2021 was quite a busy year here at TBG and I didn’t make nearly as many posts as I wanted, but here at the end, why not throw something out there? I played a LOT of games in 2021, but had a hard time really sticking to any, especially turn-based ones. However, other genres attracted my attention, and I found a shorter experience with a captivating story took the day, for the most part.
5) Eastward was a game I really enjoyed playing and even finished, but it felt uneven. Some parts were fantastic, with challenging puzzles, action combat, and really engaging story. Other parts were confusing or just downright weird. I liked the gameplay for the most part, it had a unique RPG-Zelda vibe, but some story elements and the ultimate conclusion were not wholly satisfying. However, almost 39 hours of playtime shows how much I devoted to seeing this game through to the end. Was it a favorite? Yes, but I really wanted to like it more, so it’s first (and lowest) on this list.
4) Wildermyth was a game I started in beta in what feels like a LONG time ago. This turn-based RPG has the heart and soul of an old school RPG, but with quirky modern sensibilities. It’s dynamic “procedural” storytelling really allows for a unique experience as your characters progress, grow older, and change. Mostly, I just dipped in and out of this game in small chunks as there wasn’t a single overarching story to hold my interest, but what was there was captivating. Also, the tabletop RPG feel of the game, with its card-like characters and its graphic novel-esque cutscenes were always appealing. If you want to play a game that has elements of a lot of games, but ultimately feels completely unique, this is it.
3) Unmetal is one of those rare games that is actually funny. It feels like an NES game (the title gives away its inspiration) in its playstyle, but then it just toys with the mechanics and expectations of a gamer that grew up with those games (ahem, that’s me). Its humor derives from both making fun of its 1980’s popcorn macho-man aesthetic and surprising gameplay elements, but with modern twists. It is irreverent, crass, and pretty low brow most of the time, but Unmetal doesn’t seem to care. You either get on board or get blown up. I was on board, but I also got blown up… a lot.
2) Solasta: Crown of the Magister was a game I somehow knew, or definitely hoped, would be a favorite, since I decided to back it on Kickstarter. It did not disappoint me. It is basically an old school style RPG-dungeon crawler, with an almost completely linear story. The story isn’t fantastic overall, it’s just normal fantasy fare, but it does its job fine. Where Solasta shines is the gameplay. It has a nice overworld map to explore, with varying locations and lots of enemies to engage in its crunchy turn-based combat. The combat really shines in this game with classes having distinct spells and abilities that are not crazy or overpowered, just incrementally better as the game progresses. There are some difficultly spikes early on and at the end which take down the experience a little and the awkward animations don’t help either, but if you can look past its flaws, there is a true gem here. A good foundation that could be built upon in future sequels.
1) My favorite game of 2021 will probably show up on a lot of popular lists, but there is reason for that. Double Fine’s Psychonauts 2 finally arrived, and it was worth the wait. I had recently replayed the original on PC after playing it on the OG Xbox and found it’s mix of platforming, wacking story-telling, and quirky characters even better on return. It’s one of those games that begs you explore every nook and cranny to pick up every collectible and just get lost in its world. The sequel did that in spades. It’s not an overly long or complicated game, but just wears its heart on its sleeve. Again, it’s one of those rare games that I get so lost in I don’t want it to end after it’s over and the only game on this list 100% complete (every achievement). I just hope that if there is another sequel, or more DLC, or more something Psychonauts (not counting VR); it doesn’t take 16 years, again.