Those video games that only a year ago maybe we didn’t even know about, which have transcended in some way without making noise, due to their quality.
2020 has been a year full of great video games. A year in which we must make a very positive assessment for all that it has given us and what it has meant in the lives of many people who, due to the pandemic that is still raging, have known themselves as a support, a refuge. An accompaniment capable of making us feel more than ever this way of expressing ourselves by what we see on the screen.
It has also been a year full of surprises, works that nobody saw coming and that, due to their own merits that respond to their quality, have earned the merit of being considered sleepers, a somewhat diffuse term that, like everything, is subject to interpretation.
In the writing of this magazine we understand as sleeper that video game that did not arouse expectations, that went unnoticed, that did not come with the trust deposited by practically anyone, but that once they were put up for sale … they stood out, carved their place and, At the end of the day, they rose to the recommended lists as strongly (sometimes even more) as other titles with much bigger budget, prestige or baggage.
It is for this reason that Streets of Rage 4, 13: Sentinels: Aegis Rim or Hades do not enter the following list, because they are excellent, of course they are, and they were not surrounded by millions of dollars behind their backs. Neither Dotemu had to prove anything to anyone nor Vanillaware or Supergiant, who were already brilliant for their work. However, Spiritfarer, Among Us, Call of the Sea, Pistol Whip or CrossCode, among others, are the covers that we want to uncover today, if you still don’t know them. We end the year 2020 and we do it by also celebrating all these works.
Among us
A true phenomenon. It arrived in 2018, but we did not know of its existence until the end of this summer, when word of mouth, social networks and, above all, the streamer phenomenon placed this small work by InnerSloth in one of the greatest successes in memory on broadcast platforms. Among Us has brought people together and has become a communication tool. This is attested by its numbers and the ability it has to catch anyone who gives it a chance if it is done in company. Its virtues as a video game are extremely limited, but there are a number of intangibles that are part of the essence of this medium. Among Us wants us to find the impostor; the difference with other works where everything is written is that here everything is to be decided and the player’s involvement not only affects himself, but everyone else. What will happen now? An idea that is now known to be a master. Who knows how long it will remain at this level. Its merit, however, is in the present. A phoenix, one of the unnoticed video games that now everyone knows. The virtue of simplicity.
Among us
Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin
Sakuna is one of the great surprises that we have from the end of this year. A mix of 3D farm management with action, platforming and a really well-written story. Rice farming is just the basis of a truly immersive title, which takes as its banner some of the mechanics that we have already seen in the past in side-scrolling hack ‘n’ slash and mixes it with the tranquility of taking care of our home. A tribute to the most rural Japan, a title that makes you feel good and that makes with very little an intelligent and profound video game where we have dozens of hours ahead. Edelweiss has hit the bullseye with this title, available on PS4, PC and Nintendo Switch.
Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin
Shinsekai: Into the Depths
We saw it a year ago for Apple Arcade, only that it was not until the first quarter of 2020 when we were able to make the fact of having Shinsekai: Into the Depths a reality on consoles, with a traditional controller, which is how we have truly been able to savor this authentic cover by Capcom. A metroidvania under the sea depths with well thought out mechanics that works like a charm. We are in an unknown future, with humanity practically disappeared, but we are alive. In reality, nothing matters beyond moving on, finding the way out and fleeing the ice, which can kill us. Like all metroidvania, regardless of its huge stage (much more than it seems), we will have to retrace our steps to reach those previously inaccessible corners because we did not have the exact ability. A survival work where everything counts, both every point of health and every second. Water makes a lot of sense, it is not merely aesthetic. We were absorbed and we loved it. Available on iPhone and Nintendo Switch.
Shinsekai: Into the Depths
Call of the sea
Another that catches us very recent, but the one that we have been following the track since this summer. Microsoft wanted to link this independent work developed by the Spanish studio Out of the Blue to the Xbox brand and, as it is available on Xbox Game Pass, it has been difficult not to take a look at this first-person adventure set in the year 1930. A young woman ill, Norah, decides to look for her husband after a long period without knowing about him, despite her weakness for the remnants of his condition. Neither short nor lazy, she goes to that island to find her explorer husband in the middle of the Pacific, will we find him? From here begins an adventure with a very accentuated narrative component, but which does not forget its nature as a video game: exploration, puzzles, riddles and a very well told story that combines with a precious visual section.
Call of the sea
Spiritfarer
We are fortunate that Xbox Game Pass is also becoming the cradle of opportunity. Surely Spiritfarer would have gone more unnoticed if it weren’t for being on Microsoft’s on-demand video game platform, so we have no excuse: it is one of the best video games of this year. Available on PS4, Xbox One, PC and Nintendo Switch, the work of Thunder Lotus Games invites us to accompany Stella on an adventure with the mechanics of Harvest Moon, Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing, but with platform elements such as jumps. The magic of the title is not only its ability to introduce puzzles and resource management into the equation, but the excellent story that is told, with a brilliant artistic section and characters to remember that, really, it is difficult for us to forget.
Spiritfarer
Manifold Garden
We came across Manifold Garden right at the launch of Xbox Series X | S (also available on PC and Nintendo Switch), and we weren’t expecting much from him. One more first-person puzzle game? Yes and no. William Chyr’s work is something like turning a Rubbik’s cube into a video game, a perfectly executed simple idea that, although it does not reach levels of excellence, stands out for its level design and the idea of the concept of infinity. So that we can understand it, it takes the Relativity painting as its backbone and combines it with puzzles, puzzles that are governed by the laws of physics and gravity. It only lasts three hours and has memorable moments. In fact, it’s a shame that it doesn’t last longer, because when it looks like it’s going to explode, it ends. In any case, recommended in capital letters.
Manifold Garden
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Let’s be honest: we didn’t expect this. That Sackboy returned was great news in itself, Sumo Digital is a studio that knows how to do things very well, but the British team has managed to dispel any hint of doubt around this title: it is not just a Super Mario 3D World 2.0, rather, it has enough personality to recommend it, enjoy it, and wish it would be updated soon with its local and online cooperative multiplayer features. We have it available on PS4 and PS5 (free update). What we liked the most about the game is the design of its levels and how well it implements mechanics little by little, not to mention the huge amount of collectibles it has and how challenging some of its levels are. Sackboy: Big Adventure is a game that deceives, it has formidable moments. It starts out slow, but adds more and more seasoning until it is a delight. If you like platforms, it is one of the greats.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
The Pathless
What a nice surprise. The Pathless is new from the creators of ABZÛ and thankfully it doesn’t disappoint. A moving title, unique for what it is as a video game and very pleasant for its execution and a soundtrack by Austin Wintory (Journey, among others) that puts the finishing touch to a game that we would dare to qualify as outstanding. Giant Squid Games publishes this action, adventure and exploration adventure on PS4, PS5, Apple Arcade and PC in which we control a young woman accompanied by her bow and an eagle. From there, accurate shooting, oriental fantasy, lots of speed and jumps. In addition, it has great final bosses and puzzles that only manage to add to the whole. Because of its duration – it has lasted just over ten hours – and its reduced price, it is one of those bets for Christmas with which you are not going to fail, especially if you have a PS5, where it shines in 4K resolution to eat the screen.
The Pathless
Ruiner
We are in the year 2091, in a society where everything is devastated by the technological control of large corporations. Reikon and Devolver Digital bring to consoles and PC a truly frenetic cyberpunk action title, a dual stick shooter with elements from Hotline Miami, but with an intoxicating personality thanks to its aesthetics, referential to the anime universe and a soundtrack that takes away your hiccup. Ruiner is linear, which makes it easy not to get lost if we play it from time to time or simply want a direct title in its proposal. This is, without a doubt; Now, it is demanding, it does not concede a single error, like almost all zenith shooter of this style. Luckily, its progression and customization options catch you right out of the box. It arrived in Spanish and is available on all platforms; one of the best we have played this year in the genre, a wild action spiced up by the bloodiest techno.
Ruiner
Pistol Whip
In order to choose a representative of virtual reality, in 2020 we have to stay with Pistol Whip, and it is to celebrate. Because we thought that after Beat Saber there was no need to say, but Cloudhead Games has come to agree with those who think that you can always go one step further; or a step to the side, since this bet of shots and electronic music has an idiosyncrasy unique enough to keep us trapped for days. The first thing that stands out about Pistol Whip is its aesthetics. Like SuperHot, but at full speed, with more colors than we thought we knew and showing that virtual reality is capable of offering unique playable experiences in this context. It is a movie experience that, no matter how much we tell you, we cannot approach what it means with a helmet, including PS VR for PlayStation 4, in addition to PC. Its originality and the use of the three-dimensionality of this technology are a degree. An intensity that remains perennial in our retina.
Pistol Whip
Snowrunner
The Runner series had nothing to prove, but Snowrunner managed this past spring to agree with those who believe that travel, walks also have something to say in this medium. Snowrunner expresses itself wonderfully as an example of a four-wheel transport simulator; something similar to what Hideo Kojima proposed in Death Stranding, only here with his hands on the wheel. It is, as we said in our review, “the trucker’s life cycle.” From end to end in territories such as Alaska or Michigan, what MadRunner supposed was far exceeded, with a better physics engine and a greater sense of immersion thanks to the excellent use of snow as an element of the environment and as an aesthetic resource. It is repetitive, of course it is, but it is not deceiving: this is what we have. The design of his world, which works like a puzzle, has caught many during 2020 and had its moment on streaming platforms. Without a doubt, a work whose repercussion was not expected.
Snowrunner
CrossCode
Available on consoles and PC, CrossCode has been one of the sensations of 2020 on the indie scene. CrossCode is an old-fashioned action adventure, a 16-bit action RPG packed with hours of content, character enhancement options, and a growing challenge. It is true that his first hours are not the best, he spends a lot of time introducing us to his world, but once it starts it is a frenzy. The variety of zones, puzzle intersections and its technical care combine exquisitely with the playable plane. In addition, it has unforgettable characters and a command system that make your combat something really satisfying. Highly recommended if you like the genre.
CrossCode
Ghostrunner
It’s been a very cyberpunk year, in general. Ghostrunner takes parkour as the norm and does so in a first-person action-platformer adventure. It is challenging like few others, but that is complemented by a great sense of reward. A total of 17 levels with many collectibles, the odd difficulty peak and bombproof replayability, the new One More Level has gone unnoticed by almost everyone. It has a multitude of objects and abilities with which to customize our character, something that those who expected something more in this regard will appreciate after jewels like Mirror’s Edge. We are going to die a lot, we do not recommend it for everyone because it requires patience and a lot of will on the part of the player, insistence, but its gameplay and setting set the bar really high. Almost outstanding.
Ghostrunner
Monster train
A good card game could not be missing in our selection of sleepers for 2020. Available on PC and Xbox One, the title of Shiny Shoe and Good Shephered is one of the surprises of the season. Not only because it is a great title that we didn’t expect so much from, but because it has managed to create a more than competent roguelike based on a tower defense structure from a classic card and deck-building game. Shortly after we start we are noticing their intentions: it is a well of hours. Addictive like few others on this list, Monster Train is very brave and little by little it is adding faithful in its multiplayer aspect (including daily challenges). Our objective is to defend a nucleus located at the top of a tower, with the random component that characterizes each game in this type of title. There is a component of luck, but also and above all, ingenuity. If you liked Slay the Spire, it is an original, fun bet, with a constant feeling of reward and, we insist, a great capacity to hook.
Monster train
Paradise killer
The work of Kaizen Game Works and Fellow Traveler is an example of how to mix a detective adventure with freedom for the player to investigate and take control of the immediate future. Instead of becoming a traditional graphic novel, this time we are more involved in everything that happens in the environment. In just over ten hours we can solve the investigation, everything will depend on how skilled we are when it comes to gathering inquiries and finding the solution. At the playable level, we have two distinct components that fans of the Ace Attorney and Dangarompa saga will like: investigation and trials. All in all, its aesthetics, depth, vaporware aesthetics and detail result in a video game in capital letters. Of course, it is not available in Spanish; something that would not be a problem in another genre, here we have to read a lot.
Paradise killer
Art of Rally
If you are a fan of rally games, you don’t have to keep reading. Not only because it is playable very notable in its bet of aerial perspective as in the eighties and nineties, but because it is a tribute to the rally universe. It is true that except at its highest level of difficulty, the challenge is not enormous, but the fun does not disappear and what is truly challenging is its control, its coordination at the controls. The positive thing about art of rally is that it differs very well from other speed proposals this year; although it is only available on PC for now. If we forgive you that it can become somewhat monotonous, believe us that it is an enjoyment from start to finish with good headphones, a car trip that sets the bar very high.
Art of Rally
Murder by Numbers
Mediatonic is responsible for Fall Guys, but also for Murder by Numbers. There is superlative talent in those offices, to be frank, because Murder by Numbers wowed us in early 2020, when the name of Ultimate Knockout was completely unknown. Imagine a delivery of Phoenix Wright with Picross mechanics, a visual novel based on mathematical puzzles where the whole does not shine at all. His story is interesting, to the point, and presents several perfectly connected cases. It is not excellent, but remarkable in everything it proposes. Masakazu Sugimori is the genius at the controls of the music, a capital element that could not fail in a work like this. And it does not. A video game that entertains, that gives off good work in its design, an intelligent game that, unfortunately, focuses more on telling its story well than on telling it through the gameplay (which is still an excuse between so much story ). If you like solving puzzles, however, you will know how to forgive this nuance, which does not penalize excessively. Hopefully more deliveries in the future, because that universe can give a lot of itself.
Murder by Numbers
