We’re now two weeks into 2021 and whilst it's not gotten off to the incredible start that many of us were promised by those pesky (to say the least) people in charge, there is a lot to look forward to; especially if you’re a gamer!
There are some major video game releases due to drop across the next 12 months. Whilst some will undoubtedly be pushed back because of the coronavirus pandemic - as we’ve already seen with the upcoming Hogwarts Legacy - for now, here are our top video game releases coming in 2021 that we can’t wait to play!
HITMAN 3
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Release date: January 20th, 2021
As the eighth main instalment in the HITMAN series, and the third and final in the World of Assassination trilogy, fans of the franchise are expecting big things from HITMAN 3. IO Interactive are both developing and publishing this time round, allowing them full creative control of what could be one of this year's early contenders for best game of 2021.
Players will be travelling to stunning locations including Dubai and Chongqing, as well as the less-expected spots such as Romania's Carpathian Mountains, and even Dartmoor in England! Stay stealthy, but remember to get inventive when HITMAN 3 drops later this month…
The Medium
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release date: January 28th, 2021
Described by Bloober Team CEO as the company's "biggest and most ambitious project to-date", The Medium looks to be one of the most interesting and exciting video games of all time.
Players will assume control of the titular medium Marianne, who explores both the real and spiritual world alternatively; and even simultaneously. Whilst in both, she’ll have to avoid being caught by the villainous Maw, all in pursuit of discovering the mystery of the Niwa resort.
Little Nightmares 2
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch (Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 editions coming later in 2021)
Release date: February 11th, 2021
Following the critical acclaim received for the first game, developer Tarsier Studios and designer Dave Mervik will release Little Nightmares 2 through BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment this February.
The game promises to be a suspenseful adventure in which you take on the role of new character Mono - a young boy trapped in a world distorted by evil.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC (Upgrades for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S are expected later this year)
Release date: March 18th, 2021
Pushed back from its original release date, the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake from Ubisoft will drop this March. Beloved by many upon its original release, we can't wait to see just how much effort has gone into making this nostalgic adventure one for the modern era of gaming.
With brand new cinematic sequences, new character models, a revamped soundtrack and enhanced voices and parkour animation, we're sure it's going to tick all of the right boxes.
Returnal
Platform: PlayStation 5
Release date: March 19th, 2021
Exclusive to PlayStation 5, Returnal is said to combine action with "roguelike gameplay" into a third-person shooter, where players will take on the role of a space agent tasked with surviving a hostile planet. Every time they fail and end up dead? The planet changes.
From developer Housemarque and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, we're sure both are doing everything in their power to ensure that this is a game that isn’t just played once and tossed away; but instead one with infinite replayability.
Deathloop
Platforms: PlayStation 5 (timed exclusive), PC
Release date: May 21st, 2021
Developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda, DEATHLOOP is another title that has a one-year console exclusivity deal with Sony to ensure that if people want to play on next-gen, they'll have to try and pick up a PS5!
Players assume the role of the assassin Colt in the game, who's stuck in a time loop and keeps waking up on a beach. Every night, a party that seems to last forever takes place, but when the night does come to a close, the island resets. With eight targets to take out in just the one day, Colt has their work cut out for them!
Halo Infinite
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Release date: Fall 2021
Though we should technically be playing Halo Infinite by now, gamers who were disappointed by the catastrophic Cyberpunk 2077 release will be happy to see the game pushed back, so that 343 Industries can perfect every aspect of the title before unleashing it on the general public.
We’re expecting massive twists to the Master Chief story here; nothing less will satisfy our cravings at this point! Let’s hope that this is the game that will allow the Xbox Series X console to really showcase its power.
Ghostwire: Tokyo
Platforms: PlayStation 5 (timed exclusive), PC
Release date: October 2021
Just a couple of days ago, a frame during the PlayStation 5 segment at CES 2021 revealed that October would be a big month as far as the console’s exclusive releases would go! Ghostwire: Tokyo will make its debut in the month, though an exact day wasn’t given.
Developed by Tango Gameworks and published by Bethesda, the first-person action adventure will spend a year as a PS5 exclusive before dropping on other platforms. A surprising move by Microsoft, who said they'll still honour all Bethesda exclusive deals despite gaining acquisition of the company.
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
Platform: PlayStation 5
Release date: TBC 2021
In the middle of 2020, developers Insomniac Games revealed that the Ratchet & Clank series would continue with another third-person shooter, serving both as a canonical continuation and standalone title.
Taking on an evil emperor from another dimension, our titular heroes will be forced to work harder than ever before to achieve their goals, using an insane arsenal of weapons amidst a backdrop of stunning next-gen visuals. Bring on the chaos!
Horizon Forbidden West
Platform: PlayStation 5
Release date: TBC 2021
Undoubtedly one of the best PlayStation exclusives of all time, those who played through Horizon Zero Dawn and its brilliant DLC had high hopes that a sequel would one day make its way to the forefront. That day has almost come.
At some point in 2021, developers Guerilla Games will unveil the project that they’ve been working night-and-day on, with gamers stepping into the shoes of new PlayStation icon Aloy once more. Expect to get your hands on this one in the third or fourth quarter of the year.
Far Cry 6
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Release date: TBC 2021
Okay, so it kinda feels like there are more Far Cry games than years I have been on this Earth at this point, but does it matter when the majority of them are so, so good? Ubisoft are to deliver what looks like the most breathtaking adventure yet, with Breaking Bad and The Mandalorian actor Giancarlo Esposito serving as our primary antagonist.
No word yet on when this one will be released, but with 2021 in mind for now, we wouldn’t be too surprised to see it pushed back. If not? Perhaps an October or November release.
Resident Evil VIII: Village
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Release date: TBC 2021
The scares delivered by the Resident Evil series are sure to keep on coming with the arrival of Village later this year. Fan-favourite Chris Redfield is back in action, looking stronger than when we last saw him, and players are undoubtedly going to be pushed to their breaking points as they fight to survive in an unpredictable world.
Starting over after the tragic events of Resident Evil 7: biohazard, Ethan Winters and his wife Mia are hoping to live as 'normal' a life as possible; but when Chris turns up and disrupts everything, a new and twisted nightmare begins.
With other video games such as the Fable sequel, the next instalment in the Dragon Age series and more yet to have their release dates announced, we’re sure there will be plenty of other titles we’ll also be talking about come this time next year!
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