With the Game Awards on the horizon, we’ve thought about what games we’ve held in high regard this year. Of course, we can’t really recommend something we haven’t reviewed or at least played, so we’ve scoured our whole library to serve up our shortlist of some of the best games of 2021.

Take note that even with all the games that we’ve reviewed, there is still a lot that we didn’t get to check out. There are only a few of us and too many games! And don’t even get me started with all the indies and PC games that we unfortunately missed out on.

That said, we’ve curated the games that are at the top of their craft. From Action games to RPGs and more specialized genres, we’re featuring the latest and the greatest of 2021 that we’ve reviewed through the year to give you our most informed list.

Here are our best games of 2021!

OMG’s Best Games of 2021

Monster Hunter Rise

Release Date: March 26, 2021
Platform: Nintendo Switch

Monster Hunter Rise is an assurance from Capcom that this franchise keeps putting out good games. They may not be the best – but the familiarity keeps loyal fans playing, and the innovations keep bringing in new fans into the fold. Monster Hunter has always been a game about overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds, and Monster Hunter Rise, well, rises to the occasion, as much as it expects its players to. – Niel Caruncho, March 2021

See our full review here.

It Takes Two

Release Date: March 26, 2021
Platform: PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series, PC

It Takes Two is a fantastic game that delivers in almost every aspect. Gorgeous visuals, engaging mechanics, smooth and responsive controls… you name it and Hazelight have it down and done. There’s a whole buffet of ideas brought to life in the game that it’s quite impressive how the devs seemingly didn’t even have to repeat a mechanic, keeping the whole experience fresh and worthwhile. – Chris Garcia, March 2021

See our full review here.

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Release Date: April 22, 2021
Platform: PS4, PC, Xbox One

NieR Replicant represents a turning point where the game has evolved from what it was before into a more creative product that implements a different sentiment with storytelling, gameplay, and lore. It is the definitive edition with which the game is meant to be played, with the full vision of Yoko Taro finally realized. It is a genre-defining JRPG that blends the old with the new, and this remastered edition is the best way to experience it again or for the first time.

See our full review here.

Returnal

Release Date: April 30, 2021
Platform: PS5

Returnal is the first true next-gen game for the PlayStation 5, and if you really want to see what the console can do, this should top your list of must-buy games for the system. We finally have a game that actualizes all of those marketing buzzwords you’ve been hearing of until now and executes it to masterful levels. On top of that, the very few highs in this game are so memorable that you’ll be willing to be punished time and time again.

See our full review here.

Resident Evil Village

Release Date: May 7, 2021
Platform: PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series, PC

Resident Evil Village is lightning striking twice for Capcom. Resident Evil 7 was a return to form for the series, and Village maintains the momentum, borrowing elements from previous titles and making it a unique experience that is terrifyingly fun from start to finish. – Ricki Buzon, May 2021

See our full review here.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition

Release Date: May 14, 2021
Platform: PS4, Xbox One, PC

Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is a generation-defining RPG that spans three games to tell an epic and unforgettable experience from start to finish. Step once again into the shoes of Commander Shepard and liberate (or destroy) the universe from the Reaper invasion that threatens all intelligent life as we know it in the best remastered edition in this side of the known universe.

See our full review here.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade

Release Date: June 10, 2021
Platform: PS5

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is the complete experience. They’ve improved on the visual fidelity that corrected a lot of the hiccups from the PS4 version while adding the INTERmission side content enables the story to open up to a much larger world away from the Midgar-centric stage. All this really does is make us more thirsty for part two, whenever that is.

See our full review here.

Guilty Gear Strive

Release Date: June 11, 2021
Platform: PS4, PC, PS4

At the end of the day, Guilty Gear Strive is a masterful effort from Arc System Works, proving time and time again that they’re one of the best at what they do. The slightly simplified game mechanics should make it easier for casuals to dive in and hopefully get better the longer they play, but is still an insanely deep and technical fighter that will take veterans hundreds of hours to fully master. – Ricki Buzon, June 2021

See full review here.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Release Date: June 11, 2021
Platform: PS5

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is what many PS5 players can consider as the biggest release on the system this year. Insomniac has preserved the integrity and charm of the franchise while introducing fantastic quality of life improvements to make the game feel like a massive improvement from its predecessor. In a way, it’s definitely the same Ratchet & Clank flavor but wrapped in a shiny and technically masterful package. The addition of new characters like Rivet and the multiple dimensions dynamic is icing on the cake for such a must-play, next-gen feel-good experience.

See our full review here.

Hades

Release Date: August 13, 2021 (for PS and Xbox)
Platform: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch

Hades is a triumph from Supergiant Games, and despite losing the charm of portable play from the Switch, seeing it all play out in glorious 4K is more than worth the trade-off. Hades is the culmination of the lessons learned from the Supergiant’s previous releases, resulting in a masterful effort that will appeal even to players who aren’t fans of the genre. – Chris Garcia, August 2021

See full review here.

Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut

Release Date: August 20, 2021
Platform: PS5, PS4

Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut is a standout experience especially on the Playstation 5. It has enhanced the already beloved title with many improvements over its PS4 counterpart including improved visuals, DualSense support, and much-improved frame rates among other things. The amount of value that you get in Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut as a whole is very good, considering you get the full game, the Iki Island DLC, the incredibly robust Legends multiplayer mode, and the PlayStation 5 improvements. Topped by a relatively smooth save file transfer system, Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut was developed with love and it feels like a “Thank You” from Sucker Punch to its fans. – Chris Garcia, August 2021

See our full review here.

Psychonauts 2

Release Date: August 25, 2021
Platform: PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series, PC

Psychonauts 2 is such a pleasure to experience and really cements Double Fine as a worthy addition to the growing stable of first-party studios for Microsoft. The unique visual style may not be for everybody, but the charming and heartwarming story can really get you into the groove. Coupled with an easy control scheme mixed in with a semi-open world enabling you to explore different mind mazes, there’s a lot to love about this game.

See full review here.

Tales of Arise

Release Date: September 10, 2021
Platform: PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series, PC

Tales of Arise proves that the franchise can battle with the very best of them. For a new entry in the long-running RPG series and the first that appears on current generation consoles, Tales is Arise makes a stunning return and thoroughly sticks the landing. It is a solid outing that we can’t recommend enough and should prove to be a must-play for longtime fans and even newcomers to the series. – Ricki Buzon, September 2021

See our full review here.

Deathloop

Release Date: September 14, 2021
Platform: PS5, PC

Deathloop has some of the best ways to ease you into a complex world, waiting for you to walk until you can run, but at the same time treating you with enough respect to figure things out. It is quite rare for a game to be so simple yet so complex in its execution. Despite its complicated setup, it maintains such a delicate and calculated balance to keep its thematic synergy on point. Even when the novelty ends, you’re left with a frenetic shooter that doesn’t pressure you to maintain a consistent and perfect move set to enjoy and progress.

See our full review here.

Lost Judgment

Release Date: September 28, 2021
Platform: PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series

Lost Judgment is a solid title with enough playable content to entertain just about anybody. This game is for Yakuza fans old and new, solidifying Takayuki Yagami as a mainstay for years to come. He’s no longer a mere skin change from Kazuma Kiryu, now boasting of unique mini-games, fighting styles, and perspective only present from Yagami’s point of view.

See our full review here.

Metroid Dread

Release Date: October 8, 2021
Platform: Nintendo Switch

Metroid Dread is the first 2D Metroid game out in 19 years, and it was worth the wait. Owning the genre made for its namesake, Metroid Dread is an adrenaline-fueled action ride with some intense survival horror mechanics. It’s as if you’ve taken Alien Isolation and combined it with Castlevania Symphony of the Night while it still stands on its own merit. Believe the hype.

Guardians of the Galaxy

Release Date: October 26, 2021
Platform: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Switch, PC

The game is looking to be a sleeper hit that may be overlooked by many due to its less than stellar reveal, but it brings a great experience that may even lead to some conversations of it being a possible GOTY nominee from out of Knowhere (heh). That said, to answer the lingering question, this Guardians of the Galaxy game exceeds the Marvel’s Avengers experience in many ways. – Ricki Buzon, October 2021

See our full review here.

Forza Horizon 5

Release Date: November 9, 2021
Platform: Xbox Series X|S, PC

Forza Horizon 5 is the gold standard of open-world arcade racers. I’m not particularly fond of racing games, but they’ve taken what’s worked in various other titles like Wreckfest to F1 Racing and used it to create an accessible experience that one could enjoy at their own pace. It’s a game packed with value and enjoyment wrapped in a glossy next-gen packaging that will hook you visually and then charm you with its many activities. If you have an Xbox Series console, this is THE game that you’ve been waiting for.

See our full review here.

Shin Megami Tensei V

Release Date: November 11, 2021
Platform: Nintendo Switch

A cult JRPG favorite among its fans and definitely another addition to the extensive JRPG library provided throughout the year in addition to the equally excellent Tales of Arise, Scarlet Nexus, and NEO: The World Ends With You. Nintendo Switch really is the platform for JRPGs with excellent exclusives and a massive library headlined by Shin Megami Tensei V. If the rumors are true, hopefully we see this gem on other platforms in the coming year.

Halo Infinite

Release Date: November 13, 2021 (Multiplayer), December 8, 2021 (Campaign)
Platform: Xbox Series, PC

If there was ever one reason to get an Xbox Series, Halo Infinite is that reason. After being delayed for a good year from its original release date, the day is nearly upon fans who have waited patiently for the next installment of the Chief. If the recently released free-to-play multiplayer beta is any indication of its quality, I can honestly say that Halo is officially back and here to stay.

What are your best games of 2021? Got some favorites that didn’t make our cut? Let us know!