STACK #195 Jan 2021

GAMING FEATURE

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Unlike some forms of entertainment, new game releases got by relatively unscathed by all that 2020 hurled at us. It was a good thing, too, as many of us had more time to devote to releases both big and small. Now that 2020 is over, once again STACK ’s games team convened – remotely this time, of course – for some spirited discussion as to what we all reckon were the greatest games releases of the past year. Here’s our top ten, listed alphabetically. Did your favourite rate a mention? Words Amy Flower, Alex Deutrom, Anthony Horan, Nicholas Kennedy, Dan Nicholson

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE ACTION RPG | MULTI?

a social game experience like this couldn’t have arrived at a better time

What we said: “The most legendary game in the hallowed Final Fantasy series makes a comeback as a visually sumptuous cinematic adventure. Final Fantasy VII Remake is a treat for fans, a world of surprises and indulgences for newcomers, and one of the most strikingly beautiful games you’ll play this generation. It’s a stunning achievement in every way.” GHOST OF TSUSHIMA ACTION ADVENTURE | MULTI? What we said: “’Wouldn’t it be cool to be a samurai, and do samurai stuff?’ That was

ANIMAL CROSSING: NEW HORIZONS

SOCIAL SIM | MULTI? What we said: “This is just one of the game’s many delights – you can just putter about in a fugue of blissful escape, or you can go hammer and tongs and revel in all that island life offers. With many of us finding ourselves suddenly isolated, a social game experience like this couldn’t have arrived at a better time. Animal Crossing: New Horizons truly is a joy.” F1 2020 RACING | MULTI? What we said: “Where F1 2019 felt like you were holding onto the reins of a runaway wild

stallion, the accessibility of F1 2020 makes for a much more anxiety-friendly experience. Codemasters have once again cranked out a cracking title which may currently be the best, most authentic, racing sim experience available.”

68 JANUARY 2021

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