2020 Platform Exclusives
Crysis
2020年1月25日
The Last of Us Part II - Release Date: May 29, 2020
Joel and Ellie’s first adventure was a bonafide masterpiece that ended on a very controversial note. Now, five years after the conclusion of the The Last of Us, Ellie is on her own adventure for redemption. While we don’t know exactly what she’s so mad about, trailers have dropped some serious hints and she’s clearly got some loose ends to tie up in a very violent way. What we do know, however, is that we’re told The Last of Us Part II is Naughty Dog’s longest game to date, to the point where the physical version will arrive on two discs. Also, Joel has been confirmed to return in this sequel. Finally, from the limited hands-on time we’ve gotten, we really like it so far.
Final Fantasy VII Remake - Release Date: March 3, 2020
The return to Midgar has been in the works for a very, very long time. Originally announced back at E3 2015, Final Fantasy VII Remake changed development hands and restarted from scratch before it was re-revealed earlier this year. Besides the obvious graphical upgrade, Sony promises FF7 Remake will expand the story of Midgar, taking us deeper into the lore and characters than the 1997 PS1 original. Additionally, FF7 Remake’s combat system has been updated for the modern generation, adopting a FFXV-style real-time action system. But, for old-school purists, Square-Enix will also include a classic battle mode. Note that the March 3 release date isn’t for the entire thing, though: because it’s such a large undertaking, this remake will be delivered in an episodic format. But, don’t worry, the second part has already begun development, so hopefully we won’t have to wait another 20 years to continue our adventure.
Ghost of Tsushima - Release Date: Summer 2020
After more than a year without any new information, we finally got a lengthy new gameplay trailer and release date window for Sucker Punch's next game, Ghost of Tsushima. While we don't know very much about the story, we know it involves a samurai warrior named Jin who will gain various skills and abilities while traversing the vast open-world of feudal Japan. In a blog post following the new trailer, Communications Manager (and ex-IGN alum) Andrew Goldfarb says, "Ghost of Tsushima is huge – the biggest game Sucker Punch has ever made by a wide margin."
Predator: Hunting Grounds - Release Date: April 24, 2020
Asymmetrical multiplayer games haven’t had the greatest track record thus far (RIP Evolve) but that doesn’t seem to stop developers from trying to make this ambitious idea work. Developed by the team behind Friday the 13th: The Game, Predator: Hunting Grounds uses the same formula of pitting four relatively weak human players against a single lethal enemy - in this case it’s the lethal Predator. Unlike most other games in the genre, though, Hunting Grounds has objectives for the four humans to complete while trying to steer clear of the Predator, focusing more on objectives instead of simply playing hide-and-seek. In our initial playthrough, we found playing both sides to be equally satisfying, and can’t wait to drop into the jungle to rip out our friends’ spines.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon (Yakuza 7) - Release Date: TBA 2020
After years of lagging behind Japan’s releases of the Yakuza series, we in the west are finally going to catch up when the seventh mainline entry in the series, Yakuza: Like a Dragon comes out stateside sometime in 2020. The series is primarily known for its goofy and unconventional open-world gameplay and endless stream of minigames, paired with its equally bizarre stories. Speaking of bizarre, Yakuza: Like a Dragon changes things up quite a bit by adding in turn-based combat instead of the fluid, action-style combat the series is known for. It sounds like an interesting experiment!
Yakuza 5 (As Part of Yakuza: The Remastered Collection) - Release Date: February 11, 2020
Yakuza 5 will make its proper western PS4 debut as part of Yakuza: The Remastered Collection when it arrives in early 2020. While the original PS3 version was localized and released digitally in 2015, the Remastered Collection will contain remasters of Yakuza 3, Yakuza 4, and Yakuza 5. At the time, Yakuza 5 was a big step forward for the decade-old franchise, adding five locations to explore and five playable main characters.
Marvel’s Iron Man VR - Release Date: February 28, 2020
Developed in tandem with Marvel Game Studios, which oversaw development of Marvel’s Spider-Man on PS4, Iron Man VR will allow you to suit up in Tony Stark’s high-tech suit of armor for a full campaign. We were surprised by the gameplay in our initial hands-on preview, which offered us freedom of control over the Repulsors and featured an epic mid-air chase sequence.
Granblue Fantasy: Versus - Release Date: February 6, 2020
Based on the turn-based RPG Granblue Fantasy, Versus pits players against each other in one-on-one battles. It features Gran, the main protagonist, along with 10 additional characters from the series who will duke it out for the title of champion.
Nioh 2 - Release Date: March 13, 2020
Nioh 2 returns to Sengoku-era Japan to battle brutal monsters and demons in relentless martial arts-style combat. In Nioh 2, you’ll be able to transform into a Yokai, a phantom-like creature armed with devastating paranormal powers.
Persona 5 Royal - Release Date: March 31, 2020
Joker and his gang of Phantom Thieves return in Persona 5 Royal, a special edition of Persona 5 that introduces new party member Kasumi Yoshizawa, as well as new friend encounters, a third school term, more difficult enemies, and more. Oh, and Morgana will no longer bother you to sleep every night, allowing you to get more done in the late-night hours. There’s plenty to do for fans of the original game, and if you’ve been waiting to jump into the series this promises to be the definitive version.
Godfall - Release Date: TBA 2020
Okay, while this one actually isn't a PS4 game, it is the first confirmed PS5 game we know about, announced during The Game Awards. Godfall is being described as a "looter-slasher" that will be playable solo or with up to three other players in cooperative play. Keith Lee, Creative Director at developer Counterplay Games said, "we plan to provide plenty of loot to players to ensure there’s meaningful impact to gameplay and playstyles.” And, with Gearbox publishing Godfall, we have no doubt there will be copious amounts of loot for everyone.
Halo: Infinite - Release Date: Holiday 2020
Not much is known about Infinite yet, other than that it continues the story of Halo 5: Guardians and sees the return of the Master Chief playing more of a central role. It’s also being built on the brand-new Slipstream engine (which looks gorgeous, by the way) and is confirmed to be a launch game for Xbox’s Project Scarlett, which arrives in late 2020.
Minecraft Dungeons - Release Date: April 2020
In a different approach to the very freeform survival gameplay of Minecraft, Minecraft Dungeons has you exploring handcrafted levels full of enemies and plenty of loot. You can explore alone or with up to four players to take down enemy mobs and take down the Arch-Illager.
Psychonauts 2 - Release Date: TBA 2020
After spending the past 15 years in limbo, Raz is finally back with the rest of his psychic buddies to enter new characters’ mental worlds to fight their inner demons with new PSI abilities. He’ll need all the help he can get, since he’ll also dive deeper into his family’s history and learn more about the curse that plagues them.
Bleeding Edge - Release Date: March 24, 2020
Developer Ninja Theory’s stylish online brawler Bleeding Edge features 12 characters to choose from, each with varying roles and abilities to master in 4v4 team-based combat. There’s supposed to be plenty of rewards to earn in-game to customize your fighters, allowing you to play the way you want and ensuring your squad stands above the competition.
Gears: Tactics - Release Date: TBA 2020
Taking place 12 years before the events of the original Gears of War, Gears: Tactics is an XCOM-style turn-based game that features an all-new squad. The story will revolve around your characters and combat will feature “massive boss battles,” according to developer The Coalition.
Grounded - Release Date: Q2 2020
This micro-sized world looks to be pulled straight from Honey, I Shrunk The Kids. The idea is to brave the backyard environment by looting, crafting, and building, using every resource to ensure your survival. Missions can be played solo or in four-player co-op.
Tell Me Why - Release Date: Mid-2020
Now that Life is Strange 2 has wrapped up, the creators behind that series are back to tell another story. Focused on the relationship between twins Tyler and Alyson, Tell Me Why is an adventure that spans three episodes as the siblings uncover memories of their troubled childhood.
Wasteland 3 - Release Date: May 19, 2020
The post-apocalyptic RPG saga that inspired Fallout concludes with Wasteland 3. As the sole survivor of Team November, you and your party are sent on a quest to explore the icy wasteland of Colorado. And, for the first time in the series, you’ll be able to play through the campaign cooperatively with a friend.
Microsoft Flight Simulator - Release Date: TBA 2020
Dust off your old flightstick because Microsoft Flight Simulator is back for the modern generation. Using over 2,000 terabytes of data from Bing Maps, it will simulate the entire Earth’s surface and allow you to create your own flight paths to fly anywhere in the world. This ain’t your dad’s Flight Simulator.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Release Date: March 20, 2020
Taking place on a deserted island, Animal Crossing: New Horizons will transport you to a new environment far from the bustling towns of the previous games. New Horizons features a new crafting system, as well as plenty of the customization that the series is known for, including the ability to create your own camp. Of course, Tom Nook will be knocking on your door once again to collect your hard-earned bells in due time.
Bravely Default 2 - Release Date: TBA 2020
Okay, while this one actually isn't a PS4 game, it is the first confirmed PS5 game we know about, announced during The Game Awards. Godfall is being described as a "looter-slasher" that will be playable solo or with up to three other players in cooperative play. Keith Lee, Creative Director at developer Counterplay Games said, "we plan to provide plenty of loot to players to ensure there’s meaningful impact to gameplay and playstyles.” And, with Gearbox publishing Godfall, we have no doubt there will be copious amounts of loot for everyone.
No More Heroes III - Release Date: TBA 2020
Taking place two years after the events of Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes, in No More Heroes III Travis is sent to take down intergalactic assassins after a mysterious flying object appears in the sky over the fictional city of Santa Destroy, California.
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition - Release Date: TBA 2020
Originally released on the Wii almost a decade ago, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition revisits Shulk’s story with updated graphics. After his hometown is attacked, Shulk finds he can wield the powerful Monado blade and sets out on a mission for revenge. For those who haven’t experienced this classic open-world JRPG, this may be the best time to jump in yet.
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore - Release Date: January 17, 2020
In 2016, two unlikely franchises – Fire Emblem and Shin Megami Tensei – came together in Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore on the Wii U. Now joining the parade of ports to the Switch, this updated re-release features turn-based battles and lots and lots of dancing.
Deadly Premonition 2: A Blessing in Disguise - Release Date: TBA 2020
Developed by the team behind the original 2010 release, Deadly Premonition 2 follows the intertwining stories of two FBI agents. When Aaliyah Davis begins investigating an old case involving fellow agent Francis “York” Morgan, she is transported back in time 14 years. The two will journey between past and present in this mysterious adventure.
Bayonetta 3 (Probably) - Release Date: 2020?
We haven’t heard much about Bayonetta 3 since it was announced in 2017, aside from Nintendo reminding us that it’s still in development during a Nintendo Direct earlier this year. Since then, Platinum Games has released Astral Chain to great critical reception. We’re eager to see what the wicked witch is up to when it’s finally released, though. Here’s to hoping it’s sooner rather than later.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 (Maybe?) - Release Date: 2020?
Okay, this one is a big maybe. After surprising fans during its E3 2019 Direct, Breath of the Wild 2 is officially underway. From the reveal trailer’s hinting at the possible return of a very sinister villain, it looks like a much darker adventure than Link’s previous outing – but we might get some help from a playable Princess Zelda.
Half-Life: Alyx - Release Date: March TBA 2020
While it may not be the Half-Life sequel fans have been hoping for since 2007’s Half-Life 2: Episode 2, it is a sequel...to the first game. Half-Life: Alyx is a VR adventure that takes place between the events of Half-Life and Half-Life 2, and will follow protagonist Alyx Vance as she seeks to take down the Combine. Its campaign length is promised to be about the same length as Half-Life 2’s, so there will be plenty to experience. And, if you own a Valve Index, you’ll receive Alyx for free when it launches next March.
Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond - Release Date: TBA 2020
The long-dormant first-person shooter franchise returns, though it’s now in VR (and exclusive to the Oculus Rift) and is being developed by Respawn Studios, known for their work on the Titanfall series, Apex Legends, and the recent Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. You’ll have the opportunity to experience the events of WWII first-hand as you shoot your way across Europe.
Roller Champions - Release Date: Q2 2020
Set in the year 2029, Roller Champions arenas have been assembled all over the world for fans to gather to watch the unique roller skating/sports hybrid matches. Roller Champions will be free-to-play and have plenty of unlockable customization options for your character.
Chivalry 2 - Release Date: TBA 2020
Chivalry 2 looks to recreate massive medieval battles in first-person. With up to 64 players in a match, you’ll have the option to ride on horseback, shoot fire arrows, strike foes down with your greatsword, and more.
Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord (Maybe?) - Release Date: TBA 2020
Bannerlord is the eagerly anticipated expansion for Mount & Blade II that’s (hopefully) due out in 2020. It promises to expand on sieges, creating massive battles in which hundreds of units storm the walls of fortified castles. Additionally, there will be a team deathmatch-style multiplayer mode that will really test your abilities in combat.
Evil Genius 2: World Domination - Release Date: TBA 2020
In the follow up to 2004’s Evil Genius, your quest for world domination continues as you recruit and train a force of minions to undertake diabolical schemes on your behalf. You’ll also have the ability to create multi-level secret bases this time. Ah, yes...it’s all coming together now.
