The best games of 2021 so far

We run down the best games of the last 12 months

It's been a great year for video games. Here are some of our favorite titles of the last 12 months...

Halo Infinite

Infinite celebrates a 20-year legacy with style and smartly outlines the foundations for future expansion. It's the best Halo has been in quite some time.

Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One

Hitman 3

47's delightful puzzle box sees the assassin hanging off skyscrapers in Dubai, DJing at a Berlin club, and even playing detective in a murder mystery.

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

Psychonauts 2

Double Fine's long-awaited platformer/puzzler sequel meets expectations, delivering a cerebral caper that proves blisteringly original.

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Guardians of the Galaxy

A surprisingly good take on everyone's favorite MCU team, Eidos Montreal's adventure gives its Guardians plenty of intriguing backstories. 

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch

Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart

A game that absolutely justifies the PS5's price tag. From huge firefights to thrilling platforming, it's impossible to get bored in Ratchet.

Platforms: PS5, PS4

Mass Effect Legendary Edition

A polished remaster of the iconic trilogy with a fresh coat of paint that shines like the Normandy's hull. 

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S Xbox One

Deathloop

An intensely clever shooter with the Arkane immersive sim secret sauce and an addictive time loop mechanic that's as delightful as it is tricky to master.

Platforms: PC, PS5

Age of Empires 4

This sequel builds on the best parts of the iconic series, with the result being an RTS that's a treat for casual commanders and history buffs alike.

Platform: PC

Forza Horizon 5

Xbox's impeccable sandbox racer is stuffed full of so many wonderful distractions it could make even the most dedicated ecoterrorist guzzle gas. 

Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One

It Takes Two

Almost the perfect co-op game. Whether it's turning you into a plant or gifting you anti-grav boots, every part of this Pixar-esque quest is charming. 

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

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