2021 may have kicked off with a slower-than-usual start thanks to numerous big delays, but that doesn’t mean we still haven’t been treated to a fair share of quality releases. Whether you’re looking to get the most of out of your PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S or still enjoying your PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, or PC, we’ve evaluated many of 2021’s most noteworthy games to help guide you towards the best of the best. What highly anticipated games met our expectations? Which under-the-radar indies deserve your attention? You can find the answers to those questions right here.
Below you’ll find a list of the top scoring games of 2021, beginning with the top scorer and going down. Any game that scores between a 10 and an 8.5 makes the cut. Each entry also features a small blurb and a link to the full review. We’ll update the list with eligible titles as the year progresses, so be sure to bookmark this page if you ever need recommendations on what to play next. Have fun!
9.5
Returnal
A deadly alien planet is a playground for your senses and curiosity. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5
Release Date:
April 30, 2021
9.25
It Takes Two
Hazelight’s cooperative adventure is clever, different, and loads of fun. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
March 26, 2021
Little Nightmares II
This impressive follow-up builds on its predecessor with emotional gut punches and unnerving visuals that stick with you. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
February 11, 2021 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC), (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S)
Resident Evil Village
Village doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to horror, but a consistent rollout of new weapons and tools makes it hard to walk away from these terrors. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
May 7, 2021
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
By bundling one of the best 3D Mario games with an all-new adventure, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is a compelling package for all fans of the Nintendo mascot. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
February 12, 2021
Yakuza: Like A Dragon
With the launch of Like A Dragon on PS5, read about how this fantastic turn-based RPG captures the essence of what came before while setting out on its own journey. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
November 10, 2020 (Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC), March 2, 2021 (PlayStation 5)
9
Devotion
Devotion is terrifying experience backed by a compelling narrative that has a new lease on life after spending two years removed from sale. Horror fans would do well not to miss it a second time. Read review
Platforms: PC
Release Date:
February 19, 2019
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
The Final Cut opens this strange world up to a wave of new superstar detectives on console, and the additions provide a rewarding return trip for the rest of us. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Switch, Stadia, PC
Release Date:
March 30, 2021 (PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Stadia, PC), 2021 (Xbox Series X/S, Switch)
Ghosts ‘n Goblins: Resurrection
This retro revival is challenging, fun, and worth playing twice. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
February 25, 2021 (Switch), June 1, 2021 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC)
Hitman 3
Every mission in the final arc is a statement, demonstrating a mastery of level design and a willingness to subvert expectations laid out five years ago. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, Stadia, PC
Release Date:
January 20, 2021
Mass Effect Legendary Edition
Even all these years later, Commander Shepard is a powerful force that lives up to their iconic status, and the trilogy is still captivating and worth your time. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
May 14, 2021
Outriders
Outriders lived up to every single expectation I had and then some. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
April 1, 2021
Subnautica: Below Zero
This second dive into an alien sea delivers a continual sense of wonder with huge discoveries backed by a strong story. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
May 14, 2021
8.75
The Nioh Collection
Experience Nioh and Nioh 2’s remastered versions in a complete package on PlayStation 5. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5
Release Date:
February 5, 2021
8.5
Before Your Eyes
Before Your Eyes puts its unique blinking mechanic to great use, offering a novel and fun method of interacting with this memorable, bittersweet tale. Read review
Platforms: PC
Release Date:
April 8, 2021
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
Now that Crash Bandicoot 4 has arrived on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Switch, read how the game’s challenging but fun platforming and entertaining new mask abilities make it a successful return to form. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
October 2, 2020 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC), March 12, 2021 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch)
Loop Hero
A roguelite dungeon manager simulation that keeps you coming back for more, Loop Hero makes hours fly by. Read review
Platforms: PC
Release Date:
March 4, 2021
MLB The Show 21
Sony’s long-running baseball series impress on the diamond yet again, but doesn’t deliver many new experiences. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Release Date:
April 20, 2021
New Pokémon Snap
New Pokémon Snap delivers all the thrills of the original game, but that throwback spirit isn’t the only part of the experience that will give you a feeling of déjà vu. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
April 30, 2021
Olija
Tight gameplay, fun exploration, and an alluring atmosphere turn a disastrous voyage into a rewarding expedition. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
January 28, 2021
Persona 5 Strikers
Even if the action of Strikers is very different, the spirit and heart of the mainline series carries into this enjoyable sequel. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Switch, PC
Release Date:
February 23, 2021
Ratropolis
A satisfying romp as you restore glory to your rodent empire, defend against waves of flavorful foes, and recruit colorful companions. Read review
Platforms: PC
Release Date:
December 22, 2020
For more of our top reviews from recent years, head to the links below.
Source: Game Informer Game Informer's Top Scoring Reviews Of 2021