Game of the Year Awards 2020

"Although the biochip is slowly killing V, you can wander about doing odd jobs; the ticking time-bomb only ticks during the main story. The side quests should be undertaken because they feature some of the most interesting quest chains. There are many substantial interactions that build layers of narrative. You can work alongside a cop to explore a hidden nightclub and then track a serial killer’s victim by diving into a braindance memory. Or the candidate for mayor wants to know if the old mayor’s death was an accident, but his memory issues prove more enticing. And these stories are just the tip of the iceberg in a city that has so many good characters." - Ben Thomas

Runners-up: The Last of Us Part II, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Paradise Killer

"The game looks fantastic. If you've played any of Supergiant's other titles, you won't be surprised. The gang's all back together for the same look, style, and sound that the studio is so well known for. The playful, colorful, yet striking character design meshes seamlessly with the pantheon of Greek gods, almost as if artist Jen Zee was made to take on the challenge." - Josh Hinke

Runners-up: Ghost of Tsushima, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, The Last of Us Part II

"As you fly over the terrain, you'll get to experience some amazing views, all decently accurately represented using real satellite imagery and data. From the largest cities like New York, to the smallest towns and villages, you'll find the world at your fingertips. The lighting and clouds are amazing to look at as well, as you soar in and out of the mist, the light rays peeking through, illuminating your dashboard, and casting a shadow of your plane on the distant ground below. At its highest settings and high above the terrain, the game is quite beautiful to look at." - Alex V

Runners-up: The Last of Us Part II, Ghost of Tsushima, Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales

"Cyberpunk 2077 uses a mix of real-world artists and a custom soundtrack to produce some awesome backing music. On the radio stations, artists like Grimes, Ratboy, Gazelle Twin, and Refused blend together Electronic, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Reggae genres to create an industrial and aggressive style. These songs are paired with custom pumping tracks that kick into gear during heavy action, directed by Marcin Przybylowicz. It all produces a distinctive soundscape that reflects the dark personality of Night City." - Ben Thomas

Runners-up: Doom Eternal, Paradise Killer, Hades

"As a first-party exclusive title, and one that focuses on a cinematic approach, there's no questioning the game's presentation prowess. The Last of Us Part II features great audio design - with good voice acting, great sound effects and environmental sounds that add to the strong atmosphere. From the haunting Clickers to the rustling of the collapsing world, every nook and cranny holds potential danger, and the audioscape manages to constantly keep players on the edge of tension." - Alex V

Runners-up: Star Wars: Squadrons, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Doom Eternal

"The sequel still features cinematic action, atmospheric environments, memorable characters and unflinching violence. You'll spend a ton of time maneuvering your way around dark and dangerous buildings, open outdoor areas, and tight spaces. The second half of the story in particular has a few grueling encounters that are quite memorable, thanks to tight corridors and a plethora of enemies." - Alex V

Runners-up: Cyberpunk 2077, Resident Evil 3 (2020), Ghost of Tsushima

"The audio design is strong, with good voice acting. Between Ashley Johnson, Laura Bailey, Troy Baker, and Jeffrey Pierce, both the returning cast and newcomers deliver a high quality of performance that is expected from a cinematic game such as this." - Alex V

Runners-up: Cyberpunk 2077, Ghost of Tsushima, Hades

"One day, as Ellie returns from a regular patrol, she learns of trouble. Joel - a man who's had to sacrifice, but also hurt a lot of people - hasn't been seen for hours. The events that follow set Ellie on a path of vengeance, and take her to Seattle, where most of the game takes place. It's in these collapsed buildings, caved-in concrete streets, all overgrown with vegetation and crawling with threats, that she must satisfy her craving for retribution." - Alex V

Runners-up: V (Cyberpunk 2077), Tyler (Tell Me Why), Jill (Resident Evil 3 2020)