Game of the Year 2021
2021, we made it to the end. The COVID-19 pandemic still rages on with the new Omicron variant, a new President of the United States has been elected, and there is still major unrest not only in the US, but within the entire world. If there is one thing that has helped in keeping me sane over the past year, it has been video games. Alright yes, my wife has been amazing as well, but, you know, I’m here to talk about video games!
Every year I document the games I am looking forward to releasing along with the games that I have played and completed. While this past year has been no exception, I’ve never had to think this hard about what my favorite game of the year would end up being.
So what is my favorite game from 2021? Well, you could just scroll to near the end of this post and find out but I ask that you do not do that. Instead, take the few minutes necessary to read through the post in its entirety. And who knows? Something might surprise you.
P.S. I’m going to add an additional list to the end of this post with my favorite albums of the year (mainly Pop/Punk). You know, spice things up a little.
Honorable Mentions
Throughout the course of the year, there were two games that, while not releasing in 2021, I did spend quite some time with.
Valorant
Final Fantasy 14
I won’t go into much detail about the above two games but I will say that Valorant is a phenomenal competitive PC FPS that continues to be engaging, even from a competitive spectator standpoint. As for FF14, it feels like the first mainstream MMO that doesn’t waste my time as a player. Regardless of the MMO aspect of the title, I can still play solo for the majority of the content and I still have a ton of content to get through (finally finished the first major expansion as of 2021 with three more to go).
Let’s get into the real list now, shall we?
The Top 5
Again, this list might surprise some folks.
#5 - Destiny 2: Season of the Lost
I’ve said it once, I’ve said it countless times. Destiny 2 has some of the best shooting and moment to moment gameplay out of any FPS that has ever released. Could this entry on my list be considered a cop-out considering it is just a season of DLC? Maybe. But fuck off, this is my list.
There is also a cohesive story (yes, in Destiny, I know) that is being told and leads right up to the release of the next major expansion of The Witch Queen in early 2022. With clear progression paths, a story that holds your attention, and gameplay where there is never a dull moment, Destiny 2 is in the best shape it has ever been. And with The Witch Queen on the horizon, it’s only primed to get better.
Destiny 2 is developed and published by Bungie.
#4 - The Artful Escape
Towards the end of every year, I find myself going through my backlog of games to find something quick and meaningful to play through before making my end of the year list. In 2018, that was GRIS. In 2017, that was What Remains of Edith Finch. And all the way back in 2012, it was Journey. For 2021, that game was The Artful Escape.
For these type of experiences, I don’t want words to convey feelings. Instead, if you have the 4 hours to spare, I ask that you play it. And if anything, hold “X” and fucking shred.
The Artful Escape is developed by Beethoven & Dinosaur and published by Annapurna Interactive.
#3 - Forza Horizon 5
It’s no secret that I adore racing games, and especially the Forza franchises. Forza Horizon 5 doubles down on the established formula but this time with new types of events and even more roads to traverse. The recreation of Mexico is an absolute dream to drive within and it is sure is pretty.
Look, what more can I say about a racing game other that it is a very fun racing game, as racing games should be? If you didn’t like the other games in the franchise, you won’t like this one. But Forza Horizon games are like your favorite comfort food. You know exactly what you are getting. But then again, that is exactly what you’ve been wanting.
Forza Horizon 5 is developed by Playground Games and published by Xbox Game Studios.
#2 - Halo Infinite
Halo Infinite has the best story out of any Halo title. It’s captivating, gripping, emotional, and respectful of those who have played prior entries along with those who are diving in for the first time. The music is also a major highlight.
Halo Infinite also has major problems that has plagued the game since launch including a disjointed open-world for the campaign along with multiplayer progression, playlist, server, cheating, and monetization issues. And frankly, I don’t see a lot of these issues being fixed or heavily modified until the back-half of 2022.
I love this franchise more than a lot of things in the world. But I’m also going to tell it like it is, and in my mind, Halo Infinite is a mess to say the least. I’m here to judge this title on the product that we, as consumers, received. We received a product that needed/needs more time in the oven. I’m done talking about how great of a foundation that this game has in terms of how the game plays and the sandbox surrounding the gameplay.
I have so much more I want to say/have said about this game, but I am not going to take more time to rehash the same shit in this post.
Halo Infinite, as a complete package, is far from complete.
Halo Infinite is developed by 343 Industries and published by Xbox Game Studios.
#1 - Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Ted ‘fucking’ Price. You and your incredible team have done it again. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is the best game I have played in 2021. It’s an interactive Pixar film (and yes, it does look that good). The gameplay is second to none, with all the crazy and wacky weapons you have come to expect from a Ratchet & Clank game. But above all else, additional risks are taken in the way the story is told, this time from two perspectives.
While I understand inventory is heavily sought after at this time, if you do happen to get your hands on a PlayStation 5, this is truly a showcase for what the next generation of gaming hardware can do. And just like a Super Mario Odyssey, I had a smile on my face my entire time through this gem of a game.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Bonus - Pop/Punk Albums of 2021
While I do tend to listen to many different genres of music, Pop/Punk has always been my staple. Here are the top five albums that really epitomized the genre for me throughout 2021.
#4 - With Confidence by With Confidence
#3 - Gone Are The Good Days by Chunk! No, Captain Chunk!
Double Bonus - Other Albums of 2021
As I stated previously, I listen to genres other than Pop/Punk so here are three other albums that I thoroughly enjoyed listening to throughout 2021 in no particular order.
2021 has been an eventful year to say the least but as with any year, there are some remarkable games to look forward to in 2022.
Stay safe out there.