Hey everyone,

As per our annual tradition, we gathered a list of all our favorite releases of the year!

While this might seem like your ordinary run-of-the-mill list, it’s actually quite special to us. I’ll let you in on a little secret about Game Developers… while you’re making games, you actually don’t get to play many in your spare-time. So this list is meant as our to-play list of games worth checking out during the holiday season, while actually have time to we wind-down and play some games! It’s also a means to spread our love for all the amazing experiences our peers have created over the year, so you may get to try them for yourself!

So please, read on! Oh, and please share your favorite 2020 games to our Discord, Twitter or Facebook !

Games We Loved In 2020

Roki

“I had played the demo for Röki that came out last year during the Steam Game Festival and was hooked straight away by the gorgeous artstyle, the point&click style gameplay and its magical story. I haven’t finished it yet but I love what I’ve seen so far and you can just tell that this game was made with a lot of love.”
– Esme, Programmer

Roki
Polygon Treehouse
Steam | Switch | GoG

Factorio

“If you’re a programmer, a clicker game fan, or management sim fan, this game cranks that all up to 11! I’m completely addicted!”
– Luke, Programmer

Factorio
Wube Software
Steam | GoG | Website

Carto

“A cute little puzzle game in which you have a map that grants you the power to alter the world when its pieces are moved around. The core map mechanic makes for some pretty interesting challenges and, coupled with the art and music, makes this game really relaxing and worth trying out.”
– Esme, Programmer

Carto
Sunhead Games
Steam | Switch | PS4

Hyrule Warriors : Age of Calamity

“A serious combat and technical improvement from Hyrule Warriors on Wii-U. Controls are super fluid and the story is just amazingly great. Set 100 years from BOTW with a twist. They respect every aspects of the original game, the music is really great, the combat etc.. I could almost believe it being a canon-follow up of BOTW (or it is?).”
– Annie-Claude, Quality Assurance Lead

Hyrule Warriors : Age of Calamity
Omega Force
Switch

Ghost of Tsushima

“I felt like a samurai in an Akira Kurosawa movie all the time. Incredible art direction and amazing “samurai” combat system.”
– Stephan, Creative Director

Ghost of Tsushima
Sucker Punch Productions
PS4

Kentucky Route Zero TV Edition

“This one is kind of a cheat, right? Since launching in 2013 and finally adding its last episode in 2020, Kentucky Route Zero remains an incredible experiment and a stunning exploration of narrative in games. Every episode or interlude has been a source of amazement and envy over the years.”
– Maxime M., Level Designer

Kentucky Route Zero TV Edition
Cardboard Computer
Steam | Switch | PS4

Spellbreak

“Fun magician battle royale! I’m a sucker for anything magicians and this battle royale is really well done and well-made!”
– Annie-Claude, Quality Assurance Lead

Spellbreak
Proletariat Inc.
Epic | Switch | PS4 | Microsoft

Last of Us Part II

“I’m a big fan of all Naughty Dog games so this isn’t going to be very objective but… this game is  just so good! They improved so many things from the first game (which was already pretty fantastic) and managed to surprise us all with its narrative choices. Plus, the music and graphics are amazing too.”
– Esme, Programmer

“Bold and beautiful! The realization is sooo good in every aspect! Loved every minute of it <3″
– Stephan, Creative Director

Last of Us Part II
Naughty Dog
PS4

Genshin Impact

“I like RPGs, anime, gacha and zelda-esque adventure, what can you ask more? For a free game, there is a lot of love putting in it. Characters’ skills, combat and story are really interesting and the sense of exploration is highly encouraged.”
– Annie-Claude, Quality Assurance Lead

“The gameplay loop is genuinely fun, and much like Zelda: Breath of the Wild, they managed to make exploring the vast lands of Teyvat both interesting and rewarding. Co-op mode is a nice plus, even if a little barebones right now. The characters are also a lot of fun to play as and learn about–the lore in this game goes deep!”
– Jo, Art Director

Genshin Impact
miHoYo
PC | PS4 | iOS | Google

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

“I mean the best game we can ask for theses current times. I didn’t like Animal crossing at first on gamecube but my friends and family INSIST me to play this one and what can I say! Charming, cozy and chill, lovely characters and be able to craft/harvest and customise everything!”
– Annie-Claude, Quality Assurance Lead

Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Nintendo
Switch

Streets of Rage 4

“Lizard Cube does my favorite visuals has far has 2D games go. They did a great job staying true to the franchise gameplay while adding ‘’modern’’ ideas to the mix. The feel of the whole game is just perfect from gameplay, graphics, music and pacing.”
– Alex B., Lead Animator

“DotEmu and Lizardcube hit this one out of the park. To anyone with fond memories of the classic Genesis beat-em-ups, this is as perfect a love letter to the originals as I can imagine – and eye-poppingly gorgeous to boot!”
– Rodrigue, Head of Marketing & Communications

Streets of Rage 4
Lizard Cube, DotEmu, Guard Crush
Steam | Switch | PS4

Baldur’s Gate III

“I was so excited for the Early Access of BG3 to come out! The characters and environment are gorgeous, plus the dialog and NPCs are full of character. I loved roaming around the world with friends. Can’t wait to see the game getting more love and polish, and finally getting to play the full experience!”
– Estefania, Art Director

Baldur’s Gate III
Larian Studios
Steam | Stadia | GoG

Gears Tactics

“Do not sleep on this if you’re itching for a good tactics game, especially if you’re a Game Pass subscriber.”
– Rodrigue, Head of Marketing & Communications

Gears Tactics
Splash Damage, The Coalition
Microsoft

Hades

“How could this game not be one of my all time favorites? Supergiant knocked it out of the park with this one! Every aspect of this game comes together in immaculate detail. A must play!”
– Luke, Programmer

“Supergiant does it again. Amazing storytelling, gorgeous art, masterful score and tight gameplay. Hades has got it all!”
– Med, Community Manager

“I’m amazed how Supergiant succeeded in delivering such a beautiful combat game and a great narrative within the roguelike genre!”
– Stephan, Creative Director

“1, 2, 3, GO! Everybody say “Hades”? Hades!!!! In the back, I can’t hear you? Hades!!!!”
– Maxime M., Level Designer

“Though I had it on PC for a while, when they announce it on Switch… I had to buy it again! No regrets! Fun fast-pace action combat roguelike game, great art and interesting story!”
– Annie-Claude, Quality Assurance Lead

“Hands down game of the year for me. Pitch-perfect, inspiring effort from SuperGiant at the top of their game. Kept me diving back in for one more run, even through New Game+.”
– Rodrigue, Head of Marketing & Communications

Hades
Supergiant Games
Switch | Steam | Epic Games Store

That’s all folks! Hope you’ve enjoyed our favorite games of 2020 list!
Don’t forget to share your 2020-favorites to our Discord, Twitter or Facebook !

Cheers,
– Med and the Thunder Lotus Team