2021 GOTY
Since December kicked off, #GOTY has been showing up on Twitter where there’s a trend of listing the best games of the decade. I won’t be following suit. This is a list of my top games throughout the year and reviewed on the site.
You won’t see the likes of Deathloop or Forza 5 on here (coincidentally, I’ve only just got Forza 4…). I haven’t played them yet.
My tastes are typically narrative-driven, so there’ll be a focus there, plus the list draws on games I’ve reviewed. Though I’ve played Jet Set Radio, Salt and Sanctuary, Hades, and Euro Truck Simulator 2 a lot, they don’t qualify as they weren’t released this year.
Also, the list is split as there were so many titles I enjoyed. Think of it as a summary. There’s the GOTY list (not in any order), honourable mentions as there were so many, plus some Early Access titles that were pretty memorable.
Let’s begin.
Tinytopia (PC)
Everyone secretly wants their own little utopia to run; it’s just that most of us put it on the back burner as there are more pressing matters, such as compiling a GOTY 2021 list.
In Tinytopia, we’re the mayor of a toy town. Our role is to ensure there’s enough accommodation, jobs, clean air and suitable emergency procedures should we get attacked by toy Godzilla or they burn to death like a modern Pompeii.
On top of that, some set pieces include building a town on a record player, balancing out a metropolis on a see-saw, or even creating a new cityscape on a rope.
Read the Tinytopia review.
Road 96 (PC)
Massively ambitious; taking control of nameless kids as they attempt to escape an oppressive regime by hitting the road, where no one path is the same as the last. But do you know what? DigixArt delivered, and this is one road trip to remember.
The number of peripheral characters serves up a narrative-driven tale where you can opt to fight the system, challenge it, or sod off over the wall and leave everyone else to it.
With an excellent original soundtrack and poppin’ visuals, this is a game I encourage you to seek out.
Read the Road 96 review.
A Monster’s Expedition (Switch)
One of my favourite puzzle titles, and possibly still the best one on the Nintendo Switch, A Monster’s Expedition is charming, witty, infectious and relaxing. Fear not on the infectious comment – that’s because it’s so addictive.
Pushing over a series of logs to create a path to a new island that will no doubt feature an outdoor installation that embraces humanity (from a monster’s perspective), the goal is to navigate an impressive world map (with extra content!) that’ll keep you busy for a reasonable amount of time.
A Monster’s Expedition is the type of game that will make you want to start a new game and do it all over again.
Read A Monster’s Expedition review.
Sam & Max [Double-bill] (PC)
It would be foolish to leave the Freelance Police off the list. As identified in their last outing, they’re one of my favourite duos of all time – more so than the Intel core.
This is a Sam & Max double bill as the good folk at Skunkape have released remastered editions of both seasons. Whether you missed them the first time like me, or want to see them with a gorgeous lick of paint, it’s a no-brainer for point and click fans.
Read the Sam & Max Save the World Remastered review.
Read the Sam & Max Beyond Time and Space Remastered review.
Cannon Brawl (Nintendo Switch)
We must be honest with each other: I forgot about Cannon Brawl until searching through my archives. I promptly ‘booted up the ol’ girl’ once more and immediately recalled how much fun this is.
If you’re a fan of Worms (not the bum type), Cannon Brawl is for you. Flying about in an air balloon when there are so many projectiles doesn’t sound practical, but this is easily one of the best indie titles on the Switch for me.
Read the Cannon Brawl review.
Forgotten Fields (PC)
This GOTY list seems to be predominantly PC, but I can only base it on experience, and Forgotten Fields was one such title. Sure, a few mechanics didn’t entirely work, but it’s the feeling that this game gives.
The story of forgotten friendships and aspiring to be a published author are elements a lot of us will relate to, but throw in some very memorable cinematics, and this was a game where I was ‘in my element’.
Read the Forgotten Fields review.
Chronicle of Innsmouth Mountains of Madness (PC)
2021 was pretty intense for Lovecraft content, but this title was perhaps the highlight of them all, and that’s saying something.
Fusing two of H.P. Lovecraft’s famous titles into one seamless point and click adventure, Chronicle of Innsmouth Mountains of Madness feels like it’s an unforgotten classic, as it boasts quality storytelling and old school adventuring worthy of your time.
Read the Chronicle of Innsmouth Mountains of Madness review.
Say No More (PC)
Anyone lacking assertion needs a course from The Coach, and to just say NO! Thunderful’s quirky game is a very brief experience, but one well worth adding to your list if you don’t already have it.
Not only will you learn to value yourself and know when enough is enough, but Say No More is so innocent, unassuming and uplifting (despite taking down corporate with your sonic booms). Did I say you can customise your characters?
Read the Say No More review.
Inspector Waffles (PC)
Dog person here: Inspector Waffles is a must if you’re a fan of the point and click. I don’t need to tell people on the internet about cats as you’ll lap this up (ha!) regardless. But it’d be worth it.
Investigate a murder and unravel a conspiracy that’s deeper than a saucer of milk. With plenty of in-jokes without going overboard, this game from Goloso Games exudes charm, and I can’t recommend it enough.
Read the Inspector Waffles review.
Unreal Life (Nintendo Switch – EU)
A late entry for Hako Life’s game, and perhaps a surprise as it was officially launched last year. But… 2021 saw the launch of Unreal Life on the Nintendo Switch for Europe. Sure, you could set up another regional account, but not everyone wants to do that.
Was it worth the wait? I didn’t know about it, and as a pixel art type game, I wasn’t that fussed on the surface. That said, it turned out to be a beautiful, personal tale that begs to be experienced if you have a sense of humour and sway to Japanese narratives.
Read the Unreal Life review.
Out of Sight/Tiny Lands (PC)
I couldn’t decide which of the two to include, so listed both! No, they aren’t by the same developers, and yes, they are very similar and essentially the same type of game, yet they both warrant a place on this list.
If you’re a bit fed up with hardcore gaming or frustrating puzzles, both Out of Sight and Tiny Lands are superb chill experiences that will soothe even the savage beast. Oh, in case it isn’t clear (it isn’t) – they’re both hidden object games.
Read the Out of Sight review.
Read the Tiny Lands review.
The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark (PC)
No person with a sense of humour and explorative nature would leave McQueen and Dooley out of a GOTY of the year – especially as they’ve been through so much together!
Just like the season before it, The Darkside Detective 2 fires on all cylinders and hilarious throughout, catering to pop culture fans from every corner.
It feels a bit silly, including this on the list as everyone must have played it? If you haven’t, GO!
Read The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark review.
Omno (PC)
In a time when I was giving out review scores (which pop back and forth based on feedback, though I’m against them), I gave Jonas Manke’s Omno a five out of five. Whatever that means on a scale of me.
A solo project that is so tranquil, there was no hesitation in adding this to the list. The landscapes and wildlife are warm, vibrant and beg to be explored. I wish this lasted a little longer as it was pure escapism.
Read the Omno review.
Curious Expedition 2 (PC)
How can you call yourself an adventurer if you haven’t experienced the classics? If you don’t know who Jules Verne is, then you a) need to find out, b) play Curious Expedition 2.
There are so many rogue-likes in existence now, but this is one unique experience you can have, and heaven forbid, encourage you to read about the adventures of those featured in this excellent adventure. Take that, Bill & Ted.
Read the Curious Expedition 2 review.
Glyph (Nintendo Switch)
This will undoubtedly feature on so many GOTY for 2021, and rightly so. But let me just be one of those tits who say, “Yeah, but I was there at the beginning…”.
That doesn’t really qualify anything, but the moment I heard about the game, I was quick to seek it out and was impressed with the quality of gameplay and just how good bouncing a ball in the desert could be.
Read the Glyph review.
These final five titles were my top games of 2021, and all five could easily have been the GOTY. However, after some deliberation, I’ve concluded what my 2021 GOTY was, based on several reasons (one being that you, dear reader, are expecting a title to embrace that moniker).
Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition (PC)
Wait a second: didn’t Nioh 2 come out in 2020? Well, according to my records, The Complete Edition was released in February 2021 on Steam, and I was fortunate enough to get a copy before release.
One of my most played games that begs to be revisited this Christmas period, we return to the Sengoku period to see some familiar faces, wield a ridiculous amount of weapons, and experience what is called the Yokai Shift.
Dark Souls is one of my all-time favourite titles, and I can easily say that Nioh 2 is on par with this and has a reserved spot on the pedestal. The only reason it didn’t make the top spot is I haven’t been playing it all year.
Read the Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition review.
Conway: Disappearance At Dahlia View (PC)
I’m quick to praise a game, and I always admire creativity (within reason) and how a group of people can work together to create a memorable experience. But I do regret it when that praise is a little premature.
With Conway: Disappearance At Dahlia View, that ‘one of the best games I’ve played’ statements hasn’t receded, and I stand firm on it. As a big Hitchcock fan, this story resonated with me a lot – notably the film aspects, storytelling and cast.
A pattern is emerging as to why a title didn’t make it to the top spot, and for this game, it was purely because of replayability. At the time of playing, there wasn’t the option to drop into a chapter, and also not something you’ll immediately replay after completion. That said, it’s a fantastic title, and I love it.
Read the Conway: Disappearance At Dahlia View review.
Okinawa Rush (Nintendo Switch)
There was a chance that this would have been on the GOTY before it was released. Besides playing the demo a couple of times, it has all the things that made my gaming youth so memorable when I recall the days of the Amiga.
It has action, multiple playable characters, an insane moveset for a 2D side-scrolling beat ’em up (and works!), plus there’s a smug nod towards the days when Golden Harvest was golden. Yes, I realise that there’s a Japanese theme here, what with it being Okinawa, but fellow Japanophiles (not on ‘a list’) will know the connection to kung fu.
Why didn’t it get to number one? It’s bloody hard, and it’s a bit short. But don’t let the difficulty phase you. Just because something is hard, that shouldn’t lower one’s opinion of it. Okinawa Rush is superb, and other than that challenge, I don’t think they could have done it any better.
Read the Okinawa Rush review.
Chernobylite (PC)
From the opening moments of Chernobylite, I was thinking up the lines for this very feature. Since getting back into PC gaming, I realise I am a bit mainstream with my love for FPS titles here and there, but this one is different.
First of all, you know what I’m going to say… the storytelling. This is a great spin on the tale of Chernobyl, told in a respectful sci-fi scenario that is very much the spectacle, but without it being Michael Bay.
It was also a standout game for the voice talent. Playing in the native tongue, I found myself struggling to read the subtitles while playing the game, so I reluctantly switched to English. After an initial hesitation of ‘this doesn’t work’, the leading actor, Ian Russell, absolutely smashed it and helped create this believable situation that I couldn’t get enough of.
I was genuinely a bit miffed when I completed it, but it was worth it.
Read the Chernobylite Review.
GOTY: Strangeland (PC)
After much deliberation, Strangeland is my 2021 GOTY. Point and click titles have always been my go-to genre, so there is understandably a bias here, but the storytelling is sublime and so heavily layered that I was carrying all these ideas months after playing.
A handful of times, the puzzles were quite absurd, but they never reached that illogical resolution one would see in a LucasArts title. On that note, despite being a bit of a goon and obsessed with comedy, it was refreshing that the game wasn’t built around point and click in-jokes.
I can’t fault the language used in the game – from the dialogue through to the semiology in the visuals, nuances and layer upon layer of myth. It hit every note and sparked an interest in Wormwood Studios other title, Primordia. Hell, I loved this game so much; I even sent off a fan email to the devs and now have a soft spot for Wadjet Eye Games. If you haven’t played Unavowed yet, that’s another one for you.
Read the Strangeland review.
So there you go, Strangeland is my 2021 GOTY. If you haven’t read the review, feel free to check it out, but I hope that there’s at least one title you’ve seen here that tickles your fancy and ends up being a good pick for you.
Thanks for reading, and I hope that 2022 is a good year for you, and selfishly, for gaming.
Cheers!