2021 is set to be one of the biggest years for gaming in recent memory. Now that the highly anticipated next-gen consoles are out, gamers everywhere are ready to see how developers will utilize this new technology in their latest releases. This year we can expect a lot of big-name sequels as well as new, interesting titles. Here are some of the most highly anticipated games that are expected to come out this year.
Hitman 3
By the time you read this, Hitman 3 may already be on shelves. The series has seen some huge upgrades in recent years, and now our favorite assassin looks better than ever. When you view the trailers for this game, you can see the usual elements in play. Gorgeous, exotic locations, tons of gameplay options and scenarios, and the usual hint of comedy as well. The Hitman series has always been about the freedom to strike your own path and decide how you want to complete a mission, and recent sequels have focused more and more on replayability. We expect more of the same here. Hitman 3 will release on all major consoles, including VR systems which poses an interesting and promising new game mechanic.
Overwatch 2
The original Overwatch was a massive success worldwide and has since built up a dedicated fanbase. While it was expected to reach the casual fans as well, it also surprisingly found a home in the world of esports. This new market is growing at an alarming rate and now even online sportsbooks like DraftKings are offering free bets and bonuses towards the esports market. Overwatch 2 is anticipated to be the next big esports hit as they build on the gameplay that the first offered. Besides updated graphics and physics, you can expect several new game modes including the main storyline, which notably the first game was absent of. Overwatch 2 is expected to be available on all major systems late this fall.
Back 4 Blood
This is one release that really sparked our interest. Back 4 Blood is the spiritual successor to the Left 4 Dead series, a huge success of the Xbox 360 era. The gameplay will revolve around the same style, four players will attempt to make their way through zombie-infested levels. Cooperative play is the name of the game here, and survivors will have to work together if they hope to make it through this wasteland. Back 4 Blood is scheduled to release on all major systems aside from Nintendo Switch on June, 22nd.
Ratchet and Clank: A Rift Apart
No matter how far video game technology progresses, or where it leads, it seems like classic platformer-style games never get old. Ratchet and Clank: A Rift Apart will be the first Ratchet and Clank game to release on next-gen systems and so far the trailers look astounding. As the name implies, there will be a game mechanic revolving around being transported through dimensions utilizing rifts between worlds. As always, expect powerful weapons, snappy dialogue, and more classic platforming fun. Ratchet and Clank: A Rift Apart is a PS5 exclusive that should release in late 2021.
GhostWire: Tokyo
GhostWire: Tokyo is an intriguing upcoming release that has captured a lot of attention from the gaming media. The game is billed as a first-person action-adventure title with horror elements. Taking place in Tokyo, the player will traverse this haunted city that is infested with ghosts, utilizing a mixture of hand to hand combat and magic to disperse these phantoms. The visuals are very detailed, bright, and have a unique flair. GhostWire: Tokyo is slated for an October release on PS5 and PC.
Vampire: The Masquerade: Bloodlines 2
When it comes to cult classics, it’s always hard to appease the fans. We are definitely tentatively excited for Vampire: The Masquerade: Bloodlines 2. The original 2004 title is the definition of a cult classic as it has been modded to death over the years but fans still keep coming back despite its obvious flaws. Will this sequel capture the essence of the first? Will there be branching dialogue paths and rich lore to immerse yourself in? The trailers are pointing towards a unanimous yes, mixed in with somewhat clunky combat. Expect a late 2021 release for all major systems except Nintendo Switch.
Resident Evil 8: Village
The Resident Evil series has returned to its roots in the last few titles. Resident Evil 8: Village is the direct sequel to Resident Evil 7 and continues the direct story of the protagonist Ethan. Also returning to the series is the fan favorite Chris Redfield, though his place in the story is a mystery at the moment. Recently we’ve seen some fascinating new enemies, like werewolves and a giant woman who has made quite the impression on social media. The original release date was stated to be early September 2021, though that seems optimistic now. More than likely you can expect a late 2021 release for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Psychonauts 2
Another cult classic sequel coming out this year is Psychonauts 2. Much like the first game from 2005, this release seems to be flying under the radar. This sequel will revolve around Raz, the protagonist from the first game as he travels through highly colorful, detailed, and unorthodox levels with his platform jumping and psychic abilities. The Psychonauts fanbase is small but dedicated and we expect this sequel to outperform the first game in sales. While an exact release date has not yet been announced, the developers have confirmed a 2021 release for PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Halo Infinite
The Halo series needs no introduction by this point. This is the franchise that single-handedly saved the original Xbox and put Bungie Inc on the map as game developers. According to the dev team, Halo Infinite is the “biggest and most ambitious” game in the entire series. To begin, the game has been reworked from the ground up for next-gen systems. It was built on top of a brand new engine known as Slipspace which promises to keep the game running at a stunning 60 frames per second.
Halo Infinite also promises to build on top of all the elements that made the series so successful. Both story mode and multiplayer mode will be bigger and better than ever. There will be a new upgrade system that enables players to unlock new weapons and abilities as they progress their skills. Interestingly enough, the main game also promises to be “open world”, a first for the series, with a day/night system. We’re expecting some very innovative mechanics here. Halo Infinite is slated for a late 2021 release for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.