly you can’t record anything you do cuz Captures are blocked :confused:. The campaign was pretty pointless, but you have to play it to get songs and instruments/fx unlocked. (7.5/10) [Campaign is just really bad, and lack of Capture feature really knocked it down for me, but the gameplay is so dam fun I have to put it up higher on my list.]

6.) Tetris Effect: Connected - I’ve always loved Tetris and this is easily the best version ever made. The soundtrack in it blew me away and I love how it tied in with the movements of your pieces. Tetris is just so dam good! Sadly, I can’t play it for long but I still will always love it, lol. (9/10)

7.) Spiritfarer - I knew I was gonna like this game the moment I saw it. I never did finish it, but I probly got 3/4 of the way through. Great artstyle and just a peaceful relaxing game, with a unique topic not really covered in most games. Very enjoyable experience, but kinda starts to be a slog towards the end. (8.5/10)

8.) Immortals: Fenyx Rising - I was surprised just how much I enjoyed it. It’s BotW meets Assassin’s Creed and takes the annoyances out of both games, and kinda makes them better. Great combat, and the islands are “small” enough to where I don’t feel overwhelmed with stuff to do like I do in AC games. I never got into BotW. I think I got about 10-15 hours in before I just couldn’t keep playing it. Far too many annoyances in that game for me, but Immortals was pretty much the best of both worlds. Story was fine, and you see the “twist” coming from a mile away, but the gameplay was great. I beat it in around 30 hours and it kinda started to slog towards the end, but still worth playing for sure! (8/10)

Best Ongoing Game: PSO2 - God I was sooo happy when this got released. I cannot wait for New Genesis to keep it going. I got about 70+ hours in the game and I don’t do that with hardly any game. Easily the best MMO to sink time into. Some annoyances since it’s F2P, but if you’re willing to pay the Premium Tier, it’s a very enjoyable game. (8.5/10)

Best Publisher: Xbox Game Studios - Even though they didn’t land many games on my Top 8 list, they still put out an amazing variety of games. I can’t wait to see what they do this year. Plus it’s all on Game Pass, Day One. Thank you MS for making Game Pass a thing! :smiley:

4 Likes

Damn I forgot Minecraft Dungeons too.

Shit

2 Likes
  1. Forza Horizon 4 - Super 7 :racing_car:

  2. Cyberpunk 2077 :fire:

  3. COD: Black ops -Cold War :exploding_head:

  4. Hivebusters-Gears5 :heart_eyes:

  5. Ori

  6. MS Flight Sim 2020

  7. Watch dogs legion

  8. Spiderman - Miles

  9. Ghost of tushima

  10. Animal crossings

Best ongoing game - Forza Horizon 4

Best studio/publisher - Xbox game studios

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  1. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
  2. Yakuza: Like a Dragon
  3. Cyberpunk 2077
  4. Gears 5: Hivebusters
  5. Maneater
  6. Tell Me Why
  7. DPA: Little Hope
  8. Coffee Talk
  9. Gears Tactics
  10. Ghostrunner

Best Ongoing Game: Dead By Daylight

Best Publisher: Xbox Game Studios

3 Likes
  • 1: Hades - the best game I played this year and the best I’ve played in a while. It reminds me of how I felt about Hollow Knight at the time I played it, it just does everything so incredibly well. A fantastic gameplay loop that leaves you hungry to dive back into hell time and time again.
  • 2: Ori & the Will of the Wisps - this would be a fairly easy pick at #1 if not for Hades. Improves on everything about the original Ori, which was already a masterclass of 2D gaming. Lots of emotional moments, beautiful art, stunning soundtrack. Top notch stuff here, can’t wait to see where Moon goes next.
  • 3: Ghost of Tsushima - I was initially cool on this game, but after reflecting on it throughout the year I realized just how much I liked it. It’s exactly what I wanted out of a game set in feudal Japan. Sure, it can feel a bit “samey” over time and not all open world activities hit, but it’s just a fun game that doesn’t require a ton of brain power to enjoy. Gorgeous visuals btw.
  • 4: Final Fantasy 7 Remake - FF7 was a huge part of my earlier years, one of my favorite RPGs up there with Suikoden II & P4 Golden. I wasn’t sure what to expect for this remake, but they nailed such a large portion of what made the original so special. There’s some stuff here that doesn’t connect with me - the dungeons, filler, and ending in particular - but I’m excited to see where they go in this retelling of a classic.
  • 5: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity - First off, the story was really dumb and doesn’t pay off. That said, this is far and away the best musou game I’ve played and was a great one to play while listening to a book or podcast. It’s just mindless fun, and sometimes that’s ok. Being a Zelda game didn’t hurt either, I love that world.
  • 6: Yakuza 5 - I know this came out in Japan forever ago, but this was the first time it hit U.S. shores. It’s another Yakuza game, not much more to say. I love the story, Kiryu, and just the vibe of this series. Can’t wait to start up Like a Dragon after I wrap up a few other games.
  • 7: Carrion - it’s always cool to see games that subvert the hero trope and put you in the role of the baddie. In this case, you’re the monster which is just a great premise. The movement is fluid and unique, the puzzles are just the right difficulty to keep the game moving forward. Only real negative is I wish there was a better mapping system.
  • 8: Last Campfire - Hello Games isn’t known for much outside of No Man’s Sky, but Joe Danger and now The Last Campfire show that this developer can create some fun little games of a reasonable scope. This melancholy world is beautiful to explore, the puzzles aren’t overly difficult. It plays great on mobile, made for some fun evenings.
  • 9: Little Orpheus - another mobile game, this 2D platformer is a looker. It has a cool narrative structure, fairly tight gameplay, and never overstays it’s welcome. I love that it never takes itself seriously, it brought a smile to my face multiple times while playing.
  • 10: Animal Crossing New Horizons - If you’d have asked me in March/April, this would have been #1. I love AC, and this is no different. I just fell off hard one day and haven’t wanted to go back.
  • Best Ongoing Game: Final Fantasy XIV
  • Best Publisher: Nintendo
3 Likes

OK I’m not sure I can come up with ten, so Ill try my best during the homeschooling “quiet 20 minutes drawing” lesson. :slight_smile:

  1. Hades - Wonderful game, tight and fun to play, gorgeous artstyle and even though I lack the skill and patience for most roguelikes/lites/whatever. It just kept me wanting to play again.

  2. Ghost of Tsushima - Like Horizon Zero Dawn, I wasn’t bothered at all until I saw reviews and impressions just after launch, I picked it up and massively enjoyed playing it, I’m looking forward to getting back into it on PS5 since it looked gorgeous on Pro.

  3. Yakuza Like A Dragon - In truth my first Yakuza game, for long and boring reasons. I grabbed it after seeing reviews and simply because I love turn based games. Amazing fun, wonderfully camp and with great voice acting.

  4. Wasteland 3 - I paused playing this after putting in around 20 hours due to worries about bugs, but it was hard to do I was enjoying it so much. Aside from the lack of polish when I played it was just a fantastic RPG, great writing and characters.

  5. Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Came out just as we entered lockdown and I needed to keep the kids entertained/bribed after doing schoolwork. My eldest and I spend so many hours together in what should have been a stressful time being totally delighted and laughing at each other missing butterflies. We have rather fallen off it, but a wonderful game.

  6. Sackboy Adventure - Just as above, I picked this up to play with my eldest as we re-enter lockdown, we have only played a few hours but we have laughed like idiots for most of that time, Her face when she realised she could slap my Sackling to steal my gold trophy was a joy to behold, but that came second to when we realised we could pickup and throw each others sackling.

  7. Hyrule Warriors - Been years since I bothered with a Musou game, whenever I have had the urge I am not wowed by reviews. This one though, just solid enjoyment and really makes me remember those nights with my friends playing dynasty warriors on PS2. Colourful and pretty too.

[edit] 8. Call of the Sea - Last minute addition. Goegeous to look at and with wonderful voice acting. A desperately eerie island and puzzles which do not infuriate and a length that never overstays its welcome.

Best ongoing game: No Mans Sky. - I enjoyed the game at launch and every update has thrilled me more. My most played game of the generation by far and the one that I have enjoyed most. While some updates concentrate a little “too much” on MP functionality I don’t care for there is always something there for me. It looks stunning on PS5 too, Have yet to try PSVR again.

Best Publisher: Sony - Just some great games released during this tough year, Astrobot and Sackboy has delighted us over the holidays.

3 Likes

I have trouble remembering which games released this year, as i tend to play a lot of older games as well. But here goes:

  • 1: Microsoft Flight Simulator
  • 2: Ori and the Will of the Wisps
  • 3: Gears 5: Hivebusters
  • 4: Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1+2
  • 5: Cyberpunk 2077
  • 6: AC: Valhalla
  • 7: Minecraft Dungeons
  • 8: Crash 4
  • 9: Gears Tactics
  • 10: F1 2020
  • Best Ongoing Game: Forza Horizon 4
  • Best Publisher: Bethesda (played a lot of Rage 2, Doom Wolfenstein, etc.)
2 Likes

My list! :grinning:

  • 1# Cyberpunk 2077
  • 2# The Last Of Us Part ll
  • 3# Mortal Shell
  • 4# Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
  • 5# Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
  • 6# Tell Me Why
  • 7# Ori and the Will of the Wisps
  • 8# Resident Evil 3 Remake
  • 9# Ghost of Tsushima
  • 10# Doom Eternal
  • Best Ongoing Game: Fortnite
  • Best Publisher: Playstation Studios
1 Like

Looking back I didn’t actually play many games that were released in 2020 and worked mostly on my backlog. I’m sure many of the big games that were released in 2020 would have made my list, but just haven’t had the time or money in this new world of COVID.

Yakuza 0 & Dragon Quest IX would have made the list but are disqualified.

1. Cyberpunk 2077

Disappointment on old gen consoles and a treat for those who managed to nab a XSX, PS5 or have a meaty PC. Gripping story with interesting characters. Gameplay that makes you feel like a high tech god draped in gear from a 1980s vision of the future. Missions where you are sneaking in the dark with rain beating down in the streets with neon lights everywhere making you feel like you’re living in a Blade Runner movie. It’s pretty much everything I wanted from a Cyberpunk game and more.

2. Wasteland 3

Open world adventure where the story and characters are king. Easy to pick up and play for new comers like myself. An open world that is familiar but fresh by just adding some snow. Difficulty is also perfect. Oh, and every character being voiced makes a huge difference. Loading times are atrocious tho.

3. Resident Evil 3 Remake

I remember saving a pound of my lunch money for a month to buy Resi 3 on PS1 back in the day… also remember finishing the game that very day too. So when the rumours came out about it being really short it really didn’t bother me. Same Resident Evil formula with pretty graphics. I’m eventually going to do a few more playthroughs with all the new weapons and costumes.

4. Gears 5 Hive Busters DLC

More Gears on a short but beautiful wee island.

5. Gears Tactics

XCOM with a new coat of paint. Excellent game only let down by repetition.

6. Tell Me Why

Same old adventure gameplay with a great characters and a fascinating story. Refreshing seeing a studio tackle some difficult situations.

7. Coffee Talk

I like to fire on a cup of Chocobee Miruku or a Lemony Snippet in the morning and chill out with this bizarre story based game. Very relaxing with brilliant retro graphics reminiscent of the 1994 classic Policenauts/Snatcher. Love getting lost in the atmosphere of a rainy neon lit coffee house, listening to everyday problems set in a fantasy world. It’s not for everyone, but try not to be so closed-minded and try it out. It’s just the right length and the Achievements are easy but fun.

Best ongoing game

Gears 5 MP keeps grabbing me and pulling back into the world of popping skulls and gnashing punks.

Best Publisher

Xbox Game Studios. Variety of different games for everyone.

Best game not released in 2020 :smile:

Dragons Dogma. Wow! I finally sat down and played it for real and I can safely say it’s one of my favourite games. I got kinda addicted to this and everyone should give it a go.

I Will update my list if I manage to get through some of my 2020 backlog.

2 Likes
  • 1: Cyberpunk 2077 - This game. What a blast! Of course there are some bugs here and there, but on Series X it’s not a deal breaker for me. The story, the characters, the atmosphere of the city, the art direction (especially at night)… I’m just loving every second of it, even after the 30+ hours I’ve put into it.

  • 2: Demon Souls - Reaaaally big From Software fan here. I had a great time playing blind through this game for my first playthrough, and I’m already excited to return to get that platinum. However, the game plays very similar to Dark Souls 1, 2 and 3. Don’t get me wrong, that’s a good thing, but Cyberpunk was a completely new world for me to discover, that’s why Demon Souls is my number 2.

  • 3: Destiny 2: Beyond Light - The game I always come back to. Really loved this DLC. Bungie is so damn good in creating beautiful environments, and the gunplay is still good as ever.

  • 4: Ori and the Will of the Wisps - Breath taking visuals and art direction. And that soundtrack…

  • 5: Gears 5: Hivebusters - What a rollercoaster! Exactly what I needed from a Gears game.

  • 6: Warzone - During the first months of COVID-19, this game really was my social get together with friends and colleagues. Besides that, the endgame of Warzone is just unmatched. The combination between fun and anxiety, hell of a time.

  • 7: FIFA 21 - Started playing Weekend League for the first time, as I couldn’t go to the stadium to support my club. Really scratched that football itch. Did costs me some money though, as I wanted to score some packs. Turns out, I should never go to a casino…

  • 8: DOOM Eternal - Just one of the best first person shooters ever. No nonsense, just shooting monster at a extremely high pace. And although I wouldn’t listen to it on Spotify, this soundtrack is completely how it should be in this game. Awesome!

  • 9: Assassins Creed: Valhalla - First Assassins Creed I’ve actually played for more than 20 hours since the first three games. Was really impressed by the visuals and didn’t encounter a lot of bugs. Running around like a Viking felt good.

  • 10: Grounded - Took me by surprise (thanks Game Pass). The whole idea of this tiny person living in your backyard is what triggered me to play. Can’t wait for the full release!

  • Best Ongoing Game: Sea of Thieves - By far the most fun I’ve had playing a video game. I actually think I haven’t laughed so hard whilst gaming with my friends. Game improved a lot since launch.

  • Best Publisher: Bungie - Didn’t really know who to choose, so a small shout-out to Bungie. It was their first full year as an independent publisher, and they didn’t disappoint.

3 Likes

• 1: Gears Tactics

• 2: Gears 5: Hivebusters

• 3: Ghost of Tsushima

• 4: Cyberpunk 2077

• 5: The Last of Us part 2

I never played many new games this year, outside of the bigger releases, & was quite disappointed with almost all the games I did play. Valhalla turned out to be an irritating chore, GoT & LoU2 both had garbage stories but great gameplay, Cyberpunk had it’s laundry list of issues but a great story & characters.

Gears Tactics & Hivebusters were both top quality gaming without any serious flaws I could point out. Hivebusters is number 2 because it’s just a short dlc.

I was tempted to put Battletoads in there, because it was great fun as well, but decided to just stick with a top 5.

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1: Cyberpunk 2077- I’m cheating a bit hear as I’ve barely played the game but I could already tell that it would be my GOTY. Just waiting for that next gen patch before diving back in

2: Ghostrunner- This game is outstanding. Hard as hell but fair and the gameplay is smooth and so much fun

3: Nexomon: Extinction- Caught me by surprise as I never heard of it until it released. Saw the thread on here and thought why not and I didn’t regret it. This is what Pokémon should be

4: Call of the Sea

5: Monster Sanctuary

Call of the Sea is the only game I completed on my list but I have enjoyed these games the most out of any I played in 2020. I haven’t played a lot of games released last year as I’m working my way through my backlog

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I have to say I’m surprised that Hades isn’t on far more of these lists. Perhaps this is due to this being a “mostly Xbox community”, but it runs well on a low-end PC so I just figured more people would have played it and loved it.

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I got a switch for Christmas and I plan on buying Hades soon. If it comes to Xbox at some point I’ll buy it again.

I probably buy it on switch at some point.

My time with a heavily modded Fallout 4 at 60fps in HDR on SX surpasses anything released in 2020 that I played. Its been like finally coming home.

For me my personal GOTY is always what game I enjoyed/played the most regardless of when it was released… heresy I know! :slightly_smiling_face:

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When I think about my personal game of the year, as in my favourite game I played this year regardless of when it released, then I end up back at The Master Chief Collection.

Honestly, it would probably be my game of the year most years :+1:

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Yay! Someone else who appreciated Coffee Talk.

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I have it on switch, but I would have preferred to play on Xbox, I like the controller more and though Im not a “hunter” the achievements. I will grab it again when it comes to Xbox, (unless it ends up on gamepass). The only two roguelikes/lites I have enjoyed or been any good at were Hades and Dead Cells, both I got on switch first.