15 Best Video Games Of 2020 (So Far)

7. Nioh 2

If you played through Sekiro and thought "Hmm, that was nice, but I want something even harder", enter Nioh 2.

Pulling no punches in the masochistic stakes, the original Nioh demanded a level of proficiency and reflex action on behalf of the player that immediately separated the diehards from everyone else. Main-man William was a more adept beast than most Soulsborne heroes, able to switch stances on the fly, acquire loot from the ghosts of other players, and unlock unique branching moves like what to do when parrying or dual-wielding.

Nioh 2 then, only doubles down on these strengths, arguably hitting the breaking point of oppressive, risk/reward game design in the process.

Where millions will bounce off its barrage of one-hit kills and enemies hiding around every corner, you're gifted more rewards for staying alive longer. Better gear is one thing, but lightning fast counters and unlockable moves garnered at random from beating enemies is a game-changer.

Team Ninja nail the knife's edge tension that comes with becoming a more powerful character in any roguelike-adjacent game, and providing you don't break any controllers through frustration, Nioh 2 can be a phenomenally satisfying experience.