We said farewell to the PlayStation 4 in 2020 as it made way for its newer, wavier sibling. A trio of well-loved adventures defined its year, each delivering in a different way. Is it the modern classic made better? Is it a whole new look for a tale steeped in nostalgia? Or is it ludicrous ambition paired with a signature hand-drawn aesthetic? All of our PS4 Game of the Year 2020 selections made their own mark.
These awards represent the consensus of the Siliconera staff. For more of the year’s award selections, check out our Game of the Year 2020 archive.
Winner: 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim
Want a game that gives you back more and more enjoyment for every hour you invest? 13 Sentinels does just that. It starts slow, to be sure, especially in its earlier strategy segments. Put in the time, though, and you’ll find an increasingly engaging battle system and a world that gets weirder and cooler with every scene. Also, it’s Vanillaware, and the studio’s art pedigree is on full display throughout.
Final Fantasy VII Remake
While it spends a lot of time and energy revisiting and preserving the world and characters of the PS1 original, Final Fantasy VII Remake takes more risks with its action-based combat. And it works! You can still play the old battles in the old game (and on virtually all platforms), so while we miss some of the classic formula, there’s room in our hearts for both. Combined with the expanded story elements, it makes a nostalgic classic feel fresh and modern.
Persona 5 Royal
How did one of the best modern RPGs make the cut with an expanded re-release? If you’re wondering that, you missed the first part of that sentence. Sure, the new content is fun! The third semester lets you spend more time with your favorite pals. Moreover, the gameplay refinements don’t hurt. But what makes Persona 5 Royal is the core upon which it’s built: Persona 5.
What’s your PS4 Game of the Year 2020? Share your thoughts on our forums. In addition, check out recommendations from the Siliconera staff and community!
