Before diving right into my best games I played 2021 list, I want to reflect a bit on the games I played this year.
I’ve finished 22 games this year compared to 18 in 2020. I had a slow start as I kept playing Hades until March and didn’t start another game at that time. This year has been a turbulent year for me, I was on sick leave, I quit my job and started freelancing. I’ve had more time over for games, but didn’t use that time for gaming. And I’ve had really busy work days, when I gamed more as a way to disconnect from work.
It’s strange how that works.
This has been a year of remakes and replays. I’ve played Demon’s Souls Remake, Mass Effect 1, 2, 3 and I returned to Civilisation 6 and XCOM to play their large DLCs.
My average score this year has been 3.1 which is worse compared to last years 3.4. I’ve been more disappointed in games this year. I’ve spent approximately 315 hours which come to think of it is not even 1 hour per day. It is still 100 hours more compared to 2020.
PlayStation 5
This was the year that I got PlayStation 5 and I have played some exclusive PS5 games on it, like ASTRO’s PLAYROOM, Demon’s Souls Remake, Sackboy: A Big Adventure and right now I’m playing Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. I’ve also played several games enhanced for PlayStation 5 like Little Nightmares 2, Concrete Genie and A Plague Tale Innocence.
One thing I really enjoy with the PlayStation 5 – it is very silent. Where my old PS4 would sound like a helicopter this console is dead quiet. I enjoy that. Previously I would play with headphones to shut out the sound of the console, but now I don’t have to. That is a relief.
The new DualShock controller is very good. It helps you immerse yourself in the gameplay, and while I thought that adaptive triggers would just be a gimmick I’ve found that the games I play use it in very thought out ways. I also like the weight that the controller has in your hand. It feels good.
The graphics of some of those exclusive games is just mind-blowing. I’m not usually a graphics person, but when it helps to immerse yourself in the game, then it is doing its job. Demon’s Souls Remake is the best looking game I’ve played this year.
I actually bought the Pulse 3D Headset along with my PlayStation 5, and I think it’s OK. I don’t think much about the 3D aspects of the sound, but it does help when you can hear enemies behind you. I think that it will show its qualities much better in combination with PlayStation VR.
Looking forward to 2022
Next year is going to be great. I’m looking forward to so many games. We have the next FROM SOFTWARE game Elden Ring coming in February. I will definitely play Horizon Forbidden West when it comes out, as Horizon Zero Dawn was one of my favourites. Another favorite that is coming back is Hellblade in the sequel Senua’s Saga.
Other releases for next year that I’m keeping my eyes on: Circuit Superstars, Hollow Knight Silk Song and Oxenfree 2.
If we look further away, think about getting a new Grand Theft Auto, Diablo, Mass Effect or Dragon Age. One can dream, eh?
I have lots of games to catch up on. My backlog has become shorter as I’ve played more games than I added, but I’m looking forward to Life is Strange: True Colors, Returnal, Disco Elysium and Axiom Verge 2.
Next post will be game of the year, 2021.
Replay 