Best Video Games Of 2021

The world of gaming has hit a major turning point. Late 2020 saw the dawn of a new generation of console gaming with the release of Sony's PlayStation 5 and Microsoft's Xbox Series X, both of which are still extremely difficult to obtain. Gaming as a hobby has shifted considerably with new technology and practices, not to mention the fact that more people are staying home than ever before — and the new generation of gaming has only just begun. 

And there has been no shortage of new and incredible games to fill out 2021. Between highly-anticipated sequels, stunning remakes, and console exclusives for the new generation, there's a title out there for everyone. As 2021 continues on, it's important to take a look back at all of the excellent games that have been embraced by gamers over the course of the year.

Here are the best video games of 2021 — so far.

If you've ever played "The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim" mods, you've probably downloaded a special custom quest called "The Forgotten City." This mod is a beloved, time-bending whodunnit mystery that actually won a screenwriting award. Many gamers likely wondered what the mod would look like as a standalone game, and in 2021, they got the answer.

At its core, "The Forgotten City" is a remake of the original mod, developed by an indie team led by the mod's creator. While the standalone title takes place in a new setting, it retains all the strengths of the original experience. Players have free reign to wander the titular Forgotten City and have to restart the game's day multiple times to unravel the mystery of why its inhabitants were transmogrified into golden statues. Well, that's only half true. Players know characters were punished for the "sins" of one person, but the game revolves around who that person was and what they did.

While many players probably come for the time-traveling aspect of "The Forgotten City", they will likely stay for the writing. Every character is beautifully penned and voiced (although their faces seem dredged up from the depths of the uncanny valley), and each has his or her own personality and philosophy. The Forgotten City's inhabitants were punished for the "sins of the one," and the game makes you ponder what a sin actually is — every NPC has their own opinion, and by the end of the game, your concept of sin might change.

"The Forgotten City" is a labor of love and was produced by a small team of three developers. Only time will tell if it will follow in the award-winning footsteps of its predecessor.

• Release Date: July 28, 2021
• Available on: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
• Genre: Adventure, RPG
• Game Modes: Single-player only
• Metacritic Score: 85 (PC), 84 (PS5), 88 (Xbox One), 86 (Xbox Series X|S)

"The World Ends With You" made quite the splash when it first came out in 2007. The original Nintendo DS title was universally praised for its innovative gameplay, eclectic soundtrack, and unique sense of style. Fourteen years later, the elements that made "TWEWY" great came through once again, making its unexpected and critically acclaimed sequel just as wonderful.

Three years after the events of the first game, Rindo Kanade finds himself stumbling right into a revamped Reaper's Game, a competition held in a bustling purgatorial Shibuya, where players must team up against each other to return to the world of the living. As Rindo and his team struggle to maintain their place among the other Players, they soon end up in the middle of an extra-dimensional conspiracy that threatens to erase them and their beloved city from existence. 

What "NEO: The World Ends With You" lacks in the functionality of the DS, it makes up for in a console-savvy combat experience that encourages players to use every part of the controller for stylishly rhythmic attacks that combine the abilities of the many playable characters. It can be difficult to grasp at first, but no button is wasted when trying to erase the Noise plaguing Shibuya.

Of course, every bit of charm and style that made the original "The World Ends With You" stand out has made a comeback as well. Rindo and his fellow companions are as vibrant as the city they live in, and the characters are brought to life through impeccable voice acting. The mysterious world of the Reapers even reaches new heights, making the considerable gap between numbered installments well worth the wait.  

• Release Date: July 27, 2021
• Available On: Nintendo Switch, PS4, PC (starting Sept. 28, 2021)
• Genre: Action, RPG
• Game Modes: Single-player only
• Metacritic Score: 81 (Switch), 80 (PS4)

It's not always easy for a new IP to make a splash in this modern age of gaming, but "Scarlet Nexus" manages it in style, thanks to over the top action and sprawling gameplay, all of which is wrapped up in a pitch-perfect anime aesthetic. 

"Scarlet Nexus" introduces players to a world of psionic powers. The game follows Yuito Sumeragi, the latest recruit in a psychic military force known as the OSF (Other Suppression Force) in the fight against extradimensional monsters known as Others. Shortly after being instated, a major conspiracy splits the OSF down the middle, creating a politicized conflict of psychic abilities that puts the entire world at stake.

The combat in "Scarlet Nexus" is one of the most refreshing gameplay experiences of 2021, allowing the main character to use his psionic abilities in conjunction with those of his companions. Intuitive and brandishing a distinct sense of flow, being able to stack your party members' abilities on top of each other to take down your enemies is nothing short of wildly entertaining.

But the game truly shines in its story and narrative presentation. Its anime aesthetic isn't just for show, as the sprawling narrative and nuanced characters feel just like something ripped out of a binge-worthy anime series streaming on Crunchyroll or Netflix. This game feels like it could easily be an anime in its own right, which y'know, it also is. But being able to replicate the exact feel of an engrossing anime narrative on top of solid gameplay makes the game itself much more immersive than simply watching it.

• Release Date: June 25, 2021
• Available On: PC, PS4, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
• Genre: Action, RPG
• Game Modes: Single-player only
• Metacritic Score: 79 (PC), 79 (PS4), 80 (PS5), 77 (Series X|S)

What is there to say about "Resident Evil Village" that hasn't already been said. The eighth installment of the "Resident Evil" series reunites players with Ethan Winters, the protagonist of "Resident Evil 7," as he searches for his missing child in a small Eastern European village. Early in 2021, the gaming community became obsessed with Lady Dimitrescu, the sexy vampire lady haunting every "Village" ad, as well as many gamers' dreams.

Those dreams were fully realized when "Resident Evil Village" hit shelves in May. The game provided a smooth continuation of Ethan Winters' story, and perhaps a conclusion to his suffering. Even though the next "Resident Evil" could take years to make, fans are willing to wait. Gamers enjoyed "Village" so much that they begged Capcom for DLC, and Capcom obliged with promises of more content to come.

"Resident Evil Village" stands as one of the best games of 2021 — both because of its hype and in spite of it. Pushing aside all of the fan thirst for the game's villains, "Resident Evil Village" stands on its own as an exciting action-horror title. It has a horde of creepy monsters, a satisfying ending, and the potential to open up bigger storylines in the "Resident Evil" universe. Most importantly, "Resident Evil Village" is fun, with a good deal of replay value for those who want to snag every achievement.

• Release Date: May 7, 2021
• Available On: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Stadia
• Genre: Survival horror, Action
• Game Modes: Single-player only
• Metacritic Score: 83 (PC), 81 (PS4), 84 (PS5), 83 (Series X|S)

The kooky and frantic "microgame" action of the "WarioWare" series finally made its official debut on the Switch, and the results are wildly entertaining. When Wario and his many friends are accidentally sucked into their own game console, they must find a way to escape and defeat the bugs plaguing their system the only way they know how: by taking part in tons of non-sensical short burst games! In "WarioWare: Get It Together!," layers take control of Wario and his crew, using their unique abilities to make it through a vast array of mini challenges ranging from simple and silly to full-blown classic "Super Mario" levels.

Outside of actual fitness games on the Switch, like "Ring Fit Adventure" and "Fitness Boxing," this may be one of the most exhausting and enjoyable games on the system to date. In time-honored "WarioWare" tradition, this collection of minigames requires quick reflexes, split-second decision making, and some creative thinking to master. Even if some challenges offer a difficult learning curve, players will likely still have a blast trying to figure out what on earth is going on during each increasingly wacky minigame. The vast array of characters at your disposal also makes for a good time, as each of them have their own unique ways of conquering levels.

• Release Date: Sept. 10, 2021
• Available On: Nintendo Switch
• Genre: Party, Minigame
• Game Modes: Single-player, multiplayer (1-4 players)
• Metacritic Score: 76 (Switch)

Have you ever wanted to play a "Pokemon" game where you rode around on a Pokemon's back, caught as many creatures as you could, and turned the rest of your quarry into armor and weapons? That's a pretty odd desire, but it's also the best way to describe "Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin."

This sequel to "Monster Hunter Stories" abandons the mainlines series' action combat in favor of the turn-based, rock-paper-scissors battle system seen in the previous "Stories" However, instead of resting on its laurels, "Stories 2" refines the existing system to give players more options in combat, as well as a wider roster of weapons. And, like "Stories" before it, the main draw of "Stories 2" is its monsters. You still need to hunt them to create and upgrade equipment, but the spinoff series adds a collecting mechanic. If you scrounge up some eggs, they hatch into allied monsters that aid you in combat. But if you want the strongest monster allies and choicest monster parts, you'll need to team up with fellow players and embark on special co-op missions.

While "Monster Hunter Stories 2" seems like it should be story-driven, the narrative is actually threadbare. What truly keeps players going is the game's ability to scratch that "just one more" itch. No matter how many monsters you kill or eggs you collect, "Monster Hunter Stories 2" has enticed audiences and critics to keep on going, be it to find that one monster with a super rare ability or to fully upgrade some dragonskin pants and helmets.

"Monster Hunter Stories 2" isn't the hardest RPG out there, but it is the most addictive. And, Capcom is constantly updating the game with new missions and monsters. "Stories 2" is the gift that keeps on giving.

• Release Date: June 25, 2021
• Available On: PC, Nintendo Switch
• Genre: Adventure, RPG
• Game Modes: Single-player, Online multiplayer
• Metacritic Score: 82 (PC), 81 (Switch)

The turn-based JRPG genre is a tried-and-true blade honed through the ages. When a game boasts that combat system, audiences can usually expect improvisation in the story and world, not the battles. But, every so often, a game comes along to shatter those ideas and try something new. "Cris Tales" is one such game.

As the first title produced by indie studio Dreams Uncorporated, "Cris Tales" follows the JRPG formula while also blazing its own path. The game features a striking aesthetic that will never be confused for any other title on the market, and like any good JRPG, its eclectic soundtrack will earworm its way into players' brains and set up shop for years to come. "Cris Tales" also sports an engrossing story and colorful characters who have decently-realized personalities. However, what most audiences will remember about "Cris Tales" is its time-traveling system.

Unlike games like "Chrono Trigger," which mostly relegate time-traveling to its levels, "Cris Tales" uses the concept in its presentation. In the game, the screen simultaneously shows the past, present, and future in a stained glass window of probabilities. Changes on one side can affect the others, and this system also creeps into combat. Players can alter the time on one side of the battlefield, which affects enemy models and stats, but the system also encourages experimentation. For instance, splash water on a boss' impenetrable shield and turn the clock forward to make it rust away.

"Cris Tales" is a novel take on an old genre that feels like it always belonged. But if that's not enough for you, the game also won countless awards before it even released. 

• Release Date: July 20, 2021
• Available On: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Stadia
• Genre: Adventure, RPG
• Game Modes: Single-player only
• Metacritic Score: 73 (PC), 72 (Switch), 70 (PS4), 69 (PS5), 79 (Xbox Series X|S)

"Returnal," one of the highest-profile PS5 exclusives, doesn't pull any punches. The game is difficult and refuses to apologize for its recursive, looping narrative. Fans recognized the brilliance of "Returnal," too, helping the title outsell almost every other PS5 game in one day. Though some players through "Returnal" felt too familiar and copied some elements from the "Metroid" series, it provided a different take on narratives about science fiction, time, and grief.

The story follows Selene, an astronaut stranded on an isolated alien planet with little but her wits, her space suit, and her ability to plug all sorts of alien life into herself. Selene isn't afraid to touch anything on the planet, and players can modify her abilities by interacting with alien technology throughout the game. While the narrative sounds straightforward, things get more complicated when Selene begins seeing her own home appear amongst the alien vegetation. The story quickly takes a dark turn as players investigate Selene's past.

"Returnal" is a roguelite game, with players looping back in time to Selene's crashed ship once they die. Selene does take a few things with her when she returns — like some strange alien tech she finds in the wilderness — but in many ways she has to start her journey fresh. The looping mechanic makes each run different, allowing players to determine for themselves what constitutes a "good" or "bad" run. The intricate gameplay mechanics and punishing difficulty make "Returnal" stand out, though its PS5 exclusivity does provide a barrier of entry for many players.

• Release Date: April 30, 2021
• Available On: PlayStation 5
• Genre: Roguelite, Third-person shooter
• Game Modes: Single-player
• Metacritic Score: 85 (PS5)

While the "Hitman" franchise officially kicked off with "Hitman: Codename 47" in the year 2000, the more succinctly-titled "Hitman," released in 2016, marked something of a series reboot. "Hitman 3" finally brings together the various plot threads that have been building since the series relaunched.

While the plot of "Hitman 3" isn't negligible, it's the series' approach to stealth-action gameplay that defines "Hitman 3" first and foremost. As longtime series protagonist Agent 47, players must figure out how to assassinate predetermined targets in lush, sandbox-like recreations of real-life locales in cities like Dubai, Chongqing, and Berlin. How players choose to do so is left open to their own discretion. Thankfully, "Hitman 3" provides ample options for infiltration and plenty of creative kill opportunities, letting players build their own emergent narratives within the larger story told throughout the last three "Hitman" games.

Aside from the increased importance of plot in this latest entry, what sets "Hitman 3" apart from prior "Hitman" games isn't so much that it innovates in any major way, but simply that it pulls off its signature brand of stealth-oriented gameplay better than virtually all of its series predecessors, and as good as if not better than many of its genre peers.

• Release Date: Jan. 20, 2021

• Available On: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Stadia

• Genre: Stealth, Third-person shooter, Action-Adventure

• Game Modes: Single-player only

• Metacritic Score: 87 (PC), 70 (Switch) 84 (PS4), 84 (PS5), 87 (Series X|S)

In June 2020, Nintendo announced "New Pokemon Snap," the second-ever "Pokemon Snap" game, following the original's release for the Nintendo 64 in 1999. "New Pokemon Snap" largely follows the gameplay loop introduced in its predecessor: players maneuver the viewfinder of a camera to take pictures of Pokemon, while their character automatically moves forward in a rollercoaster-like vehicle. Whereas catching 'em all is a prime directive in the mainline "Pokemon" games, the acclaimed "New Pokemon Snap" encourages players to take photos of as many Pokemon as possible. To do so requires visiting a variety of natural biomes, each of which attracts different species of Pokemon. The original "Pokemon Snap" itself was largely well-received (via Metacritic), so more of the same in this case is very much a good thing.

That said, not only does "New Pokemon Snap" feature a wider variety of stages than "Pokemon Snap" for the N64, but each of those stages can now be leveled up through repeated gameplay. Higher level versions of stages introduce new Pokemon, new routes, and new interactions alike. At the end of each level, the player character's mentor Professor Mirror assigns a star rating to one photo, chosen by the player, of each Pokemon photographed that stage. Maxing out the Photodex — like a Pokedex, but for photos — with one, two, three, and four-star variants of each Pokemon in the game is a monumental task, practically on par with catching every Pokemon in a mainline "Pokemon" game. The key difference, of course, is that "New Pokemon Snap" is one of a handful of games to feature photography as its core mechanic, and in the magical world of Pokemon to boot.

• Release Date: April 30, 2021

• Available On: Nintendo Switch

• Genre: Photography, Puzzle

• Game Modes: Single Player Campaign

• Metacritic Score: 79 (Switch)

As critics have noted, "No More Heroes 3" is far from a perfect game, but fans of series creator Suda51 — one of a select number of game designers who can be comfortably described as an auteur — likely wouldn't have it any other way. Suda is reliably weird, repeatedly delivering works that attempt to push the boundaries of what gaming can accomplish as a medium, often at the expense of some occasional gameplay frustrations. As a new Suda51 game, "No More Heroes 3" succeeds triumphantly.

"No More Heroes 3" is arguably lighter in overall absurdity than past Suda51 hits, like "Killer 7" or "The Silver Case," both of which few games resemble even today. Nevertheless, "No More Heroes 3" earnestly attempts to subvert expectations from beginning to end, aiming to keep players surprised and ideally delighted even into its final moments. Gameplay-wise, action in "No More Heroes 3" is slicker than the combat of both prior mainline entries. The addition of some new supernatural abilities adds some welcome variety to combat, as well. New villain FU is another highlight, anchored by an excellent performance from voice actor Noshir Dalal.

On its surface, "No More Heroes 3" can seem like a relatively repetitive adventure, requiring players to alternate between same-y battles and grindy job segments spread throughout a sparse overworld just to reach another self-contained boss fights. But like most Suda games, words hardly do "No More Heroes 3" justice, and its frequent surprises are best experienced firsthand.

• Release Date: Aug. 27, 2021

• Available On: Nintendo Switch

• Genre: Action

• Game Modes: Single Player Campaign

• Metacritic Score: 75 (Switch)

As the first new game in the "Tales" series since "Tales of Berseria" dropped in 2016, "Tales of Arise" modernizes the series in many ways. Critics praised the slick combat system that improved on the faults from past iterations. The series also received quite a facelift, as the graphics shoot far above what was possible in 2016 with "Berseria" and elevate the character animations and cutscenes. The story doesn't slack, either. 

In "Tales of Arise," the Dahnan people worship the Renans, who came from another planet to govern their people. Alphen, an Dahnan slave who can't feel pain, and Shionne, a Renan woman who pains anyone she touches, join forces to overthrow their oppressors. They, along with the other misfits they meet along the way, embark on a journey to oust the Renan regime. 

Many critics reported that, despite some uneven pacing and unnecessary plot points, the game still held up as an enjoyable experience. Before its release, "Arise" even earned a nomination for "Best Roleplaying Game" and "Best Sony PlayStation Game" at Gamescom 2021 (via PlayStation Lifestyle). Players can expect around 50 to 65 hours of thrilling combat and twists in a typical "Tales" fashion with this newest installment.

• Release Date: Sept. 10, 2021
• Available On: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
• Genre: JRPG
• Game Modes: Single-player only
• Metacritic Score: 85 (PC), 82 (PS4), 87 (PS5) 86 (Series X|S)

This year, Nintendo treated fans to remakes of "Famicom Detective Club: The Girl Who Stands Behind" and "Famicom Detective Club: The Missing Heir." Both games star the same teenage protagonist solving different murder mystery cases. "The Missing Heir" focuses on the mysterious murder of a wealthy woman with a fortune and the protagonist's missing memories. "The Girl Who Stands Behind," the prequel to "The Missing Heir," investigates the death of a high school girl and the disturbing rumors that followed.

Yoshio Sakamoto, director of "Super Metroid," wrote the scripts for both "Famicom Detective Club" games back in 1988 and 1989 for a Japanese-only audience. Sakamoto told the Washington Post that things were different back then; games publishers were still experimenting with what kinds of genres people enjoyed the most. His goal was to create a game "focused solely on narrative." The remakes of these games add enhanced visuals and several quality-of-life features, not to mention voice acting, English localization, and more touches that help to modernize the experience for a more global audience.

Polygon's review of the remakes claims that the script holds up despite the age of these games. They might not offer the most difficult puzzles or endless content, but the compact stories will likely entertain sleuthing fans. Overall, critics enjoyed "The Girl Who Stands Behind" slightly more than "The Missing Heir," with publications such as Switch Brasil praising its superior storyline.

"Famicom Detective Club" is only available on the Nintendo Switch. You can either buy the games separately or together as a bundle for about $10 cheaper, making the double dose of nostalgia almost a no-brainer.

• Release Date: May 14, 2021
• Available On: Nintendo Switch
• Genre: Visual Novel
• Game Modes: Single-player only
• Metacritic Score: 74 (Switch)

"Life is Strange: True Colors" slightly pivots from the typical "Life is Strange" formula by featuring a single protagonist. Alex, an Asian American queer woman, moves to Haven Springs, Colorado to be with her long-lost brother Gabe. Unfortunately, things take a turn when her life becomes something like a murder mystery. Players can expect an emotionally compelling action adventure that lasts between 10 to 20 hours and, as evidenced by the song-filled trailer, a stacked soundtrack to accompany them on the way. 

Alex has her own superpower, of course, but critics are divided on how well it fits with the story. Her empathy blends well with the interactive elements because of how it can trigger memories and hidden meanings. On the other hand, some reviewers thought that this ability didn't have enough of an impact on the story and wasn't fully fleshed out. Others also thought that Alex's character actually lacked depth, and that the story did little to explore her Asian heritage or queer experiences. Even so, the soundtrack and strong character interactions have made this game a favorite among longtime "Life Is Strange" fans and new players.

• Release Date: Sept. 10, 2021
• Available On: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Stadia
• Genre: Action Adventure
• Game Modes: Single-player only
• Metacritic Score: 82 (PC), 84 (PS4), 81 (PS5), 84 (Series X|S)

"Lost Judgment" follows detective Takayuki Yagami in a new murder mystery adventure through the streets of Tokyo. It's the long-awaited sequel to Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's (RGGS) "Judgment," a spinoff of the beloved "Yakuza" series. Longtime fans noticed that this installment featured notably darker, more mature themes when compared to its predecessor, even though it kept the series' characteristic lighthearted humor. In "Lost Judgement," man is charged for two serious crimes at once, and it's up to Yagami to sniff out the real story.

Critics were split on "Lost Judgment," both in terms of mechanics and content. Some were pleased with how it cut down on tedious features from "Judgment." GameSpot's reviewer felt that the detective mini-games were "tedious and overly rigid," while other reveled in the bizarre nature of the side quests and character interactions. Content-wise, many critics enjoyed the high school storylines, but equally as many seemed to have an issue with how sensitive topics were handled in the game. 

Basically, "Lost Judgement" might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it does provide a good deal of entertainment. At the very least, "Lost Judgment" spurred an important discussion on how to handle triggering subjects in games. On the bright side, it also enthralled its players with skateboards and high school antics. 

• Release Date: Sept. 24, 2021
• Available On: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Stealth, RPG
• Game Modes: Single-player only
• Metacritic Score: 83 (PS5), 83 (Series X|S)

"Behind the Frame," a game about an artist trying to finish a beautiful painting, uses its story to draw players in and put them at ease. After all, sweeping a paintbrush across a blank canvas while a lush orchestral soundtrack plays definitely feels relaxing. However, the themes tackled in "Behind the Frame" creep into view midway through the plot, making it a gut-wrenching look at loss, the past, and fate.

One Steam user said bluntly, "The themes are seriously heavy but if you have 90 minutes and a pulse, it should be played." "Behind the Frame" doesn't feature action-packed gameplay or confusing twists and turns. Instead, the gameplay is fairly linear with players being pitted against a series of art-based puzzles. As the unnamed artist, gamers must discover various paint colors tucked away throughout the house. The painting becomes more beautiful as the artist discovers her secret stash of pigment, but she also becomes increasingly curious about the older gentleman that lives next door with his cat. Soon, she unlocks memories she couldn't place, and the game comes to a heartfelt, emotional climax.

"Behind the Frame" looks, in many ways, like a Studio Ghibli film. Its hand-drawn anime-styled animation and sweeping score make it an atmospheric joy, perfect for gamers that want something aesthetically pleasing and sincere. Plus, the game feels especially interactive since it can only be played on the PC or iOS, forcing the player to sweep the artist's brush with the stroke of a mouse or finger.

• Release Date: Aug. 25, 2021
• Available On: PC, iOS
• Genre: Indie, sim
• Game Modes: Single-player
• Metacritic Score: 76 (PC)

Puzzle games can fly under the radar. No one talks about "Candy Crush" like it's an award-winning idea or hails "Dots" as a narrative masterpiece. "Maquette" changes all that by bringing in top-notch actors (who may sound awfully familiar to film lovers) and by utilizing an emotional story to connect all that puzzle work together.

"Maquette" incorporates an interesting, rarely used puzzle mechanic by allowing players to manipulate miniature objects that correlate to the larger world. While it's difficult to explain, "Maquette" is all about size and relativity. A tiny ball inside a miniature city translates to a giant one in the normal-sized world. Players must alter objects' size and position in order to solve a series of increasingly difficult puzzles and unlock the story of the two protagonists, Kenzie and Michael, as they fall in love. Really, the game's puzzle format is right in its name; Maquettes are miniatures used to test ideas without going to the expense of making a piece of art full scale.

Working through "Maquette" feels like falling through an M.C. Escher painting, as if the world has no up or down. That sort of journey makes the game one of the best titles of the year, even if players get turned around in the process. Critics generally enjoyed "Maquette" when it released in March, complimenting its lovely story and intricate design.

• Release Date: March 2, 2021
• Available On: PS5, PS4, PC
• Genre: Puzzle
• Game Modes: Single-player
• Metacritic Score: 70 (PS5), 70 (PC)

It could be argued that there are two kinds of video games: innovative ones and iterative ones. Innovative games offer novel experiences but run the risk of scaring off players since developers often can't predict audience reactions. Meanwhile, iterative games rely on well-worn formulae but can lose player interest if they don't add new features. The latter sums up "Far Cry 6" — but that isn't a criticism.

If you have played a "Far Cry" game before, you probably know what you're getting into with "Far Cry 6." A charismatic villain holds a sizable chunk of beautiful landscape under their thumb, and it's up to players to stop them — the only question is how. Do you strike silently from the shadows with bows and machetes, or do you go in guns blazing and blow up more enemy soldiers than a Michael Bay movie? The open world nature of "Far Cry 6" makes either option viable, complete with a weaponized backpack and a petting zoo's worth of allies.

Of course, "Far Cry 6" isn't a complete carbon copy of past titles. This time, instead of letting villains steal the show, protagonists shine with relatable personalities and motivations that keep the story rolling. Plus, many missions take twists that might surprise "Far Cry" veterans, and anyone who grows tired of spreading freedom from the barrel of a gun can take a break and participate in a "Street Fighter"-esque cockfighting mini-game.

Anyone who goes into "Far Cry 6" expecting something new will be disappointed, but audiences looking for a familiar game confident in its abilities to entertain will walk away happy.

• Available on: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Open World, Shooter
• Game Modes: Single-player campaign, Online Multiplayer
• Metacritic Score: 76 (PC), 75 (PS5), 80 (Xbox Series X)

Lately, EA has made baby steps to separate the company from its shadier past. EA is slowly learning that, contrary to its previous position (via Destructoid), single-player experiences aren't dead, and the company is helping demonstrate that point with games like "Lost in Random."

"Lost in Random" is a surreal trip through lands that look straight out of a Laika film made by Tim Burton. Each of the game's levels are populated by memorable characters, clever writing, and Dutch angles. When players aren't wandering through the twisting alleyways and talking to gloriously contorted NPCs, they are participating in the game's battles.

Combat in "Lost in Random" is one part card game, two parts action RPG, all random chance, and that can make or break a player's enjoyment. Every ability is determined by cards in the protagonist's deck, but she can't draw them unless she chips shards off enemies. She also can't play cards unless she has enough mana, which is determined by a literal roll of the dice — a sentient, charming dice that is missing some of its dots and doesn't reclaim them until later in the game. This system encourages players to build combat decks that both channel and defy the skills they learned from games like "Magic: The Gathering."

True to its name, "Lost in Random" guarantees players will lose themselves in the game's random-yet-endearing worlds and combat. But, even though the game and its systems seem chaotic, there is a method to the madness.

• Available on: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
• Genre: Action, Adventure
• Game Modes: Single-player only
• Metacritic Score: 77 (PC), 79 (Nintendo Switch), 78 (PS5) 80 (PS4), 74 (Xbox Series X)

It's no surprise that "Halo Infinite" shows up on this list. The classic sci-fi shooter surprised everyone with the release of its multiplayer nearly a month before its official release date, and continued to delight critics with the eventual arrival of its campaign. The "Halo" series has a long history, with the standard ups and downs of any groundbreaking franchise, but "Infinite" truly seems to be a return to form, embracing what made earlier "Halo" titles so fun.

Critics adored "Halo Infinite" for both its nostalgia and willingness to expand the series' universe. Ryan McCaffrey at IGN said that "Infinite" is the "first time developer 343 Industries has broken from the blueprint that Bungie drew 20 years ago." This means that "Halo Infinite" is a vision of where 343 Industries wants to take the "Halo" universe — without sticking too closely to Bungie's mold. As longtime fans know, "Halo" is the gift that keeps on giving; In addition to the time it takes players to beat the campaign, there are hours and hours of enjoyment to be gleaned from its online mode, which offers seasonal events and challenges, in addition to good old fashioned PvP fun.

Fans have waited a long time for a new entry in the "Halo" series, and "Infinite" lived up to its hype, making it one of the best games of 2021 — and perhaps beyond.

• Release Date: November 15 (Multiplayer), December 8 (Campaign), 2021
• Available On: Xbox Series X|S, PC
• Genre: First-person shooter
• Game Modes: Single-player, online multiplayer
• Metacritic Score: 86 (Xbox Series X), 82 (PC)