The 2021 Game Surprises
Its the end of the year again! And like tradition, I’ve rummaged through my play histories and would like to highlight 10 games that really, pleasantly suprised me this year, so maybe some of you might give them a second look 😀. Here we go!
1. Great Ace Attorney Chronicles
This is my biggest one this year! I went in this game expecting a lighthearted spin-off of the Ace Attorney series, but by god, this is an absolute masterpiece. It might even be more charming, refined, meaningful than the original! To think that these two amazing games might almost have been lost in translation is insane. I'm so glad it got localized!
2. Grindstone
Game Developers: If you want to learn how get people hooked and joyfully use those dreaded retention mechanics, play Grindstone! A free to play engine but charming presentation of a raging barbarian, I applaud Capybara for teaching us creating honest engagement. From everyone who set out to make a game for Apple arcade, this is the masterclass. 🎣
3. Ys IX: Monstrum Nox
It was really fun to see if Ys would also work in a city setting. Fun and energetic as always It succeeds with flying colors, nicely finished off this era for Ys. Is it better than the magnum opus that was Ys VIII? Maybe not, but it just makes me incredibly excited for the tenth installment and potential new engine 💪🔥.
4. Hades
Ok, No surprise for many: Hades is amazing. It won numerous GotY awards last year. But it still blew me away how good this game is. This might be the perfect Rogue-like to end all rogue-likes. Seriously, art, meechanics, story…Everything is just on perfection level 👌, to a degree that it is scary what benchmark was set here.
5. Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth
Shocker: My favourite Metroidvania this year actually wasn’t Metroid Dread, it was this tiny game. This “Record of the Lodoss” War side story came totally out of left field for me and it just oozes charm and nostalgic love for Symphony of the Night. Don’t miss out on this gem. It is short, but makes me want more!
6. Forza Horizon 5
I feel the biggest compliment you can give a racing game is if you just want to go slow and admire it. Just look at it! 😍 But it isn’t just pretty: Forza Horizon 5 is exciting, frantic, stunning and as close to a perfect racing game ever created! And the first 10 Minutes of the game might be among the best introductions of any game ever. You keep raising the bar Playground Games.
7. Doki Doki Literature Club Plus
If you are like me and missed Doki Doki Literature Club when it originally launched on Steam for free, do yourself a favor and play it asap unspoiled. Seriously, don’t look anything up and play it. It’s worth it. The "Plus" part isn’t essential but I'm glad I could support the creators a bit for this absolute mindf%&kery.
8. Earth Defense Force: World Brothers
A total surprise, as much as I love EDF, its spin-offs have rarely captivated. Insect Armageddon was weird, Iron Reign tedious… but this cute Minecraft meets EDF mashup game really really works. Good progression, nice mission lenght. With a great split screen partner this is perfect while we wait for EDF6
9. Art of Rally
Its rare these days that you play a game that purely and solely looks motivated by someones love for the subject at hand. Art of Rally is a wonderful love letter to the golden era of rally that is perfect in its minimalism. At first glance it might seem basic, but the more you immerse yourself you realize, it truly has all it needs. Highly recommended.
10. Sea of Thieves
And last but not least: With the pandemic around, nothing can beat a good time with friends. Rares Pirate Simulator had me look forward to the next session after every end, and with the right crew its the perfect game if you can’t meet in person. It is fun, exciting, cozy and often goes terribly wrong. Or in other words: Insanely social.
