Back in 2018, I wrote about my most anticipated titles I looked forward to playing in 2019. Of that list, I only ended up playing a handful, more got delayed, and others joined my ever-growing backlog of stuff I swear I’ll get to, promise.
Now that it’s 2020, I figure, why not do a most anticipated titles list again? (Not that I want to add to my backlog, but you know how it goes.) Admittedly, there’s less lined up that I’m excited for than hit in 2019, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some gems I’m eager to get my hands on. (I’ll play them this time, honest!)
So without further ado: Let’s take a look at my most anticipated titles of 2020.
Game #1 – Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered
Way, way, way back in 2004 as a plucky college junior, I played the original Crystal Chronicles in my dorm room with friends. It was fun and charming, but I ended up never really getting into it the way I assumed I would, considering my love of the genre and Final Fantasy in general. (I still fondly remember my Lilty and can’t wait to remake her.) When I saw we were getting a full remaster that retained almost all of the gorgeous aesthetic from the original but updated the experience, I was absolutely on board with giving the game another go – hopefully for a longer stint this time.
Game #2 – Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
Like most nerds, I used to watch Dragon Ball Z. I was never huge on the series, but after watching Dragon Ball Super with my husband and sister while it was airing, I got a bit of the Dragon Ball bug. Kakarot looks like it’s poised to scratch that itch in a fun way with the chance to relive the series’ most iconic moments in a more substantive way than the many (many, many) fighting games offer. Also Vegeta looks amazing in the graphics engine they’re using and I’ve gotta support my boy.
Game #3 – The Last of Us Part II
I loved The Last of Us. I loved the story it had to tell, I loved the characters it told that story with, I loved the world it threw those characters into. I loved Ellie and Joel and their at-times fraught dynamic. Being able to see them again and reconnect with their stories now that they’re older is going to be, I hope, an absolute treat. I can’t wait.
Game #4 – Ghost of Tsushima
I have anticipated playing this game since it was first revealed at Sony’s E3 conference in 2018 and that has not really abated. Look at all that color! Lighting that makes me swoon! The game boasts an aesthetic I can absolutely get behind, and it looks fun as hell to play. The trailer that aired at the 2019 Game Awards gave an intriguing look into the game’s story, as well, and who doesn’t love a good revenge tale?
Game #5 – Cris Tales
Good God this game looks gorgeous! The storybook aesthetic gives it such charming, unique character, as well as an excuse to add a ton of vibrant colors and designs. I love that the game goes out of its way to address not only real issues that can plague a civilization as a core part of its narrative, but that it also delves deep into topics like regional architecture. Add in the time travel and puzzle solving aspects, as well as the nods to classic JRPGs, and I could not have asked for a game more tailor-made for my most anticipated titles list.
Game #6 – Phantasy Star Online 2
I played way, way, way, WAY too much Phantasy Star Online back in college and after graduation and I do not regret a single second of that time. I want more of it. I want more Phantasy Star Online. And now we’re finally getting it over here (officially) and I am just. So happy. (Look out FFXIV, you’ve got a real contender on its way!)
Game #7 –Yakuza 7: Like a Dragon
Did you play the Japanese demo that released in December? If not, why? Go do it. Now. It’s Yakuza but with JRPG trappings and conventions, complete with meta-commentary and heart. Yakuza has always had a way of wearing its heart on its sleeve and taking everything incredibly serious while still knowing how to have fun, and if Ryu Ga Gotoku studios can do half as much with this new title as they have in the past, it is destined to be one of the best in the genre.
Honorable Mentions:
Classic Yakuza titles coming to modern consoles? Hell yeah! I may not actually get around to playing these releases anytime soon, but I will definitely be picking them up to support not only Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios, but to show Sega that we want more “too Japanese” games to come Westward in the future.
Square Enix and Microsoft have been talking about bringing Final Fantasy XIV to the Xbox for literally years, and 2020 may be the year it finally happens. Fingers crossed it actually does so the world of Eorzea and beyond is open to even more adventurers. (And much like the Yakuza Remastered Collection, I’ll buy it for Xbox even though I have it for PC and PS4, because this is a game and dev team I will absolutely always support.)
And thanks to Brandon for the Featured Image!
