Even with COVID-19 happening and all, 2021 still managed to be quite the stellar year in gaming. We’ve seen our shares of up and downs, but we’ve also seen some amazing software come our way to keep us busy for months at a time.
Let’s go ahead and count down the greatest games we came across in the year – and here’s to hoping for another great one!
Honorary Mention: Deathloop
In spite of its PS5 exclusivity (for now), Bethesda’s Deathloop really packed a wallop, with an original story, intriguing time-bending gameplay and a crazy atmosphere that just plain works.
Honorary Mention: Guilty Gear -Strive-
Hands down the best fighting game of 2021. Strive outdoes its competition with beautiful animation, fun 2D brawling and lots of fan service. Don’t miss this brawling party.
10. Kaze and the Wild Masks
A fun throwback to the retro platforming days of old, Kaze and the Wild Masks is a real thrill to play. Challenging, gorgeous to look at, and jam-packed with great abilities. We can’t get enough of it.
9. Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
BioWare went out of its way to assure that Mass Effect: Legendary Edition captured the energy of the space saga just about perfectly. And even without multiplayer, it succeeded with no problem.
8. It Takes Two
Talk about your ideal co-op experience. It Takes Two takes a fun, creative turn, and forces two players to work together through a remarkable journey. Well worth pairing up with someone for.
7. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Now, this, folks, is a Wii U port done perfectly right. Along with all the multiplayer fun of the original game, Super Mario 3D World also has one hell of an expansion with the challenging Bowser’s Fury. Don’t you dare miss out.
6. Psychonauts 2
It took quite some time for it to arrive, but Tim Schafer and Double Fine did not disappoint with the return of Raz. A gorgeous adventure with some smarts to it – and a whole bunch of laughs.
Enjoy!
5. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy
Square Enix makes up for its Avengers mistakes with a wonderfully done Marvel adventure, featuring a ragtag group of heroes that are just as charming as their on-screen cohorts. Really well done.
4. Metroid Dread
A complete surprise out of left field, Metroid Dread is a real treat for Switch owners. Hard as heck? Sure. Crazy fun? Absolutely. And the story wraps up a long-awaited arc without fail. Love it.
3. Halo Infinite
This right here is Master Chief done right. Brilliant multiplayer, an awesome campaign, and some of the best visuals this side of the Xbox Series X. Don’t you dare miss this space ride.
2. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
How Insomniac Games continues to top themselves like this is beyond us. A true marvel with PS5 hardware, Rift Apart also continues the duo’s adventures in high style. We can’t wait for more.
The Best Game of 2021: Forza Horizon 5
We’re not quite sure how Playground Games managed to outperform Turn 10 Studios on its own franchise, but here we are. Forza Horizon 5 is a brilliant racer that never lets up, packing insane visuals on top of a never-ending load of events to partake in, along with an all-star soundtrack and intriguing gameplay. Get ready for the ride of your life with this one.
We’re giving away a game platform of your choice! Find out how you can win here.
I assume you only play consoles. Because the best game of the year was Icarus First Cohort, without any doubt.