Replay: The very best of 2021
IN a year when videogames often provided a welcome escape, or at least a distraction, from the world outside, here are some of our favourite titles from 2021:
1. Hitchhiker (Multiplatform)
Need a ride? This stylish and unsettling title takes you on a journey of self-discovery – and not all of it pleasant. Jump in.
2. Space Invaders Invincible Collection (Switch/ps4)
From the timeless original to the brilliant Space Invaders Extreme and the bonkers Arkanoid Vs. Space Invaders, this brings together over forty years of alien blasting.
3. Pokemon Brilliant Diamond (Switch)
A faithful and thoughtful update of the DS release from 2006. The compulsion to explore and accumulate remains as strong as ever.
4. Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania (Multiplatform)
Having finally managed to bag a PS5 in time for Christmas, we will be gathering the family together for heated Monkey Race tournaments as in days of yore.
5. Dreams (PS4)
Released shortly before the first lockdown in 2020, this makes the list because its ever-expanding user generated content just keeps giving.
Paul Drury
1. Monster Hunter Rise (Switch/pc)
2021 started strong with a recurring obsession; Rise gloriously modernised the series, while adding yokai-styled monsters and new ways to traverse the sprawling maps.
2. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury (Switch)
This Wiiu port brought plenty of joy as we donned cat suits in the Mushroom kingdom. The excellent Bowser’s Fury expansion pushes Mario into further open-world territory too.
3. Animal Crossing 2.0 (Switch)
The huge autumn update and the Happy Home Paradise expansion has reinvigorated Animal Crossing in my house, with so much more to see and do now.
4. Apex Legends (Multiplatform)
Almost 3 years in and Apex still has its hooks in my online group, particularly with the addition of the jetpack-wearing Valkyrie and the new Storm Point map.
5. Death’s Door (Multiplatform)
A surprisingly delightful end to the year, this Zelda-esque adventure is packed with charm, challenge and wit.