Games I am Excited to Play This Summer

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

It’s hard to believe that it’s already June and our idea of summer, for many, is far different from what we’re used to. Regardless of the events going in in the hard news, us gamers have plenty of video games to play this summer, whether we’re avoiding confrontation, the sun or just want to do what we love. Truth be told, at the time of writing, there aren’t a ton of games on my radar as the fall likely will have but I still see a handful that I want to play badly. So, join me as I discuss my most anticipated game releases of summer 2020.

I’ll start off small and work my way up to the big guns, not that I need to convince you to play those. But I’m actually very curious about the remake of “Spongebob Squarepants: Battle for Bikini Bottom.” This iconic game holds nostalgia for many. I cannot relate but I do have plenty of nostalgia for Spongebob Squarepants as a TV show I grew up with. And truthfully I am interested in playing this remake. I think it looks like a lot of fun and will probably satisfy me as someone who grew up with the material. Will it be a good game, nostalgia aside? Hard to say but for some reason, I do think it looks like it may be a really good time. 

Releasing about a month later is another remake. “Destroy All Humans” is yet another game I also lack nostalgia for. But once more, I am interested. I think the gameplay seems very enjoyable based on what I have seen. The idea of playing the side of aliens and the rip on old alien movies catches my attention. I am definitely willing to give it a shot and am excited for the incentive to try this franchise, as the older titles never convinced me to play them today.

The trend seems to continue as yet another old game is getting remade. It is quite interesting that 2020 really is the year of game remakes. And one of those that has me very excited is “Mafia.” This classic game is finally hitting modern consoles and looks incredible. Whereas the sequel, “Mafia II” got a remaster recently, one that didn’t impress, this is a remake from the ground up. “Mafia: Definitive Edition” looks like a brand new current generation console game and I think that it will prove to be impressive. I’m, at the very least, excited to play it, as I never have before

“Paper Mario” isn’t a sub-series I have a lot of attachment to. But as a fan of “Super Mario” as a whole, I am willing to give the next entry in the “Paper Mario” series a chance, especially with the high quality rate of the Switch’s first party outings. “Paper Mario: The Origami King” looks delightful and charming. It seems to be implementing some beloved aspects but also adding new things. Assuming the gimmicks work, the story is fun and the gameplay is fresh and sound, I am down to finally give a proper chance to “Paper Mario.”

Of course, 2020 is seeing the release of two major PS4 games, to properly cap off the final months before the PS5 releases. And the fact that “The Last of Us: Part II” and “Ghost of Tsushima” launch within a month of one another justifies in every way that the PS4 is the place to play for first party exclusives. I mean technically we don’t know that they're great but come on, they’re going to be great.

After a few delays, Naughty Dog is finally ready to give gamers their biggest and most ambitious game to date. “The Last of Us: Part II” was a game I never wanted or needed as the first game was near flawless. However, the follow-up story quickly became clear why they wanted it to be told. It seems emotional, intense and mature, as expected. Following Ellie should prove interesting as we see her grow up in the terrible world she was born into. “The Last of Us: Part II” has continued to impress in every way. The technical department shows beautiful graphics and realistic physics, weather, nature and more. The action is brutal and intense, as well as very fleshed out. The gameplay will surely be challenging but rewarding. And the overall package of “The Last of Us: Part II” has me confident it will deliver a special experience, like its predecessor did in 2013.

While “The Last of Us” is a trusted brand an Naughty Dog has a more complete track record than Sucker Punch, the latter’s upcoming game may actually take the cake for my most anticipated. “Ghost of Tsushima” actually looks incredible. I knew I wanted this game from the first reveal trailer. But as time went on and we saw the actual gameplay and world of “Ghost of Tsushima,” it raised in the ranks of games I want to play ASAP. Sucker Punch left behind their “Infamous” series to do something far more grand. This game has some gorgeous visuals, amazing world design and a huge scale and scope. The story seems very intriguing and the Japanese lore is quickly catching my attention. I am very excited for the exploration of Tsushima. And of course the combat looks awesome. The mix between stealth tactics and action has me thrilled. I have a strong feeling of confidence for this one. “Ghost of Tsushima” looks like game of the year material in every way.

And there you have it. Those are the games I am excited to play this summer. I hope you enjoyed reading my thoughts on these upcoming releases. So be sure to share with me your own thoughts. Are you looking forward to these games or did I miss some important ones? Let me know all your thoughts in the comments below.