Welcome back to part two of our 2020 games highlight! If you missed part one earlier be sure to read that over here. All the games are in no particular order so you can read it now or later. The games also have no particular outstanding genre so there’ll definitely be something for everyone.

I love doing these lists because I feel these are games that deserve to be highlighted. Or games that maybe didn’t get enough of a shout out because they were made by small studios or they were just a smaller experience. In all of this though you can see the amount of heart and work that has been put in. And it’s great to see them all in a roundup like this. Now onwards to the last of 2020!

 

Pumpkin Jack by Nicholas Meyssonnier

Genre: Action-Adventure Platformer

If you’re a fan of old school 3D platformers such as Crash Bandicoot or Spyro The Dragon then you’ll enjoy the gourd out of Pumpkin Jack! Launched for Halloween this spooktacular game feels fresh all year round.

You play as Jack, the Mythical Pumpkin Lord as he dives into otherworldly landscapes to help Evil annihilate Good. Slay your nemesis in an epic quest that will take you on a journey in the Boredom Kingdom, a mythical realm shattered by the curse. You will meet friends along the way, from a haughty owl to a snarky crow. It’s an epic love letter to the genre and you won’t be sorry you picked this game up!

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC, Android

 

Röki by Polygon Treehouse

Genre: Adventure, Point and Click

Röki from the outset looks like a gorgeous little hand-drawn fairytale for all ages, but you might want to get some parental supervision for the young ones because things get surprisingly dark the deeper you go. In this game, you play as Tove, a young girl looking for her little brother Lars. While on her quest through this wintery landscape she begins to discover that all the fairy tales she heard growing up just might be true.

A modern take on Scandanavian folklore, Röki implements the tried and true point-and-click formula in interesting ways. Every corner of the game is layered with satisfying puzzles, fantastical creatures, unique explorer badges, and an explicitly gorgeous art style that embraces accessibility and unfolds into a welcome escape from reality.

Röki is an adventure game for all gamers – with its non-violent gameplay, accessible controls and universal themes. Click here to read our full review of the game.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac

 

Umurangi Generation by Origame Digital, Playism

Genre: First Person Photography Sim

Umurangi Generation is a first-person photography game in the shitty future. Set in Tauranga Aotearoa off the back of an impending crisis you are a courier for the Tauranga Express. As an intricate study on composition in photography, Naphtali Faulkner’s Umurangi Generation is a difficult sim to pin down. In some ways, it’s a Pokémon Snap hybrid fueled by psychedelics, Jet Set Radio, and reruns of Rocko’s Modern Life, while in other instances it’s an indie title that intertwines authentic Indigenous and Maori representation with threads about climate change in a cyberpunk version of Tauranga, New Zealand.

Armed with your chunky DSLR and endless creative control you capture portraits of a burned-out utopia. It’s a heady concept to unravel, but for design nerds, Umurangi is a social and cultural phenomenon that never feels the need to punish creativity.

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC

 

Othercide by Lightbulb Crew

Genre: Tactical RPG, Horror

It’s XCOM meets Silent Hill in Othercide. Descend into Humanity’s last hope. The Daughters, echoes of the greatest warrior to ever live, are all who stand before Suffering and death. Lead your army of Daughters to battle with all the skill you can muster. Your prowess in combat will decide their fate, shape their abilities and personality. Make the toughest decision and sacrifice one to heal another – survivors will get stronger, ready to fight the next battle.

Combat is an intricate dance of spectacular actions and counters: plan ahead of time and set up impressive chains of abilities to outsmart the enemy. Fight in epic boss battles against the sources of Suffering – dread creatures pulled from the worst of Humanity’s crimes against itself.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC

 

Haven by The Game Bakers

Genre: Co-Op RPG

Two lovers have given up everything and escaped to a lost planet to be together. Attempting to carve out a life for themselves on this wild rural planet Yu and Kay must gather, fight and live and love together in Haven. Glide through a mysterious landscape, explore a fragmented world and fight against what’s trying to tear them apart in this RPG adventure about love, rebellion, and freedom.

You can play the game solo but if you have that special someone you’d like to share the game with Haven supports local co-op. So a second player can jump in at any time and take control of either Yu or Kay in combat and other activities. I’d recommend playing with the volume up because Haven’s soundtrack is a work of art. Crafted by French electronic musician Danger, it’s an intricate, excellent soundtrack packed with catchy beats and ethereal melodies. Brilliant from start to finish.

Read our full review on Haven right here.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S