Top Games of 2020 – Nintendo Edition Holiday Guide

We here at GamesReviews.com have been super fortunate to review a TON of games in 2020. So we wanted to round up the best of the best, the creme of the crop. All of these games have been personally used by our team here and come with our recommendations. I will be doing a few of these over the next week, so make sure to check back soon.

#1 – Animal Crossing New Horizons

This one shouldn’t come as a surprise to ANYONE. The game that launched at a perfect time in a terrible year that is 2020. The beauty of this game is that it is evergreen, meaning it’s always changing and evolving. The seasons change with time, the activities change, they celebrate the same holidays, what’s not to love about this cute romp on an island you design as you see fit. I’ve been a fan of the series since the first one and New Horizons takes all of that and gives us a fantastic easy for anyone to play game on the perfect family console on the market.

From our review:

Everything from the characters (HD animals) to the island look fantastic. All of it is so detailed, right down to what each character wears and the leaves that fall out of trees. Each item you’ll put in your tent/house is a wonder to look at. And the shadows in this game will shock you. It seems like everything that can go outside has a shadow. Nintendo really put their all into the game’s graphics. They put their all into its sound too.

Check out our full Animal Crossing New Horizons review here

#2 – The Wonderful 101 Remastered

Sure this game had its fair share of controversy earlier this year when they decided to kickstart a game that was already going to come out anyway….but besides that, The Wonderful 101 is definitely a different and unique experience from a lot of the other stuff we see on the console today. The Wii U was definitely an underrated console that had some fantastic experiences that not enough people go to play, this one included. So we are happy to see it now land in the hands of more folks this holiday season.

Look for our full review in the future, but so you get an understanding of what this game is:

A team of heroes from around the world must UNITE to protect the earth from vicious alien invaders! This band of 100 Wonderful Ones works together using their fantastic abilities to create a variety of forms. Whether it be a giant fist or a sharp blade, they’ll use their wits and power to overcome the enemy’s pitfalls and perils! And the final member of this team of courageous heroes—is you.

From PlatinumGames, creators of the Bayonetta series, ASTRAL CHAIN, NieR:Automata, and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, comes The Wonderful 101: Remastered! This game will be PlatinumGames’ first self-published title, and is a powered-up version of The Wonderful 101, originally released by Nintendo on September 15th, 2013 as a Wii U exclusive.

#3 Hades

One of my personal favorite experiences of the year, this one came as a surprise for me. I never considered myself to be a fan of the rogue-like gameplay style, this year has been a discovery of my appreciation of these games now quickly becoming one of my favorite genres. Hades is in the masterclass of this style of game. From the art-style, gameplay, narrative, everything about this game oozes how amazing it is.

From our Review:

I love everything about this game — aside from the very occasional hiccups on Switch — and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone. I know that “rogue-lite” is a dirty word to many, but Hades is absolutely the best example of a rogue-lite I’ve ever played. I’m 20-plus runs into my journey, and I’m still unlocking new story and gameplay moments. Hades is a must-play and further cement Supergiant Games as one of the best developers in gaming.

Check out our Full Hades Review here

#4 – Paper Mario: The Origami King

Paper Mario has always been a thing that stands on its own, very different from your traditional 2D and 3D Mario titles. Paper Mario is an RPG instead which always features a unique gameplay quirk or gimmick all to its own. The series is known for its graphics, gameplay, and humor in writing..these games are always a joy to play and The Origami King is no different. While might be harder for some of the younger folks, gamers who have been with Mario over the years are bound to have a great time here.

From our review:

This game is yet another wonderful looking Nintendo Switch game. So much care and creatively was put into this game’s graphics: from the paper thin heroes to the Origami villains and everything in the middle. The Origami King is one of the best looking Switch games and that’s saying a lot because there are so many good looking games on this system, including Super Mario Odyssey and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Check out our full Paper Mario Origami King review here

#5 – Pikmin 3 Deluxe

I am a HUGE fan of Pikmin, and I don’t hide that at all. One of Nintendo’s lesser-known properties has always stood out to me as something different, and special. Pikmin 3 Deluxe is the best entry in the entire series adding prologue and epilogue to the original game from the Wii U as well as all the DLC components. The landscapes and water effects in this game are second to none on the console and it’s not even close. The happy music, the swarms of Pikmin chanting away as you collect fruit and ship parts to help you get off the planet. Oh and the giant murderous bugs, birds, and other creepy crawlies against you. The game also boasts a ton of multiplayer and co-op options which makes it even more of a great family time game to play.

From our review:

For all you can say about Nintendo and their target audience, this is one of the first times where I’ve felt it’s actually aimed at children. Most Nintendo franchises walk that child-friendly line really well, but Pikmin 3 is exceedingly gentle.

It’s also fairly repetitive. Granted, you get new Pikmin and must solve new levels, but that’s not so transformative that someone who hates it 10 minutes in will suddenly fall in love.

It proudly is what it is. No gimmicks, no front – no problem.

Check out our full Pikmin 3 Deluxe Review Here

#6 – Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics 

Another great game from Nintendo that focuses on playing with others and making it as easily adaptable as possible. The beauty in this game is the variety, simplicity, and direction Clubhouse gives to you. This is one you can sit down with Grandma and enjoy together…well maybe not RIGHT now, you know Covid and such. But this is a game that is on the same level of Wii Sports, I just wish like Wii Sports it was included with the hardware.

From our review:

Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics is a collection that every Nintendo Switch owner should have downloaded onto their system. The wide range of games will keep you coming back to it long after you’ve finished every other game. And if you get tired of playing single player, you can always start a local multiplayer match or see whos online! Yes, the controls for some of the games are not perfect but Clubhouse Games is still a must own for Nintendo Switch.

Check out our full Clubhouse Games review here

#7 – Super Mario 3D All-Stars

Nostalgia is a strong force with Nintendo, that’s no secret. They really brought out the big guns here by bringing 3 of the most regarded 3D Marios all together to pull on our heartstrings of yesteryear. Time to boot up and relieve the days when you would go to blockbuster to rent your games, or maybe go to Toys R Us to purchase your game via a ticket you’d hand to the weird person in the cage who would give you your game like you were on some secret spy intel drop. Either way, there is no denying the appeal Mario has, and this collection brings it…. even though it’s only for a limited time, so don’t wait!

From our review:

Super Mario 3D All Stars is absolutely worth the price of admission because of Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy. Super Mario 64 is a very nice treat, but Sunshine and Galaxy are where a lot of the fun will be had. Those two games are just wonderful.

If you are a Mario fan at all, you must pick up Super Mario 3D All Stars when it launches on September 18, 2020. Don’t wait either, as Nintendo says the collection won’t be available after March. So you should buy Super Mario 3D All Stars while you can.

Is the collection perfect? No. Is it a ton of fun? Absolutely.

Check out our full Super Mario 3D All-Stars Review here