Game on 2021
From Ark 2 to Zelda, top titles are poised to drop
IN RECENT years, Capcom proved there’s an enduring appeal in Resident Evil games and the next outing, Resident Evil Village, will bring thrills and chills again.
The forthcoming release will once more use a terrifying first-person perspective as players are thrown neck-deep into a gothic survival horror experience.
Away from the blood and gore, Bethesda’s PS5 exclusive Deathloop looks like not just a must-own but effortlessly cool. It’s promising an assassination- comemultiplayer take on the first-person shooter genre that’s seldom seen and is one to keep an eye on.
If you prefer your shooters more action-orientated then worry not because there’s a new Far Cry on the horizon. Once again, you can expect guerrilla tactics and explosions aplenty but, with the menacing Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad/The Mandalorian) as the lead villain, it may also be one of the best storylines we’ve seen in years. It’s not all games with guns in 2021; we’re also anticipating the launch of Gran Turismo 7. This PS5 exclusive will unleash the first true next-gen racing simulation and, based on the snippets of footage we’ve seen, it could be the most stunning title to date. Those looking for something more child-friendly that can be enjoyed with the little ones around should keep one eye peeled for Insomniac’s PS5 exclusive platform game Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. We’ve yet to play a “bad” Ratchet & Clank game, so we imagine the developers of the Spider-Man games are sure to deliver another bona fide hit for Sony.
Xbox fans looking jealously at their PS5 counterparts do have something to celebrate next year, with the return of Master Chief and Halo Infinite. It was unceremoniously delayed from launching this Christmas. But if Cyberpunk showed us anything, it’s that it is better to delay a game than release it half-baked.
Owners of Xbox consoles might also want to keep an eye on Ark 2, a timed exclusive for Xbox that might not arrive in 2021 but does look intriguing, not least with Vin Diesel on board to star.
If fantastic adventures is what you’re after then you can’t go wrong with several games coming from Warner Brothers, including yet another caped crusader romp in the form of Gotham Knights, as well as the most expansive and exciting looking Harry Potter game we’ve seen, Hogwarts Legacy. Rocksteady’s Suicide Squad could also be an interesting one to keep an eye on, although it won’t be released until 2022.
One of the biggest releases of 2021 will be Horizon Forbidden West. This sequel to the Bafta-winning action RPG will no doubt contain plenty more amazing set-pieces as Aloy, a hunter in a world overrun by machines, ventures beyond her comfort zone. Action aside, we just hope it can also expand on the heartfelt story of the first game.
For Nintendo fans, there’s not too much to shout about given how close the publisher plays its cards to its chest. But Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild 2 could make an appearance. Although Nintendo has yet to put an official release date on it, with Zelda celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2021, a surprise release could be just the ticket.