Video Games I thought were Pretty Good, 2021

The Longing - There will be no game that is a better metaphor for quarantining, and is probably the best game for games as an artform I have played in awhile. This list isn't in order, but this probably would my GOTY if I played it mostly in 2021 instead of 2020

Warioware Get It Together - I originally had Adios here, but playing Warioware as I am recovering from Covid is just closer to my heart, and brought me more joy.

Astro's Playroom - The PS5 is pretty cool. 

Miles Morales - Probably the AAA game that made me believe I can enjoy AAA games again.

Cyber Shadow - It may not stand out in a world full of 8-16 bit tribute games, but Cyber Shadow has execution on its mechanics that other games wish they were as sharp and fun. Even the story has the right vibe, which for a lot of these types of games, falls super flat.

Bowser's Fury with the 3D World - Open world Mario is cool, and the changes to 3D World make this just a definitive package.

Fitness Boxing 2- Probably should be my GOTY as it probably lengthened my life expectancy.

Hyper Light Drifter- Vibes + Fun, Rewarding Gameplay = must play for anyone looking for a combat heavy action adventure.

No More Heroes 3- This game was trash, but so was 2021, so it was the perfect panacea for my ennui.

Hades PS5 -I actually played this on the Switch in 2020, but when I got a PS5 in 2021, I decided to get Hades on there and give it another shot. Hades on Switch I liked, but felt off. The challenge curve never quite making me enjoy the game. When I started from scratch on the PS5, the game just felt better. I was getting through the story quicker, and unlocking things at a pace that I never did on the Switch version. I appreciate the randomness on some level, but it is just weird to realize my Hades experience on Switch was like a 7, but on PS5 it is like a 10. I don't know if that was due to updates on the game, me just being better from the start, or the power of 4K, but Hades on the PS5 was my GOTY of 2021.