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Game Informer’s Top Scoring Reviews Of 2021 [Game Informer]
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
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<img src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/review_summary_game_cover/public/2021/04/07/814affaa/returnal.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="" typeof="Image" class="image-style-review-summary-game-cover">
<h2>
A deadly alien planet is a playground for your senses and curiosity. Read review
<strong>Platforms:</strong> PlayStation 5<br>
<strong>Release Date:</strong>
<time datetime="00Z" class="datetime">April 30, 2021</time>
9.25
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<img src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/review_summary_game_cover/public/2021/04/27/57640c30/ittakestwo.jpg" width="150" height="225" alt="" typeof="Image" class="image-style-review-summary-game-cover">
<h2>
Hazelight’s cooperative adventure is clever, different, and loads of fun. Read review
<strong>Platforms:</strong> PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC<br>
<strong>Release Date:</strong>
<time datetime="00Z" class="datetime">March 26, 2021</time>
<img src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/review_summary_game_cover/public/2021/04/27/cc66070c/littlenightmares2.jpg" width="150" height="225" alt="" typeof="Image" class="image-style-review-summary-game-cover">
<h2>
This impressive follow-up builds on its predecessor with emotional gut punches and unnerving visuals that stick with you. Read review
<strong>Platforms:</strong> PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC<br>
<strong>Release Date:</strong>
February 11, 2021 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC), (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S)
<img src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/review_summary_game_cover/public/2021/03/09/1cff1105/residentevilvillage.jpg" width="150" height="225" alt="" typeof="Image" class="image-style-review-summary-game-cover">
<h2>
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
<strong>Platforms:</strong> PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC<br>
<strong>Release Date:</strong>
<time datetime="00Z" class="datetime">May 7, 2021</time>
<img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/prod-media.gameinformer.com/styles/review_summary_game_cover/s3/2020/09/08/70dd6285/supermario3dworld.jpg" width="150" height="247" alt="" typeof="Image" class="image-style-review-summary-game-cover">
<h2>
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
<strong>Platforms:</strong> Switch<br>
<strong>Release Date:</strong>
<time datetime="00Z" class="datetime">February 12, 2021</time>
<img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/prod-media.gameinformer.com/styles/review_summary_game_cover/s3/2020/09/01/394fdbfb/yakuzalikeadragon.jpg" width="150" height="225" alt="" typeof="Image" class="image-style-review-summary-game-cover">
<h2>
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
<strong>Platforms:</strong> PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC<br>
<strong>Release Date:</strong>
November 10, 2020 (Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC), March 2, 2021 (PlayStation 5)
9
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<img src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/review_summary_game_cover/public/2021/03/15/97030c84/devotion_product_page_art.jpg" width="150" height="188" alt="" typeof="Image" class="image-style-review-summary-game-cover">
<h2>
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
<strong>Platforms:</strong> PC<br>
<strong>Release Date:</strong>
<time datetime="00Z" class="datetime">February 19, 2019</time>
<img src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/review_summary_game_cover/public/2021/03/17/d2d9b426/defcbox.jpg" width="150" height="140" alt="" typeof="Image" class="image-style-review-summary-game-cover">
<h2>
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
<strong>Platforms:</strong> PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Switch, Stadia, PC<br>
<strong>Release Date:</strong>
March 30, 2021 (PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Stadia, PC), 2021 (Xbox Series X/S, Switch)
<img src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/review_summary_game_cover/public/2021/04/27/d444661b/ghostsngoblinsresurrection.jpg" width="150" height="225" alt="" typeof="Image" class="image-style-review-summary-game-cover">
<h2>
Ghosts ‘n Goblins: Resurrection
This retro revival is challenging, fun, and worth playing twice. Read review
<strong>Platforms:</strong> PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC<br>
<strong>Release Date:</strong>
February 25, 2021 (Switch), June 1, 2021 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC)
<img src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/review_summary_game_cover/public/2020/11/03/a635e9d0/hitman3.jpg" width="150" height="225" alt="" typeof="Image" class="image-style-review-summary-game-cover">
<h2>
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
<strong>Platforms:</strong> PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, Stadia, PC<br>
<strong>Release Date:</strong>
<time datetime="00Z" class="datetime">January 20, 2021</time>
<img src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/review_summary_game_cover/public/2020/11/07/f0a4efc0/masseffectlegendaryedition.jpg" width="150" height="188" alt="" typeof="Image" class="image-style-review-summary-game-cover">
<h2>
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
<strong>Platforms:</strong> PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC<br>
<strong>Release Date:</strong>
<time datetime="00Z" class="datetime">May 14, 2021</time>
<img src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/review_summary_game_cover/public/2020/12/04/db561f59/outriders.jpg" width="150" height="225" alt="" typeof="Image" class="image-style-review-summary-game-cover">
<h2>
Outriders lived up to every single expectation I had and then some. Read review
<strong>Platforms:</strong> PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC<br>
<strong>Release Date:</strong>
<time datetime="00Z" class="datetime">April 1, 2021</time>
<img src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/review_summary_game_cover/public/2021/04/14/8d9bb4fb/subnauticabelowzero.jpg" width="150" height="225" alt="" typeof="Image" class="image-style-review-summary-game-cover">
<h2>
This second dive into an alien sea delivers a continual sense of wonder with huge discoveries backed by a strong story. Read review
<strong>Platforms:</strong> PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC<br>
<strong>Release Date:</strong>
<time datetime="00Z" class="datetime">May 14, 2021</time>
8.75
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<img src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/review_summary_game_cover/public/2021/01/18/d0eaaf8f/niohcollection.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="" typeof="Image" class="image-style-review-summary-game-cover">
<h2>
Experience Nioh and Nioh 2’s remastered versions in a complete package on PlayStation 5. Read review
<strong>Platforms:</strong> PlayStation 5<br>
<strong>Release Date:</strong>
<time datetime="00Z" class="datetime">February 5, 2021</time>
8.5
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<img src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/review_summary_game_cover/public/2021/04/19/5e24db49/before_your_eyes_product_art.jpg" width="150" height="188" alt="" typeof="Image" class="image-style-review-summary-game-cover">
<h2>
Before Your Eyes puts its unique blinking mechanic to great use, offering a novel and fun method of interacting with this memorable, bittersweet tale. Read review
<strong>Platforms:</strong> PC<br>
<strong>Release Date:</strong>
<time datetime="00Z" class="datetime">April 8, 2021</time>
<img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/prod-media.gameinformer.com/styles/review_summary_game_cover/s3/2020/06/22/93cf6c3f/crashbandicoot4.jpg" width="150" height="214" alt="" typeof="Image" class="image-style-review-summary-game-cover">
<h2>
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
Now that Crash Bandicoot 4 has arrived on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Switch, read how the game’s challenging but fun platforming and entertaining new mask abilities make it a successful return to form. Read review
<strong>Platforms:</strong> PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC<br>
<strong>Release Date:</strong>
October 2, 2020 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC), March 12, 2021 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch)
<img src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/review_summary_game_cover/public/2021/04/27/c31a9f6c/loophero.jpg" width="150" height="200" alt="" typeof="Image" class="image-style-review-summary-game-cover">
<h2>
A roguelite dungeon manager simulation that keeps you coming back for more, Loop Hero makes hours fly by. Read review
<strong>Platforms:</strong> PC<br>
<strong>Release Date:</strong>
<time datetime="00Z" class="datetime">March 4, 2021</time>
<img src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/review_summary_game_cover/public/2021/02/18/fdfaae24/mlbtheshow21.jpg" width="150" height="225" alt="" typeof="Image" class="image-style-review-summary-game-cover">
<h2>
Sony’s long-running baseball series impress on the diamond yet again, but doesn’t deliver many new experiences. Read review
<strong>Platforms:</strong> PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One<br>
<strong>Release Date:</strong>
<time datetime="00Z" class="datetime">April 20, 2021</time>
<img src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/review_summary_game_cover/public/2021/01/21/d28e4685/new-pokemon-snap.jpg" width="150" height="246" alt="" typeof="Image" class="image-style-review-summary-game-cover">
<h2>
New Pokémon Snap delivers all the thrills of the original game, but that throwback spirit isn’t the only part of the experience that will give you a feeling of déjà vu. Read review
<strong>Platforms:</strong> Switch<br>
<strong>Release Date:</strong>
<time datetime="00Z" class="datetime">April 30, 2021</time>
<img src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/review_summary_game_cover/public/2021/04/27/24d360ed/olija.jpg" width="150" height="225" alt="" typeof="Image" class="image-style-review-summary-game-cover">
<h2>
Tight gameplay, fun exploration, and an alluring atmosphere turn a disastrous voyage into a rewarding expedition. Read review
<strong>Platforms:</strong> PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC<br>
<strong>Release Date:</strong>
<time datetime="00Z" class="datetime">January 28, 2021</time>
<img src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/review_summary_game_cover/public/2021/04/27/fb693fdc/persona5strikers.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="" typeof="Image" class="image-style-review-summary-game-cover">
<h2>
Even if the action of Strikers is very different, the spirit and heart of the mainline series carries into this enjoyable sequel. Read review
<strong>Platforms:</strong> PlayStation 4, Switch, PC<br>
<strong>Release Date:</strong>
<time datetime="00Z" class="datetime">February 23, 2021</time>
<img src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/review_summary_game_cover/public/2021/01/07/49058303/ratropolis_image.jpg" width="150" height="200" alt="" typeof="Image" class="image-style-review-summary-game-cover">
<h2>
A satisfying romp as you restore glory to your rodent empire, defend against waves of flavorful foes, and recruit colorful companions. Read review
<strong>Platforms:</strong> PC<br>
<strong>Release Date:</strong>
<time datetime="00Z" class="datetime">December 22, 2020</time>
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