Alongside our staff-voted Game of the Year awards, each of our writers have crafted their own personal lists, covering their top five PlayStation 5 and PS4 titles of 2020. Today, it's the turn of associate editor Stephen Tailby.
5. Bugsnax
I was smitten with Bugsnax from the moment I saw its announcement trailer back in the summer. I loved the unusual premise and sense of mystery around the game, and the end result delivered a memorable adventure. Sure, it isn't perfect, but this was a truly unique title among PS5's launch lineup. Catching all the creatures and watching the characters all figure out how to get along was a joy. A silly but compelling experience.
4. Astro's Playroom
Speaking of the PS5 launch lineup, I've not been able to play many of the obvious games from the console's arrival. However, Astro's Playroom turned out to be utterly wonderful. From the moment the game starts to the incredible finale, I can't think of another game this year that's been so enjoyable from start to finish. It's very short, but what's here is perfectly pitched. It succeeds as a DualSense demonstration, but also as an effortlessly charming platformer. Sony would be mad not to double down on Astro in the future — there's a ton of potential here.
3. Ghost of Tsushima
I started playing this when it launched back in July, but then it was shelved due to work, and I didn't go back for a long time. In fact, I waited until PS5 turned up to dive back in, and I've been having a brilliant time. The world Sucker Punch has created is absolutely gorgeous, and I love exploring the map — it's never not beautiful. However, it's the combat that's the star for me. Despite all the tools you're given for stealth, I'm finding the proper fights to be far more fun. The story seems like a slow burn, but Ghost of Tsushima has grabbed my attention and won't let go.
2. The Last of Us: Part II
If this was a list of the most impactful games of 2020, The Last of Us 2 would be at the top. This game is mean — it packs such an emotional punch, particularly if you're a fan of the original, like I am. I think Naughty Dog is to be commended for taking something so beloved and having the stones to turn everything upside down. The story leaves a lasting impression, just like the first did, and I'm not going to forget it in a hurry. I also won't forget the fraught and intense combat, or the incredible attention to detail, either. An absolute stunner.
1. Dreams
If you know me, you'll know nothing could top Dreams for me this year. Media Molecule's PS4 exclusive will fly under the radar during this Game of the Year season for many, but what the studio has done here needs to be celebrated. Here's a bit of software that allows you to create basically anything with just a DualShock 4 and an idea. It's incredibly powerful, giving people the tools needed to express their imagination in a new, exciting, ever-evolving way. I won't deny there's a learning curve here if you want to get the best out of Dreams, but that's the same with anything — and you certainly don't need to be a creative prodigy to make something worthwhile. It has endless potential, offers real innovation, and grants access to thousands of bizarre and brilliant creations made by other users. Sony's most left-field game of 2020 is, for me, also the best.
What do you think of Stephen's picks? Do you agree with his top five? Have your say in the comments section below.
Comments 32
Great top 5, like all the others.
2021 will be something to look forward to games wise.
Hey some Dreams and bugsnax love cool. I have bugsnax on Ps4 and i'm enjoying it.
Having all the Last of Us 2 in so many top 5s has me thinking of buying it on sale. The hesitation was due to the possibility of hating the direction the protagonist is taken, but to see so many pick it, that portion must be overcome with great gameplay and story
@Elodin It's a divisive game taken in a direction that I personally didn't like but it's a game - therefore it's all about the gameplay.
The gameplay is great. The narrative - not so much.
Great list! Do you think dreams needs a plus giveaway and pc release to realise its potential and pull in more creators?? I thought they might add it to the plus collection on ps5 tbh
@Elodin for me the narration worked really well. The game shows that there’s always 2 sides to people’s story & it was refreshing to actually see this in a game. Very engrossing story for me, superb characters & the gameplay was a whole new level compared to the original. I would say to atleast play the game, it’s a phenomenal experience.
@Elodin I mean it's a Naughty Dog game, they're always gonna be in Top 5.
It is funny to see how "same" choices you journalists have.
I was pleasantly surprised by Bugsnax. Decided to give it a whirl with virtually zero expectations and came away after finishing it really enjoying the experience.
The fact that Sony has the confidence and respect to allow something like Dreams to be made over 7 years (correct me if I'm wrong), just shows what a great platform they have produced, beyond just creating consoles.
@djlard It’s almost as if critics sharing a common opinion that a game’s good likely means that the game’s good.
@R1spam Dreams would benefit from a PC release I’m sure. Wouldn’t be surprised at all if that happens sooner or later.
One thing I'm sure we can all agree on, given the awful circumstances of 2020, is the wealth of great games we've had in this sh** year.
@djlard must be one of them conspiracies. I tellz ya.
@R1spam I hope they do sometime soon. If too much time passes, even if they do release it on ps5 as a ps+ game or on PC, who knows how many people will care by then...
Is Dreams doing anything special for PS5? I didn't join PS Plus in the PS4 era, but for the last six months or so, I've been tempted. I just don't like switching things over, so I'm waiting to get a PS5 and a plus membership before delving into Dreams. I used to make multiplayer maps for Heretic 2 (QED Radiant in the Quake 2 engine, if I'm remembering right) so Dreams has made me want to get back in to it. I'd like to make a decent shooter with a plot. The only thing that puts me off is, well, how 'dreamy' it looks. I wish it were more life-like and less Winnie the Poo when it comes to looks. Still, it'll be fun to see if I can bring some darkness into the dream.
@LordSteev you can make life like creations as well as fuzzy ones.
Unfortunately, it looks like the folks interacting with Dreams (creators and users) continues to fall off dramatically.
https://kotaku.com/the-ps4s-spectacular-dreams-game-is-hurting-from-a-lack-1845925922
I have said from the beginning that Sony has turned their back on this project and on Media Molecule. They should have packed it into every PS5 along with Astro. They also should have done some marketing work to give the oxygen Dreams needed to really take off. Since it took over 8 years to make the product, don't be surprised to see Sony cut MM loose in the future. Shame since Dreams is a great product that just needs some interface and curation work to be a spectacular success.
@Number09
That's good to hear! How big is the pool of textures you have to work with?
@Svark
You're right, it would be fantastic as on-board software for every new console. If people had it preloaded, they'd be much more likely to dabble. You would get a better painting if you gave 100 monkeys paintbrushes instead of only 10.
@Elodin I didn't like it but it's definitely a game to experience at least once.
Unfortunately most people don't have lots of time to play games. Any time they do get they're more likely to want to actually play something decent than try to create their own or play something OK that someone else has made.
That's the biggest issue with dreams imo.
HELP
Immortals fenyx rising or Valhalla? Greek or Norse? Stabby stabby or stabby stabby😆?
@Total_Weirdo I hear the tones and noises, everytime I look at your avatar😁
@Svark I feel if they released some dlc that allowed more creation assets, to make bigger/more intricate games, it would give it some longevity. AND Sony or media molecule could pluck some new talents, ideas, etc.
@djlard wrong
At the risk of sounding over dramatic, if Dreams had released when I was say, 13, I honestly think my life would have gone on a different trajectory. I’ll definitely be gently pushing this one on my kids. What a gift Media Molecule has given creative types.
@LordSteev Sorry it took to long to reply, there are a lot of user made textures they are free to download you can make your own there is a limit to the quality this is where the fuzzy textures come in the more fuzzy the more you can do the more detailed the less you can do.
This guy is good https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2N_UJSsR0M
Weird list, I expected revenge bad game, but I thought bugsnax was a meme game.
@Number09
Thanks for the link! Watching the fast motion way that guy made a rock was sort of hypnotizing.
Bugsnax looked awful to me in that PS5 reveal, and I never would have played it without it showing up on Plus, but it's honestly brilliant. I'm loving it at the moment, and there's definitely a challenge there figuring out how to catch some of them. My kids are loving it as well, all three of us are working towards the platinum trophy for it.
Hi there fellow gamers. Great list @Quintumply
I completely agree with you.
Bugsnax was a very pleasent surprise for me. Catching all the weird food creatures, exploring the island and finding about the mysteries behind all the characters was pretty interesting.
it´s always nice to find some hidden gems like this every once and awhile.
Cheers, stay safe and Happy New Gaming Year to us all
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