I’m working on a series about the games that kept me busy this year. These are my favorites, not necessarily “the best.” Also, these posts will be in no particular order. We’ll do a podcast in the near future ranking our top games of 2020.

HADES

I usually don’t like rogue-likes (games where when you die you restart from the beginning). Yet somehow or another, I couldn’t get enough of Hades this year. 

If a rogue-like (or is it rogue-lite?) can solve the issue of making the player’s time feel valued by doling out rewards and a sense of progression despite the fact that failure takes you right back to the beginning of the game, then it might just stand a chance of sticking with me. And none has ever done a better job than Hades.

The combat is fun and challenging, and there’s a shocking amount of voiced dialogue and character development and story progression that occurs long into the game. 

If you’re a fan of Greek Mythology, this game will surprise you with the amount it has to offer in terms of character and story.

There are different weapons and upgrades to unlock and learn how to use. They make each run feel a little bit different.

The soundtrack is also amazing. One of the best of the year. If there’s a game out there that can give Doom a run for its money in terms of combining action, combat and music into one compelling rhythm, it’s Hades.

Supergiant Games (makers of Bastion, Transistor and Pyre) makes very polished games with beautiful art styles in an isometric point of view. And to be honest, I’m not sure there’s anyone doing story-driven, isometric-action better.

I loved Bastion. Never got around to Transistor or Pyre. The critics certainly speak highly of every one of their releases, but Hades has reached a new level of success and acclaim for Supergiant. In September and October this year, everyone was playing Hades. I couldn’t open YouTube, Twitch, or a podcast app without seeing someone talking about how much they loved the game.

I also got addicted to it for a few weeks. But I still feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface of what Hades has to offer.

My other favorite games of 2020 (in no particular order):

• Cyberpunk 2077
• Pumpkin Jack
• Doom Eternal
• Watchdogs Legion
• Yakuza: Like a Dragon