Game Informer's Top Scoring Reviews Of 2021

October 27, 2021

Game Informer's Top Scoring Reviews Of 2021

2021 may have kicked off with a slower-than-usual start thanks to numerous big delays, but that doesn't mean we still haven't been treated to a fair share of quality releases. Whether you're looking to get the most of out of your PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S or still enjoying your PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, or PC, we've evaluated many of 2021's most noteworthy games to help guide you towards the best of the best. What highly anticipated games met our expectations? Which under-the-radar indies deserve your attention? You can find the answers to those questions right here.

Below you'll find a list of the top scoring games of 2021, beginning with the top scorer and going down. Any game that scores between a 10 and an 8.5 makes the cut. Each entry also features a small blurb and a link to the full review. We'll update the list with eligible titles as the year progresses, so be sure to bookmark this page if you ever need recommendations on what to play next. Have fun!

9.5

Returnal

A deadly alien planet is a playground for your senses and curiosity. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 5
Release Date: April 30, 2021

9.25

It Takes Two

Hazelight's cooperative adventure is clever, different, and loads of fun. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: March 26, 2021

Little Nightmares II

This impressive follow-up builds on its predecessor with emotional gut punches and unnerving visuals that stick with you. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date: February 11, 2021 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC), (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S)

Resident Evil Village

Village doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to horror, but a consistent rollout of new weapons and tools makes it hard to walk away from these terrors. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: May 7, 2021

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury

By bundling one of the best 3D Mario games with an all-new adventure, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a compelling package for all fans of the Nintendo mascot. Read review

Platforms: Switch
Release Date: February 12, 2021

Tales of Arise

Flashy combat, dynamic characters, and a masterfully realized game world make Tales of Arise one of the best JRPG experiences of the year. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: September 10, 2021

Yakuza: Like A Dragon

With the launch of Like A Dragon on PS5, read about how this fantastic turn-based RPG captures the essence of what came before while setting out on its own journey. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: November 10, 2020 (Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC), March 2, 2021 (PlayStation 5)

9

Death's Door

Death's Door marries fine-tuned hack n' slash action with a cool world ripe with secrets to unravel. The result is an entertaining, densely-packed trip to the other side. Read review

Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: July 20, 2021

Deathloop

Deathloop is a bloody, chaotic mess. A mess you will fail at over and over until finally, you succeed. And that success – the result of hours of experimentation, iteration, and knowledge – makes for one of the best games of the year. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 5, PC
Release Date: September 14, 2021

Devotion

Devotion is terrifying experience backed by a compelling narrative that has a new lease on life after spending two years removed from sale. Horror fans would do well not to miss it a second time. Read review

Platforms: PC
Release Date: February 19, 2019

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut

The Final Cut opens this strange world up to a wave of new superstar detectives on console, and the additions provide a rewarding return trip for the rest of us. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, Stadia, PC
Release Date: March 30, 2021 (PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Stadia, PC), October 12, 2021 (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch)

Dodgeball Academia

This goofy and energetic sports RPG with the soul of a Shonen anime passes with flying colors. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date: August 5, 2021

Far Cry 6

Far Cry 6 is a gripping and exciting thrill ride from the opening moments, delivering the best entry the franchise has had in years. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC, Mac
Release Date: October 7, 2021

Ghosts 'n Goblins: Resurrection

This retro revival is challenging, fun, and worth playing twice. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date: February 25, 2021 (Switch), June 1, 2021 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC)

Hitman 3

Every mission in the final arc is a statement, demonstrating a mastery of level design and a willingness to subvert expectations laid out five years ago. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, Stadia, PC
Release Date: January 20, 2021

Kena: Bridge of Spirits

Ember Lab's debut game is a hit that you don't want to miss. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC
Release Date: September 21, 2021

Mass Effect Legendary Edition

Even all these years later, Commander Shepard is a powerful force that lives up to their iconic status, and the trilogy is still captivating and worth your time. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: May 14, 2021

Metroid Dread

After 19 years, Nintendo finally delivers an official sequel to Metroid Fusion that concludes Samus Aran's lifelong battle with a race of deadly alien organisms. Read review

Platforms: Switch
Release Date: October 8, 2021

Outriders

Outriders lived up to every single expectation I had and then some. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: April 1, 2021

Psychonauts 2

Double Fine has crafted an artistic journey that impresses at almost every turn in unexpected ways. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date: August 25, 2021

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Insomniac Games' latest sequel roars with excitement and shows us what PlayStation 5 is capable of. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 5
Release Date: June 11, 2021

Subnautica: Below Zero

This second dive into an alien sea delivers a continual sense of wonder with huge discoveries backed by a strong story. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date: May 14, 2021

The Forgotten City

Extensive player choice fuels a mystery that pays off in big ways. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date: July 28, 2021 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC), September 23, 2021 (Switch)

Unsighted

Unsighted is an engrossing and action-packed race against time where everything you do impacts which of your friends survive who turns into monsters. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date: September 30, 2021

8.75

Chicory: A Colorful Tale

Chicory might look like a coloring book, but, at heart, it’s a Zelda-inspired adventure full of humorous dialogue. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, Mac
Release Date: June 10, 2021

Diablo II: Resurrected

Two decades later, Diablo II gets a posh layer of flavor. Read review

Platforms: PC
Release Date: September 23, 2021

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade

Episode Intermission plays like a dream thanks to Yuffie's high-speed and nuanced combat skills, alluring optional activites, and visual/performance upgrades on PlayStation 5. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 5
Release Date: June 10, 2021

Griftlands

Klei's fun and challenging card mechanics are backed up by great characters and elaborate worldbuilding. Read review

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date: June 4, 2020

Resident Evil 4 VR

Resident Evil 4 VR is a must-play if you're a fan of the original. It fundamentally changes the experience in meaningful ways, adding new depth, strategy, and tension to a video game most people know like the back of their hands at this point Read review

Platforms: Quest
Release Date: October 21, 2021