How do you look back on a year like 2021?
There’s a tendency to think we can escape the problems of a year if we just make it out. Yet, we continue to struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic and all its ramifications. It feels strange trying to limit our scope to video games.
Looking back at the releases of 2021, this was a year where the pandemic shaped what and how we played. When the simple act of buying a console or graphics card can become a part-time job, it’s hard to justify looking at the shiny, new AAA release.
It was a year for digging into the backlog of video games from yesteryear. For indie titles that we may have missed in a busier release year. It was a year for MMOs where we could connect with friends even when we couldn’t meet in person, and sequels that reminded us of a different time and how much has changed.
But, I digress. These are UzerFriendly’s favorite video games of 2021.
Inscryption
How do you discuss a video game when its greatest qualities are its hidden depths? Inscryption is a roguelike deck builder nestled in an escape room horror framework, but it is so much more than that. It’s a game with secrets and layers, just begging the player to pull at the threads and see how it all unravels. In turn, the game is happy to play on your expectations and pull the rug from under you whenever things become too comfortable.
Inscryption is a game about itself, about storytelling and game mechanics and the balance therein. It’s a game about fandom and the weird sort of culture we’ve stumbled into. For its ambition alone, it deserves praise. There is nothing else like it.
— Geoff
Psychonauts 2
It’s been 16 years since Psychonauts, one of the funniest and most creative platformers ever released. Let me tell you, Psychonauts 2 does not disappoint. This video game takes what made the original so special and mixes in a much more nuanced approach to its themes. Each mindscape Razputin traverses not only improves on the level design from the first game, but they more tightly incorporate the personal story of the character whose mind you’re exploring. Outside of the levels, the overworld lives up to the original’s Whispering Rock Summer Camp in terms of characters, locations and collectables.
Playing through this game I waited so long for, I was immediately brought back to my childhood. At the same time, the game grew up with me. The humor is still here in spades, but alongside that is a much more poignant story focused on mental and emotional struggles, family and how your heroes are never what they seem. I can’t truly do this game justice without going into the details of the story, but that’s something better experienced first-hand. Please play this game and the original—they’re incredible.
— Louis
Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker
The most popular MMO of the year hit a home run with its latest expansion: Endwalker. The story of this 200-300 hour epic wraps everything up in a way that feels extremely satisfying, and it may be the best story I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing in a video game. As if the grand story wasn’t enough, the endgame content is some of the best FFXIV has seen to date. The raids are exhilarating, the new maps are stunning and there’s seemingly no end to the content drip that cult director Yoshi-P has planned for the future of the game. All this, in spite of the issues with hours-long queue times and server difficulties.
— Autumn
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim
This game definitely flew under the radar for me. Though it was released at the end of 2019, I didn’t play it until mid-2021. What I thought was going to be your run-of-the-mill JRPG turned into an experience that’s hard to describe. Similar to Netflix’s Sense 8, the thirteen protagonists’ fates are all intertwined with another. You start at an unknown point in the story, and must piece together the past, present, and future of the characters through thirteen different lenses to discover the truth. If you ever wanted a game with enough twists to fill Charlie Day’s conspiracy board, coupled with an awesome real-time-strategy RPG mixed in, this is the game for you. Definitely one of the greatest video games I’ve played in years, and I’m incredibly excited for the Nintendo Switch release later this year.
— Anthony
Shin Megami Tensei V
Single-player turn-based RPGs have long foregone the difficulty that once served as a staple of the genre. Shin Megami Tensei V is a return to form, with even its normal difficulty providing a challenge. The game rewards exploration and mastery of its systems, with monster weaknesses serving a crucial role in making battles easier. At the same time, experienced players will be able to take the game apart even on its harder difficulties. Challenging the game’s high-level bosses was a delight at lower levels, and I felt amazing for accomplishing it. The interesting demons and intriguing story are sure to encourage even beginners to stick with the game.
— Art
Valheim
Valheim had my attention like no other game. Its core gameplay reminds me of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, but its survival elements give it a greater purpose. Making food is necessary. Combat requires health and crafting. Valheim has everything needed for a balanced survival game. While there is a mysterious story and plenty of lore hidden throughout the game, it isn’t necessary for the player to have fun. The need to collect supplies continuously creates an enjoyable game loop. You are always accomplishing something when you play.
— Olivia
For the longest time, I’ve failed to see the appeal of survival games. I’ve picked up several over the past few years, playing a couple sessions before dropping them for good. Valheim showed me what I was missing.
Gathering, crafting, building, combat and exploration are all executed wonderfully, working together seamlessly. I never once felt overwhelmed by the size of the game. Instead, I was excited by each new challenge the ruthless environment threw at me, of which there are many. Whether it was 20-foot-tall trolls attacking in the black of night, or freezing temperatures at high elevation, Valheim regularly introduces new mechanics to your experience. Every time you master some mechanic or challenge, the game throws a new twist your way. At the same time, it is a fantastic entry point for newcomers to the genre. I spend plenty of time simply sailing around my randomly-generated world and settling new, cozy meadows. The combination of beautiful vistas and a delightful soundtrack create a relaxing atmosphere to accompany your journey.
— Kevin