In my opinion, we’re headed towards pretty bad times for video games overall. I’m not a fan of always-on services, VR, cloud gaming, loot boxes and stuff like that. I’d even claim that 4k, 8k and HDR are less important to gaming than 100% solid frame rates or cheat-free online services (which we still haven’t really seen to this date!). And, I still prefer physical games over digital ones. With that said, 2019 did still manage to get some great games and here’s what we’re especially looking forward to in 2020 (in no particular order)!

Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 simply looks amazing with its evocative scenery and characters. It’s probably easy to over-hype it, but this is one dark future adventure that looks too good to be true, and we can’t wait to finally get to explore it’s crazy dangerous world.

Elden Ring

The next big game from the masterminds of From Software. Fans of Dark Souls and Sekiro (which won multiple game of the year awards, by the way!) will probably get something new to obsess over.

Bravely Default II

Another brilliant looking role-playing game with fantastic characters, great music, interesting story and imaginative setting. What’s not to love?

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne

While not a full, stand alone sequel, this expansion promises to transform the entire base game and almost double the amount of content of the already expansive game. Notably, this is also the first expansion to an existing Monster Hunter game, so it will be interesting to see how it all comes together.

Last of Us Part II

Fans of action survival games like Tomb Raider and Uncharted will want to check this one out. It’s action scenes look very cinematic and expertly put together. This one promises to become one to remember.

Psikyo Shooting Stars Alpha & Bravo

Eager fans of classic arcade shooting games will probably have imported these games from the Asia region already, but we’re super excited to see if these fantastic game collections will see a European release in 2020. There’s just so many classic shmups in these two compilations, it’s too good to miss.

Ghost of Tsushima

This incredible looking action / stealth game is one to look out for, especially for its amazing graphics and superb atmosphere. Let’s see if the gameplay is good enough to become a fan favorite.

Final Fantasy VII Remake 

Fans have been wanting a Final Fantasy VII remake for ages already, and it’s finally about to land in our hands. This one looks to offer completely new gameplay mechanics, so it is practically like an entirely new game. The graphics look great and coupled with amazing music and a great setting, this one will be one of the greats.

Tales of Arise

As a long time fan of Tales of games, I’m incredibly excited for this one. However, as far as we know, it hasn’t been confirmed if this one is looking to change the formula and ditch the local co-op multiplayer that has helped to make the franchise unique and stand out among other similar titles. This would be concerning, because the local co-op is one of the main reasons why these games have been so enjoyable for many of its fans.

DOOM Eternal

Doom Eternal promises to deliver boat loads of demon slaying action, and this time it looks like they’re trying to make it more colorful than the previous game. Love it or hate it, the game looks insane… quite literally.

Wasteland 3

Okay, I’m not a fan of the comedic humor presented in previous trailers for Wasteland 3, but the game itself has a great concept of turn-based strategic combat, which looks like great fun. Here’s hoping that this will become a worthy sequel.

R-Type Final 2

Oh yes, it’s true! A real sequel to R-Type Final is finally coming. Fans of the classic arcade have been losing their minds over this one, and with good reason too. This game simply looks amazing and we can’t wait to see what exactly it will add to the R-Type universe.

Trials of Mana

Another dream-come-true. Trials of Mana is already a classic game and this remake looks to stand on its own with incredible colorful characters and scenery. RPG fans are sure to love exploring this world and its action filled story once again.

Warriors Orochi 4 Ultimate

Hack and slash to the maximum. Warriors Orichi games have always been filled with great characters and stacked with enemies to crush. There’s combos, bosses and super moves to master and we love every second of it. Bring it on!

Resident Evil 3

Following the success of Resident Evil 2 Remake, the third game in the legendary series is also getting its own remake. While not as critically acclaimed as the previous game, fans who are looking for more Resident Evil will surely love this one.

A Total War Saga: TROY

Total War: Warhammer (and especially its sequel) is still the best grand strategy game to this date. This new Total War Saga game promises to introduce new features that are sure to shake things up a bit compared to previous titles. This one is sure to keep us occupied for a while.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Yakuza games are finally starting to reach the acclaim and recognition they deserve (at least here in Europe), so a new game in the series is always great to see. What’s more, this one looks to completely overhaul the combat system with turn-based battles instead of the traditional arena beat ’em up segments we’ve seen in previous games in the series.

Dying Light 2

Probably one of the better looking zombie survival games that are coming out in 2020. With lots of new features and an intense dynamic story, this one stands out among the competition.

Sisters Royale

Classic arcade style bullet hell shooting game Sisters Royale is coming out in 2020. The trailer shows brilliant, colorful graphics and lots of lovable characters along with interesting multi-directional weapons and tough boss battles.

Ys: Memories of Celceta

Another role-playing game rich with action-filled gameplay, a great cast of characters and fantastic music. The world of YS has captured the hearts and imaginations of gamers for decades already, and this one looks to provide fans with more great content.

Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Mega Mix

Our favorite vocaloid pop star sensation Miku Hatsune is back in a new game for Nintendo Switch. The game features both old favorites and new songs, lots of character customization and even a new game mode designed for Joy-Con controllers. Overall just a happy game that will put a smile on our faces.

Streets of Rage 4

Classic arcade style beat ’em up Streets of Rage is finally getting a sequel. The game looks to be in good hands with the new development studio so we’re confident that this one won’t disappoint us. Plus, it has a killer sound track to go with all the insane skull crushing action.

And Finally…

We read the fantastic news that M2 is planning to bring the Toaplan game library to modern platforms in the coming year, so we’re definitely looking forward to see some more classic arcade games (especially the shooting ones) to rediscover, considering that Toaplan has made some of the best games in the genre, historically.

Fantastic news for us retro-nerds, let’s see which games we’ll be able to get our hands on and on what platforms they’ll release.