Hello, gamers! 2021 was a great year for gaming, with plenty of exciting releases that kept us entertained throughout the year. However, some video games may have flown under the radar due to the sheer number of releases. Fear not, as we’ve got you covered with a list of the best games you might’ve missed out on in 2021. From indie to triple-A game releases in 2021, we have it all. And trust us, these games are worthy of your attention.
It Takes Two
Genre: Action-adventure, Platformer
“It Takes Two” is a cooperative platformer that follows the story of a couple who have turned into dolls. They now must work together to overcome obstacles and save their relationship. The game features unique mechanics and puzzles that can only be solved through teamwork, making it a perfect video game to play with a friend or significant other.
Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Halo Infinite
Genre: First-person shooter
Looks like Master Chief’s journey isn’t ending just yet. The latest installment in the Halo series, Halo Infinite, brings back the classic gameplay that fans love while adding new elements to the mix. The video game features an open-world environment, which is a first for the series, and an engaging storyline that will keep you hooked from start to finish. The developers intend Halo Infinite to be the last Halo game for at least a decade. So do yourself a favor and complete the Halo experience. If you’re looking at completing the entire Halo experience, check out the older games on Xbox Pass.
Platform: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Deathloop
Genre: First-person shooter, Action
Deathloop is a first-person shooter that takes place on an island where you must assassinate eight targets known as Visionaries before the day resets. Another assassin named Julianna, who is also stuck in the time loop, complicates matters by attempting to prevent Colt from breaking it. Players can control Julianna either through the game’s AI or in multiplayer mode. The game features a time-loop mechanic that adds a new layer of complexity to the gameplay, as you’ll need to strategize and plan your attacks carefully. The video game also features a strong emphasis on player choice.
Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5
Psychonauts 2
Genre: Platformer, Adventure
Psychonauts 2 is a platformer that follows the story of Razputin Aquato, a young psychic who has joined the Psychonauts, a secret organization of elite psychic spies. As part of his task, Raz explores the minds of various characters to uncover their hidden thoughts, emotions, and secrets. Moreover, the story takes place several years after the events of the first game. It follows Raz as he investigates a mysterious organization known as the “Internationale” that seeks to eliminate all psychics.
The game features a quirky and imaginative world, memorable characters, and challenging puzzles that will keep you engaged for hours on end.
Platform: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Hitman 3
Genre: Stealth, Action
Hitman 3, arguably the best game in the series, is the final installment in the World of Assassination trilogy. As the eighth main installment in the Hitman series, the game follows the story of Agent 47, a genetically enhanced assassin who works for the International Contract Agency (ICA). After the events of the previous game, the game takes place in six main locations where Agent 47 must complete his assassination missions. To navigate the game’s levels and eliminate targets, players must use stealth, disguises, and creative approaches.
Moreover, the game features a variety of assassination methods, ranging from silent kills to explosive accidents. With multiple paths and solutions available, the game encourages players to approach each level in their own unique way.
Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia
Age of Empires IV
Genre: Real-Time Strategy
After a long wait, fans of the series are finally getting another installment to the Age of Empires trilogy. Age of Empires IV is a real-time strategy game that lets you build and manage your own empire. The game takes place during the medieval period, with the campaign spanning across several centuries from the Dark Ages to the Renaissance. The game features four playable civilizations: the English, the Chinese, the Abbasid Dynasty, and the Mongols. Each civilization has its own unique units, technologies, and play style. The gameplay involves building and managing a base, gathering resources, training units, and engaging in combat with other players or AI-controlled enemies. Players must balance their economy, technology research, and military strategy to outwit and defeat their opponents.
Platform: Microsoft Windows
Far Cry 6
Genre: First-person shooter, Action
Far Cry 6 is an open-world first-person shooter that takes place in the fictional Caribbean island nation of Yara, which is inspired by Cuba. As usual, you play as a guerrilla fighter fighting against a tyrannical government led by dictator Antón Castillo, who is played by actor Giancarlo Esposito. And you take up the mantle of the hero, while given choices that will ultimately influence the ending that you’ll get. The game features an engaging storyline, memorable characters, and plenty of side quests to keep you busy. The game also touches on themes of revolution, oppression, and the cost of freedom, making it a thought-provoking experience.
Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Kena: Bridge of Spirits
Genre: Action-adventure, Platformer
One of the standout features of the game is its stunning visuals. Firstly, the world is lush and vibrant, and the character designs are unique and memorable. Secondly, the game’s art style is inspired by traditional Balinese culture. You can see this influence in everything from the clothing that the characters wear to the architecture of the buildings.
The game’s puzzles are also quite challenging, but never feel overly frustrating or unfair. They often require you to use Kena’s abilities, such as her staff or the Rot, in creative ways to solve them. Players can discover hidden secrets, such as hidden shrines that offer extra challenges and rewards.
Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Resident Evil Village
Genre: Survival horror
Resident Evil Village is a survival horror video game developed and published by Capcom. It is the eighth main installment in the Resident Evil series and is a direct sequel to Resident Evil 7: Biohazard.
The game takes place a few years after the events of Resident Evil 7 and follows the story of Ethan Winters, who has relocated with his wife Mia to a remote village in Europe. However, their peaceful life is shattered when Chris Redfield, a veteran of the series, arrives and kidnaps their daughter, leading Ethan on a mission to rescue her and unravel the mystery behind the village and its inhabitants.
The gameplay of Resident Evil Village is similar to its predecessor, with a focus on survival horror elements such as exploration, puzzles, and combat with a variety of monsters and bosses. The game also introduces new features, such as a crafting system, a merchant who can sell items to the player, and a more open-world structure.
Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Stadia
Sable
Genre: Adventure, Exploration
Sable is a unique gaming experience that encourages exploration and self-discovery. Specifically, the game takes players on a journey of self-discovery as they assume the role of a young girl named Sable in an open-world desert filled with ancient ruins and otherworldly creatures.
The game’s mechanics center around exploration, with players traversing the vast desert landscape on foot or by hoverbike, discovering new locations and encountering various NPCs along the way. Sable’s unique art style, inspired by the work of French comic artist Jean “Moebius” Giraud, is a standout feature of the game and creates a dreamlike, otherworldly atmosphere.
In addition to exploration, Sable also features platforming and puzzle-solving elements, as well as a narrative that focuses on Sable’s personal journey of self-discovery and her relationship with her family and her tribe.
Platform: Microsoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Returnal
Genre: Third-person shooter, Roguelike
Returnal follows the story of Selene, a space pilot who crash-lands on an alien planet called Atropos. The game features roguelike elements, meaning that each playthrough of the game is procedurally generated, with the layout of levels, enemy placement, and item drops changing each time. Players must navigate through the dangerous and constantly changing environment of Atropos, battling various alien creatures and uncovering the mysteries of the planet.
As Selene progresses through the game, she will discover new weapons and abilities that will help her fight her way through the hostile environment. The game tells the story through various audio logs and cutscenes, with Selene piecing together the events that led to her crash-landing on Atropos.
One of the key mechanics of Returnal is its permadeath system, where dying means the player must start over from the beginning. However, players can keep some progress and upgrades they have unlocked during each run, which adds a layer of strategy to the gameplay.
Platform: PlayStation 5
Now that we’ve covered some of the best games you might’ve missed out on in 2021, let’s take a look at some honorable mentions that are also worth checking out.
Honorable Mentions
- Chicory: A Colorful Tale – a charming puzzle game where you play as a dog who is also an artist.
- Loop Hero – a roguelike deck-building game that combines strategy and nostalgia.
- The Forgotten City – a time-loop adventure game that puts you in the middle of an ancient Roman city.
There you have it, folks! Whether you’re into platformers, first-person shooters, or strategy games, there’s something on this list for everyone. Don’t let these hidden gems pass you by, and happy gaming!