It’s time to compile a list of the finest games of the year in the form of a year-in-review! Although my list here lacks the weight of the big names, I still enjoy writing this annual review, so here we are.
Even though I don’t think 2021 will be remembered as a great year for video games, there were still a few shining stars to be spotted. And in 2022, it could be a great year. There are some wonderful jewels to be unearthed in the first few months of the year.
There are three Microsoft-published games on this list; however, one of them is a Playstation timed exclusive, which is a strange thing to say about a Microsoft-published game. If I had played Forza Horizon 5, I’m confident that it would have made this list, but I haven’t done so for some reason. In part, I guess it’s because I already know how fantastic Horizon 5 is; it’s like Horizon 4, only better. I haven’t rushed to get there yet because it’s safe. If you’re bored between new releases, this will be the perfect game to play.
As a result, Microsoft concluded 2021 with three notable successes, leaving Sony and Nintendo in the dust with no significant releases to show for their efforts.
There is only one current-gen exclusive game on my list, which makes me a little sad. The PS5 and Xbox Series S/X were expected to be released in 2021, but that didn’t happen. A few exclusive titles made the PS5 and Xbox Series consoles feel like must-have machines. It isn’t like you’re missing out on much if you haven’t yet purchased one.
I’m looking forward to seeing how the new hardware stacks up against the old as 2022 draws to a close (hopefully not merely to deliver a gut punch).
I didn’t evaluate many indie games in 2021, and none of the games on this list are tiny ventures. As a result of this, I owe it to myself in 2022 to play fewer big-budget games in favor of those developed by smaller studios.
Finally, here is my list; yours may differ. There is a tonne of games that I’ve missed because I’m just one person, including the aforementioned Psychonauts 2. That’s life, and I apologize to everyone who was inconvenienced in any way. I promise I’ll make every effort to reach you. I’m telling the truth, but it’s a lie, and I’ll never be able to do it. Even if the backlog remains a doomsday tower, the thought is all that matters.
- Death loop
- UnMetal
- Halo Infinite
- Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy
- Mass Effect: The Legendary Edition
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart