Some of the best games of the year didn't come out in 2020
I love the ring in Ring Fit Adventure: the way it pulses when positioned correctly for a move; hitting the sweet spot, feeling it tug like a bump in the air. I love the tremble and buzz as you pull hard for a Bow Pull, or go low for a Squat (or a Wide Squat, or a Knee Lift Combo which feels like a Squat). I love the main theme, and the track that sounds like Kylie. I love that the linear stages feel a bit Sonic with all their springs and jumps, and I love the first level’s beat-drop as you burst into a vivid colourscape. From leader board competitions against friends (200 on Endless Deltoids!) to the custom workouts I made after injuring my Achilles (fuck you barefoot trainers!) Ring Fit has been a 2020 constant. And I never would have played it if the gyms hadn’t closed in Lockdown.
Omar’s games of 2020Super Smash Bros. UltimateRing Fit AdventureFinal Fantasy 9Kero BlasterMario 3D All-Stars Collection
I’m one of those who secretly quite enjoyed Lockdown 1. I work in a hospital, so decided to move out of the house for a few months. This worked out fine, because I’d get a social fix from work – suddenly and strangely the most communal place in Birmingham – then I’d have my days off to do as I pleased and play Super Smash Bros Ultimate.
Smash has always been an after-dinner staple, and my friends and I have a Smash Bros WhatsApp group (called “Smash Brothers” because I’m a genius like that). Pre-pandemic this was used to try – and basically fail – to arrange local sessions.