We're entering new territory for the relaunched Pure Xbox this year with the Game of the Year awards, where we plan to take a look back and celebrate some of the best Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox PC games of 2020.
Of course, your votes will be factored into our Game of the Year roundup in the near future, so we're asking if you can submit your votes by Thursday 17th December at 1PM in order for us to gather a definitive verdict.
Get those votes going, everyone — may the best game win!
What Is Your Xbox Game of the Year 2020? (Select Up To 5 Games) (1,863 votes)
Assassin's Creed Valhalla9%
Battletoads2%
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War2%
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time2%
Crysis Remastered0%
Desperados III0%
Destroy All Humans!0%
Dirt 51%
DOOM Eternal10%
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition4%
F1 20201%
FIFA 210%
Gears Tactics5%
Grounded1%
Immortals Fenyx Rising3%
Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning1%
Madden NFL 210%
Mafia: Definitive Edition2%
Marvel's Avengers0%
Microsoft Flight Simulator5%
Minecraft Dungeons2%
NBA 2K210%
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered0%
Ori and the Will of the Wisps13%
Planet Coaster: Console Edition1%
Resident Evil 33%
Saints Row: The Third Remastered1%
SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated0%
Honestly wish I had played more games from that list, but to be fair a lot of the great ones came out towards the end of the year, such as Yakuza Like A Dragon, AC Valhalla and Immortals. I actually just bought Yakuza and Immortals so I'm hoping to get through them, but since I haven't played them I won't be voting for them.
I think my GOTY would right now be Tell Me Why, Mafia: Definitive Edition and Wasteland 3, in that order. TMW was just so good and from what I've played of Mafia, it's really good as well!
Planet Coaster is the best game I have played this year. It offers loads of content with scripted challenges, ample room for creativity, and a sandbox mode to push the game to its limits. Hopefully, Series X will let me build even crazier parks. I just hope there is eventually a bundle with all the DLC combined.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 looks incredible. But I won't vote for it without having played it. Looking forward to the Series X version.
I considered voting for Watch Dogs: Legion because Ubisoft deserves major credit for the Play As Anyone system. That's the most innovative AI system since Monolith's Nemesis system in Shadow of Mordor. It could be a major step toward better NPCs in future games. But the gameplay gets redundant quickly and dialogue is juvenile. Since Ubisoft hired a "VP of Global Diversity and Inclusion" after purging straight white men from management positions, I expect their settings will get even more political.
Have to say 2020 has probably been my favourite year for gaming and I've missed out on so many games still. Just felt like there has been epic game after epic game, although must admit some of the games I played were from backlog which is cheating a bit. Either way I'll still remember 2020 as one of the great gaming years
Mine would be THPS because it’s just such a good game and lived up to the hype (not many games do that now) Resident Evil 3 was just an excellent game that came bundled with an enjoyable standalone multiplayer, that’s pretty much it for me as most games I played on the list were a bit of a letdown
Only had an Xbox since November 🤣 but I have played a few on that list.
For me it’s a toss up between Ori and Yakuza. Ori is amazing looking game and I’m enjoying Yakuza a lot, it really picks up around chapter 6, it’s bonkers.
Honourable mention to Gears Tactics, it’s a very good game, probably the best x-com type game I’ve played and it looks great.
If FS 2020 had been on the Xbox this year, hands down winner for me. My PC struggles with it, but from what I could witness, I can not wait to see it on my Series X in 4K next summer.
I put a vote in there for MC Dungeons. My kids love it... and surprisingly, for an adult it is a fun play too.
Streets of Rage 4. As a continuation of the SoR series it checked all the boxes. It played like a SoR game, looked liked a SoR game in modern times and tons of secrets and most importantly it wasn't a cash grab tugging at retro gamers hearts. (Looking at you Battletoads). It was well worth the wait.
I'll just give an honorable mention to Forza Horizon 4 because they are still adding to the game and it's still one of the best reasons to own an Xbox.
This is a sad list, truth be told. Mostly multiplatform games :/ I hope next year it's going to be different and just to mark that change I'm going to go with a game I haven't played yet(!): The Falconeer! As soon as I'm done with Cyberpunk I'm buying this game. Looks incredible and it's a console exclusive, at least.
@Beetoe Considered it, but then we'd have to include Sea of Thieves, Forza Horizon 4, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, etc.
As much as those are major (and fantastic) updates, I was conscious not to jumble the list with games that were actually released years ago, but have now been improved for the new consoles.
The last years of last generation where OK at best, it was like the big games where held back for the next generation of consoles, and this year was not different, not a single game that stood out to me. My most played games where F1 2020 and NBA 2K21, COD was worse than Modern Warfare, Assassin's Creed, Watch Dogs and Dirt 5 where nothing special.
If I had to choose one it is Flight Simulator 2020 because it is a technical achievement, but to damn hard to run it properly.
But there is much to look forward to, starting with Hitman 3 in January!
@SteveButler2210@Bartig It's still officially classed as an Xbox game even though it's not on console yet. It's on Xbox Game Pass for PC, it's published by Xbox Game Studios, etc.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps for me. Not a great selection to select from in all honesty, but that game is a beauty and seriously overlooked due to the 'indie' style of the game.
@FraserG fair enough - think I just misinterpreted it because the article specifically mentioned looking at "the best Xbox One and Series X|S games of 2020"! But yeah I see your point!
A) I don't seem to find myself with the time to play as many games as I would like too and my gaming purchases are split between two systems... but out of the 4 Xbox 2020 games I've played this year, I'd put Yakuza: Like A Dragon down as my favourite.
There is a bit too much to do in terms of side content and a few too many cutscenes which slow the main game pace down but all of it is enjoyable, particularly the witty and charming characters and storyline. The turn based gameplay is fun and it's interesting experiencing it through a more urban environment.
Edit: Oh yeah, I selected Other as one of my three votes. My votes were for Ori and the Will of the Wisps (I don't find it as good as the original but it's still a lot of fun), Bright Memory and of course, Yakuza: Like A Dragon.
Wow, I voted a tad too quick I see here. My personal Game Pass top 5 is:
1. Forza Horizon 4 - It reminded me racegames can be real good fun. It just keeps on giving, so even though it's released earlier, why shouldn't it be?
2. Tell Me Why - I may have cried a couple of times.
3. Tetris Effect Connected - One of the most 'flowing' Tetris experiences, now with a great added multiplayer - the Zone mechanic adds some depth to the very simple base mechanics.
4. Call of the Sea - Framedrops can drag you out a bit, but this is such a good-looking, nicely paced puzzle-adventure game!
5. Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair - Has got some of that good old 'Oh wow that's SO clever' moments.
Comments 48
Honestly wish I had played more games from that list, but to be fair a lot of the great ones came out towards the end of the year, such as Yakuza Like A Dragon, AC Valhalla and Immortals. I actually just bought Yakuza and Immortals so I'm hoping to get through them, but since I haven't played them I won't be voting for them.
I think my GOTY would right now be Tell Me Why, Mafia: Definitive Edition and Wasteland 3, in that order. TMW was just so good and from what I've played of Mafia, it's really good as well!
Planet Coaster is the best game I have played this year. It offers loads of content with scripted challenges, ample room for creativity, and a sandbox mode to push the game to its limits. Hopefully, Series X will let me build even crazier parks. I just hope there is eventually a bundle with all the DLC combined.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 looks incredible. But I won't vote for it without having played it. Looking forward to the Series X version.
I considered voting for Watch Dogs: Legion because Ubisoft deserves major credit for the Play As Anyone system. That's the most innovative AI system since Monolith's Nemesis system in Shadow of Mordor. It could be a major step toward better NPCs in future games. But the gameplay gets redundant quickly and dialogue is juvenile. Since Ubisoft hired a "VP of Global Diversity and Inclusion" after purging straight white men from management positions, I expect their settings will get even more political.
Yes, I picked Destroy All Humans... Look, I enjoyed it, okay?!
Have to say 2020 has probably been my favourite year for gaming and I've missed out on so many games still. Just felt like there has been epic game after epic game, although must admit some of the games I played were from backlog which is cheating a bit. Either way I'll still remember 2020 as one of the great gaming years
@Olliemar28 nothing wrong with liking it, I played the original and loved it but I haven’t got around to the remake
Mine would be THPS because it’s just such a good game and lived up to the hype (not many games do that now) Resident Evil 3 was just an excellent game that came bundled with an enjoyable standalone multiplayer, that’s pretty much it for me as most games I played on the list were a bit of a letdown
Ori has to be the GOTY
Be honest. How many people voted for games they haven't played yet?
Cyberpunk 2077
@themightyant I voted only in games I've played but, doing so, I certainly skipped some game of the year candidates.
@davidko Oops, how did I miss that one out?! It's included in the poll now.
Only had an Xbox since November 🤣 but I have played a few on that list.
For me it’s a toss up between Ori and Yakuza. Ori is amazing looking game and I’m enjoying Yakuza a lot, it really picks up around chapter 6, it’s bonkers.
Honourable mention to Gears Tactics, it’s a very good game, probably the best x-com type game I’ve played and it looks great.
If FS 2020 had been on the Xbox this year, hands down winner for me. My PC struggles with it, but from what I could witness, I can not wait to see it on my Series X in 4K next summer.
I put a vote in there for MC Dungeons. My kids love it... and surprisingly, for an adult it is a fun play too.
I know it's not in the poll and came out late 2019 but if the game awards can put it on their list so can i.. So i pick Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order..
@davidko Same for me. LOVE CP2077!!!
Will (hopefully) be voting for Cyberpunk next year after it has been optimized for Series X
Playing on XB1X
Cyberpunk 2077 wins GOTY for me by far: LOVE this game!!!I also voted for Doom: Eternal, which was epic, as well.
Streets of Rage 4! Great gameplay, graphics and music.
Doom Eternal gets my vote.
Streets of Rage 4. As a continuation of the SoR series it checked all the boxes. It played like a SoR game, looked liked a SoR game in modern times and tons of secrets and most importantly it wasn't a cash grab tugging at retro gamers hearts. (Looking at you Battletoads). It was well worth the wait.
Mine is rare replay because I just got it this year 😊
STREETS OF RAGE 4!!!!
Well went only for 3.
ACV, Ori and Doom Eternal.
And seems that is currently the top 3.
Playing Doom and ACV currently.
@KelticDevil
Doom Eternal got my top vote, could not agree more. Currently playing on game pass ultimate on series x. Smooth as silk in hell.
I'll just give an honorable mention to Forza Horizon 4 because they are still adding to the game and it's still one of the best reasons to own an Xbox.
Glad this is more complete then on pushsquare
Resident Evil 3 Remake and Dirt 5 where both not on the poll
Not a 2020 game, but the game I played on XBOX the most this year was Rage 2, warts (MAJOR BUGS) and all.
It's Ori for me, and it isn't close. It's the best Metroidvania ever. What a game.
I picked Dragons Quest which is awesome, but if I’m honest- I had more fun with Stranded Deep then any game in a long time.
This is a sad list, truth be told. Mostly multiplatform games :/ I hope next year it's going to be different and just to mark that change I'm going to go with a game I haven't played yet(!): The Falconeer! As soon as I'm done with Cyberpunk I'm buying this game. Looks incredible and it's a console exclusive, at least.
@FraserG No Gears 5 update?
Ori and the Will of the Wisps. Hands down, no contest. If you haven't played it it's on gamepass. Go for it.
@Beetoe Considered it, but then we'd have to include Sea of Thieves, Forza Horizon 4, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, etc.
As much as those are major (and fantastic) updates, I was conscious not to jumble the list with games that were actually released years ago, but have now been improved for the new consoles.
Hope that makes sense
The last years of last generation where OK at best, it was like the big games where held back for the next generation of consoles, and this year was not different, not a single game that stood out to me. My most played games where F1 2020 and NBA 2K21, COD was worse than Modern Warfare, Assassin's Creed, Watch Dogs and Dirt 5 where nothing special.
If I had to choose one it is Flight Simulator 2020 because it is a technical achievement, but to damn hard to run it properly.
But there is much to look forward to, starting with Hitman 3 in January!
Flight Sim feels like an odd appearance on the list, given it isn't out on Xbox until Summer next year?
I'm only nominating two games, as MS Flight Simulator isn't on Xbox yet and shouldn't be in this list imo.
@SteveButler2210 @Bartig It's still officially classed as an Xbox game even though it's not on console yet. It's on Xbox Game Pass for PC, it's published by Xbox Game Studios, etc.
@Olliemar28 Perfectly fine, looking to play that at some point, never bought the originals, think I was online PC gaming focussed around that time.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps for me.
Not a great selection to select from in all honesty, but that game is a beauty and seriously overlooked due to the 'indie' style of the game.
Ori was my game of the year overall
@FraserG fair enough - think I just misinterpreted it because the article specifically mentioned looking at "the best Xbox One and Series X|S games of 2020"! But yeah I see your point!
@SteveButler2210 You're right! That's my bad. I'll change it now
@Tasuki
Perfectly stated and sums up my thoughts on SoR 4. Definitely my Game of the Year on Xbox.
It's great to see Ori getting all that love. It's a masterpiece!!!!
Hilarious that people are voting for Cyberpunk at this point. Ori ftw.
Q) What Is Your Xbox Game of the Year 2020?
A) I don't seem to find myself with the time to play as many games as I would like too and my gaming purchases are split between two systems... but out of the 4 Xbox 2020 games I've played this year, I'd put Yakuza: Like A Dragon down as my favourite.
There is a bit too much to do in terms of side content and a few too many cutscenes which slow the main game pace down but all of it is enjoyable, particularly the witty and charming characters and storyline. The turn based gameplay is fun and it's interesting experiencing it through a more urban environment.
Edit: Oh yeah, I selected Other as one of my three votes. My votes were for Ori and the Will of the Wisps (I don't find it as good as the original but it's still a lot of fun), Bright Memory and of course, Yakuza: Like A Dragon.
Wow, I voted a tad too quick I see here. My personal Game Pass top 5 is:
1. Forza Horizon 4 - It reminded me racegames can be real good fun. It just keeps on giving, so even though it's released earlier, why shouldn't it be?
2. Tell Me Why - I may have cried a couple of times.
3. Tetris Effect Connected - One of the most 'flowing' Tetris experiences, now with a great added multiplayer - the Zone mechanic adds some depth to the very simple base mechanics.
4. Call of the Sea - Framedrops can drag you out a bit, but this is such a good-looking, nicely paced puzzle-adventure game!
5. Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair - Has got some of that good old 'Oh wow that's SO clever' moments.
@FraserG Makes total sense, thanks!
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