Another year has passed, and this year has been just as quick as the last. After 2020, we weren’t sure if any year could be any worse, but 2021 has been quite exhausting. Cyberpunk 2077 paved the way for a crackdown on video games, resulting in many of them being delayed.
Fortunately, there were still plenty of great games this year, so without further ado, here are The Game Crater’s Top 10 games of 2021.
10. Kraken Academy
Make friends, free spirits, and save the world in Kraken Academy. With phenomenal visuals, an engrossing narrative, and delightful dialogue and characters, this is one of our favourite indie games in 2021. Kraken Academy is currently available with a 30% discount on the Steam Winter Sale.
You can check out our review here.
9. Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion
Tax Evasion is a serious offense that can lead to countless years in jail. But what if the offender was an adorable Turnip who is set on tearing down a corrupt vegetable government? Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion is as literal as the title suggests. In this short adventure, you’ll be completing puzzles, harvesting crops, battling beasts, and, of course, avoiding taxes. The game is currently on special for 40% off in the Steam Winter Sale.
8. Persona 5 Strikers
After taking a year to come to be available outside of Japan, Persona 5 Strikers quickly became a fan favorite. It features a perfect blend of the traditional Persona-style gameplay and Musou combat. While Royal is the highest-rated sibling of Persona 5, Strikers is yet another great game in a franchise full of some of the greatest JRPGs available.
You can check out our review here.
7. Deathloop
Regarded by many as the best game of the year, Deathloop blew us away when it was released late this year, and for good reason. With a stunning 60s aesthetic, an addictive gameplay loop, and great gunplay, Deathloop takes full advantage of the power of the next-gen consoles, making it an absolute must-play.
You can check out our review here.
6. Returnal
Returnal was released earlier this year as a PlayStation 5 exclusive, and because of this, it’s sometimes left out of the typical conversation when comparing the best games of the year. However, Returnal is an incredible roguelike with outstanding visuals and an intriguing narrative. It’s an exceptional showcase of the power of the PlayStation 5 and a generational defining experience.
You can check out our review here.
5. Resident Evil Village
Resident Evil Village is another entry to one of the longest-running horror franchises in video games. At first, we thought it wasn’t going to keep up with the previous title, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. However, we were glad to be wrong. Resident Evil Village features gorgeous graphics, intense horror action, and, of course, Lady Dimitrescu. You can check out Resident Evil Village on Steam with a 35% discount in the Steam Winter Sale.
4. Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
While the vastly popular Mass Effect trilogy finished in 2012, many new audiences might not have played it. Fortunately, Mass Effect: Legendary Edition upgrades all the games for the modern consoles, making it the definitive way to play the series. Returning players can experience the masterpiece all over again, except this time, even better.
You can check out our review here.
3. Metroid Dread
Metroid Dread marks a return to the classic Metroid formula that we know and love. This is the first 2D Metroid game in 19 years, and it makes you question why they ever tried to change something that worked. With the great level design, excellent visuals, and frantic combat, Metroid Dread is an instant classic and one of the best games available on the Nintendo Switch.
2. Tales of Arise
Tales of Arise is not only one of the best JRPGs on the market but also one of the best video games. It features a deep narrative, intense battles, and an endearing cast that will make you want to fight for your freedom. Luckily, for those who haven’t played any games in the series before, it’s a standalone adventure and doesn’t crossover to any of the other games. Tales of Arise is easily the best Tales experience yet.
1. It Takes Two
After a year of lockdowns across the world, couch co-op games should have been last on the list of games to play. However, It Takes Two stole our hearts. While it’s only Hazelight Studios’ second game, they have managed to create a winning formula that can only get better with future titles. We can’t wait to see what’s next on the horizon, but if you haven’t played it, make sure you do yourself a favor and put this at the very top of your backlog.
You can check out our review here.
Here are our top games of 2021. Did you see your favorite game on the list? If not, let us know what it is in the comments below!