Five RPGs You May Have Missed In 2021 [Game Informer]
Every year a glut of video game releases hit the market, making it hard to keep track of everything. RPG fans had a pretty good 2021, from fantastic indies to new games in popular franchises. Bandai Namco gave us two stellar RPGs in Tales of Arise and Scarlet Nexus. Remakes and remasters, like Nier: Replicant, Mass Effect Legendary Edition, and Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, provided plenty of nostalgia, while also bringing new fans into the fold. Longawaited entries finally debuted with Shin Megami Tensei V and Neo: The World Ends With You. And that’s only scratching the surface. Here are five RPGs worth your time that may have slipped past your radar.
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Eastward
Switch, PC, Mac
If you enjoy RPGs with a nostalgic ’90s feel, Eastward is worth your time. Between the pixel art style, whimsical atmosphere, and endearing bond between protagonists John and Sam, there’s a lot to love. The quirky adventure is full of surprises as you unravel the secrets of this strange world, using frying pans to whack enemies out cold and bombs to blow past obstacles. It’s equal parts bizarre and heartwarming and pays homage to Earthbound with its own arcade game called Earth Born for you to play when you need a diversion from the main story. If you want an RPG with simple mechanics and a unique setting, look no further. Read our review for more.
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<div class="field field--name-field-list-item-title field--type-string field--label-hidden gi5-field-list-item-title gi5-string field__item">Ys IX: Monstrum Nox</div>
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<div class="field field--name-field-list-item-sub field--type-string field--label-hidden gi5-field-list-item-sub gi5-string field__item">Switch, PS4, PC, Stadia</div>
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<div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-copy field--type-text-long field--label-hidden gi5-field-copy gi5-text-long field__item">The long-running Ys series continues to shine and proves it isn't afraid to take some risks along the way with Ys IX: Monstrum Nox. The series still follows the iconic red-headed hero Adol, but he gains supernatural abilities and the power to exorcise monsters for this entry. During his adventure, he meets others gifted with these powers, and they all have their own specialties to help you traverse the city and take on baddies. The unique methods for traversal and increased verticality make exploration a blast, and the big bosses and fast-paced action don't disappoint. Plus, the story goes to some wild places. Watch our <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/livestream/new-gameplay-today/2021/02/08/ys-ix-monstrum-nox-ps4-new-gameplay-today-live">New Gameplay Today</a> for more.