Our Picks For The Top 10 Best Video Games Of 2021
While the year 2021 has been pretty good for video games so far, managing to release in 2021 has been a task for the developers. Meanwhile, the debate for the best video games for any year is never-ending, with each video game excelling in some areas. However, some video games outclass others to claim the title of the best video games.
We agree every video game deserves to be praised for the amount of effort into making it; however, some video games are better than others. With that in mind, let’s get the best video games of the year 2021 debate out of the way and shine some light on the well-deserving games that claim the title of best video games in our sight.
List of Best Video Games of 2021
Without any further blabbering, here are Fossbytes’ picks for the best video game of 2021; take a look.
1. Deathloop (Best video game of 2021 – Fossbytes’ choice)
Deathloop by Arkane Studios is a next-gen FPS game featuring two rival assassins trapped on Blackreef in a bizarre time loop. The only chance of making it out alive is to eliminate all eight targets before sundown. However, it’s not a piece of cake. Meanwhile, if you’re thinking reliving the day upon failing to complete the task would become monotonous, you’re in for a surprise.
Arkane has done a fantastic job with Deathloop’s story and character introduction, making the game a worthy title for the best video game of 2021. In case you’re wondering if Deathloop is worth buying? Yes, the game is definitely worth the money. Deathloop had a good chance of becoming the best video game of 2021, only if it wasn’t for It Takes Two.
Deathloop has many features elevating the gameplay experience, unlike any other FPS. Failing to achieve the task in Deathloop each day, players will see the day progress differently every time. Deathloop gives players the option to play the game as a stealth operative or go gun blazing. However, keep in mind, you have to take calculative steps to eliminate each target to progress through the mission; good luck getting out on the first go!
Platforms: PC, PS5 (timed exclusive)
2. Hitman 3
Bidding adieu to Agent 47 in this conclusion to the Hitman Trilogy. Hitman 3 builds on the foundations laid by previous Hitman games and delivers so much more. However, as one of the best video games of 2021, the game struggles to stand out on its own in comparison to the previous Hitman installments.
In this conclusion to the Hitman series, Hitman 3 takes the players on a journey worldwide for the most important careers of Agent 47’s career. Moreover, Hitman 3 picks up right after the events of the last Hitman game, and this time, Agent 47 is not alone, joined by his friend Lucas Grey.
While the game indeed has some caveats, which game doesn’t? Hitman 3 is a pure joy to play. Hitman 3 is playable across multiple platforms and is undoubtedly one of the best video games of 2021.
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC, Google Stadia
3. Resident Evil Village
The latest in a line of creepy Resident Evil games, RE Village, remains true to the generation of survival horror games by Capcom. With the infamous Lady Dimitrescu and her creepy daughters topped with the uneasy setting of the game, Resident Evil has surpassed many survival horror games this year. It is surely one of the best video games of 2021.
While some might feel this exaggerated, RE Village could be called the demon child of RE 4 and RE 7, two of the best games in the Resident Evil series. The game picks up directly after the events of RE 7 and continues with Ethan’s search for his daughter. If you have not played this scarily enchanting game, we recommend you add this to your list, a game worthy of being called one of the best video games of 2021.
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Google Stadia
4. Psychonauts 2
After being announced at The Game Awards back in 2015, Psychonauts 2 finally saw the light of day in 2021. Following in the footsteps of the first game and building upon it, the sequel to Psychonauts does complete justice to its predecessor. While it took Psychonauts 2 16 years, we can say the game is worth waiting.
In addition, the thing that stands out most about Psychonauts 2 is its game design and stunning visuals. If you haven’t got your hands on this beauty of the game, which was a strong contender for the game of the year 2021, we suggest you take some time out to dive into the world of Psychonauts 2.
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, macOS, Linux
5. It Takes Two
Here we have the Game Awards – Video Game of the year 2021 award winner. ‘It Takes Two’ is an action-adventure game published by EA. Designed specifically for splitscreen co-op multiplayer, It takes two that don’t support single-player play.
‘It Takes Two’ features Cody and May, a married couple, and a pretty story with a happy ever after ending. The gameplay experience of ‘It Takes Two’ is fantastically detailed and polished; the game never ceases to surprise players with its narrative and characters. All these qualities of ‘It Takes Two’ make this the best video game of 2021.
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
6. Forza Horizon 5
For racing fans, there’s no other best video game of 2021 than Forza Horizon 5. This edition of Forza is set in Mexico, and it feels entirely like a holiday experience. Moreover, we believe it’s not much to say that Forza Horizon 5 is the best video game in the entire series so far, if not the best video game on Xbox.
This open-world racing game features multiple terrains for the player to drive on, with various supercars to drive around. Furthermore, we don’t think players would get bored of playing Forza Horizon 5 since the game’s sheer number of gameplay and different missions to complete. While many of us saw Forza Horizon 5 as the game of the year, having lost to some incredible games, it remains one of the best video games of 2021.
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
7. Halo Infinite
With Master Chief’s return in 2021, it is hard not to love a game linked to the emotions of so many. Halo Infinite, although, brought a freshness to the series. Halo Infinite is the sixth main entry in the series, after 2015’s Halo 5: Guardians. The campaign features a semi-open-world setting, where players can easily explore the ringworld Zeta Halo.
Furthermore, Halo Infinite’s multiplayer is free-to-play, unlike the previous installments. While Halo Infinite is not a perfect game by any means, and it has a few creases; but, it’s nothing that patches can’t fix. All in all, Halo Infinite is definitely one of the best video games of 2021.
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
8. Returnal
Returnal is a third-person roguelike shooter by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game delves into the psychological horror genre in a futuristic sci-fi setting. While no one saw Returnal being one of the best video games of 2021, it certainly has made its mark. Returnal builds up on gameplay with a number of enemies and powerful boss fights.
While Returnal is a game to be enjoyed by everyone alike, the game is a PS5 exclusive. And while we’re talking about the best video games of 2021, Returnal was nominated for multiple categories. Returnal ultimately won the best action game of 2021 at The Game Awards.
Platform: PS5
9. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
We’re sure there might be some who haven’t heard of Ratchet & Clank. The latest game in the fan-favorite franchise, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, is a beautifully designed game with out-and-out addictive gameplay. While there are multiple games in the Ratchet & Clank series, Rift Apart still brings new elements to the series.
The game is, however, a PS5 exclusive; meanwhile, it is one of the first games to fully utilize PS5’s dual sense controller. The haptic feedback feels amazing playing Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. With a nomination for The Game Award for the game of the year, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is undoubtedly one of the best video games of 2021.
Platform: PS5
10. Valheim
Valheim is an open-world survival game played in a third-person setting. Built on the Unity engine, Valheim is based on Norse mythology. Valheim is the tenth world of the yggdrasil world tree, where dead Viking soldiers go to prove themselves worthy of the halls of Valhalla.
The best thing about Valheim is not the gameplay or the concept; it’s the fact that Valheim is developed by a team of only five developers.; with only this bit of information, we could give Valheim the title of the best video game of 2021. The game went on early access in February’21 and has engrossed nearly 300,000 players.
Platforms: Linux, PC
Best video games of 2021: summing up
So there we have it, Fossbytes’ top 10 best video games of 2021. While there are many which deserve to be on this list, we decided to make a list with only the ten best video games of 2021. However, if you wish to know about the other games of 2021, here’s what we think are some of the best video games of 2021 – Chivalry 2, Little Nightmares 2, Solar Ash, Back 4 Blood, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, Age of Empires 4, and Metroid Dread. Meanwhile, make sure you check out our list of the most popular games of 2021.
