6. It Takes Two (PC/Xbox/Playstation)
Hazelight Games and Josef Fares have a reputation now. They make unique narrative cooperative games, with A Way Out being a standout for many. It Takes Two seems to be going even further down this path.
A Co-operative game that sees a quarrelling couple struggling to patch their relationship up. Cursed to do so in a toybox world themed platformer, the paired gameplay mechanics and narrative seem fresh and fun.
Releasing on March 26th 2021
7. Deathloop (PC/PS5)
What if Dishonored and Prey, but also set in a self contained island where every event plays out according to a set logic?
A perfectionist’s experimental dream where all you need to do is murder a set group of people. If only those pesky knock on consequences didn’t keep getting in the way. The combat of Dishonored and experimentation of Prey with the morality systems turned off. Just plan and execute.
Oh. And avoid the other assassin (who is maybe a real person) whose only job is to kill you so you start over.
8. Back 4 Blood (PC/Playstation/Xbox)
The other Left 4 Dead successor on this list, and the one from the original creators to boot. (Hence the unabashed copycat name)
Based on early information, this is a much more gory, slightly less B-movie style version of the original. Except this time the replayability has been turned up with a run changing card system that allows players to change their gameplay in a direct counter to the famous L4D AI director. Will rogue-lite elements mean that Back 4 Blood ends up having the same overall longevity as it’s forbear?
9. 12 Minutes (PC/Xbox)
Just one of the many titles to slip to 2021 due to delays, 12 Minutes looks as fascinating as it’s cast is famous. Described as “An interactive thriller about a man trapped in a time loop” and starring James McAvoy, Daisy Ridley and Willem Dafoe.
Presented from a top down angle, you need to use your gathered knowledge from each loop to work out what’s going on, why your wife is being accused of murder and just why you’re being beaten to death.
Yeah. Tricky one.
10. Stray (Playstation)
Another Cyberpunk game, from a slighly lower point of view than normal.
A third person adventure game where you’re playing a cat who just wants to go home, and has to “untange an ancient mystery to escape a long-forgotten Cyber City.” You know. Basic Cat stuff.
But with a gorgeous cityscape to explore, and delightful looking movement mechanics, Stray is hopefully going to stand out from the many other games in this type of setting during 2021.