We don’t have some sort of Best Games of 2021 awards in PC Invasion (at least in terms of a site-wide consensus). Each writer, however, can list down the titles that they truly enjoyed in a given year. As such, here are my personal faves for 2021. I’ve arranged them in chronological order based on their release dates.
Granted, most of my picks are the games that I’ve reviewed. Still, a select few went ahead of the pack after I decided to write guides for them. I experienced their gameplay first-hand even though a different writer handled the review. You can also take a look at my Most Anticipated Games of 2022 if you feel like it.
Genshin Impact
I know what you’re thinking. Yes, Genshin Impact came out in 2020. But, it’s a live-service game that’s receiving a lot of content in subsequent updates. Arguably, its biggest updates were introduced in 2021. First, the Golden Apple Archipelago was added during the version 1.6 update in June. Then, we saw version 2.0 in July, which included the Inazuma region. More updates gave us new islands to explore, characters to acquire, and secrets to discover.
If you want to learn more about Genshin Impact, you can check out our guides and features hub.
Hitman 3
Hitman 3 closed out the World of Assassination Trilogy (i.e., the more recent games in the franchise). Featuring five huge maps and one linear level that served as the conclusion, it showcased Agent 47’s prowess. You had to use your wits to come up with creative ways to eliminate your targets.
If you want to learn more about Hitman 3, you can check out our guides and features hub.
Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights
Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights came out as an Early Access title in January 2021. It officially launched on June 22, absolutely flooring me right from the moment I started playing it. Emphasizing Metroidvania goodness and challenging bouts, you had to keep the White Priestess Lily alive.
If you want to learn more about Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights, you can check out our guides and features hub.
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous
I didn’t get to review Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, which was released on September 2. I did, however, receive an extra code so I can write guides for it. This computer role-playing game (CRPG) sets a high bar, where new mechanics are introduced as you progress.
Eventually, you’ll take control of armies to battle the demon hordes. Likewise, you’ll gain powers from your chosen Mythic Paths. Owing to countless combinations and key decisions, you’re bound to spend a hundred or so hours across multiple playthroughs.
If you want to learn more about Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, you can check out our guides and features hub.
Deathloop
Deathloop, which came out on September 14, is a first-person shooter (FPS) starring Colt Vahn. He’s stuck on an island and he has absolutely no idea what’s going on. Hilarity ensues in this surreal romp where Colt learns of sinister plots and crazy experiments, all while being hunted by an operative named Julianna. Colt’s deaths allow him to revive at the start of each day, but he remembers the clues and hints that you’ve found. As you piece together the narrative, you’ll discover a means of defeating all the bosses in a single day, breaking the loop for good.
If you want to learn more about Deathloop, you can check out our guides and features hub.
Far Cry 6
Let’s face it, many of Ubisoft’s open-world games tend to follow a certain formula. That’s evident in Far Cry 6, which launched on October 7. That being said, I rather enjoyed it.
Your character, Dani Rojas, joins a band of freedom fighters who are out to topple the dictatorial regime of Anton Castillo (played by Giancarlo Esposito). A lot of zany stuff happens, too, from seeing your animal companions trounce soldiers to the cockfighting minigame. Lastly, while I’m not from Latin America, the game spoke volumes to me, as a Filipino, owing to its themes and minigames.
If you want to learn more about Far Cry 6, you can check out our guides and features hub.
Inscryption
Similar to Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, I wasn’t able to review Inscryption when it came out on October 19. Instead, I picked it up on a whim a few days after its release. I immediately fell in love with it.
Inscryption‘s gameplay is filled to the brim with wit and creativity. It starts out as a rogue-lite card battler in Act 1. Then, in Act 2, it turns into a classic 16-bit RPG. By Act 3, it’s got Souls-like side-scrolling vibes. All throughout, you’ll still build a deck to defeat your foes and solve puzzles in the environment. It’s a memorable experience, and I’m even planning to try the Kaycee’s Mod beta.
If you want to learn more about Inscryption, you can check out our guides and features hub.
The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes
I’ve been covering the previous Dark Pictures Anthology games like Man of Medan and Little Hope. The titles follow a particular theme: pick a historical event or creepy legend, add a twist, and follow a Choose Your Own Adventure-style gameplay. All playable characters can live or die based on your choices and quick-time events (QTEs).
House of Ashes, which came out on October 22, is no different. Set during the Invasion of Iraq, members of opposing forces must band together to survive the creatures that lurk in the depths. It’s definitely more action-packed than previous offerings.
If you want to learn more about The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes, you can check out our guides and features hub.
Forza Horizon 5
Rounding out the pack is Forza Horizon 5, a racing game that launched on November 5. No, I didn’t get to review it, but I did write several guides. I certainly enjoyed the whole experience, thanks to the open-world map (the game is set in Mexico), numerous challenges you can complete, the races that you can partake in, and hundreds of cars that you can obtain.
If you want to learn more about Forza Horizon 5, you can check out our guides and features hub.
