The Best of The Best of 2021… So Far
As far as years go, 2021 is undoubtedly better than *shudder* 2020. We’re allowed outside, for one, and things are generally looking less apocalyptic these days. 2021 in video games has been somewhat underwhelming though. After all, by this time last year we already had Doom Eternal, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, and The Last of Us 2.
But is that REALLY true? Or has 2021 been surprisingly strong? We’d argue it’s the latter. Here are our picks for the best games in the first half of 2021.
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
Even setting aside the incredible technical chops on display in Insomniac’s latest stunner – which are just that, incredible – Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart deserves a spot on the list for being so darn fun. Ratchet and Rivet’s thrill ride through multiple dimensions blasts along at a rocket pace, and you won’t even want to come up for air along the way.
Loop Hero
Loop Hero may well be the world’s most interesting idle game. From out of nowhere, this roguelike, pixel art, choose your own adventure passion project has really wormed its way into our hearts. As Nicola put it in her review, “The battle for the fate of existence has never been so much fun.”
Resident Evil Village
The elder statesman of the list is Resident Evil. Providing all the spooky atmosphere we could handle and one of the most alluring villains yet conceived in Lady Dimitrescu, Resident Evil Village is sneakily one of the best horror games in ages.
It Takes Two
It Takes Two is Hazelight’s most refined effort yet, sporting Pixar caliber polish and a shockingly dynamic set of gameplay mechanics. While the story beats don’t always land with the oomph they ought to, It Takes Two’s outstanding co-op gameplay and clever design makes it worthy of consideration.
Bravely Default 2
Sequels don’t always land as well as the original, but Bravely Default 2 is an excellent JRPG chock full of in depth systems and mechanics. Fans of more recent RPG-lite fare might feel a little overwhelmed by the sheer number of things to pay attention to, but the satisfaction we got from sticking with it is mighty, well, satisfying. Just switch to the Japanese voice acting to keep cringe to a minimum.
MLB: The Show 21
Sony’s big show grows outside the PlayStation platforms this year, and it’s an excellent sports game top to bottom. The experience of baseball in The Show is remarkably accurate, but still maintains enough fun factor to be great for beginners too.
Head over to PAGE 2 for more great games…