The global pandemic pushed back plenty of releases scheduled to come out in 2020. But numerous great games still managed to arrive on shelves and e-shops. Among these, there were some that held high expectations (like Cyberpunk 2077) and some that delivered unexpectedly pleasant surprises – both in terms of gameplay and storyline.
As a matter of fact, games these days are expected to follow some kind of narrative arc. Whether they be RPGs, shooters, hack and slash, or else wise, a story is always a welcome addition. These 10 games from 2020 had some of the most satisfying ends to their respective stories.
Note: This article contains heavy spoilers for the following games: Assassin’s Cree Valhalla, Resident Evil 3, The Last Of Us 2, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Cuphead, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Doom Eternal, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Death Stranding, and Ghost of Tsushima.
10 Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
The Assassin’s Creed games are filled with complex storylines that are a bit hard to follow – especially if you haven’t played the saga in its entirety. Naturally, things make a lot more sense by the end of every single entry, but the formula being used remains mostly the same throughout the series.
In Valhalla, the epilogue shifts its focus back to the present and away from the Animus (like almost every other title). Long story short, Layla manages to find a way to stabilize the Earth’s continually strengthening magnetic field only to be trapped in a simulation computer with the Reader. After being with Layla for 3 games (Valhalla, Odyssey, and Origins), it can be difficult to accept this fate for her.
9 Resident Evil 3
Even if the Resident Evil 3 remake isn’t as good as the previous one released by Capcom, it’s still a worthwhile experience for those who enjoy survival horror and want to know more about the origins of the series. This game takes place shortly before the utter destruction of Racoon City, about 24 hours before the events of Resident Evil 2.
Jill Valentine gets attacked by the infamous Nemesis while she’s in her apartment. While helping to save as many civilians as possible, Jill eventually manages to defeat Nemesis with a railgun and synthesizes a vaccine for the T-Virus. Unfortunately, this handy cure gets destroyed by Nicholai Ginovaef who reveals himself to be a double agent working for an unknown organization. Getting so close to a cure – having it in your hands – only to have that ripped away must be one of the most impactful endings available to a franchise like Resident Evil.
8 The Last Of Us 2
Unfortunately, The Last Of Us 2’s ending was met with mixed emotions. On one hand, fans of the game understood the significance of Ellie’s struggle with revenge and letting go. On the other, some fans didn’t appreciate the “bait and switch” following by a seemingly pointless pursuit.
Nevertheless, one thing is certain: the team that worked on this title, tirelessly, deserves praise for the ending. Few other games manage to rise to this level of narrative complexity. Despite the overall mixed reception, the epilogue manages to tie everything in.
7 Animal Crossing: New Horizons
This isn’t a particularly hard ending to get; it just takes time but is well worth the effort. The whole point of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is to turn your island into a thriving hub. After you make enough renovations and construct new buildings, none other than the series’ beloved K.K. Slider shows up in your town square.
As he plays a little concert for you and your villagers, the credits slowly roll while the background fades to black. That’s a pretty relaxing conclusion for an equally relaxing game.
6 Cuphead
This 2D shooter actually has two separate endings. One of them sees Cuphead and his brother, Mugman, turn into demons after succumbing to the Devil’s trickery. The other ending is far more exciting. If you choose to refuse to turn in the contracts collected from the Devil’s debtors, the final boss fight of the game triggers.
Those who managed to beat it know what it’s like to clutch the controller so hard that the shape of your hands becomes embedded in it. But, pending that boss battle, the game ends in Cuphead’s favor. Like every good fairy tale ending, the brothers return peacefully home after defeating the Devil in a showdown.
5 Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
It used to be that Call Of Duty games ended in a fairly satisfying linear manner. No multiple endings; just play the thing and see what happens. The Black Ops series, however, took an unexpected turn into the good or bad ending territory which really shows in Cold War.
Long story short, players can either choose to side with the series’ beloved Woods and Mason (along with Adler) or utterly betray them and draw them into a trap. The latter choice is, undeniably, far more interesting from a story perspective. It’s unfortunate that the established canon clearly designates the “bad” ending as an alternative one.
4 Doom Eternal
“A fiery conclusion to an epic battle against hell” perfectly describes Doom Eternal’s stellar ending. After fighting endless hordes of hell around the galaxy, the Doom Slayer finally makes it back to Earth – just in time to face the Icon Of Sin.
“The longer the Icon Of Sin is on Earth, the stronger he becomes.” These legendary words are etched into the minds of gamers who beat the campaign. If the developers ever decide to make another Doom sequel, it’s going to be hard to top Eternal’s impressive gameplay achievements.
3 Final Fantasy 7 Remake
This might have been one of the most anticipated remakes ever in gaming history. The original Final Fantasy 7 is a masterpiece. The developers decided to modernize its staple turn-based combat system (typical of, virtually, every RPG), and turned it into somewhat of an action game.
The ending of Final Fantasy 7 Remake only covers a portion of the original storyline, so the real conclusion isn’t here yet. Even the expansion in the form of Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade doesn’t answer many questions. Nevertheless, the final epic confrontation between Cloud’s group and Sephiroth couldn’t be more of a teaser for what’s still to come in the next chapter of the remake.
2 Death Stranding
Is this even an ending or should it be considered a beginning? Death Stranding is hard to follow thanks to creator Hideo Kojima’s extremely complex vision. Everything in this game bears some form of symbolic significance and it really becomes evident by the end of the narrative.
As Sam makes one final delivery to dispose of his trusty companion, Lou, he actually manages to revive him with some magic CPR moves. Where they end up after that is somewhat unclear. All that matters is that we see them hand in hand – likely relaxing for the first time after their incredible journey together. A Director’s Cut may even elaborate on the game’s ending.
1 Ghost Of Tsushima
Is it more important to act honorably or defy tradition to protect your homeland? Ghost Of Tsushima puts players at odds with this difficult choice through the usage of its very gameplay loop. Players can either assassinate enemies like a sly coward or foolhardily face off against them on the battlefield. Whatever you choose, the end of the game gets even more heart-wrenching.
Jin Sakai’s uncle, Lord Shimura, is tasked with confronting his nephew and taking his life as punishment for his dishonorable conduct. Upon defeating him, players can either choose to end his life (as per the Bushido code) or spare him, effectively rendering Jin a complete misfit in Japanese society. The choice is obvious here, isn’t it? ….isn’t it?
NEXT: JRPGs Where the Story Is Totally Optional
