Somehow, we're halfway through 2021. Yes, this is no different to any other year before it, when it comes to the arrival of the midway mark - and yet, it feels like these six months have been both so much longer than usual, and exceptionally shorter, at the same time. We've had more ups and downs than we're accustomed to, that's almost certainly for sure whoever you ask. But we've had some amazing new video games, too - and it's time to highlight a dozen of them.
In no particular order, this is the GAMINGbible team's pick of the best 12 new video game releases of 2021. And I stress video game releases, as not all of these are brand-new games, debuting this year. There are remasters and/or remakes in the mix, and an expanded version or two, too. Got it? Cool. Let's do this.
Don't want to read about our games of the year so far? Check them out in video form instead, below...
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Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Released: June 11
Developer: Insomniac Games
Platforms: PlayStation 5
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"I can thoroughly recommend Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart to, well, anyone. This is the sort of game that everyone can play and enjoy, and although it's a shooter through and through, it's not violently graphic and the storyline is lighthearted and easy to get along with. The world, characters, and gameplay are all gorgeous. It's maybe the most impressive game I have ever played. I look forward to the future of Ratchet and Clank and Rivet, and Insomniac's plans for the trio."
Imogen Mellor, 10/10 review
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It Takes Two
Released: March 26
Developer: Hazelight Studios
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X/S
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"It Takes Two is a wonderful two-player experience, with plenty to immerse you and your co-op partner in for hours on end, whether that be at home or online. Developers Hazelight have worked wonders in the co-op genre yet again here - but with that said, there are still a few moments of annoyance along the way. But if you fall in love with Cody and May early on, you'll quite easily see past this. It Takes Two welcomes both non-gamers and gamers to join in the fun together, and ultimately learn the relatable reality behind that title."
Phil Boon, 8/10 review
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Resident Evil Village
Released: May 7
Developer: Capcom
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X/S, Stadia
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"It feels in places pieced together, and in others truly exceptional in its genre. But the overarching experience is an undoubtedly fun one that expands on the foundations laid down by Resident Evil 7, and sets up the inevitable trilogy finale being planned for Resident Evil 9. Not all of the risks taken pay off, but when they do, Resident Evil Village is thrilling, spine-chilling and a worthy continuation of the groundwork laid by its predecessor."
Mark Foster, 8/10 review
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Hitman 3
Released: January 20
Developer: IO Interactive
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X/S, Stadia, Nintendo Switch
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"The steady release of Hitman games over the past five years has been a constant joy. Each new game has been better than the last, and has provided that unique hit of silly sandbox stealth that no other series quite captures. So it's a shame the trilogy is coming to an end, and it may be a long time until we see another full-blooded Hitman release. But this is a fitting send off for Agent 47, until our deadly paths cross again."
Julian Benson, 9/10 review
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Chicory: A Colorful Tale
Released: June 10
Developer: Greg Lobanov
Platforms: PC, Mac, PlayStation 4 and 5
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"Chicory is utterly joyous. It's a warm hug of a game bursting with creativity and surprises. Every inch of the ten-hour adventure fizzes with sheer, unrestrained invention - I already want to play through the whole thing again. This game is an absolute triumph on every level, I cannot stress to you enough. Even when you strip away the excellent gameplay, beautiful visuals, and toe-tappingly great soundtrack, you're left with a story that shows passion and creativity will always win against cynicism and hate. A must-play for all."
Ewan Moore, 9/10 review
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Biomutant
Released: May 25
Developer: Experiment 101
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X/S
"Biomutant is a superb open-world, action-focused RPG. You can fight to your heart's content, meander through gorgeous and bleak environments, and enjoy a story that takes you to far corners of a wonderful in-game map. It's not always easy on the eye, but look a little deeper and you'll see it's brimming with beauty."
James Daly, 9/10 review
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Overboard!
Released: June 2
Developer: Inkle Ltd
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS
"It all adds up to a small but perfectly formed experience that any fan of a good murder mystery is recommended to investigate - if only to see how the other half does things. Inkle's reputation for interactive storytelling was already stellar, and you really must play 80 Days if you've not - but if Overboard! is a sign of what the studio can achieve in the same amount of time it takes some of us to choose a pair of curtains or decide which new-gen console to pick up when we can, well, what a team, frankly."
Mike Diver, 8/10 review
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Returnal
Released: April 30
Developer: Housemarque
Platforms: PlayStation 5
"This is an impossibly slick game that's bound to delight fans of Housemarque's previous work and anyone looking for a substantial new roguelike to sink their teeth into. But for everyone else? The difficulty paired with the sluggish sense of progression may prove to be a major turn off. What I will say is this: If you're even slightly interested in Returnal, consider checking it out. Some games are worth fighting for."
Ewan Moore, 9/10 review
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Little Nightmares II
Released: February 11
Developer: Tarsier Studios
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X/S, Stadia, Nintendo Switch
"Little Nightmares II does everything you'd expect of a sequel. It sticks closely to the grimy winning formulae of Little Nightmares, while improving on it in key areas. It's clear that Tarsier Studios know what makes their players tick and delivers it to them in festering bucketloads. Everything from the game's story, to the claustrophobic atmosphere it creates combine into an incredibly compelling package that is a must play for horror lovers everywhere."
Mark Foster, 9/10 review
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Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139...
Released: April 23
Developer: Cavia/Toylogic
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
"In truth, I'll never be able to explain the sheer level of brilliance within Nier Replicant, partly because of spoilers. What we have here is a story that will last the ages, contained within a game full of remarkable characters, beautiful-yet-haunting environments, satisfying gameplay and music that will be forever recorded in your heart. Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139... is perfect."
James Daly, 10/10 review
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Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
Released: March 30
Developer: ZA/UM
Platforms: Stadia, PlayStation 4 and 5
"Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is a game that had me on the edge of my seat with my knuckles clenched just as often as it made me laugh out loud or well up unexpectedly. It's a game that asks you to make some hard decisions and face challenging realities, all the while reminding us every step of the way that who we are today is much, much more important than the person we were the day before. It is, and I mean this without a whiff of hyperbole, a masterpiece. You need to play this game."
Ewan Moore, 10/10 review
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Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
Released: February 12
Developer: Nintendo
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
"Multiplayer gripes aside, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury easily earns its place on Nintendo Switch. As a port of an already exceptional game, it elevates itself to new heights with the inclusion of online multiplayer and a whole new add-on. While it may not be perfect, it's undoubtedly one of the best Super Mario games in franchise history, worth replaying time and time again."
James Daly, 9/10 review
Topics: Xbox, Best of 2021, Resident Evil, list, Nintendo, PlayStation, PC, Opinion, Indie Games