It wasn’t that long ago that the landscape of the video game industry felt heavily skewed towards multiplayer experiences. For years, the narrative suggested that engaging, story-driven single-player games were becoming a relic of the past, increasingly niche in a world dominated by online competitive titles and live-service models. Yet, as the video above so brilliantly highlights, 2020 ushered in a powerful resurgence, reminding us that the magic of a captivating solo journey is as potent as ever.
My own journey through gaming has always circled back to those moments of singular immersion. There’s a unique satisfaction in sinking into a meticulously crafted world, following a compelling narrative, or mastering intricate mechanics without the constant pressure or distraction of other players. This past year, the industry seemed to remember that too, delivering a bounty of phenomenal single-player games that catered to every imaginable taste.
The Golden Age of Remakes and Definitive Editions
One of the most exciting trends of the year was the revitalizing power of remakes and definitive editions. These aren’t just simple graphical uplifts; they’re often comprehensive re-imaginings that introduce beloved classics to a new generation while offering veterans a fresh perspective. These enhanced experiences ensure that pivotal moments in gaming history remain relevant and accessible, often with significant quality-of-life improvements that modern players expect from their single-player games.
Consider the Mafia: Definitive Edition, which launched on September 25th. The original Mafia holds a special place in many hearts for its gritty, cinematic storytelling and period accuracy. This definitive version goes beyond visual polish, offering a more refined experience that respects its legacy while making it feel like a truly modern game. Similarly, the Destroy All Humans! Remake captured the goofy, sandbox fun of the PlayStation 2 era, preserving its unique charm with stunning new graphics. It arrived as a welcome dose of nostalgia, demonstrating how enduring creative concepts can be when given a contemporary facelift.
Then there’s the Final Fantasy VII Remake, a monumental undertaking that reignited debates about what a “remake” truly means. Released in stages, this first part on PlayStation 4 was a visually stunning and mechanically innovative reinterpretation of one of the most influential single-player RPGs ever made. It introduced a hybrid combat system and expanded narrative elements, proving that a remake can be both a tribute and an evolution. The subsequent Resident Evil 3 Remake, while perhaps less expansive than its predecessor, still delivered a pulse-pounding horror experience that refined the survival horror elements for a modern audience, demonstrating the enduring appeal of these iconic single-player games.
Bonus revamps like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 also highlighted how expertly designed gameplay loops from the past can feel brand new with updated visuals and controls. These titles weren’t just about reliving memories; they were about experiencing those foundational single-player games with a fresh perspective and modern polish.
Epic Journeys and Deep RPGs
Role-playing games, with their sprawling narratives and deep character customization, are quintessential single-player experiences. 2020 was no exception, offering a rich tapestry of worlds to get lost in, from established franchises to daring reboots. These single-player games provide countless hours of exploration and strategic depth.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon, set for a release in the latter half of the year, represented a bold new direction for the beloved Yakuza series. Shifting from real-time brawling to a turn-based JRPG combat system, it promised a fresh take on its unique blend of serious drama and outlandish humor. This move alone generated significant buzz among fans of single-player games, eager to see how the series would evolve.
For fans of the meticulously crafted Souls-like genre, Nioh 2, released on March 12th, built upon the critically acclaimed original, delivering an even more challenging and expansive action RPG. It refined its unique blend of Japanese folklore and intense combat, offering a brutal yet rewarding single-player experience. Then there’s Persona 5 Royal, the definitive version of what many consider one of the finest JRPGs of all time. With new characters, storylines, and gameplay enhancements, it offered an even richer, more immersive school-life-meets-supernatural-adventure. For those who hadn’t dived into Persona 5, Royal made it the undeniable best way to experience this masterpiece of single-player storytelling.
The highly anticipated Cyberpunk 2077, originally slated for November 19th across all major platforms, represented the pinnacle of single-player ambition. Developed by the creators of The Witcher 3, it promised an expansive, choice-driven open-world RPG set in a dystopian future. The anticipation surrounding this title was immense, reflecting the gaming community’s hunger for deep, impactful single-player games.
Diverse Adventures and Unique Mechanics
Beyond the major franchises, 2020 also saw a wealth of innovative and diverse single-player games that pushed boundaries and offered fresh experiences. From tactical warfare to psychological horror, there was something for every adventurer.
Crusader Kings III, launched on September 1st for PC, brought grand strategy to life like never before. This sequel to a beloved dynasty simulator allowed players to weave intricate tales of power, betrayal, and succession across generations. Its move to fully 3D rendering and a larger, more detailed map offered an unparalleled depth of engagement in the realm of strategic single-player games.
On the horror front, The Medium, a launch title for the Xbox Series X, captivated with its innovative dual-reality gameplay. Players simultaneously controlled a character in two distinct dimensions, solving puzzles and navigating threats across both. This unique mechanic promised a fresh take on psychological horror, highlighting the creative potential in developing truly innovative single-player games.
For those craving visceral action, Doom Eternal absolutely ruled. Building on the successful 2016 reboot, it delivered an even more frenetic, challenging, and satisfying first-person shooter experience. With its iconic soundtrack and inventive combat mechanics, including a shotgun with a grappling hook, it set a new standard for high-octane single-player games. Similarly, Ghost of Tsushima offered a stunning open-world samurai adventure on PlayStation 4, combining breathtaking visuals with fluid combat and stealth options. Its photo mode became a phenomenon, allowing players to capture the beauty of its world, proving that even violent single-player games can possess a serene artistry.
Even Half-Life: Alyx, a VR shooter, redefined what was possible in virtual reality. It brought the iconic Half-Life universe back, not just as a shooter, but as a brilliant showcase of Valve’s trademark physics puzzles, expertly adapted for VR. This title alone demonstrated the groundbreaking potential for immersive single-player games in emerging technologies.
The Continued Evolution of Beloved Series
Familiar franchises also continued their evolution, demonstrating that there’s always room for innovation within established worlds. These single-player games delivered fresh narratives and gameplay mechanics that kept fans eagerly awaiting their releases.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, launching on November 17th across PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Stadia, plunged players into the Viking age. Building upon the successful RPG elements of Odyssey and Origins, it promised a brutal yet beautiful historical adventure. The allure of leading a Viking raid in an Assassin’s Creed setting proved irresistible for many fans of expansive single-player games.
Watch Dogs: Legion, arriving October 29th on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Stadia, presented a fascinating premise: recruit and play as any NPC in a dystopian London. This unique twist on its open-world hacking formula offered an unprecedented level of player agency, making every encounter feel personal within this distinctive class of single-player games.
And then there was Spider-Man: Miles Morales, an exclusive follow-up for the PS5. While not a full sequel, this “mini-sequel” continued the incredible narrative established in the PS4 Spider-Man game, giving players the chance to swing through New York as Miles. It was a clear signal of the PlayStation 5’s power and a highly anticipated addition to the pantheon of superhero single-player games.
This array of single-player games, spanning countless genres and platforms, undeniably marked 2020 as a landmark year for solo adventures. It proved that the demand for immersive storytelling, intricate gameplay, and captivating worlds is stronger than ever. The industry, it seems, has listened, and players are reaping the rewards, with incredible experiences ready to be discovered and savored, one powerful story at a time.
