So you’ve binge-watched all of the shows and Marie Kondo’d the heck out of your home, now it’s time to button smash your way through 11 of the best new games we’re officially obsesses with right now. From PS4 faves to Nintendo must-haves, we’ve covered all bases. And yes, you should cancel your weekend plans.
Plus, we’ve partnered with the entertainment-lovers over at Optus to bring you a binge-worthy series called The Download every Friday for the next month. From movies to music, games and podcasts, here’s everything you need to add to your rotation, stat. And the best part? Optus are helping you make it all happen, slinging unlimited data for a day of your choosing for only an additional $5—it’s time to hit play on these epic games.
Last of Us Part II
If you own a PS4, chances are you’ve been counting down the days until you get to play the much-awaited Last of Us sequel. The time has finally come. Reunite with Ellie as she navigates through her dystopian adolescence, surrounded by the zombie-like ‘infected’. If you missed the original, we strongly recommend you go back and take this epic story from the top. Trust us, it’s worth it just for the amazing visuals alone.
Final Fantasy VII Remake
Another one for our PS4 lovers is the Final Fantasy VII Remake. This action role-playing game is the first in a series of games rebooting the epic 1997 Final Fantasy VII. Play as eco-terrorist Cloud Strife as he faces up against the evil megacorporation that is using your planet’s life essence as fuel. This game lets you live your best, badass eco-warrior life in a visually stunning, cyberpunk dystopia.
Doom Eternal
Much loved, long-running game series Doom is back at it again with their latest addictive instalment, Doom Eternal. In this first-person shooter, hell has opened up resulting in demons swarming the earth. It’s your job as Slayer to conquer these demons across multiple dimensions and save humanity. And the best part? Doom Eternal has been released across all the big gaming platforms, so you can slay some demons whether you’re on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia, or Microsoft Windows.
Resident Evil 3
If you spent your teenage years horrifying yourself with the Resident Evil series we have good news for you. Resident Evil 3 dropped this year, which means you can relive those terrifying memories all over again with cutting edge graphics for ultimate jump scares. This time around, Jill Valentine is trying to escape from Raccoon City which has been overrun by, you guessed it, zombies. Whether you’re new to the series or a cult fan, you can get this one on PS4, Xbox, and PC.
Animal Crossing
We couldn’t do a round-up of 2020’s best games so far without including the mother-of-all iso-distractions: Animal Crossing. If you have a Nintendo Switch, chances are you’re already living your best life on your digital island getaway. If not, the hype around this game is there for a reason. Who doesn’t want to spend their time socialising in tropical paradise right now?
Call of Duty: Warzone
Ah, Call of Duty, a game that has been filling the free time of gamers for nearly 20 years. This time around, they are taking a slightly different approach from their usual first-person shooter fare. Call of Duty: Warzone has taken it to epic proportions with a free-for-all battle royal experience with up to 150 players. And guess what, you can play on PS4, PC, or Xbox, all absolutely free.
Levelhead Platformer Maker
For those of you who are currently console-less and have been scrolling through our list in search of a mobile game to get lost in, scroll no further. Levelhead Platformer Maker is available on just about everything, including your phone. You can either work your way through the challenging levels, create your own complex 2D platformers, or try out other user’s creations, making this the perfect game whether you like to challenge yourself, create or compete.
Half-Life: Alyx
Calling all you PC gamers, Half-Life has returned and it is more ridiculously visually stunning than ever. Don your VR headset and enter the world of Alyx Vance as she and her father revolt against earth’s invaders. This game represents the next level of VR, being specifically built for the format. Spend your time literally fighting off alien invaders with your bare hands as you lose yourself in the breathtaking details of this much-awaited instalment.
Gwent
We know what you’re thinking: hasn’t Gwent been around for years? In short yes, but they have finally launched their mobile game for Android this year, so we think it’s worth a mention. If you’re a Witcher fan, you’ve probably played this strategy card game before in between quests. Now, you can play it on the go from your phone, or more likely in our current situation, on the couch as you simultaneously binge-watch Witcher on Netflix.
Paper Mario: The Origami King
One of our most recent releases on this list is the next instalment from the Mario Brothers, Paper Mario: The Origami King. Naturally made for the Nintendo Switch, this new Mario adventure kicks into action as the Origami King steals Peach’s castle. Mario, of course, sets off on his biannual mission to save the princess, joining forces with unlikely friends as the King’s plan unfolds.
Ghost of Tsushima
Last on the list is another super-recent release for PS4, Ghost of Tsushima. This third-person action-adventure game takes you back to the year 1274 as the Mongol Empire invades the island of Tsushima. Play as Jin Sakai, one of Tsushima’s last remaining samurai, and explore the open-world setting as you defend the island from the invading Mongol Empire.
Button smash your way through these must-try new games with Optus. Changing the game with a new Unlimited Data Day add-on for just an additional $5, Optus is letting you treat yourself by streaming, watching and playing all day. For use on mobile phone devices in Australia only. Fair Go Policy applies. Not for commercial use. Add on may be withdrawn from sale without notice. Full terms and conditions apply.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Optus and proudly endorsed by Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.