Essential 2021 gaming highlights: Top titles, hidden gems, and must-play experiences across platforms
2021 Gaming Landscape
The gaming industry reached new heights in 2021 with groundbreaking titles across all platforms. From next-gen console exclusives to innovative Nintendo experiences, this year offered something for every type of player.
The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S demonstrated their capabilities with visually stunning exclusives, while the Nintendo Switch continued its dominance with unique gameplay experiences. Even with some high-profile delays, 2021 delivered exceptional games across genres, including survival horror, photography simulations, and cooperative adventures.
Resident Evil Village: Survival Horror Redefined
CapcomLady Dimitrescu’s towering presence made Resident Evil Village an instant classic. Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Stadia
Building on Resident Evil Biohazard’s success, Village expertly blends action and horror across diverse environments. The game’s pacing alternates between tense exploration and explosive combat sequences, with inventory management adding strategic depth. Pro tip: Carefully manage your resources during the early castle sections to prepare for later challenges.
The memorable cast includes fan-favorite Chris Redfield and the internet sensation Lady Dimitrescu, whose character design spawned countless memes. While the vampire aristocrat dominates early marketing, the game offers multiple distinct horror environments, each with unique enemies and gameplay twists. Read our Resident Evil Village review here.
New Pokemon Snap: Photography Adventure
NintendoNew Pokemon Snap transforms creature photography into an art form. Platform: Nintendo Switch
This unexpected gem revitalizes the 1999 classic with modern visuals and expanded gameplay. Unlike mainline Pokemon games, success comes from patience and observation rather than battle skills. Advanced techniques include using apples to lure Pokemon into perfect positions and timing flashes for rare nighttime shots.
The Lental region’s vibrant ecosystems showcase Pokemon behaving naturally, creating magical moments when you capture unique interactions. Common mistake: Don’t rush through courses—replaying levels at different times reveals hidden behaviors. With 200+ species to photograph and multiple star ratings per shot, the game offers surprising depth for completionists. Read our New Pokemon Snap review here.
Returnal: PS5 Exclusive Masterpiece
Housemarque/PlayStationReturnal’s punishing difficulty is balanced by incredible gameplay innovations. Platform: PS5
Housemarque’s AAA debut pushes the PS5 hardware with seamless transitions between vast environments and buttery-smooth 60fps combat. The adaptive triggers provide tangible feedback for weapon alt-fires, while haptics convey environmental details like rainfall. Pro tip: Master the dash mechanic’s invincibility frames to survive tough encounters.
The roguelike structure ensures no two runs play identically, with random item drops and ever-shifting level layouts. While challenging, permanent upgrades and knowledge gained from each attempt create satisfying progression. The atmospheric storytelling unfolds through environmental clues and cryptic transmissions, rewarding players who piece together the narrative. Read our Returnal review here.
Oddworld Soulstorm: Puzzle Platforming Perfection
Oddworld InhabitantsAbe’s return brings improved visuals and expanded gameplay systems. Platforms: PS4, PS5, PC (Epic Games Store)
This spiritual successor to 1997’s Abe’s Oddysee modernizes the classic formula with enhanced visuals and refined mechanics. The 2.9D perspective creates cinematic set pieces while maintaining precise platforming controls. New crafting systems allow creative problem-solving—combine bottles with rags to create Molotov cocktails for crowd control.
The game’s dark humor and environmental themes remain relevant, though the steep difficulty may deter casual players. Advanced strategy: Use Abe’s possession ability to scout ahead and manipulate enemies. With multiple endings based on rescue counts, Soulstorm rewards thorough exploration and careful planning. Read our Oddworld Soulstorm review here.
Monster Hunter Rise: Best Entry for Newcomers
Wirebugs add verticality to Monster Hunter Rise’s already deep combat. Platform: Nintendo Switch
Capcom’s latest Monster Hunter installment lowers the barrier to entry without sacrificing depth. The new Wirebug mechanic enables aerial combat and faster traversal, while Palamutes provide mobile sharpening and item use during hunts. Beginner tip: Try the Sword and Shield for balanced offense and defense before tackling complex weapons.
The roster includes both classic monsters and terrifying new additions like Magnamalo. Multiplayer remains the series’ highlight, with streamlined lobbies and cross-region matchmaking. Endgame content includes challenging apex variants and the upcoming Sunbreak expansion. For Switch owners, this represents the complete Monster Hunter package with portable convenience. Read our Monster Hunter Rise review here.
It Takes Two: Cooperative Gameplay Excellence
Hazelight StudiosIt Takes Two’s inventive co-op mechanics create unforgettable moments. Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
Hazelight’s masterpiece demands two players work together using completely asymmetrical abilities. One level might have players controlling time while another transforms them into giant clay figures. Pro communication tip: Assign clear roles during puzzle sections to avoid frustration.
The emotional narrative about a divorcing couple adds weight to the whimsical scenarios. Unlike traditional co-op games, neither player takes a backseat—both contribute equally to progression. The variety ensures no mechanic overstays its welcome, with mini-games offering fun distractions. For couples or friends seeking shared experiences, this stands as 2021’s essential cooperative title. Read our It Takes Two review here.
Hitman 3: Stealth Action Finale
IO InteractiveHitman 3’s sandbox levels encourage creative assassination methods. Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Stadia
The World of Assassination trilogy concludes with six meticulously designed locations offering countless approach options. The Berlin nightclub level stands out, requiring Agent 47 to identify targets among crowds of NPCs. Advanced tactic: Study target routines to engineer ‘accidental’ kills that won’t alert guards.
PS5 enhancements include adaptive trigger resistance when drawing bows and haptic feedback for environmental interactions. While the narrative wraps up lingering threads, the real longevity comes from replaying levels to discover new routes and challenges. For stealth enthusiasts, this represents the pinnacle of the immersive sim genre. Read our Hitman 3 review here.
Anticipated 2021 Releases
The year’s second half promises major releases across all platforms:
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (June 11) – PS5 showcase with dimensional hopping
- Deathloop (September 14) – Arkane’s time-loop assassin duel
- Battlefield 2042 (Late 2021) – Large-scale warfare with dynamic weather
- Horizon Forbidden West (Late 2021) – Aloy’s next open-world adventure
- Halo Infinite (Late 2021) – Master Chief’s free-to-play multiplayer
These titles could potentially dethrone current favorites when they launch.
Gaming Year in Review
2021 has already delivered exceptional gaming experiences across genres and platforms. Whether you prefer solo horror adventures, cooperative storytelling, or competitive multiplayer, this year’s lineup offers something remarkable.
As developers continue pushing hardware capabilities and exploring new gameplay ideas, the remainder of 2021 promises even more unforgettable titles. These standout games represent the best of what interactive entertainment can achieve.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Best new games in 2021 so far, from Resident Evil to Pokemon Snap Essential 2021 gaming highlights: Top titles, hidden gems, and must-play experiences across platforms