Discover the Top New Single Player Games of 2020: A Year of Gaming Excellence
2020 proved to be a remarkable year for single-player gaming, marking a significant resurgence for a genre that many enthusiasts felt had been overlooked. The video above highlights 25 standout titles, but let’s dive deeper into why these new single player games of 2020 captured the hearts of gamers and pushed creative boundaries.
From captivating narratives to innovative mechanics, this period showcased the industry’s commitment to delivering rich, immersive experiences that players could savor at their own pace. This comprehensive guide expands on the video’s insights, offering a closer look at the diverse landscape of single-player excellence that defined the year.
A Deep Dive into 2020’s Premier Single Player Game Releases
Yakuza: Like a Dragon – A Bold New Direction
Kicking off the list, Yakuza: Like a Dragon presented a dramatic pivot for the beloved Yakuza series. Departing from its traditional action-brawler combat, this title embraced a turn-based JRPG battle system, a move that generated considerable discussion among fans. While some initially expressed skepticism, the game successfully blended the series’ signature eccentric humor and compelling storytelling with fresh gameplay. Released in the latter half of 2020, it served as both a reimagining and a soft reboot, introducing a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, whose journey from rock bottom resonated deeply. This bold design choice demonstrated a willingness to innovate within established franchises, signaling a potential new era for the Yakuza universe.
Mafia: Definitive Edition – A Classic Reborn
The Mafia: Definitive Edition, launched on September 25th, delivered a meticulously crafted remake of one of gaming’s most iconic crime dramas. This wasn’t merely a graphical overhaul; the developers reconstructed the original game from the ground up, enhancing visuals, modernizing controls, and expanding the narrative. Set in the 1930s, the game immerses players in a Prohibition-era world, filled with complex characters and a gripping storyline of loyalty, betrayal, and ambition. The Definitive Edition aimed to preserve the essence of the original while correcting its technical limitations, allowing a new generation of players to experience what many consider a masterpiece of storytelling and atmosphere.
The Medium – Next-Gen Psychological Horror
As a launch title for the Xbox Series X, The Medium was a technological showcase and a fresh take on psychological horror. Its most innovative feature was the dual-reality gameplay, allowing players to control the protagonist Marianne simultaneously in both the physical and spirit worlds. This mechanic wasn’t just a gimmick; it was integral to puzzle-solving and navigating the game’s eerie environments, presenting obstacles and opportunities unique to each dimension. The concept was not only visually striking but also added layers of psychological depth to its narrative, making it one of the most intriguing new single player games 2020 brought to the horror genre.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time – Long-Awaited Platforming Joy
Following the tremendous success of the N. Sane Trilogy remakes, Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time was a dream come true for platforming fans. Released on October 2nd for Xbox One and PlayStation 4, this true sequel introduced a vibrant new art style, expanded levels, and new Quantum Masks that granted Crash and Coco unique powers, such as altering gravity or phasing objects. The game celebrated the series’ challenging difficulty while introducing modern conveniences and a wealth of content, proving that classic platformers still hold immense appeal and can evolve without losing their charm.
Nioh 2 – Evolution of a “Souls-like”
Released on March 12th, Nioh 2 further solidified the “Souls-like” genre’s place in action RPGs. Building upon the foundation of its critically acclaimed predecessor, it introduced a more balanced combat system, greater enemy variety, and expanded customization options for player characters. Set in a fictionalized Sengoku-era Japan, Nioh 2 challenged players with demanding combat that rewarded precision and strategic use of Yokai abilities. Its intricate world-building and deep combat mechanics offered hundreds of hours of content, making it a definitive experience for those seeking a brutal yet rewarding challenge.
Crusader Kings III – Grand Strategy for a New Generation
Crusader Kings III, launching on PC on September 1st, represented a significant leap forward for the beloved grand strategy series. This iteration moved to a fully 3D rendering mode, a first for the franchise, and featured a larger, more detailed map. The game focuses on dynasty building, intrigue, and role-playing, allowing players to guide their chosen noble house through centuries of medieval European history. Its improved accessibility, coupled with increased depth in character interactions and political maneuvering, made it a triumph for strategy enthusiasts and a strong entry among top single player games 2020 offered.
Stoneshard – Early Access Dungeon Crawling Gem
Currently in early access, Stoneshard is a turn-based RPG that captured attention with its challenging open-world dungeon-crawling mechanics. For $14.99, players could immerse themselves in a world rich with tactical combat, extensive character customization through various abilities and equipment, and constant content additions. Its roguelike elements, combined with deep RPG progression, offered a fresh take on the genre, rewarding strategic thinking and adaptability.
Carrion – Play as the Monster
Priced at $19.99, Carrion offered a unique twist on the Metroidvania genre: players control an amorphous, monstrous creature that has escaped a lab, seeking revenge. This “reverse horror” game put players in the role of the antagonist, allowing them to terrorize scientists and guards, consuming them to grow and unlock new abilities. The satisfying gameplay loop of hunting, growing, and escaping made Carrion a standout, demonstrating that innovative concepts can still thrive in established genres.
Desperados III – A Western Tactics Revival
Desperados III marked a welcome return for the real-time tactics genre, serving as a prequel to the classic Desperados: Wanted Dead or Alive. What set it apart was the emphasis on strategic planning and the possibility of a completely non-lethal playthrough, an intriguing option for a Western game. The series had seen a hiatus since its 2007 spin-off, Helldorado, making this revival a cause for celebration among fans of tactical stealth and intricate mission design.
Half-Life: Alyx – VR’s Defining Moment
Half-Life: Alyx, a VR-exclusive shooter, proved to be one of the most successful and enjoyable virtual reality experiences to date. Beyond its impressive shooting mechanics, the game integrated Valve’s signature physics-based puzzles, which translated exceptionally well into VR. It delivered a new chapter in the beloved Half-Life universe, satisfying a long-standing desire for more content from the franchise and showcasing the immense potential of virtual reality in storytelling and gameplay.
Final Fantasy VII Remake – A Modern Masterpiece
The Final Fantasy VII Remake was undoubtedly one of the most anticipated releases, bringing one of the most influential RPGs ever to modern platforms. While its episodic nature and significant narrative divergences from the original sparked initial controversy, the remake was largely celebrated for its stunning visuals, revamped action-oriented combat, and expanded character development. This beautifully realized reimagining proved that legendary games could be respectfully updated while also forging new paths, creating an interesting precedent for future remakes.
Resident Evil 3 Remake – The Thrill of the Chase
Following the success of the Resident Evil 2 remake, the Resident Evil 3 Remake, while perhaps less universally lauded than its predecessor, still delivered a fantastic survival horror experience. It offered a fast-paced, action-packed take on the classic, focusing on Jill Valentine’s escape from Raccoon City while being relentlessly hunted by the monstrous Nemesis. The remake improved visuals and modernized gameplay, providing the best possible version of the original game’s thrilling chase sequences.
Persona 5 Royal – The Definitive JRPG Experience
Persona 5 Royal cemented its place as one of the premier JRPGs of its generation. As an enhanced version of the already critically acclaimed Persona 5, Royal introduced a wealth of new content, including an extended third semester, new characters, additional confidants, and refined gameplay mechanics. For fans of the genre, or newcomers looking to dive into a rich narrative experience combined with stylish turn-based combat and social simulation, Persona 5 Royal was the absolute best way to experience this captivating story.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – Viking Saga Unleashed
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, which launched on November 17th across multiple platforms, continued the series’ successful transition into open-world RPGs. Building upon the expansive ideas of Odyssey and Origins, Valhalla transported players to the Viking Age, allowing them to lead their clan through raids, conquests, and political intrigue in England. The allure of a “Viking Assassin’s Creed” resonated strongly with players, offering a fresh historical setting and brutal combat that kept the franchise feeling dynamic and exciting.
Destroy All Humans! Remake – Goofy Fun Reimagined
The Destroy All Humans! Remake brought back the cult classic with stunning modern graphics while retaining all of its original goofy charm and satirical humor. This third-person action game allowed players to embody Crypto, an alien invader with a penchant for chaos and a variety of psychic powers and destructive weaponry. The developers meticulously preserved the original voice acting and gameplay concepts, proving that a faithful visual upgrade can breathe new life into an already entertaining sandbox experience.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps – A Platforming Metroidvania Masterpiece
Ori and the Will of the Wisps, the sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest, expanded upon its predecessor’s beautifully crafted Metroidvania world. It introduced a larger scale, more diverse abilities, and refined combat mechanics. The shift to an auto-save system was a welcome quality-of-life improvement, allowing players to focus more on the game’s breathtaking visuals, emotional narrative, and challenging platforming. It earned widespread critical acclaim, solidifying its position as one of the finest platformers and Metroidvanias available.
The Last of Us Part II – A Powerful, Divisive Narrative
The Last of Us Part II was a colossal project that built directly on the cliffhanger ending of the original. Released on PS4, it presented a deeply grim and emotionally charged narrative, exploring themes of revenge, loss, and the cyclical nature of violence. While its story choices sparked considerable debate and leaks prior to release, the game was universally praised for its technical prowess, stunning graphics, and visceral, engaging combat that made even grim violence incredibly “fun” to execute, a dichotomy noted by the narrator. It remained a powerful and unforgettable experience, pushing narrative boundaries in gaming.
Halo Infinite – A New Era for a Legend
As a flagship launch title for the Xbox Series X, Halo Infinite was positioned as the showcase for the console’s capabilities. This next installment in the long-running FPS series aimed to revitalize the franchise, offering a new direction while honoring its legacy. With its ambitious open-world design and promise of an expansive narrative, Halo Infinite was eagerly anticipated, seeking to redefine the Halo experience for a new generation of players and respond to the evolving competitive shooter landscape.
Watch Dogs Legion – London Under Tech Fascism
Watch Dogs Legion took the series’ concept of hacker vigilantism to a new level with its unique “play as anyone” system. Set in a dystopian, near-future London under an authoritarian police state, players could recruit and control virtually any NPC in the game world, each with their own unique skills and backstory. This premise of fighting against “tech fascism” with a diverse roster of resistance fighters made it one of the most interesting and politically charged new single player games 2020 had to offer, building on the improvements seen in Watch Dogs 2.
Spider-Man: Miles Morales – Web-Slinging into the Next-Gen
Exclusively for the PS5 (and also available on PS4), Spider-Man: Miles Morales was a highly anticipated mini-sequel to the critically acclaimed Marvel’s Spider-Man PS4 game. Launching in Q4, it continued the story from the “City That Never Sleeps” DLC, placing Miles Morales in the spotlight as he develops his own powers and takes on new threats in New York City. The game delivered fluid web-slinging, dynamic combat, and a heartfelt narrative, proving that more Spider-Man is always a good thing, especially when ushering in a new console generation.
Marvel’s Avengers – A Superhero Saga
Marvel’s Avengers, hitting multiple platforms on September 4th, offered an original story in its own timeline, depicting a world where superheroes are outlawed after a catastrophic event known as A-Day. The game featured a robust fighting system and a planned content roadmap, promising a continuous stream of new heroes, villains, and story expansions. It aimed to provide a fresh take on the beloved characters, allowing players to embody Earth’s mightiest heroes in a cinematic, action-packed adventure.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – A Social Phenomenon
Animal Crossing: New Horizons, released on the Nintendo Switch, became a global phenomenon, particularly during its launch year. It preserved the beloved gameplay loop of building and customizing a personal island, collecting resources, and interacting with charming animal villagers. Crucially, it introduced enhanced social functions, allowing players to easily visit each other’s islands, exchange items, and participate in community events. This provided a much-needed sense of connection and creativity during a challenging year, fostering virtual economies and friendships worldwide.
Ghost of Tsushima – Samurai Epic with Stunning Beauty
Ghost of Tsushima, available on PlayStation 4, delivered a breathtaking open-world action game set in feudal Japan. It allowed players to choose between honorable samurai combat or stealthy “Ghost” tactics, providing deep gameplay flexibility. Beyond its engaging combat, the game was lauded for its unparalleled visual beauty, serene exploration, and a unique photo mode that captivated even those usually indifferent to in-game photography. Its blend of violent action with moments of profound calm made it a truly special experience.
Doom Eternal – Pure Adrenaline FPS
Doom Eternal, the sequel to the 2016 reboot, ramped up the intensity and scale of its predecessor. It wasn’t just bigger; it introduced new movement mechanics, environmental traversal, and a deeper “resource management” aspect to its hyper-aggressive combat loop. The addition of a shotgun with a grappling hook alone spoke volumes about its commitment to exhilarating, over-the-top action. Doom Eternal was a masterclass in first-person shooter design, earning its place as one of the best in the genre by consistently innovating while staying true to its core identity.
Cyberpunk 2077 – The Anticipated Open-World RPG
Finally, Cyberpunk 2077, released on November 19th across all major platforms, was arguably the most anticipated game of the year. Despite numerous delays throughout its development, expectations were stratospheric. Described by some as “The Witcher as an FPS in a different world,” the game promised a sprawling open-world RPG set in the dystopian Night City, offering unparalleled player choice, deep character customization, and a branching narrative. Its ambition and scale aimed to set a new benchmark for open-world immersion, making it a cornerstone among new single player games 2020 had to offer.
More Must-Play Single Player Games 2020 Offered
Beyond the top 25, 2020 graced us with several other notable titles that deserve recognition:
- Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition (PC): This critically acclaimed open-world action RPG finally landed on PC, offering stunning visuals, a compelling story, and innovative combat against robotic creatures. For those who hadn’t experienced it on PlayStation, it was the definitive way to play.
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 and 2 Remake: A total revamp that brought back the beloved arcade skateboarding series with gorgeously updated graphics and all the nostalgic gameplay. It was a triumphant return to form for the franchise.
- Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning: A remaster of an action RPG that, despite being incredibly cool and ambitious in its original release, received little attention. This re-release gave a second chance to a game known for its vibrant world and fluid combat.
- Maneater: Often described as a “ShaRkPG,” this unique title put players in the fins of a shark, evolving and terrorizing coastal waters in a ridiculous yet satisfying open-world experience.
- Gears Tactics: A highly competent adaptation of the Gears of War franchise into a turn-based tactics game, reminiscent of XCOM. It successfully translated the series’ gritty combat into a strategic format.
- Serious Sam 4: The return of the over-the-top action FPS, delivering explosive, high-octane combat against hordes of aliens, true to its legacy. It launched on September 24th, bringing back its signature chaotic fun.
The array of new single player games 2020 delivered truly solidified its standing as a landmark year for the genre, proving that deep narratives and rich gameplay experiences remain at the forefront of player desire. From epic RPGs and tense horrors to nostalgic remakes and innovative indies, the sheer variety demonstrated the health and creativity thriving within the single-player gaming space.
