As we approach the end of the year, it’s time to reflect on the games that characterized the year. As we proceeded through 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic claimed release date after release date, but the games industry kept chugging along. Even though the year’s release schedule was constantly changing, we still got a lot of good games in 2021. We’ll go over the Best Games of 2021 and explain what made each one so exceptional on our list.
Hitman 3 is the third installment in the Hitman series.
With its World of Assassination Trilogy, IO Interactive elevated the Hitman series to new heights, and Hitman 3 was a fitting conclusion to the latest narrative of everyone’s favorite bald assassin. In the third game, IO expands on the dynamic landscapes for which it has become known, providing new means to take out targets and new ways to traverse the area.
Hero of the Loop
There’s no denying that the roguelike genre is becoming increasingly crowded in 2021. Over the last few years, the genre has grown to be one of the most popular in the indie arena, and there are so many roguelike games that it can be tough for new products to stand out. In the instance of Loop Hero, however, this was not the case.
Sable
It’s easy to lose track of time in the most intense and action-packed games, but Sable isn’t one of them. Sable meets you with stunning landscapes such as slow-motion sunsets and the ruins of crumbling stone ruins, rather than eternal warfare. The game is heavily influenced by fantasy RPGs such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but without the defending and weapon discovery.
It takes two to tango.
After playing It Takes Two, Hazelight Studios is a master at creating compelling co-op experiences. While the studio’s earlier game, A Way Out, had certain shortcomings, It Takes Two is difficult to find fault with.
Village of Resident Evil
Whatever you think of Capcom’s decision to make Resident Evil Village a first-person shooter, there’s no denying that it’s a Resident Evil game through and through. There are a lot of creepy creatures, suspenseful situations, and undead-slaying action in this game. There’s also a sassy vampire lady who, for some reason, has everyone on social media smitten.
Dread Metroid
Metroid enthusiasts must be among the most patient gamers on the planet. They’ve been waiting for years for Metroid Prime 4, but the wait for a new 2D Metroid game has been even longer (assuming we don’t count the remakes of Zero Mission and Samus Returns).
The Guardians of the Galaxy are a superhero team created by Marvel.
When Square Enix revealed that it would be producing a game for Guardians of the Galaxy, I had no idea what to anticipate. The result, however, is a true work of art in terms of language and design.
There’s so much to adore in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy that I keep going back to my old save files to play through some of my favorite moments of the game. Fans of the comics will recognize everything about the game. The script, the dialogue, everything about it feels like it belongs in a Guardians of the Galaxy comic book, and I’m all for it.
Forza Horizon 5 is a racing game.
There is no doubt that Forza Horizon 5 is similar to Forza Horizon 4 and 3. The game modes are fairly similar, the open-world driving is very familiar, and many of the characters are the same as in previous games. You’ll be familiar with the gameplay in Forza Horizon 5.
Psychonauts 2 is the sequel to the first.
Psychonauts 2 was well worth the wait after a 15-year wait. To say that this was one of the most surreal games of the year is an understatement, but to be honest, it wouldn’t have felt the same if it hadn’t been.
Rift Apart is a Ratchet & Clank game.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart was one of my favorite games of the year, and I’m surprised it hasn’t been mentioned in more year-end lists. While the PlayStation 5 has had several excellent exclusives this year, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is the one that convinced me of the console’s vision.
Age of Empires IV is a strategy game.
The Age of Empires fandom is notoriously difficult to satisfy. While Age of Empires III is a fantastic game in its own right, most fans have been playing Age of Empires II for years. Microsoft’s latest Age of Empires Definitive Edition releases only renewed that passion for the brand – especially Age of Empires II – and as we approached Age of Empires IV’s release date, many (including myself) were wondering if Microsoft could pull it off after all these years.
