I like how there are a variety of weapons, each with different forms that change the way you can play, and the huge amount of abilities and modifiers that are gifted by the gods of Olympus. It’s a game that does so many things so well - An epic soundtrack, thoughtful storytelling, beautiful art, charismatic characters, and a very engaging combat system. Hades feels like the culmination of what Supergiant has learned over the years, combining and improving the best aspects of their previous titles. Developed by Supergiant Games, which made a name for itself over the last decade with highly acclaimed titles: Bastion, Transistor, and Pyre. My Favorite Game of the Year goes to Hades, a rogue-like with a Greek mythology-based setting. I will very much recommend people to play this game, but do play DOOM from 2016 before doing so. I will mention however that in this game there's a hub (in space, Justice League style), between levels where you can train, look at collectibles and select missions. The story itself needs no mention, you kill demons and try to save earth. I personally think it works and is not overused as many others lead you to believe. The game introduces platforming and it's something that was recieved with mixed opinions amongst the playerbase. The game brings a few new enemies that will challenge you on your journey through the game and adapt the strategy used whenever a battle starts. Right of the bat I have to say it is not better than the 2016 version. When DOOM Eternal released I was ecstatic, I spent the next days only playing this game. I loved the 2016 version of DOOM, I played it until completion, got everything maxed out and ran through the levels several times.
![octopath traveler ost track list octopath traveler ost track list](https://i.imgur.com/EV2SmUt.jpg)
This year have had a few great releases, but I have only played two of those games so my pick for Game of the Year was limited. Lastly the Kurosawa-inspired cinematography presents the world and story beautifully. Another highlight is the cast which is properly fleshed out and given plenty of development.
![octopath traveler ost track list octopath traveler ost track list](https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/1d046a74-5e41-43ac-b1f4-3766681a8fe9_1.62664dd2d251fcd938200f30446b7d88.jpeg)
Well-trodden world structure and inane side-activities aside, the combat is a highlight with fast paced, parry-centric swordplay and varied combat styles to deal with different enemy types. The game plays like a well-made Ubisoft sandbox game, typical, but highly polished. A gripping Kurosawa-inspired samurai tale set in 13th century Japan exploring the protagonists struggle to follow tradition vs effectively adapting to deal with a mongol invasion. Out of the ten or so 2020 games I played this year Ghost of Tsushima would be my favorite. At the very least - play Origins and Odyssey first. With this title being the newest in a long line of titles, it's obviously not recommended as an introduction to the series. There are some issues timeline-wise, it's difficult to track when certain quests are occuring but with historical fact checking I worked out a rough basis. Blocking and counterattacking is also much easier too. The combat also improved, feeling much more like Origins with some added brutality.
![octopath traveler ost track list octopath traveler ost track list](https://www.rpgfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Rhythm-Encounter-070-Black-and-White-Magic-Piano.jpg)
I also enjoyed the continued expansion of the lore, with many more Norse/Gaelic deities revealed to be Isu. Hunting down the Order also feels less like a wild goose chase and more a serious hunt. The story was also more engaging than the previous entry in the series, as each member of the Order of the Ancients go their own death monologue, similar to previous titles. I loved the return of the Hidden Blade and callbacks to Assassin's Creed III. Okay, so my pick for 2020 is Assassin's Creed Valhalla, out of my top three, Valhalla had the least glitches.