The year 2020 was undeniably poised to be a landmark period for PlayStation 4 enthusiasts, teeming with an array of highly anticipated titles across diverse genres. As demonstrated in the accompanying video, the console’s library was significantly bolstered by both innovative new intellectual properties and compelling installments within beloved franchises. This comprehensive overview aims to delve deeper into the exciting landscape of new PS4 games in 2020, providing additional context and insights for every avid gamer.
Anticipated PS4 Titles: Genre Diversity in 2020
The gaming calendar for 2020 was marked by an extraordinary breadth of titles, ensuring that a preferred experience could be found by almost any player. From intense multiplayer battles to expansive role-playing narratives, the PlayStation 4 ecosystem continued to evolve with significant additions.
Asymmetrical Shooters and VR Innovations
A notable trend observed was the continued experimentation with unique gameplay formats. For instance, Predator: Hunting Grounds, which had its multiplayer trial on March 27th and full launch on April 24th, represented a distinct take on the asymmetrical shooter genre. In this game, a team of human soldiers is tasked with completing objectives and escaping while being hunted by a single, powerful Predator. Unlike traditional setups, the Predator’s abilities are tied to a finite battery, introducing a strategic layer to its formidable power. Imagine if your ultimate hunter’s tools could run out mid-pursuit, compelling a careful balance between aggression and conservation.
Furthermore, virtual reality continued to push boundaries with titles like Marvel’s Iron Man VR, released on May 15th. This exclusive PSVR game immerses players directly into the iconic suit of Tony Stark, offering the unparalleled sensation of flight and combat as Iron Man. The immersive quality of VR games is often difficult to convey through standard video, but the reported deep engagement of players during demos suggested a truly transformative experience. To illustrate, consider the joy of firing repulsor blasts from your palms or soaring through cityscapes, actions that become incredibly tangible within a VR environment.
Deep Role-Playing Experiences: JRPGs and Western RPGs
Role-playing games, known for their rich narratives and character progression, were prominently featured. Persona 5 Royal, launched on March 31st, was not merely an expansion but a significantly enhanced version of the critically acclaimed JRPG. This iteration introduced an entirely new semester, expanding the story and offering fan-service elements such as a new area for team-building activities like playing pool and darts. Such additions provided greater depth and opportunities for player interaction, solidifying its status as a definitive version of the game.
Another intriguing entry was Yakuza: Like a Dragon, which debuted in 2020, charting a new course for the long-running Yakuza series. This installment boldly shifted from its traditional action-brawler mechanics to a turn-based JRPG format. This change was met with both curiosity and optimism, as it represented a significant reinterpretation of the series’ core gameplay. While the departure was substantial, the intent was to create a different, yet equally engaging, experience for players. Similarly, Project Sakura Wars (April 28th) presented a unique cross-genre blend, combining action RPG elements with dating sim and visual novel mechanics, all built on the robust Hedgehog Engine, suggesting a blend of speed and narrative depth.
The year also promised ambitious open-world RPGs such as Wild, a long-in-development title from Wild Sheep Studio. Set in the Neolithic period, this survival game offered shamanic powers, including the ability to possess animals for reconnaissance within a procedurally generated world. Imagine controlling a wolf to spy on rival tribes or a hawk to scout resources, fundamentally altering how survival challenges are approached. Moreover, the highly anticipated collaboration between FromSoftware and George R. R. Martin, Elden Ring, was expected in 2020. This title promised an open-world take on the “Souls-like” genre, characterized by challenging combat and intricate world-building, further enriched by the lore contributions of a celebrated modern author.
Additional RPG offerings included Granblue Fantasy: Versus (March 3rd in North America), a fighting game based on the popular RPG, featuring both a traditional fighting mode and a beat ’em up style story mode with co-op. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, a sequel to the 2004 cult classic, was also slated for a 2020 release. This dark RPG would immerse players in a clandestine Seattle setting, where supernatural entities secretly influence global events, offering a compelling narrative for fans of urban fantasy.
Mythic Adventures and Open-World Exploration
Vast and visually stunning open-world games continued to be a cornerstone of the PS4’s appeal. The Pathless, from Giant Squid Studios (creators of Abzû), was expected in 2020. This mythic adventure game enchanted with its gorgeous aesthetics and promised an experience centered around an archer accompanied by an eagle, hunting corrupted spirits in a lush world. The focus on art direction and atmospheric exploration was a key draw.
Ubisoft’s Gods & Monsters, crafted by the developers of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, also took clear influence from the open-world paradigm of titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Steeped in Greek mythology, this game aimed to blend expansive exploration with mythical combat. Furthermore, Skull and Bones, an open-world naval combat game based on the acclaimed ship mechanics from Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, was eagerly awaited. The concept of dedicating an entire game to this highly praised gameplay element was met with significant enthusiasm, allowing players to fully embrace the life of a pirate captain.
Perhaps two of the most monumental open-world experiences slated for 2020 were Ghosts of Tsushima and Cyberpunk 2077. Ghosts of Tsushima, set for release in the Fall, transported players to Tsushima Island during the Mongol invasion of Japan, tasking them with becoming a legendary samurai known as “The Ghost.” The game was designed to evoke a profound sense of cultural immersion and martial artistry. Cyberpunk 2077, though delayed to September 17th, was undeniably one of the most anticipated titles, envisioned as a first-person RPG offering the immense depth of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt within a futuristic, sprawling metropolis. Such an ambitious scope implied hundreds of hours of exploration and narrative engagement.
Fan Favorites and Exciting Sequels on PlayStation 4
The year 2020 was also characterized by a strong lineup of sequels, remakes, and continuations of beloved stories, demonstrating a commitment to both nostalgia and narrative evolution.
Revitalized Classics: Remakes and Definitive Editions
The trend of modernizing classic games with enhanced graphics and refined gameplay mechanics was robust. The Destroy All Humans! Remake, slated for Spring, was enthusiastically welcomed, promising a faithful recreation of the humorous cult classic with all its original voice acting and improved visuals. Imagine experiencing Crypto’s alien invasion antics with contemporary polish, preserving its comedic essence. Similarly, the Resident Evil 3 Remake, which launched on April 3rd, 2020, was met with immense excitement following the success of its predecessor. Set both before and after the events of Resident Evil 2, this remake allowed players to revisit Raccoon City’s terrifying apocalypse with a fresh perspective and modern gameplay.
Another monumental remake was the first installment of the Final Fantasy VII Remake, released on April 10th. This ambitious project aimed to re-envision one of gaming’s most iconic narratives, beginning with the thrilling Midgar section. The decision to release the remake in multiple parts underscored the developers’ commitment to expanding and enriching the original story with unprecedented detail. Furthermore, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, released early in 2020, offered a definitive open-world retelling of the entire Dragon Ball Z saga, praised for its faithful recreation of key story beats and engaging RPG elements that kept the experience accessible yet deep.
Action-Packed Adventures: From Superheroes to Sci-Fi
Action games and cinematic adventures continued to captivate audiences. Marvel’s Avengers, initially delayed but ultimately released on September 4th, aimed to deliver a sprawling superhero experience, taking cues from the successful Marvel’s Spider-Man PS4 game and integrating cinematic sequences and quick-time events (QTEs). Its unique plot, set after superheroes have been outlawed, offered a compelling foundation for new stories. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, though without a specific date in 2020, was expected to span all nine Star Wars films, promising the signature blend of humorous storytelling and accessible action-adventure gameplay that the LEGO series is known for, appealing to both children and adult fans alike.
Other significant action titles included Watch Dogs Legion, the third entry in the series, set in a dystopian post-Brexit London transformed into a police state. This game’s innovative “play as anyone” mechanic, where players could recruit and control virtually any NPC in the city to build a resistance, offered unprecedented strategic depth. Doom Eternal, another highly anticipated title, built upon the critically acclaimed 2016 reboot, promising an even larger, faster, and more brutal first-person shooter experience, famously featuring a grappling hook shotgun that epitomized its over-the-top action. Nioh 2 expanded upon its “Souls-like” predecessor by introducing character creation, allowing players greater personalization while maintaining its challenging combat and deep RPG mechanics. Outriders, from People Can Fly (developers of Bulletstorm), promised a three-player co-op centric title with substantial RPG elements set in a post-apocalyptic world. Disintegration, a sci-fi shooter from one of Halo’s co-creators, offered a novel concept of human brains in robot bodies and hover-motorcycle combat. Even a sequel/prequel to the cult classic Beyond Good & Evil 2 was mentioned, with hopes for a 2020 release, despite scarce information.
Unique Concepts and Creative Frontiers on PS4
Beyond traditional genres, the PlayStation 4 also played host to games that offered entirely novel or highly creative experiences.
Simulations and Sandbox Creativity
One such unique offering was Dreams, which officially launched in early 2020. This innovative title from Media Molecule blurred the lines between game and art creation tool, allowing players to design, share, and play an infinite variety of games, sculptures, music, and animations. Its intuitive interface and the astounding creations emerging from the community made it a platform of continuous discovery. Imagine a game where the only limit is your imagination, and countless user-generated worlds are accessible at your fingertips. Furthermore, Kerbal Space Program 2, though delayed, was projected for 2020 as an ambitious upgrade to the beloved space simulation game. This sequel promised drastically expanded features, including new propulsion types and the ability to establish off-world colonies, offering unprecedented scope for aspiring space engineers.
Key Release Dates for PS4 Gamers in 2020
The year 2020 was bustling with releases for the PlayStation 4, though some highly anticipated PS4 game release dates were subject to change. March saw the launch of Granblue Fantasy: Versus (3rd), MLB The Show 20 (17th), Predator: Hunting Grounds multiplayer trial (27th), Persona 5 Royal (31st), with Predator: Hunting Grounds full launch on April 24th. April was also packed with Resident Evil 3 Remake (3rd), Final Fantasy VII Remake (10th), and Project Sakura Wars (28th). May welcomed Marvel’s Iron Man VR (15th) and The Last of Us Part II (29th).
Later in the year, Marvel’s Avengers was released on September 4th, and Cyberpunk 2077 arrived on September 17th. Ghosts of Tsushima was available in the Fall. Many other exciting titles such as The Pathless, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Wild, Outriders, Gods & Monsters, Nioh 2, Skull and Bones, Disintegration, Kerbal Space Program 2, Destroy All Humans! Remake, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, Watch Dogs Legion, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, and Elden Ring were also expected throughout 2020. However, some games, like Rainbow Six: Quarantine and Dying Light 2, faced delays, with the latter being postponed indefinitely. Regardless, the landscape of new PS4 games in 2020 was remarkably rich and varied.
New Game+ Mode: Your PS4 2020 Gaming Q&A
What kind of games were available for the PlayStation 4 in 2020?
The year 2020 offered a wide range of PS4 games, including intense multiplayer battles, expansive role-playing narratives, open-world adventures, and immersive virtual reality experiences.
Were there any new or unique types of games released for PS4 in 2020?
Yes, 2020 saw innovative titles like asymmetrical shooters such as Predator: Hunting Grounds, and virtual reality games like Marvel’s Iron Man VR, which immerse players directly into the action.
Did PlayStation 4 receive remakes of classic games in 2020?
Yes, several beloved classics were modernized, including the Resident Evil 3 Remake and the first installment of the Final Fantasy VII Remake, offering updated graphics and gameplay.
What is ‘Dreams’ on PS4?
Dreams is a unique PS4 title released in 2020 that allows players to design, share, and play an infinite variety of user-created games, sculptures, music, and animations, blurring the lines between game and creation tool.
