{"id":227954,"date":"2025-10-01T12:46:37","date_gmt":"2025-10-01T12:46:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arcader.org\/game-informers-top-scoring-reviews-of-2021\/"},"modified":"2025-10-01T12:46:37","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T12:46:37","slug":"game-informers-top-scoring-reviews-of-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arcader.org\/news\/game-informers-top-scoring-reviews-of-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"Game Informer’s Top Scoring Reviews Of 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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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.\u00a0Whether 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\u00a0PC, we’ve evaluated many of 2021’s most noteworthy games to help guide you towards the best of the best. What highly anticipated\u00a0games met our expectations? Which under-the-radar indies deserve your attention?\u00a0You can find the answers to those questions right here.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0We’ll update the list with eligible titles\u00a0as the year progresses, so be sure to bookmark\u00a0this page\u00a0if you ever need recommendations on what to play next. Have fun!<\/p>\n

9.5<\/h2>\n

\"Returnal\"<\/a> <\/p>\n

Returnal<\/a> <\/h2>\n

A deadly alien planet is a playground for your senses and curiosity. Read review<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Platforms:<\/strong> PlayStation 5
Release Date:<\/strong>

<\/span> <\/p>\n

9.25<\/h2>\n

\"It<\/a> <\/p>\n

It Takes Two<\/a> <\/h2>\n

Hazelight’s cooperative adventure is clever, different, and loads of fun. Read review<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Platforms:<\/strong> PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X\/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:<\/strong>

<\/span> \"Little<\/a> <\/p>\n

Little Nightmares II<\/a> <\/h2>\n

This impressive follow-up builds on its predecessor with emotional gut punches and unnerving visuals that stick with you. Read review<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Platforms:<\/strong> PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X\/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:<\/strong> February 11, 2021 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC), (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X\/S) <\/p>\n

<\/span> \"Resident<\/a> <\/p>\n

Resident Evil Village<\/a> <\/h2>\n

Village doesn\u2019t 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<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Platforms:<\/strong> PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X\/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:<\/strong>

<\/span> \"Super<\/a> <\/p>\n

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury<\/a> <\/h2>\n

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<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Platforms:<\/strong> Switch
Release Date:<\/strong>

<\/span> \"Yakuza:<\/a> <\/p>\n

Yakuza: Like A Dragon<\/a> <\/h2>\n

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<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Platforms:<\/strong> PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X\/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:<\/strong> November 10, 2020 (Xbox Series X\/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC), March 2, 2021 (PlayStation 5) <\/p>\n

<\/span> <\/p>\n

9<\/h2>\n

\"Devotion\"<\/a> <\/p>\n

Devotion<\/a> <\/h2>\n

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<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Platforms:<\/strong> PC
Release Date:<\/strong>

<\/span> \"Disco<\/a> <\/p>\n

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut<\/a> <\/h2>\n

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.\u00a0 Read review<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Platforms:<\/strong> PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X\/S, PlayStation 4, Switch, Stadia, PC
Release Date:<\/strong> March 30, 2021 (PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Stadia, PC), 2021 (Xbox Series X\/S, Switch) <\/p>\n

<\/span> \"Ghosts<\/a> <\/p>\n

Ghosts ‘n Goblins: Resurrection<\/a> <\/h2>\n

This retro revival is challenging, fun, and worth playing twice. Read review<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Platforms:<\/strong> PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:<\/strong> February 25, 2021 (Switch), June 1, 2021 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC) <\/p>\n

<\/span> \"Hitman<\/a> <\/p>\n

Hitman 3<\/a> <\/h2>\n

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<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Platforms:<\/strong> PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X\/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, Stadia, PC
Release Date:<\/strong>

<\/span> \"Mass<\/a> <\/p>\n

Mass Effect Legendary Edition<\/a> <\/h2>\n

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<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Platforms:<\/strong> PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X\/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:<\/strong>

<\/span> \"Outriders\"<\/a> <\/p>\n

Outriders<\/a> <\/h2>\n

Outriders lived up to every single expectation I had and then some. Read review<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Platforms:<\/strong> PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X\/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:<\/strong>

<\/span> \"Subnautica:<\/a> <\/p>\n

Subnautica: Below Zero<\/a> <\/h2>\n

This second dive into an alien sea delivers a continual sense of wonder with huge discoveries backed by a strong story. Read review<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Platforms:<\/strong> PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X\/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:<\/strong>

<\/span> <\/p>\n

8.75<\/h2>\n

\"The<\/a> <\/p>\n

The Nioh Collection<\/a> <\/h2>\n

Experience Nioh and Nioh 2’s remastered versions in a complete package on PlayStation 5. Read review<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Platforms:<\/strong> PlayStation 5
Release Date:<\/strong>

<\/span> <\/p>\n

8.5<\/h2>\n

\"Before<\/a> <\/p>\n

Before Your Eyes<\/a> <\/h2>\n

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<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Platforms:<\/strong> PC
Release Date:<\/strong>

<\/span> \"Crash<\/a> <\/p>\n

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time<\/a> <\/h2>\n

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<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Platforms:<\/strong> PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X\/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:<\/strong> October 2, 2020 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC), March 12, 2021 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X\/S, Switch) <\/p>\n

<\/span> \"Loop<\/a> <\/p>\n

Loop Hero<\/a> <\/h2>\n

A roguelite dungeon manager simulation that keeps you coming back for more, Loop Hero makes hours fly by. Read review<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Platforms:<\/strong> PC
Release Date:<\/strong>

<\/span> \"MLB<\/a> <\/p>\n

MLB The Show 21<\/a> <\/h2>\n

Sony’s long-running baseball series impress on the diamond yet again, but doesn’t deliver many new experiences. Read review<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Platforms:<\/strong> PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X\/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Release Date:<\/strong>

<\/span> \"New<\/a> <\/p>\n

New Pok\u00e9mon Snap<\/a> <\/h2>\n

New Pok\u00e9mon 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 d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu. Read review<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Platforms:<\/strong> Switch
Release Date:<\/strong>

<\/span> \"Olija\"<\/a> <\/p>\n

Olija<\/a> <\/h2>\n

Tight gameplay, fun exploration, and an alluring atmosphere turn a disastrous voyage into a rewarding expedition. Read review<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Platforms:<\/strong> PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:<\/strong>

<\/span> \"Persona<\/a> <\/p>\n

Persona 5 Strikers<\/a> <\/h2>\n

Even if the action of Strikers is very different, the spirit and heart of the mainline series carries into this enjoyable sequel. Read review<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Platforms:<\/strong> PlayStation 4, Switch, PC
Release Date:<\/strong>

<\/span> \"Ratropolis\"<\/a> <\/p>\n

Ratropolis<\/a> <\/h2>\n

A satisfying romp as you restore glory to your rodent empire, defend against waves of flavorful foes, and recruit colorful companions. Read review<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Platforms:<\/strong> PC
Release Date:<\/strong>

<\/span> <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

For more of our top reviews from recent years, head to the links below.<\/p>\n