In terms of video games, 2021 may have gotten off to a relatively slow start. But the year has potential to be one of the best for the medium, with a plethora of highly anticipated sequels, unique new releases and standout indie gems. From New Pokémon Snap and Breath of the Wild 2 to Deathloop and Persona 5 Strikers, here are UzerFriendly’s ten most anticipated video games of 2021.
New Pokémon Snap
Available platforms: Nintendo Switch
Release date: April 30
Louis says:
So let’s talk about why a game that’s basically an on-rails shooter, but with a camera and set in the world of Pokémon, is so amazing. You’ll get to see a whole different side of the nearly 1,000 creatures there are now. And they’re not just battling or walking behind you, but living their lives and interacting with each other in deep forests, winding rivers or deep caves, hiding in crevices for you to find. It’s a sequel to an absolute classic with so much more potential thanks to how this series has evolved since 2000.
Bastet says:
Being a fan of the original, New Pokémon Snap brings back old memories and brings forward new excitement for the series. We have long asked for the return of Pokémon Snap, and we can finally look forward to a date! I can’t wait to compare photos with my friends.
Persona 5 Strikers
Available platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows
Release date: Feb. 23
Bastet says:
If you saw what I had to say about Persona 5 Royal, then you know why I’m excited about Persona 5 Strikers. I’m thrilled to see the gang again in a new hack-and-slash, role-playing setting. The Persona 5 Royal soundtrack has not left my head since playing it, and I can only imagine Strikers will be just as wonderful.
Monster Hunter Rise
Available platforms: Nintendo Switch
Release date: March 26
Autumn says:
I have been a huge fan of the series ever since I played Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate on my Wii U. I simply love the whole concept of fighting these awesome monsters in epic battles that often last for 15-plus minutes, before carving them up to make cool weapons and armor. It’s simple yet fun, and Monster Hunter Rise is taking it to another level. We’re getting a whole new concept from the team who made Monster Hunters Generations, where you could play as a Palico and fight with different weapon styles. With the wire bug, we’re getting a level of verticality in these maps that I can only compare to Breath of the Wild, and I’m so excited to see how the wire bug, silkbind moves and wyvern riding affect the combat, the monsters, the world and the rampage in Rise.
Deathloop
Available platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows
Release date: May 21
Geoff says:
As a fan of Arkane Studios Lyon’s previous games, I am excited to see what the studio does with Deathloop. The game appears to be Groundhog Day meets Dishonored with an exploitation film aesthetic. I’m excited to see the skills and powers made available to the player, and the idea of a player-controlled rival sounds like it could add a refreshing level of challenge.
Psychonauts 2
Available platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox Series/One, Windows, macOS, Linux
Release date: 2021
Louis says:
The original Psychonauts was one of my favorite platformers ever, with great writing and incredibly interesting levels surrounding an amazing cast of characters. We’ve been waiting for years for a proper sequel to this classic, and it’s almost here! I’m ready to jump back into the collectable-filled, unique worlds Double Fine have ready for us.
Cris Tales
Available platforms: PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series/One, Nintendo Switch, Windows, Stadia
Release date: July 2021
Anthony says:
I’m incredibly excited about Cris Tales! This game is a giant love letter to some of the best JRPGs out there, like Persona 5 and Suikoden. It adopts classic turn-based combat with a heavy focus on story and theming. The art direction is absolutely stunning with even more beautiful animated cutscenes. Can’t wait for this to drop in July!
She Dreams Elsewhere
Available platforms: Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Windows, macOS
Release date: 2021
Anthony says:
I’m brought back to MAGFest 2020 — a time before going into crowded spaces was a death sentence. In the Indie Game booth, I noticed this incredibly stylized game. The host at the booth, Davionne Goodman, hands me a pair of headphones and some Starbursts and says, “Hey try this game.” I was completely blown away by the phenomenal, lo-fi soundtrack and the pure Black excellence of this game. Another Earthbound-style RPG that featuring an all Black main cast of characters confronting their dreams and nightmares. I cannot begin to express my level of excitement for this game.
Breath of the Wild 2
Available platforms: Nintendo Switch
Release date: TBA
Geoff says:
I’ve never been much of a Zelda fan, but The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild won me over with its bold, new direction for the series. As a direct sequel, Breath of the Wild 2 (or whatever Nintendo names the sequel) has the potential to expand on the core concept of the original while polishing it to refinement. Or it could be something closer to the original Zelda titles. Or something entirely new! With this year marking the 35th anniversary The Legend of Zelda, there is reason to believe we will be hearing more about Breath of the Wild 2 soon.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake
Available platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows
Release date: TBA
Olivia says:
I’m putting on the nostalgia goggles for this one. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time made Ubisoft the AAA company it is today. I never got to play the original 2003 game, but this remake will be my chance to play it on a mostly modern console. The aughts were a golden age for video games, and I love playing titles from that era. One of my favorite YouTube comments about this title reads, “The Prince walked so the Assassins could run.”
Crab Champions
Available platforms: Windows
Release date: TBA
Olivia says:
Two years ago, Crab Rave was unleashed on YouTube, garnering 65 million views to date. In 2019, the official Crab Champions game trailer dropped. From the creator of the original music video, the game will feature survival, racing and duel modes. It launched in early access Aug. 20th, 2020, and the game is still receiving updates and bug fixes. A meme transforming into a video game is a win in my book.
What video games are you looking forward to in 2021? Join the conversation on the UzerFriendly Discord server!