The pandemic created one of the most unusual years for gaming, but also one of the most lucrative. For some, gaming was a lifeline to normalcy while others used the medium as an escape. My favorite games reflect the impact of the coronavirus.

1. "The Last of Us Part II": In a post-apocalyptic America, a mysterious fungus has turned people into feral monstrosities. The sequel pushes empathy on players by telling another side of the story. (PlayStation 4)

2. "Ghost of Tsushima": Its mix of open-world gameplay and flexible combat made this samurai epic a joy to play. (PS4)

An early vision of the Egg Scramble round in “Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout.”
Mediatonic/Devolver Digital, Star Tribune
An early vision of the Egg Scramble round in “Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout.”

3. "Animal Crossing: New Horizons": This Nintendo Switch title, in which players travel to a deserted island and establish a village, created a daily rhythm as you did chores, expanded your house and earned Bells.

“Final Fantasy VII Remake.”
Square Enix, Star Tribune
“Final Fantasy VII Remake.”

4. "Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout": It took the battle royale formula and melded it with party game elements, providing streaming social interaction that helped players feel a little less alone. (PS4, PC)

5. "Cyberpunk 2077": This sci-fi role-playing game was released in a horrible state for the PS4 and Xbox One. On PC or Stadia, it's an astoundingly beautiful and enthralling adventure.

“Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.” Ubisoft
“Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.” Ubisoft

6. "Final Fantasy VII Remake": This foray into Midgar plays with fans' expectations and upends them, offering a mix of classic turn-based combat and visceral real-time action. (PS4)

7. "Demon's Souls": A phenomenal remake of a classic. This adventure was the best launch game for the PlayStation 5.

“Doom Eternal” has some epic vistas that tell a story about hell’s invasion of earth.
Bethesda Softworks, Star Tribune
“Doom Eternal” has some epic vistas that tell a story about hell’s invasion of earth.

8. "Assassin's Creed Valhalla": By reining in the excesses of previous "Assassin's Creed" titles, this entry following the Viking invasion of England feels more focused. (X|S, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC)

Players can find new weapons to use in Immortals Fenyx Rising.
Ubisoft, Star Tribune
Players can find new weapons to use in Immortals Fenyx Rising.

9. "Doom Eternal": The adrenaline-fueled follow-up to a 2016 reboot was bigger and better, making demon slaying more of an art form. (PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, Windows, Google Stadia)

10. "Immortals Fenyx Rising": One of the better adventures of 2020, it also scratches that "Zelda" itch for puzzles and exploration. (X|S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch)