OH SHIT - I totally screwed this video up. Metroid Dread was on my list lol it's pretty much my #1 or #2 pick. I HAD ONE FREAKIN JOB lol this is why you don't rush
I was about to say, what about dread??? This year I really liked : - Metroid Dread - Ender lilies : quietus of the knights - Astalon : tears of the earth - Death's Door - Skul : the hero slayer - Aeterna noctis
@@kremesauce about 15-20 hours but there are choices in the game that take you along different routes in the story. I found out after finishing the game I missed a few boss fights so am I going to replay it soon
Bought Ghost of Tsushima Directors Cut as my first PS5 game and have been playing it all year. It's my first RPG ever really and I've 100%'d it and put in 120+ hours. It's the first video game that has made me understand what's so special about playing a good game by yourself.
Definitely in my top 3 favorite games of all time. I picked it up and couldn't put it down and it's the only game I can recall that I've ever platinumed. Waiting for it to port to PC to play the directors cut which has been really difficult as I've been itching to play it again.
@@sobsbot Not really. A real RPG implies you get to have story changing choices hence playing a certain "role". Still I really hope they release it on pc, it's a really good game.
I think Kena deserves so much more love than it has been getting. It was emotional, it was beautiful and it was a good old fun single player experience. Had me hooked straight through
Oh man, I didn't get to play a lot of new games this year, but I think I did one better. I played: >Metal Gear Solid Twin Snakes, 2 and 4 and for the first time >Final Fantasy 10, 12, 13 and 15 for the first time >Yakuza 1, 2, 3 for the first time >Dark souls 2 for the first time, the last Souls-like Fromsoft game I played in the series, but it's the first one that finally made the series click! That being said Disco Elysium The Final Cut is gotta be the most memorable game I played this year. It's just... perfect in everything it does. Great video! I think you've finally convinced me to get the Guardians of theGalaxy game!
I agree with Ratchet and Clank being up there with being considered one of the best games of 2021. This is a game that I have a lot fun playing and everytime I comeback to play enjoy every minute of the experience. Also, as of right now i'm trying to 100 % the game and get the platinum trophy.
The Nier Replicant remaster was such a pleasant surprise. It was recommended to me by a friend and I really didn't know what to expect, but it ended up being one of my favorite games of all time. Yeah, the quest design and graphics aren't quite up to modern standards, but they did an amazing job modernizing the character models and combat, while adding new content to appease fans of the original. It has one of the greatest and most enigmatic stories I've ever seen in a game, and I still think the remastered version's soundtrack is the greatest soundtrack to any piece of media, period. And that's including games and films lmao. What an amazing and unique game
Kena: Bridge Of Spirits was my goty and one of my favorite games of all time. I absolutely loved everything about it, it was such a breath of fresh air, and I can't wait to see what Ember Lab does next. It Takes Two takes was my second favorite game of the year. It's honestly so nice and fresh having smaller games and studios be my top games. The indies killed it tyud this year. Have a wonderful holidays with your family Jake!
Merry Christmas Jake! I’m a mostly silent fan but I’ve been following you (in a non creepy way) since the PMI days, and it’s so cool to see how you’ve grown so much! You’re the underrated GOAT
I’m so glad it takes two won the game of the year. It’s my game of the year for sure… played with my friend and had such a blast. I’m really a single player campaign kinda gamer but wow this game really made me appreciate coop games
As someone who still cherishes playing Super Metroid as a kid, I loved Metroid Dread. It felt like visiting an old friend who had grown and matured in a surprising and satisfying way. Another game I loved this year, even though it came out last year, was Hades. The complexity of the weapons with the various boons and enhancements, coupled with the roguelike formula of the encounter design just keeps that game fresh.
My favorite game I played this year was Read Dead Redemption 2...I'd say finally(!) but I've never played the first so I didn't know the hype behind it. DANG RDR2 was a freaking masterpiece. My favorite game that came out this year was It Takes Two. My wife and I are about 70% of the way through I think? and it's so much fun. Great game and I'm glad it's seeing the love.
@@liamboehning97 I finished it, but not interested in the online so haven't tried that at all. The game is a masterpiece, so I would still say it's worth getting if you don't mind being dependent on internet. It's so annoying to me, because it might be the best game I've ever played, especially the story and the immersion. Would've played it a second time rn, but I'm in my parents summerhouse for the holidays, so no wi-fi
@@bruhelbruh6293 Oh same, wife and I tried it, she played for like an hour, and it just loses so much of what makes the game awesome. The game is an absolute masterpiece. That is really unfortunate that it can't play offline on PC because yeah unfortunately sometimes you don't don't have it for a couple weeks or something.
Tried over cooked 2 for the first time this year (2018 release). This is such a solid game. My gf isnt a gamer but we both fell in love with it. Word of caution though, I'd stop playing when fingers start to get pointed for failure haha. I can only handle the chaos the game offers in small doses but my gf enjoys the high chaotic stimulation and usually is pushing me to keep going, and I'm the gamer!
So glad that Hitman 3 got some love on this list. I really feel like it got overlooked in the GOTY awards at most outlets. Even the fact that it *COMPLETELY* changes the gameplay by bringing the entire trilogy to VR (shifting from third to first person, meaning you can only see what Agent 47 does - no eyes in the back of your head, no peeking around corners, etc.). It makes you feel like 47 more than ever, and at the same time, had me enjoying playing it as a “loud” game as well (something I never did on the flat screen). Because all the items are physical objects, you can deflect bullets with a frying pan, for example. Or blind fire a big ass weapon around corners and balconies. Running-and-gunning in Hitman in VR felt like a totally new sort of experience and that there’s so much full length AAA tier content across the entire trilogy, all of it playable in VR, makes it one of the best PSVR games out there (even though it wasn’t made for VR from the ground up).
Games I enjoyed not mentioned in this video: Death’s Door, Metroid Dread, Chicory: a Colourful Tale, Bowser’s Fury, Loop Hero I also played Prey (2017) and it’s DLC Mooncrash for the first time this year and had so much fun with both.
Hey Jake you’re one of the few gaming RUclipsrs that I still consistently follow and watch. I love your work and your ‘Before your Buy’ series is one of the best things ever! Great video as always.
Dragon's Dogma finally clicked for me this year. It's stellar. Mr. X dlc for Streets of Rage 4 is a literal game changer and makes a great game AMAZING. Also Loop Hero is surprisingly compelling.
I can totally side with you on Mass Effect, I really love the remastered trilogy. The second Mass Effect was my favorite, but after playing the first one with the updated mechanics. The first game takes the cake of being my favorite Mass Effect game from the trilogy.
Hey Jake, Couple games I liked this year that you didn't mention. Returnal was a surprisingly good roguelike, and one actually in the AAA space, which we don't see that often. The game I ended up playing the most this year was Mini Motorways, which is a fun little puzzle arcade game. Really good if you want a game easy to learn but hard to master.
RE4 VR was one of my favorites this past year. Its one of VRs best games so far! Also Valheim, still early access but a great entry into the survival crafting coop genre
I just picked up it takes two . I got it to play with my wife but she's not really into games. I ended up playing 95% of the game with my 4 year old daughter. Sure there was some frustrating parts (again playing with a 4 year old) but she pulled through and we finished the game together. We really enjoyed the game and had a ton of fun. This is the first time I was able to sit down and actually play a game with my daughter instead of just helping her in a game that she's stuck on. .
You are the reason I just bought chivalry 2 in the sales, and it is so much fun!! I’m never not smiling when I’m playing it, usually as my arms and head are getting sliced off 😁
Ratchet and Clank was the pure happiness I needed in a game that I haven't had in quite a long time. It's been so long that I can just play a game and honestly just smile about how fun and enjoyable it is.
I’ve been playing from software games all year! Started with demon’s souls remake and then played DS3, DS, blood borne, and now playing ds2. Planning on sekiro next. I must say if you haven’t played these games you really should. I love the worlds from soft create. They are truly art.
If you like those "experience" type of games you should check out Mundaun, it was SO GOOD, the athmosphere and the pencil hand drawn art style were gorgeous
I had never played a Forza before. I listened to you describe your involvement with driving games and said sweet baby giraffes I also am not a sports or car guy. So i gave it a try. Thanks for the recommendation. Stay safe and healthy good sir.
I understand EXACTLY what you meant by Guardians of the Galaxy being just so good. It was also one of my favorites… and often times just for having some great moments!! The needle drop power boosts were always so fitting!!! Whether it was Iron Maiden, Joan Jett or WHAM!, lol… it just felt right! I absolutely loved it
Tales of arise was a game I loved 🥰! Honestly these open world games are just too big sometimes and I just wanted an awesome story with mostly linear gameplay and Holly this game went way beyond my expectations. Can’t believe I never played a tales game before. It was epic!
oh man i couldnt agree with you more with It Takes Two. That game was just phenomenal. i played it with my gf who isnt much of a gamer either, but we were so hooked that after we beat it we went back for all the achievements and hidden mini games lol. guardians of the galaxy might take my spot for #1 for this year though. that game truly hit the spot. i didnt play it until last week but damn, i sunk 23 hours into it straight away. im a marvel nerd, so i really loved this one.
Since I saw what happened to avengers, I avoided guardians of the galaxy but actually hearing what you said in this video makes me think that I should try guardians out
Even though it didn’t come out this year my favourite game of 2021 was Spiritfarer. Absolutely amazing and completely addictive. Then also Hollow knight which was incredible. My favourite actual game of 2021 though was Returnal. That game can kick my arse anytime. Happy Christmas and New Year Jake, to you and Amanda. From one Gentleman to another
I have been playing Jedi fallen order. Absolutely fantastic game. Has all the gaming elements I love. Exploration, platforming, combat, Upgrades, metroidvania exciting boss battles and an excellent star wars story.
Thanks for the time and effort you put into making these videos. I never would have tried the likes of Kena and Little Nightmares 2 without your great reviews, so thanks. Will give It Takes Two a try, I usually play solo / single-player as well, so it could be fun! Also, chopping people's head off after a stressful day at work... I can definitely get on board with that 😈🤣 Wishing you and yours a very Happy Christmas. I appreciate you and your content. Looking forward to more of your (and Gameranx's) awesome videos next year!
My list, and it's a weird one. - Control. I missed this game when it came out, but man, oh man, the world and lore they built is absolutely masterful. It is Remedy at their absolute best, and boy, what an experience, so much more than a game. - Quake remastered. I was born in 94, what can I say. - Returnal. This is odd because I've never played it. I realised early on it wouldn't be for me, so I watched a developer commentary speedrun and I was hooked story, visual and game design-wise. Then I watched a full playthrough and yeah, it might not be the kinda game I'd like "playing", I love everything else about it). - Hitman 3, but really, all 3 of the World of Assassination games. Incredibly tightly designed levels, ai and mission objectives/gameplay systems. It's just perfectly made and after so many years, it's what any Hitman fan could wish for.
They really did Sly Cooper dirty. Wish they remade that game the way they remade their other classics. I know it’s not from this year, but it would be nice to see them put some effort towards the franchise.
This is great…I just wish you’d maybe name the games in the description so we could go back and reference the ones we like instead of having to try and find the name again in the video. Thanks tho for an awesome review!!
Thank you Jake for sharing your list. None of your games are my favorite (except Ratchet and Clank + Mass Effect) but I always like to know your opinion on games. Mine are Returnal, Deathloop, Death’s Door and Hades (PS5).
I love It takes two for all the reasons mentioned in the video. And Hitman 3 is just a masterpiece. I wish they just didn't confuse people with all this episode system. I wanted mention, how different the level design is between 1, 2 and 3. 3 is just the perfect HITMAN game. I hope they make more like this and I'll just buy it day1.
My indie recommendation would definitely be "Solar Ash". And I'll take Jake's recommendation on Guardians of the Galaxy. I don't really like Marvel, but from what he's said I'll give this game a try.
I’m sure you’ve been told this before but you should give steaming a try I think I would be awesome you see your live reactions to SO MANY of these games you’re playing based on how much I love your enthusiasm for this yearly round up
Guardians was honestly a huge suprise, i initially ignored it cos the screenshots on steam didn't interest me. But i ended up getting it as a code with my new laptop. And boy did the game deliver. definitely one of my top 3 games of the year.
JAKE!! I finally Beat Mass Effect 3 and Started Miles Morales... I had to put M.M. down because I sank a Solid 8-ish hours into it and basically slept through my Day Off. Both are pretty wild rides, look forward to seeing what Bioware and Insomniacs l have up.their sleeves!!
im going to pick up some games for christmas or the new year thanks jake guardians of the galaxy sounds so much more cool now and the movies are my favorite think i will pick up metroid your a gem dude
bro you aren't even a boomer w that mindset. I'm only 19 and I agree with you, I bet there's 10 year old kids who have experienced older games who would also agree. I caught the end times of good (atleast decent) video games and Im grateful for it. Video games are just so corporate and industrialized now we only get sprinkles of goodness from time to time.
I think I caught the reference to the song you were singing at the end there. Was it by The Carpenters “We’ve Only Just begun.”? The only reason I remembered that was because I just recently re-watched that Stephen king horror film 1408 which features the song. lol.
I had never played a Persona game before and because it come with my ps5 for free I tried it. I cant remember the last time a game I knew literally nothing about blew my mind. Loved it so much I picked up strikers as well. Just to name a couple more FF7r and Hades was highlitghs for sure.
Good picks. This was a year of just picking a game up and seeing if it lands. I personally feel like this year was one of the worst in gaming history. Indies slapped. Deaths Door, Inscryption, GTFO. Hoping next year is better. Have a good Christmas and happy new year!
Hey Jake I got that last joke….Hapoy Gilmore, and also Carl Weathers was a voice actor for the RocknRoll game you mentioned also. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thanks for the year of entertainment fam!
They’re not all new but games I put alot of time into this year are, Metroid Dread, Skyward Sword HD, RE Village, Dragon Quest 11 Definitive, and for Indies Hollow Knight and axiom verge 😁👍🏾💪🏾
As a guy in his low twenties, I’ve not played many of the “classics” that everyone else seems to have played. That being said, my Top 10 is games I played this year, not necessarily released this year: 1. Halo: Infinite 2. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 3. LEGO DC Super Villains 4. Outriders 5. Dying Light 6. Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag 7. Marvel’s Spider-Man: The City That Never Sleeps(DLC, played the main game a while ago) 8. Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments 9. Marvel’s Avengers 10. Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst Honorable Mentions: Stranger Things 3: The Game Anthem(I know, hot take: gameplay was good and just binging the story and Strongholds on normal was fun)
Always look forward to your content Jake! My fav was the mass effect remaster. Loved every second of playing those 3 games… Merry Xmas to you and the family!! Thanks for all the great content. 👍🏻👍🏻
I’m with you Jake, they do not make them like they used to. Every now and then they do but there are so many games that come out now they won’t all be good I guess. I’ve been having fun with Guardians of the Galaxy game though.
Im going to sound like a massive weeb, but since I don't play that many games anymore because of work, my favorite games this year were Tales of Arise and Scarlet Nexus
I played and beat Mario 64 for the first time this year. Lol I always ignored Mario after super Mario world but played odyssey and figured I’ve been missing out. It was hella fun and surprisingly more difficult than I expected.
For me my GOTY is Returnal easily. One of the best games I have ever played. Indie wise my favourite is The Forgotten City, a short but very fun adventure game that actually originated as a Skyrim mod.
Hitman 3 was probably my top game. The game that captivated me each time I go back to it. Ratchet and clank was amazing, but not as good the second time. Hitman is just as fun the fifth and sixth time I’ve played
Great video I'm happy you picked games throughout the whole year and not just at the end I've been playing It takes two and I've been loving it and i feel like everyone should get DMC 5 SE when it's on sale or whatever I got into it this year and I LOVED it so much it made me buy 1-4
Please make "Before you buy" video on Deep Rock Galactic, it is BEST co-op game I have EVER played. It is popular and it has stable player base, but still, will be great if you make video about that game.
My game of the year as of now is Metroid Dread but I haven't played it takes two just yet on my shelf as well as ratchet and clank rift apart that I need a ps5 for.
I have been loving Halo Infinite multiplayer. I have not been this enthused about a multiplayer game in about 5 years when I used to be into Overwatch. I did not play many single player games this year. I would have to say Phsychonauts 2 was very interesting and fun. I definitely need to check out RE Village and Hitman 3. Chivalry 2 looks fun. I used to like For Honor which I guess is similar.
I just finished the first Psychonauts and loved it. And yeah man even that game went dark, especially the ending with the butcher and the bunny! I had to edit this because 90% of that game was disturbing if you think about it. Other than that I haven't played anything modern. I'm kind of going back and playing games that are older before they get too outdated. For instance, I recently beat Far Cry 2 and really really enjoyed it!
My favorites are Metroid Dread (easily my number 1), halo infinite, hitman 3, re village and the forgotten city. Need to put more time into deathloop and returnal though to see how I feel about them.
I know it wasnt for everyone and as a rogue like it has some major issues, but f me I absolutely LOVED Returnal. Also adored It Takes Two and Kena, really good year!
Guardians of the Galaxy was my game of the year this year because it surprised me how good it was especially after seeing the trailer I thought the game was gonna be trash.
OH SHIT - I totally screwed this video up. Metroid Dread was on my list lol it's pretty much my #1 or #2 pick.
I HAD ONE FREAKIN JOB lol this is why you don't rush
We all make mistakes
Raven Beak is highly disappointed with you, Jake.
@@mark012498 I'm so disappointed I want to kick my own ass
I was about to say, what about dread???
This year I really liked :
- Metroid Dread
- Ender lilies : quietus of the knights
- Astalon : tears of the earth
- Death's Door
- Skul : the hero slayer
- Aeterna noctis
@@JakeBaldino just redo the video and add a little shout out. It's still early man we won't care, lol
Guardians of the Galaxy really surprised me with its quality, such a good game and an incredible story too.
How long is the campaign?
@@kremesauce about 15 hours
I've found the campaign longer , been so good I've loved it up to chapter 11
@@kremesauce about 15-20 hours but there are choices in the game that take you along different routes in the story. I found out after finishing the game I missed a few boss fights so am I going to replay it soon
Ah man i love this game i put in like 15 hours and then accidentally deleted the wrong file smh
Bought Ghost of Tsushima Directors Cut as my first PS5 game and have been playing it all year. It's my first RPG ever really and I've 100%'d it and put in 120+ hours. It's the first video game that has made me understand what's so special about playing a good game by yourself.
GoT is one of the best games I have ever experienced
not really an RPG
@@Pitman856 Would it not qualify as an action RPG? Honestly dont know
Definitely in my top 3 favorite games of all time. I picked it up and couldn't put it down and it's the only game I can recall that I've ever platinumed. Waiting for it to port to PC to play the directors cut which has been really difficult as I've been itching to play it again.
@@sobsbot
Not really. A real RPG implies you get to have story changing choices hence playing a certain "role". Still I really hope they release it on pc, it's a really good game.
I think Kena deserves so much more love than it has been getting. It was emotional, it was beautiful and it was a good old fun single player experience. Had me hooked straight through
It won an award at the game awards at least but I agree it's such a fun game
Oh man, I didn't get to play a lot of new games this year, but I think I did one better.
I played:
>Metal Gear Solid Twin Snakes, 2 and 4 and for the first time
>Final Fantasy 10, 12, 13 and 15 for the first time
>Yakuza 1, 2, 3 for the first time
>Dark souls 2 for the first time, the last Souls-like Fromsoft game I played in the series, but it's the first one that finally made the series click!
That being said Disco Elysium The Final Cut is gotta be the most memorable game I played this year. It's just... perfect in everything it does.
Great video! I think you've finally convinced me to get the Guardians of theGalaxy game!
Nice roster, my gaming friend !
I agree with Ratchet and Clank being up there with being considered one of the best games of 2021. This is a game that I have a lot fun playing and everytime I comeback to play enjoy every minute of the experience. Also, as of right now i'm trying to 100 % the game and get the platinum trophy.
The Nier Replicant remaster was such a pleasant surprise. It was recommended to me by a friend and I really didn't know what to expect, but it ended up being one of my favorite games of all time. Yeah, the quest design and graphics aren't quite up to modern standards, but they did an amazing job modernizing the character models and combat, while adding new content to appease fans of the original. It has one of the greatest and most enigmatic stories I've ever seen in a game, and I still think the remastered version's soundtrack is the greatest soundtrack to any piece of media, period. And that's including games and films lmao. What an amazing and unique game
Kena: Bridge Of Spirits was my goty and one of my favorite games of all time. I absolutely loved everything about it, it was such a breath of fresh air, and I can't wait to see what Ember Lab does next. It Takes Two takes was my second favorite game of the year. It's honestly so nice and fresh having smaller games and studios be my top games. The indies killed it tyud this year. Have a wonderful holidays with your family Jake!
Merry Christmas Jake! I’m a mostly silent fan but I’ve been following you (in a non creepy way) since the PMI days, and it’s so cool to see how you’ve grown so much! You’re the underrated GOAT
I’m so glad it takes two won the game of the year. It’s my game of the year for sure… played with my friend and had such a blast. I’m really a single player campaign kinda gamer but wow this game really made me appreciate coop games
As someone who still cherishes playing Super Metroid as a kid, I loved Metroid Dread. It felt like visiting an old friend who had grown and matured in a surprising and satisfying way.
Another game I loved this year, even though it came out last year, was Hades. The complexity of the weapons with the various boons and enhancements, coupled with the roguelike formula of the encounter design just keeps that game fresh.
My favorite game I played this year was Read Dead Redemption 2...I'd say finally(!) but I've never played the first so I didn't know the hype behind it. DANG RDR2 was a freaking masterpiece. My favorite game that came out this year was It Takes Two. My wife and I are about 70% of the way through I think? and it's so much fun. Great game and I'm glad it's seeing the love.
You're absolutely right, but I still regret buying it. The single player is online only on pc
@@bruhelbruh6293 Is it?? Ahh that’s actually really lame. How far did you play through it?
@@liamboehning97
I finished it, but not interested in the online so haven't tried that at all.
The game is a masterpiece, so I would still say it's worth getting if you don't mind being dependent on internet. It's so annoying to me, because it might be the best game I've ever played, especially the story and the immersion.
Would've played it a second time rn, but I'm in my parents summerhouse for the holidays, so no wi-fi
@@bruhelbruh6293 Oh same, wife and I tried it, she played for like an hour, and it just loses so much of what makes the game awesome. The game is an absolute masterpiece. That is really unfortunate that it can't play offline on PC because yeah unfortunately sometimes you don't don't have it for a couple weeks or something.
Tried over cooked 2 for the first time this year (2018 release). This is such a solid game. My gf isnt a gamer but we both fell in love with it. Word of caution though, I'd stop playing when fingers start to get pointed for failure haha. I can only handle the chaos the game offers in small doses but my gf enjoys the high chaotic stimulation and usually is pushing me to keep going, and I'm the gamer!
So glad that Hitman 3 got some love on this list. I really feel like it got overlooked in the GOTY awards at most outlets. Even the fact that it *COMPLETELY* changes the gameplay by bringing the entire trilogy to VR (shifting from third to first person, meaning you can only see what Agent 47 does - no eyes in the back of your head, no peeking around corners, etc.).
It makes you feel like 47 more than ever, and at the same time, had me enjoying playing it as a “loud” game as well (something I never did on the flat screen). Because all the items are physical objects, you can deflect bullets with a frying pan, for example. Or blind fire a big ass weapon around corners and balconies. Running-and-gunning in Hitman in VR felt like a totally new sort of experience and that there’s so much full length AAA tier content across the entire trilogy, all of it playable in VR, makes it one of the best PSVR games out there (even though it wasn’t made for VR from the ground up).
Games I enjoyed not mentioned in this video:
Death’s Door, Metroid Dread, Chicory: a Colourful Tale, Bowser’s Fury, Loop Hero
I also played Prey (2017) and it’s DLC Mooncrash for the first time this year and had so much fun with both.
Prey is such a cool game.
Mooncrash is straight up tits dude. Might give it a spin once again.
Hey Jake you’re one of the few gaming RUclipsrs that I still consistently follow and watch. I love your work and your ‘Before your Buy’ series is one of the best things ever! Great video as always.
so helpful to hear. thank you so damn much
@@JakeBaldino No problem, have a great new year and Christmas!
Dragon's Dogma finally clicked for me this year. It's stellar.
Mr. X dlc for Streets of Rage 4 is a literal game changer and makes a great game AMAZING.
Also Loop Hero is surprisingly compelling.
i really love how positive you are, most video game channels are salty and come from this negative place, so i truly appreciate what you are doing !
I can totally side with you on Mass Effect, I really love the remastered trilogy. The second Mass Effect was my favorite, but after playing the first one with the updated mechanics. The first game takes the cake of being my favorite Mass Effect game from the trilogy.
Hey Jake, Couple games I liked this year that you didn't mention.
Returnal was a surprisingly good roguelike, and one actually in the AAA space, which we don't see that often.
The game I ended up playing the most this year was Mini Motorways, which is a fun little puzzle arcade game. Really good if you want a game easy to learn but hard to master.
Metroid Dread is hands down the best Switch game from 2021
Metroid dread has been blowing me away . I feel like it’s gonna be the first Metroidvania that I finish and I might even try a speedrun
RE4 VR was one of my favorites this past year. Its one of VRs best games so far!
Also Valheim, still early access but a great entry into the survival crafting coop genre
I know I didn’t come out this year, but I just discovered absolver. And it has one of the best combat systems in games.
I just picked up it takes two . I got it to play with my wife but she's not really into games. I ended up playing 95% of the game with my 4 year old daughter. Sure there was some frustrating parts (again playing with a 4 year old) but she pulled through and we finished the game together. We really enjoyed the game and had a ton of fun. This is the first time I was able to sit down and actually play a game with my daughter instead of just helping her in a game that she's stuck on. .
I tried Plague Tale Innocence for the first time, story is phenomenal and extremely well written! They did a great job setting the tone for this game.
The Wild at Heart was one of the best games I played this year! Beautiful indie with a great emotional story and super unique
Never heard of it. I'm putting that on my backlog
You are the reason I just bought chivalry 2 in the sales, and it is so much fun!! I’m never not smiling when I’m playing it, usually as my arms and head are getting sliced off 😁
Ratchet and Clank was the pure happiness I needed in a game that I haven't had in quite a long time. It's been so long that I can just play a game and honestly just smile about how fun and enjoyable it is.
Your game reviews are the only ones I've seen lately. So thank you very much, Jake! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
I’ve been playing from software games all year! Started with demon’s souls remake and then played DS3, DS, blood borne, and now playing ds2. Planning on sekiro next. I must say if you haven’t played these games you really should. I love the worlds from soft create. They are truly art.
Bloodborne and Sekiro are the superior games. Elden Ring will blow them all away.
You Jake are the one that got me into watching RUclips gaming coverage. I'll always support you any that I can
If you like those "experience" type of games you should check out Mundaun, it was SO GOOD, the athmosphere and the pencil hand drawn art style were gorgeous
Going back 3 years cause you are the best video game reviewer on YT, keep it up and thanks
I had never played a Forza before. I listened to you describe your involvement with driving games and said sweet baby giraffes I also am not a sports or car guy. So i gave it a try. Thanks for the recommendation. Stay safe and healthy good sir.
Halo Infinite, Inscryption, and Ready or Not are all pretty awesome games that came out this year. Haven’t gotten around to playing Psychonauts 2 yet.
I understand EXACTLY what you meant by Guardians of the Galaxy being just so good. It was also one of my favorites… and often times just for having some great moments!! The needle drop power boosts were always so fitting!!! Whether it was Iron Maiden, Joan Jett or WHAM!, lol… it just felt right! I absolutely loved it
It was an awesome game in every aspect and I loved it too.
Tales of arise was a game I loved 🥰! Honestly these open world games are just too big sometimes and I just wanted an awesome story with mostly linear gameplay and Holly this game went way beyond my expectations. Can’t believe I never played a tales game before. It was epic!
Jake’s word is the video game gospel. Merry Christmas, man!
The song he’s talking about at the end is called Hurt Feelings by Mac Miller. RIP
oh man i couldnt agree with you more with It Takes Two. That game was just phenomenal. i played it with my gf who isnt much of a gamer either, but we were so hooked that after we beat it we went back for all the achievements and hidden mini games lol.
guardians of the galaxy might take my spot for #1 for this year though. that game truly hit the spot. i didnt play it until last week but damn, i sunk 23 hours into it straight away. im a marvel nerd, so i really loved this one.
Ican't Believe you referenced Croc! I remember playing Croc on my windows 95, ahh good times.
Since I saw what happened to avengers, I avoided guardians of the galaxy but actually hearing what you said in this video makes me think that I should try guardians out
Even though it didn’t come out this year my favourite game of 2021 was Spiritfarer. Absolutely amazing and completely addictive. Then also Hollow knight which was incredible. My favourite actual game of 2021 though was Returnal. That game can kick my arse anytime. Happy Christmas and New Year Jake, to you and Amanda. From one Gentleman to another
I got a oculus for Christmas and am loving RE4 in vr it’s crazy good I feel like this is entirely a new game
I have been playing Jedi fallen order. Absolutely fantastic game. Has all the gaming elements I love. Exploration, platforming, combat, Upgrades, metroidvania exciting boss battles and an excellent star wars story.
Thanks for the time and effort you put into making these videos. I never would have tried the likes of Kena and Little Nightmares 2 without your great reviews, so thanks. Will give It Takes Two a try, I usually play solo / single-player as well, so it could be fun! Also, chopping people's head off after a stressful day at work... I can definitely get on board with that 😈🤣 Wishing you and yours a very Happy Christmas. I appreciate you and your content. Looking forward to more of your (and Gameranx's) awesome videos next year!
Jake we’ll always stick with you king 👑
"We've only just begunnnnn" bruh 1408 DOES NOT get talked about enough
My list, and it's a weird one.
- Control. I missed this game when it came out, but man, oh man, the world and lore they built is absolutely masterful. It is Remedy at their absolute best, and boy, what an experience, so much more than a game.
- Quake remastered. I was born in 94, what can I say.
- Returnal. This is odd because I've never played it. I realised early on it wouldn't be for me, so I watched a developer commentary speedrun and I was hooked story, visual and game design-wise. Then I watched a full playthrough and yeah, it might not be the kinda game I'd like "playing", I love everything else about it).
- Hitman 3, but really, all 3 of the World of Assassination games. Incredibly tightly designed levels, ai and mission objectives/gameplay systems. It's just perfectly made and after so many years, it's what any Hitman fan could wish for.
They really did Sly Cooper dirty. Wish they remade that game the way they remade their other classics. I know it’s not from this year, but it would be nice to see them put some effort towards the franchise.
This is great…I just wish you’d maybe name the games in the description so we could go back and reference the ones we like instead of having to try and find the name again in the video. Thanks tho for an awesome review!!
I think Returnal was super underrated. I was never into that type of game but it really hooked me in.
Thank you Jake for sharing your list. None of your games are my favorite (except Ratchet and Clank + Mass Effect) but I always like to know your opinion on games. Mine are Returnal, Deathloop, Death’s Door and Hades (PS5).
I love It takes two for all the reasons mentioned in the video.
And Hitman 3 is just a masterpiece. I wish they just didn't confuse people with all this episode system.
I wanted mention, how different the level design is between 1, 2 and 3.
3 is just the perfect HITMAN game. I hope they make more like this and I'll just buy it day1.
My indie recommendation would definitely be "Solar Ash". And I'll take Jake's recommendation on Guardians of the Galaxy. I don't really like Marvel, but from what he's said I'll give this game a try.
Medroid Dread! My favourite game of the year, can’t believe you didn’t mention this one Jake!!
I played hades, hollowknight and celeste this year and all three are probably in my top ten games of all time. Indie games are in good hands rn
I’m sure you’ve been told this before but you should give steaming a try I think I would be awesome you see your live reactions to SO MANY of these games you’re playing based on how much I love your enthusiasm for this yearly round up
Guardians was honestly a huge suprise, i initially ignored it cos the screenshots on steam didn't interest me. But i ended up getting it as a code with my new laptop. And boy did the game deliver. definitely one of my top 3 games of the year.
GOTG was just simply awesome in every aspects and I hope it gets the love it deserves cause imo it's just an unforgettable experience.
JAKE!!
I finally Beat Mass Effect 3 and Started Miles Morales... I had to put M.M. down because I sank a Solid 8-ish hours into it and basically slept through my Day Off.
Both are pretty wild rides, look forward to seeing what Bioware and Insomniacs l have up.their sleeves!!
Have you ever thought about doing Let’s Plays? I’d love to see your first hand reactions to these great games you play if you could find the time
Picked up Guardians of the Galaxy bc of Jake and I agree, incredible game that exceeded expectations!
love to hear it!
One of the best marvel games ever created.
Thanks Jake! Have a great holiday season. Merry Christmas and happy new year
Great taste and glad to see the passion ! Look forward to more great content my friend, happy new year
Hey thank you Jake. You’re my favourite video game commentator. A friendly voice lol
Never really got into halo but have been addicted to infinite's multiplayer. Haven't played the campaign yet but I will.
im going to pick up some games for christmas or the new year thanks jake guardians of the galaxy sounds so much more cool now and the movies are my favorite think i will pick up metroid your a gem dude
bro you aren't even a boomer w that mindset. I'm only 19 and I agree with you, I bet there's 10 year old kids who have experienced older games who would also agree. I caught the end times of good (atleast decent) video games and Im grateful for it. Video games are just so corporate and industrialized now we only get sprinkles of goodness from time to time.
I think I caught the reference to the song you were singing at the end there. Was it by The Carpenters “We’ve Only Just begun.”?
The only reason I remembered that was because I just recently re-watched that Stephen king horror film 1408 which features the song. lol.
I had never played a Persona game before and because it come with my ps5 for free I tried it. I cant remember the last time a game I knew literally nothing about blew my mind. Loved it so much I picked up strikers as well. Just to name a couple more FF7r and Hades was highlitghs for sure.
Started the Yakuza series and I’m loving it! Also loved Guardians of the Galaxy and just finished Deathloop! Really enjoying Halo Infinite as well.
Favorite game this year is between Guardians of the Galaxy and Ratchet and Clank.
Good picks. This was a year of just picking a game up and seeing if it lands. I personally feel like this year was one of the worst in gaming history. Indies slapped. Deaths Door, Inscryption, GTFO. Hoping next year is better. Have a good Christmas and happy new year!
Hey Jake I got that last joke….Hapoy Gilmore, and also Carl Weathers was a voice actor for the RocknRoll game you mentioned also. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thanks for the year of entertainment fam!
Lol there are definitely dark moments in It Takes Two. My girlfriend and I met the queen elephant today lol
Final fantasy 14 gad been the game I've put the most hours into this year started playing it around July it's been an awesome experience
I think Chubbs would have approved that last reference.
They’re not all new but games I put alot of time into this year are, Metroid Dread, Skyward Sword HD, RE Village, Dragon Quest 11 Definitive, and for Indies Hollow Knight and axiom verge 😁👍🏾💪🏾
As a guy in his low twenties, I’ve not played many of the “classics” that everyone else seems to have played. That being said, my Top 10 is games I played this year, not necessarily released this year:
1. Halo: Infinite
2. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
3. LEGO DC Super Villains
4. Outriders
5. Dying Light
6. Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag
7. Marvel’s Spider-Man: The City That Never Sleeps(DLC, played the main game a while ago)
8. Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments
9. Marvel’s Avengers
10. Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst
Honorable Mentions:
Stranger Things 3: The Game
Anthem(I know, hot take: gameplay was good and just binging the story and Strongholds on normal was fun)
Always look forward to your content Jake! My fav was the mass effect remaster. Loved every second of playing those 3 games… Merry Xmas to you and the family!! Thanks for all the great content. 👍🏻👍🏻
I’m with you Jake, they do not make them like they used to. Every now and then they do but there are so many games that come out now they won’t all be good I guess. I’ve been having fun with Guardians of the Galaxy game though.
Im going to sound like a massive weeb, but since I don't play that many games anymore because of work, my favorite games this year were Tales of Arise and Scarlet Nexus
This year I finally got to play hollow knight and I absolutely love it and I can’t wait for the sequel to come out
I played and beat Mario 64 for the first time this year. Lol I always ignored Mario after super Mario world but played odyssey and figured I’ve been missing out. It was hella fun and surprisingly more difficult than I expected.
For me my GOTY is Returnal easily. One of the best games I have ever played.
Indie wise my favourite is The Forgotten City, a short but very fun adventure game that actually originated as a Skyrim mod.
Hitman 3 was probably my top game. The game that captivated me each time I go back to it. Ratchet and clank was amazing, but not as good the second time. Hitman is just as fun the fifth and sixth time I’ve played
Great video I'm happy you picked games throughout the whole year and not just at the end I've been playing It takes two and I've been loving it and i feel like everyone should get DMC 5 SE when it's on sale or whatever I got into it this year and I LOVED it so much it made me buy 1-4
Please make "Before you buy" video on Deep Rock Galactic, it is BEST co-op game I have EVER played. It is popular and it has stable player base, but still, will be great if you make video about that game.
The Artful Escape was a beautiful experience and surprise on gamepass.
My game of the year as of now is Metroid Dread but I haven't played it takes two just yet on my shelf as well as ratchet and clank rift apart that I need a ps5 for.
I have been loving Halo Infinite multiplayer. I have not been this enthused about a multiplayer game in about 5 years when I used to be into Overwatch. I did not play many single player games this year. I would have to say Phsychonauts 2 was very interesting and fun. I definitely need to check out RE Village and Hitman 3. Chivalry 2 looks fun. I used to like For Honor which I guess is similar.
I just finished the first Psychonauts and loved it. And yeah man even that game went dark, especially the ending with the butcher and the bunny! I had to edit this because 90% of that game was disturbing if you think about it. Other than that I haven't played anything modern. I'm kind of going back and playing games that are older before they get too outdated. For instance, I recently beat Far Cry 2 and really really enjoyed it!
Love riders republic, it's a blast of game and will stay that way for years to come
wth this list is better than the ones gameranx made. they should hire you for stuff like this jake
My favorites are Metroid Dread (easily my number 1), halo infinite, hitman 3, re village and the forgotten city. Need to put more time into deathloop and returnal though to see how I feel about them.
I know it wasnt for everyone and as a rogue like it has some major issues, but f me I absolutely LOVED Returnal. Also adored It Takes Two and Kena, really good year!
Guardians of the Galaxy was my game of the year this year because it surprised me how good it was especially after seeing the trailer I thought the game was gonna be trash.
Jake try “Unmetal” I feel it needs to have some recognition. I think it was made by like 3-4 people :) Merry Christmas!
Chivalry 2 is the most fun I've had in a multiplayer game for years!