2020 has come to an end and now we approach a new year of gaming. Today I want to take a look at ten games that are ones to watch this year, and why you may like them. These will be done in no particular order.
Balan Wonderworld
The first game developed by Yuji Naka and Naoto Ohshima since the release of Nights into Dreams, Balan Wonderworld looks to be a return to the classic platformers of the Sega Saturn but taking advantage of modern systems. Balan Wonderworld seems to have a similar setup to Nights as it follows two characters, Leo Craig and Emma Cole, as they follow Balan through Wonderworld. There will be many different costumes to find that will give you new abilities, and the overall look of the game just gives the feel of a return to the classics. You will be able to enjoy Balan Wonderwold on every platform when it launches.
Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny
The newest entry into the longrunning Disgaea series, Disgaea 6 will be the first in the series to feature 3D visuals and some new interesting features. The game will let players get through combat quickly as it will have a number of different speeds, ranging from 2x, 4x, 8x, 16x, and 32x speeds. There is also an auto-battle function included and refinement to classic elements and abilities. You will be introduced to a cast of interesting new characters, but you will also see old favourites return as well. You can enjoy Disgaea 6 when it releases on Nintendo Switch this year.
Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter World was an amazing game in the franchise and took the series in an interesting direction. Now the franchise is heading back to Nintendo Switch with the first entry using the RE engine as well, for what you will find to be a neat blend of styles. This action RPG looks to be a mix of the new innovations from Monster Hunter World, with elements of the classic games while also throwing in new ideas as well. You may very well find this to be the most innovative entry in the series yet, with a solid story lined up and new monsters along with returning favourites.
Shin Megami Tensei V
You may remember that this was announced way back at the reveal event for the Nintendo Switch. Shin Megami Tensei V will be the first entry in the series to use Unreal Engine 4 and will also be the first to have a simultaneous worldwide release to the delight of many. We still do not know many details about the plot other than Lucifer is involved and the game takes place in a post-apocalyptic setting, but with a 2021 release date confirmed, and outstanding visuals in the trailers we do have, Shin Megami Tensei V looks to be an absolute treat
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
Fans of Warhammer 40,000 and the Vermintide games rejoice. You will be able to play a 40K game starring the non-Astartes figures like the Imperial Guard taking on the hoards of chaos in a co-op fps that looks to offer a lot of variety. You will have a multitude of classes to choose from, and you can even play as an Ogryn in this game. With excellent looking visuals and fast-paced action, Warhammer 40,000 Darktide looks to bring the grimdark worlds of 40K to life like never before. You will be able to play this on PC and Xbox Series X/S.
Rune Factory 5
The Rune Factory series is a very beloved action RPG that acts as a cross between the Mana series and Story of Seasons ( classic Harvest Moon if you are unaware), and its fourth entry had an excellent port to Nintendo Switch with new content. Now the fifth main entry is on the way and the game is looking fantastic again, with 3D visuals, new combat mechanics, and more day-to-day life options and events. You may be attracted to the combat, but the farming and interactions with the community will quickly win you over when this launches on Nintendo Switch
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart will be both a follow-up to Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus as well as a new starting point for players to jump into the series. This will be a tech showcase for the PlayStation 5, as the game’s main gimmick will see you navigate between different environments in almost instant sped. The developers are touting the use of real-time near-instantaneous travel between different areas, planets, and other worlds within gameplay scenes and the game will have significantly reduced loading times to make everything seamless. There will also be an optional “performance mode” where you will be able to run the game at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second, making this a game that will be a must-have on PS5
Gran Turismo 7
Gran Turismo is a racing series with a proud legacy. The games helped move racing games away from the arcade-style to the sim style that is now more pervasive. The series has always been about pushing racing games forward with new innovations and Gran Turismo 7 looks to be no different. There is a lot of potential as well here for how the game will use not only the PlayStation 5 console to do new things, but also the PS5 Dualsense controller to interact with the game on a new level.
Neo: The World Ends With You
The World Ends With You is finally getting a sequel and it looks to be changing things up a bit. There will be a new perspective for the world that may remind you of the Persona series, but the combat and RPG mechanics have also gotten a reworking here to adapt to modern systems. You will encounter a new cast of characters, along with some returning favourites, and the music you hear will again be provided by Takeharu Ishimoto, who will give the game its trademark sound. There will be plenty of surprises as well, so you should be excited to play this on PS4 and Nintendo Switch when it launches.
Ghostwire: Tokyo
The latest title from Shinji Mikami’s studio Tango Gameworks, Ghostwire: Tokyo is something different from the games you usually play. A mix of action-adventure and fps, you will use psychic abilities to deal with ghosts and spirits haunting Tokyo, who have invaded after all of Tokyo’s citizens disappeared. There will also be a mystery for you to solve, and amazing looking visuals to take in. This is a game that looks to be trying something new, and could very well be a major hit this year on PlayStation 5 and PC. The game will come to Xbox next year, due to Microsoft not doing away with the timed exclusivity Bethesda negotiated with Sony before the Microsoft purchase.
Honorable Mentions
I want to give an honorable mention to King of Fighters XV. I could not include it on the list as there simply has not been enough shown yet. However, the game is shaping up to be amazing based on what we have heard from the developers, and SNK did a great job with KOF XIV, and Samurai Shodown so we have a good reason to be confident that KOF XV will be an amazing title.
Another Honorable mention goes to Capcom Arcade Stadium, which I feel has the potential to be one of the best retro compilations yet. Taking games re-released before and some getting re-releases for the first time and adding a lot of new features makes this stand out and I am excited about it. You will be able to play this on the Switch.
Lastly, I want to mention Clockwork Aquario. The final arcade game from Weston and Sega, this unreleased gem is finally being completed and released and on the Switch and PS4 no less If you are a fan of the Wonder Boy games, then you need to check this one out.
And there you have it. What games are you looking forward to this year? I want you to let us know what games you are excited for and have a great 2021.
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