Returnal
We thought Returnal would be good, but never imagined it would be quite this awesome. Returnal takes traditional (and if we’re honest, overdone) roguelike mechanics and adds enough quality of life to feel like each run has worth. Along the way, it sports some awesome and spooky design, and a surprisingly engaging story.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Super Mario 3D World is already a standout Mario experience, and the addition of Mario’s first open world adventure makes this package a must have. Bowser’s Fury feels like a peek behind the curtain at what Mario could be in the future, and our tanookis are standing at attention in anticipation.
New Pokemon Snap
Yup, we’re just as surprised as you to be writing this. Straight out of left field, New Pokemon Snap is a beautiful, relaxing, and fun experience for the whole family.
Hitman 3
Very much more of the same, but in the best possible way, Hitman 3 is a broad and deep sandbox we loved to pieces. Alongside the shenanigans Agent 47 is known for, Hitman 3 adds a lot of unexpected bits, like 47 moonlighting as a private investigator. If you can pick up Hitman 3 with the first 2 titles included, it has a value/$ ratio unlike anything else out there.
Cyber Shadow
Live, die, repeat in this modern take on the Ninja Gaiden formula. Cyber Shadow sports an absolute slapper of a soundtrack, and the direct control needed in a hyper difficult 2D action game. At the same time, it’s thoroughly modern, and with persistence you’re sure to make very satisfying progress.
At Least One Monster Hunter Game
Monster Hunter Rise is the game we expected to be listing here, but don’t sleep on Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin! In our mind, it’s a better Pokemon experience than Sword & Shield, and a surprisingly deep and fun Monster Hunting title.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition
3 of the best RPGs in history, thoroughly modernized and packaged up for a journey with galactic consequences. What else do we need to say?
There they are, some of the best games in the first half of 2021. What did we miss? Guilty Gear Strive? Nier Replicant perhaps? Let us know in the comments below and on Twitter!
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