Alright, let’s talk about 2021. It was a year that, despite everything going on, gave us some seriously memorable video games. Some were familiar faces making a big comeback, others took familiar ideas and twisted them into something new. We saw a lot of games playing with time, which is interesting, but what really stood out were the ones that just nailed their experience. Here’s a look back at some of the best 2021 game releases that made a real splash.
Key Takeaways
- 2021 saw classic franchises like Ratchet & Clank and Resident Evil return with strong new entries.
- Time loop mechanics were a recurring theme in many notable 2021 game releases, including Deathloop and Returnal.
- It Takes Two stood out as a unique co-op experience praised for its creativity and emotional depth.
- Metroid Dread marked a successful return for the series, offering challenging gameplay and exploration.
- Games like Psychonauts 2 and The Forgotten City were recognized for their inventive storytelling and unique concepts.
1. It Takes Two
Okay, let’s talk about It Takes Two. Seriously, this game is something else. It’s a co-op adventure where you absolutely have to work together, and it’s built around that idea from the ground up. You play as Cody and May, a couple on the brink of divorce who get turned into dolls. To get back to normal, they have to journey through their own house, which looks totally different from their new perspective.
The whole premise is just brilliant for gameplay. Each level throws new mechanics at you that force you and your partner to communicate and coordinate. One minute you might be using Cody’s sap gun to slow down enemies while May uses her rocket launcher, and the next you’re navigating a bizarre world made of toys or managing a garden. It’s constantly surprising and always fun.
What really makes it stand out is how much variety there is. They throw in mini-games too, like a boxing match or a space shooter, just for kicks. It feels like the developers at Hazelight Studios just crammed in every cool idea they ever had. Plus, the Friend’s Pass means only one person needs to own the game, which is a huge plus for playing with a buddy. It’s a truly unique experience that redefines what cooperative gaming can be. If you’re looking for a game to play with someone else, this is it. You can find out more about this mechanically brilliant game and its creative levels.
2. Resident Evil Village
Man, Resident Evil Village really took us all by surprise, didn’t it? After the intense, claustrophobic feel of Resident Evil 7, Capcom decided to shake things up with a sprawling, gothic horror setting in a remote European village. You step back into the shoes of Ethan Winters, who’s just trying to live a quiet life after the horrors of Louisiana, only for his world to be violently upended. It’s a wild ride from the get-go, with Chris Redfield making a dramatic, if brutal, entrance that sets Ethan on a desperate quest to find his kidnapped daughter.
The game masterfully blends different horror subgenres, making each area feel distinct and unsettling. You’ll find yourself navigating creepy, dilapidated homes, exploring a bizarre, doll-filled factory, and even facing off against a terrifying werewolf pack in a dark forest. It’s like a greatest hits album of horror tropes, but Capcom manages to make it all feel fresh and cohesive. The sheer variety keeps you on your toes, never quite knowing what kind of nightmare you’ll stumble into next. And let’s not forget the characters – from the imposing Lady Dimitrescu to the enigmatic Mother Miranda, the cast is as memorable as they are terrifying.
Here’s a quick look at some of the key threats Ethan faces:
- Lady Dimitrescu and her daughters: A towering vampire matriarch and her bloodthirsty offspring. Expect a lot of cat-and-mouse gameplay in her sprawling mansion.
- Karl Heisenberg: A hulking figure with control over metal and magnetism, lurking in a grim industrial area.
- Salvatore Moreau: A grotesque, amphibious creature residing in a flooded, decaying village.
- Donna Beneviento: A reclusive doll maker who uses illusions and psychological horror in her unsettling estate.
What really makes Village shine, though, is how it balances the scares with satisfying action. The Duke, your trusty merchant, is always around to equip you with plenty of ammo and upgrades, making you feel powerful enough to take on the horrors. It’s a constant push and pull between feeling vulnerable and feeling like a capable survivor. The pacing is spot on, with moments of intense dread giving way to thrilling combat sequences. It’s a game that clearly learned from its predecessors, especially Resident Evil 4, and it shows in every polished moment.
3. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Man, if you wanted to see what the PlayStation 5 could really do back in 2021, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart was the game to check out. Insomniac Games really went all out here, bringing back our favorite Lombax and his robot pal for another wild adventure. This time, the villain Dr. Nefarious is messing with dimensions, which means you get to jump between all sorts of crazy worlds. The way the game just instantly zips you from one place to another, with zero loading screens, is seriously mind-blowing.
What’s cool is that it’s not just Ratchet and Clank this time around. We get introduced to Rivet, another Lombax, and her robot buddy Kit. They fit right into the series, and honestly, their story is some of the best stuff in the game. The action is non-stop, too. You’re grinding on rails, dodging bullets, and using a wild arsenal of weapons. Think guns that shoot saw blades or turn enemies into little plants – it’s pure Ratchet & Clank chaos, but with a next-gen shine.
Here’s a quick look at some of the cool stuff you’ll find:
- Dimensional Hopping: Instantly travel between wildly different planets and dimensions.
- Creative Combat: A huge variety of wacky weapons to blast your foes with.
- New Characters: Meet Rivet and Kit, who bring fresh energy to the duo.
- Visual Spectacle: Jaw-dropping graphics that really show off the PS5’s power.
4. Metroid Dread
Man, Metroid Dread really came out of nowhere, didn’t it? One minute we’re all wondering if Nintendo even remembers 2D Metroid exists, and the next, BAM, we get this absolute gem. MercurySteam, the folks who did Samus Returns, really knocked it out of the park this time. It feels like they finally figured out the secret sauce for a great 2D Metroid game.
The core gameplay loop is classic Metroidvania stuff: explore, find power-ups, unlock new areas, repeat. You’re Samus Aran, dropped onto a hostile planet, and of course, your powers are gone. So, you gotta backtrack and find them all again. But it’s the way it all feels that makes Dread special. Samus moves like a dream – sliding, aiming, just generally being super agile. It’s polished to a mirror shine, honestly.
What really sets it apart, though, are the E.M.M.I. robots. These things are terrifying. You can’t fight them head-on, so you have to sneak around, use stealth, and just pray you don’t get caught. Getting caught usually means a quick trip back to the last checkpoint, which, yeah, happens a lot. But it’s not frustrating, weirdly. Every time you die, you learn something new about the E.M.M.I.’s patrol patterns or the level layout. It makes you feel smarter when you finally get past them.
Here’s a quick rundown of what makes the E.M.M.I. encounters so tense:
- Stealth is Key: You’re basically defenseless against them. Hiding in small spaces or using the environment is your best bet.
- Pattern Recognition: Each E.M.M.I. has a set patrol route. Learning it is vital for survival.
- Quick Time Events: If you do get caught, there’s a slim chance to escape with a perfectly timed button press. Don’t count on it, though.
Beyond the chase sequences, the level design is top-notch, with plenty of secrets to uncover. And the story? It actually goes somewhere significant for the series, which was a nice surprise. It’s a solid, challenging, and incredibly satisfying return for Samus in 2D.
5. Psychonauts 2
Man, Psychonauts 2 really surprised me. I hadn’t played the first one, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this game just blew me away. It’s a platformer, sure, but it’s so much more than that. The story is genuinely interesting, dealing with some pretty heavy stuff like mental health and family issues, but it does it in a way that’s both funny and heartfelt. You’re exploring people’s minds, which sounds wild, and it totally is, but it never feels disrespectful. The creativity on display is just off the charts.
Razputin Aquato, our main guy, is back and diving into the minds of all sorts of characters. Each mind is like its own little world with unique challenges and themes. You’ve got things like:
- A cooking show gone wrong
- A mental hospital with a dark secret
- A psychedelic concert
- A mind trapped in a virtual reality game
It’s not just about jumping and collecting stuff, though there’s plenty of that. The gameplay is really varied, and you get new psychic powers that are super fun to use. Plus, there are tons of collectibles hidden everywhere, which is great if you’re a completionist like me. It’s a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it also has a lot of heart. If you’re looking for a game that’s funny, imaginative, and actually has something to say, you really can’t go wrong with Psychonauts 2.
6. Returnal
Okay, so Returnal. This game is something else. You play as Selene, an astronaut who crash-lands on this weird, hostile alien planet called Atropos. And here’s the kicker: every time she dies, she wakes up back at the crash site, and the whole planet has changed. It’s a roguelike, which means you’re going to die. A lot. But each cycle, you learn a bit more about the story and get a little stronger, or at least, you hope you do.
The atmosphere in Returnal is thick with dread and mystery. It’s not just about shooting aliens, though there’s plenty of that, and the bullet-hell action is intense. It’s also about piecing together what happened to Selene and why she’s stuck in this loop. The story is told through environmental clues, audio logs, and these weird dream sequences that are genuinely unsettling.
Here’s a quick rundown of what makes it tick:
- Intense Combat: Expect fast-paced shooting with a variety of alien weapons. Dodging is just as important as firing.
- Procedural Generation: The planet’s layout shifts with each death, making every run feel fresh and unpredictable.
- Unraveling Mystery: The narrative is a slow burn, full of psychological twists and turns that keep you guessing.
- Stunning Visuals: The alien world of Atropos is beautifully rendered, with striking use of color and light, even when things get chaotic.
It’s definitely not a game for the faint of heart, but if you’re looking for a challenge that also tells a compelling, albeit dark, story, Returnal is a solid pick. It really sticks with you long after you put the controller down.
7. Deathloop
Okay, so Deathloop. This game throws you onto an island called Blackreef, and you’re stuck reliving the same day over and over. You play as Colt, and your main goal is to break this time loop by taking out eight specific targets before the day ends. But here’s the twist: another player can jump into your game as Julianna, an enforcer who wants to keep the loop going and hunt you down. It’s a pretty wild setup.
Every time you play, you learn a little more, figuring out how to get closer to your targets. You can go in guns blazing or try to be sneaky, but you really have to think about your moves because you only have one day to get everything done. And just when you think you’re making progress, Julianna shows up, often controlled by another player, to mess everything up. It’s a really clever mix of shooting, stealth, and that whole roguelike idea where you keep trying even after you fail. Deathloop is a really fun and unique experience that totally deserves the praise it got.
Here’s a quick rundown of the core loop:
- Learn Patterns: Observe your targets’ routines and the island’s layout.
- Gather Intel: Find clues about how to manipulate the loop and your enemies.
- Execute Targets: Plan and carry out assassinations on the eight key figures.
- Survive Julianna: Deal with the constant threat of Julianna, especially when played by another person.
It’s a game that really lets you play how you want, and the world Arkane created is just packed with detail. The guns feel good, the powers are neat, and the whole time-loop concept is handled in a way that keeps things interesting.
8. Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter Rise landed in 2021 and really set itself apart. It didn’t just follow the formula from Monster Hunter World—instead, it threw in new ideas that made hunting monsters feel fresh again. Right from the start, you could feel the difference. There was this big focus on vertical exploration, and those Wirebugs? They were a total game-changer. Suddenly, you could zip across the map, scale cliffs, or dash away from angry monsters in ways that just weren’t possible before.
The Palamutes were a lifesaver, letting you cover ground faster and even jump into battle with you. It was a little surprising how much they added to the whole experience. There was also the new horde mode, which added a different layer with tower defense elements—it really put teamwork to the test, especially when things got hectic.
Here’s what set Rise apart from earlier entries:
- Wildlife isn’t just background decoration; now, you can collect some creatures as items, set traps, or even distract monsters on purpose.
- Monsters themselves can be controlled for brief moments, letting you fight fire with fire.
- Secret areas tucked all over the maps rewarded curious players.
One thing I noticed is that Rise actually brought my old hunting group back together. After the hardware split of the last game, this one just made it easy (and fun) to team up again. The gameplay loop, as always, was addictive, and grinding for gear never got old, especially when the rewards felt worth it. If you want a more detailed breakdown, check out this honest overview of Monster Hunter Rise.
All in all, Monster Hunter Rise didn’t just rely on what worked before. It blended the classic parts fans love while pushing things forward. Pretty impressive for a series that’s been around this long.
9. The Forgotten City
Okay, so 2021 was a big year for games that mess with time, right? We saw a bunch of them, but The Forgotten City really stuck with me. It started out as a mod for Skyrim, which is pretty wild when you think about it, and it grew into this really cool mystery adventure. You’re in this ancient Roman city, and there’s this crazy curse: if anyone breaks a law, everyone dies. So, naturally, you’re trying to figure out who’s going to break it, why, and how to stop it, all while stuck in a time loop.
It’s not just about solving a puzzle, though. The game makes you think about morality and laws, which is a lot for a video game, honestly. You’re constantly talking to people, gathering clues, and trying to piece together what’s really going on.
Here’s a quick rundown of what makes it tick:
- The Time Loop Mechanic: You’ll repeat the same day over and over, but your actions carry over, letting you try different approaches.
- Branching Dialogue: Your choices in conversations really matter and can change the outcome of events.
- Moral Dilemmas: You’ll face tough decisions that don’t have easy answers.
The whole experience feels incredibly rewarding as you unravel the city’s secrets. It’s a game that respects your intelligence and doesn’t hold your hand too much. If you’re looking for a story-driven game with a unique premise, you should definitely check out The Forgotten City.
10. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Alright, let’s talk about Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury. This one’s a bit of a two-for-one deal, and honestly, it’s a pretty sweet package. You get the "Super Mario 3D World" part, which is a fantastic 3D platformer that originally came out on the Wii U. It’s got that classic Mario feel, but with some really clever level design that makes you think. The addition of the "Bowser’s Fury" expansion, however, is where things get really interesting. This part feels like a whole new adventure, dropping you into a more open-world style environment where you have to deal with a rampaging Bowser. It’s a really cool change of pace.
What makes "Bowser’s Fury" stand out is how it takes the core Mario mechanics – the running, the jumping, the power-ups like the Super Bell that turns you into a cat – and puts them in a more expansive setting. You’re not just going from one linear level to the next; you’re exploring a pretty big area, tackling challenges, and trying to figure out how to calm down Bowser. It’s got this great mix of familiar Mario fun and something a little bit different, which is always a good sign for the series.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:
- Cooperative Play: "Super Mario 3D World" lets up to four players jump in together, which can lead to some hilarious moments (and maybe a little friendly competition).
- Bowser’s Fury’s Open World: This section offers a more freeform experience, letting you explore and tackle objectives at your own speed.
- Power-Ups Galore: From the classic Fire Flower to the game-changing Super Bell, there are plenty of ways to mix up your gameplay.
- Challenging Boss Fights: Both parts of the game feature memorable encounters, especially with the titular Fury Bowser himself.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
So, that was 2021 in gaming. It was a year that really threw us some curveballs, wasn’t it? We saw old favorites come back with a fresh coat of paint and entirely new adventures that made us think, or maybe just made us laugh a lot. Some games really made us question things, like those time loop ones that felt like we were stuck in a digital Groundhog Day. But even with all the weirdness and the occasional buggy release, there were so many fantastic games that kept us hooked. It just goes to show that even when things are a bit chaotic, gaming can still be a great escape and offer up some truly memorable experiences. Here’s hoping 2022 brings even more of the good stuff.
Frequently Asked Questions
What made 2021 a special year for video games?
2021 was a year where video games really looked at themselves. Some games brought back old favorites, like Ratchet & Clank returning after a long break. Others explored ideas like time loops, making players repeat events over and over, similar to the movie Groundhog Day. It was a year of both revisiting the past and trying new, sometimes strange, ideas.
Why are these games ranked instead of just listed?
The creators of this list decided to rank the games to take a stronger stance on what was best in 2021. It’s also a way to match how other entertainment categories, like movies and books, present their top picks. This helps give a clearer idea of which games stood out the most.
Were there any games that felt similar in 2021?
Yes, a lot of games in 2021 played with the idea of time loops. Games like Deathloop and Returnal put players in situations where they had to repeat actions or events, often with different outcomes or new information each time. It was a popular theme that year!
Was ‘It Takes Two’ a popular game in 2021?
Absolutely! ‘It Takes Two’ was a huge hit and is considered one of the most enjoyable experiences of the year. It’s a game made for playing with a friend, filled with creative ideas, fun mini-games, and a story that’s both funny and touching.
What was special about ‘Resident Evil Village’?
‘Resident Evil Village’ was a standout because it was ambitious and a bit wild. It took the familiar Resident Evil style and added a lot of weird and memorable moments, making it one of the most talked-about games of the year.
Did older game series make a comeback in 2021?
Yes, 2021 saw some classic game series return. ‘Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart’ came back after almost ten years, showing the duo still had their charm and exciting adventures. ‘Metroid Dread’ also marked a return for the Metroid series, offering a challenging and classic experience.
