Steam] 2020 Steam roundup! The BEST 10 PC games you must play during the year-end and New Year holidays!

How are you doing, Akiba Research Institute readers? I am Nero Hyakkabe, a writer who buys too many games. Time flies, and before I know it, the year 2020 is coming to an end. I have been writing Steam game reviews for Akiba Research Institute since March of this year, and this time, among the games I have reviewed so far, I would like to introduce the titles that I have been so absorbed in that I forgot that I was working and thought, "You must play this! I would like to introduce, in a ranking format, some of the games that I have reviewed so far that I have forgotten that I was working and got lost in them. Please note that this is a ranking based on the author's personal preferences and subjectivity!
So, let's get started with the "Best 10 PC games you must play during the year-end and New Year's holidays. Let's count down!

No. 10: Learn magic and seduce your enemies! Hypergalactic Psychic Table Tennis 3000", a classic table tennis game with amazing evolution!


⇒Let's play a retro-style PC game that offers a taste of newness amidst good old-fashioned nostalgia this GW!

  • Hypergalactic Psychic Table Tennis 3000" (Blue Wizard Digital)
  • Genre: Action
  • Release date: March 3, 2020
  • Price: 205 yen (as of December 15, 2020)
  • Copyright: (C) 2020 Blue Wizard Digital

Based on the simple table tennis game "PONG," known as "the world's first hit video game.


At first, the game starts out as an ordinary table tennis game with the appearance of a retro game, but as you progress through the game, the game gradually undergoes an "overwhelming evolution" that is the most distinctive feature of this title. Your own paddle learns magic, enemy paddles develop their own personalities such as "golem" and "slime," and you can even seduce the boss paddle through a "Tokimemo"-style conversation system! The game is filled with unimaginable elements. It is a game filled with surprises that will give you an unprecedented and shocking table tennis experience.

No. 9: Bishojo x Sci-Fi x Battle! A side-scrolling action game with fun Huxla elements "Metal Unit"!

⇒Steam] Cute is right! PC games featuring beautiful girls Part 3

  • Metal Unit" (JellySnow Studio)
  • Genre: Action
  • Release date: February 4, 2020 (*Early access)
  • Price: 1,520 yen (as of December 15, 2020))
  • Copyright: (C) 2020 JellySnow Studio)

A 2D side-scrolling action game starring "Johanna," a young pilot girl who fights wearing a battle suit called the "M-Unit suit.


The game is characterized by the conversational scenes that are interspersed between actions and the high quality dot-drawing, retro-game-like graphics. The biggest draw for me is the "Hack & Slash" element of the game. The excitement of acquiring high rarity equipment that appears at random is irresistible! The exhilarating feeling of using a variety of weapons to defeat enemies is also appealing in this recommended action game.

No. 8: A cheerful, cute, and dorky Kunoichi and his cheerful, echo-chic life together! NinNinDays


⇒Steam] Kunoichi, Succubus, and Puzzle! A little bit (?) Erotic PC game feature!

  • NinNinDays" (create, iMel Inc.)
  • Genre: Adventure
  • Release date: August 9, 2019
  • Price: 1,280 yen (as of December 15, 2020)
  • Copyright: (c) 2019 qureate

In 2020, we have sent you several "Slightly Eccentric Game Specials," and one of the most highly recommended games that you should definitely try is "NinNinDays."


Set in Akihabara, this game tells the story of a slightly erotic life together with a Kunoichi girl named Sumire. The biggest attraction is the cuteness of the heroine "Sumire! The standing picture of the character that moves smoothly by "E-mote" is fun just by looking at it, and the part of her body that sways around is also worth seeing! The cheerful story with a romantic comedy taste written in light sentences is also attractive and can be recommended to those who do not usually play novel games or adventure games.

No. 7: Make your favorite princess an emperor! Deck-growing card game "Heart of Crown PC


⇒PC board game feature: "Heart of Crown PC" (Steam)

  • Heart of Crown PC" (illuCalab, FLIPFLOPs, Japanime Digital)
  • Genre: Strategy
  • Released on December 13, 2017
  • Price: 2,570 yen (as of December 15, 2020)
  • Copyright: (C) 2017 illuCalab, FLIPFLOPs, Japanime Digital

This title is a digital version of the analog board game of the same name.


The player becomes one of the powerful men of an empire and tries to defeat the rival candidates for the throne of his favorite princess from among the candidates for successor to the emperor. The system is a so-called "deck-building" card game, and players can enjoy the fun of creating the "strongest deck" they desire by purchasing cards during the game and eliminating those they do not need. The author's favorite aspect of the game is its cute illustrations. In particular, the unique princesses that are the key to the game are a must-see! This is a must-play title not only for card game lovers, but also for those who like cute characters.

No. 6: Trees, ponds, homes, neighborhood ladies! RPG "Bukiatsume" where you can pick up anything and turn it into a weapon.

⇒Let's play a retro-style PC game that offers newness in good old-fashioned nostalgia this GW!

  • Bukiatsume" (kagaya)
  • Genre: RPG
  • Release date: June 28, 2019
  • Price: 980 yen (as of December 15, 2020)
  • Copyright: (c) 2019 kagaya


This title is a 2D overlooking viewpoint type RPG with retro-game-like graphics.


The turn-based system is reminiscent of games such as "Siren of the Wind Rising," in which enemies move as the player moves, making it a fairly orthodox RPG. The biggest and most "crazy" feature of this title is the astonishing system that allows the player to "turn anything into a weapon! The main character, Ueko, the daughter of a weapon shop owner, can pick up anything and everything on the field, including beds, bookshelves, trees, ponds, homes, enemies, neighborhood ladies, and even her own sister, and equip them as weapons. I was really surprised, amused, and excited by this system, and it is one of the most memorable and unique works I have played in 2020.

No. 5: "Cat Lady - The Card Game," a card game where you take care of cute cats and aim to be the best cat lover.


⇒"Cat Lady - The Card Game" is a card game in which you take care of cute cats and try to become the best cat lover. The ultimate healing, cat game PC game feature!

  • Cat Lady - The Card Game" (Nomad Games)
  • Genre: Strategy
  • Release date: December 12, 2019
  • Price: 520 yen (as of December 15, 2020)
  • Copyright: (c) 2019 Nomad Games

This title is a card game with a feline theme. Like "Heart of Crown PC" introduced at No. 7, it is a digital version of the analog card game of the same name "Cat Lady" (Japanese version "Toru Neko"). The first thing that catches the eye is the cute illustrations. Not only the cats, but also their food and toys, are all drawn with a soft and gentle touch that will surely make you feel relaxed just by looking at them.


The rules of the game are a one-on-one battle format, where players take turns acquiring a row of cards from the cards lined up on the field, feed their cats the food of their choice, and compete for the final score. The rules are simple and easy to understand once you play, but the game is so deep and the elements of luck and strategy are so well intertwined that you will find yourself saying, "One more time! It is a highly addictive game that makes you lose track of when to quit. In fact, I was so addicted to the game that I even purchased the app version released for smartphones!

No. 4: A game too cute to die for! Little Witch Nobeta" is a "soul-like" adventure of a little wizard Nobeta.


⇒Steam] Cute is right! PC games featuring beautiful girls Part 2

  • Little Witch Nobeta" (Pupuya Games)
  • Genre: Action
  • Release date: June 24, 2020 (*Early access)
  • Price: 990 yen (as of December 15, 2020)
  • Copyright: (C) 2020 Pupuya Games

This title, "Little Witch Nobeta," became a hot topic this year on social networking sites, along with the terms "Lolita Dork Soul" and "Lolita Shit.


It is an orthodox 3D action game in which you control a little witch, Nobeta, as she battles enemies and explores a mysterious old castle, but as the term "Loli Dark Souls" suggests, it is quite challenging. Despite the cute and soft touch of the graphics, the game offers a robust action experience.


The game's quality as an action game is of course high, but what is most appealing is the "not-too-cute" and cute motions of Noveta-chan. The well-designed movements, such as falling down and swinging her cane around, are a must-see.

No. 3: Beautiful maids fight! Rogue-like deck-building card game "Phantom Rose


⇒Steam] Cute is right! PC games featuring beautiful girls!

  • Phantom Rose" (makaroll)
  • Genre: Strategy
  • Release date: August 8, 2019
  • Price: 1,500 yen (as of December 15, 2020)
  • Copyright: (c) 2019 makaroll

This title is a roguelike deck-building card game in which players fight enemies in randomly generated stages to acquire cards and make their own decks stronger and stronger. However, unlike "Slay the Spire" and other games in the same vein, in this title, the cards you use do not remain in your deck but disappear. Therefore, it is necessary to purchase more cards from the store and rewards after battles, which is a major originality of "Phantom Rose" and the point that makes the game addictive.


The game itself is fun, and the gothic atmosphere of the world and the cute and cool maid Reina, the main character, make it a highly recommended title that will keep you entertained for a long time.

No. 2: A cheerful and fun place to work, despite the risk of death (?) Lobster Management" is a simulation of managing a deformed monster. Lobotomy Corporation | Monster Management Simulation


⇒[Steam] Today is Labor Thanksgiving Day! Let's work in a game today! Work simulation PC game feature

  • Lobotomy Corporation | Monster Management Simulation" (ProjectMoon)
  • Genre: Simulation
  • Released on April 9, 2018
  • Price: 2,570 yen (as of December 15, 2020)
  • Copyright: (c) 2018 ProjectMoon


This is an unusual simulation game set in a company called Lobotomy, where the player manages a group of deformed monsters called "Abnormality. As a janitor, the player gives instructions to the employees to work in the Abnormality's housing room and collect the energy necessary to clear the room. However, the abnormalities are all peculiar, such as "a girl with a lit match penetrating her pitch-black body" and "a pair of shrimp people and a vending machine offering a mysterious beverage. If mishandled, the staff may end up in danger. Although this title is not for everyone due to its grotesque expressions, those who enjoy the thrill of a "game of death" and the unique and bizarre worldview will find themselves hooked on this title. This is a game that I hope many people will experience. Incidentally, this game is one that I have already made up my mind to buy first when I get a gaming PC. I have actually bought a gaming PC and have been playing this game since I got it. In fact, I bought it on the same day I got my gaming PC. I like this world view. ......

No. 1: "Craftopia," a mega-popular open-world survival action game.


⇒Steam] The harvest season has arrived! PC game feature where you can enjoy farming!

  • Craftopia (POCKET PAIR, Inc.)
  • Genre: Action
  • Released on September 4, 2020 (*Early access)
  • Price: 2,570 yen (as of December 15, 2020)
  • Copyright: (C) 2020 POCKET PAIR, Inc.

This title, "Craftopia," is an open-world action game that has generated a great deal of buzz this year, especially on social networking sites.


The main feature of this game is its "mega-features" that make it impossible to play to the fullest. The game is packed with all the "addictive elements" of various games from the past, present, and future, including adventure, farming, hunting, building, battles, and haxla, all in one title. The volume of the game is so overwhelming that it is beyond imagination. The world of Craftopia is so exciting and fascinating that it has been created to realize the "game where you can do this and that" that everyone has dreamed of at least once. It is a must-play for all PC game players.

Here's to another great year of games in 2021!


So, that's my ranking of the Steam games I've played and featured in this article in 2020, based on my own prejudice and recommendations.

Of course, the games I could not introduce this time are all interesting and addictive, so if I may be so greedy, I would like you to try all the games I have introduced in this article during this year-end and New Year's holiday season! I sincerely hope that you will try all the titles I have introduced in this article during this year-end and New Year's holiday season!

I will continue to introduce various Steam games as I go along, so please look forward to seeing you again in 2021! I wish you all a Happy New Year!

Author:Nero Hyakkabe
Freelance writer who buys too many games. I currently have more than 300 games in my stack. I am also a novelist. Author of "Goaken Unrated Edition" (Kodansha) and "My Mother's Lie" (in "Malicious Kwaidan") (Takeshobo).
Twitter: https: //www.twitter.com/KINGakiko
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