Whether based on an existing property or set in an all-new world, these games provided some of the most fresh, fun, and challenging gameplay experiences of the year.
These are our picks for the best action game of 2021.
Death's Door expertly blends classic dungeon puzzle solving with fast-paced combat encounters to create one heck of a memorable experience that cements itself as one of the top action games of 2021. It’s moody world packed full of secrets and mysteries would have made for a compelling adventure on its own, but the gauntlet of enemies you’ll have to reap souls from in the process is just as enticing. Its decisive combat will have you dodge-rolling between melee attackers, sniping exploding pot creatures, and reflecting ranged magic back at evil mages — sometimes all in the same fight. Surviving these waves of monsters is nothing short of a thrill, and its smattering of different weapons and magic upgrades to play with keep the journey interesting without overwhelming you with too many options. Death’s Door finds that sweet spot of giving you a small handful of abilities to master against both hordes of varied enemies, and incredibly entertaining bosses. – Brendan Graeber
For more, check out IGN's Death's Door review.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is oozing with nostalgia: not just for the music and fashion of the 1980’s, but also for the games of yesteryear, before everything had to be an open world riddled with microtransactions and battle passes. Guardians of the Galaxy takes bvits of Mass Effect's character interactions and other third-person action game's easy-to-learn battle mechanics that keep things focused, which simplifies the chaotic frenzy of the fights, which can get pretty cinematic. But everything works to serve the story, which has the polish and shine of a tentpole MCU movie, and at times can be very heartfelt (try not to shed a tear when you’re diving into Drax’s backstory). If you’re looking for a fun, bombastic, and heartflet ride that doesn't nickel-and-dime you, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is it. – Jobert Atienza
For more, check out IGN's Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy review.
Monster Hunter Rise is a remarkable achievement. It takes everything that made Monster Hunter World an international hit — the seamless worlds, the superlative production values — and compresses it down to the Nintendo Switch. With Monster Hunter Rise, Capcom once again demonstrates an impeccable grasp of encounter design. Its often lengthy battles feel like desperate slugfests as both sides battle to the bitter end, and even straightforward bouts can devolve into chaos when a Bazelgeuse crashes the party. When an especially vicious beast like a Zinogre finally goes down, Monster Hunter Rise imparts a sense of relish and pity as you carve up your deceased foe. It's further enriched by its weapon design, encouraging you to experiment with different strategies, combos, and loadouts. Fifteen years of refinement have honed Rise's weapon design to a fine edge, with the Longsword being a vastly different experience than the Switch Axe or the Bow. Many games have tried to imitate its unique style, but none have totally succeeded. It remains a one-of-a-kind action experience, and it's better than ever on the Nintendo Switch. – Kat Bailey
For more, check out IGN's Monster Hunter Rise review.
As an action spin-off to a four-year-old JRPG made by the developer of Dynasty Warriors, it’s easy to overlook Persona 5 Strikers. It’s reasonable to assume it’s little more than a fluff-filled musou in the same vein as Hyrule Warriors, when in actuality it’s very nearly a full-fledged sequel to one of the best modern JRPGs out there – complete with an excellent story that picks up right where the original left off. Strikers revisits the Phantom Thieves in all its flashy fashion, this time swapping turn-based battles for real-time action combat that has you hacking through waves of enemies and seamlessly passing the baton between your teammates. Those characters can sport very different playstyles as well, making each one feel like a different weapon to be wielded when the need arises. The result is an action game that’s still a must-play for any fans of Persona 5, as well as a fun introduction for those new to this lovable team of weirdos. – Tom Marks
For more, check out IGN's Persona 5 Strikers review.
After years of excellent side-scrollers and isometric twin-stick shooters, Housemarque's first shot at a proper third-person action game lands dead in the center ring. Returnal is both a fast-paced bullet hell that requires lightning-fast reflexes and skillful aim, as well as a Soulsian exercise in patience as you reset its roguelike loop again and again. The randomized weapons, items, and power-ups you'll find all provide interesting combinations - particularly the items that offer especially helpful buffs coupled with more serious penalties - that demand a flexible approach to how you get through its ever-changing maze of bizarre alien biomes and roster of grotesque monsters. Couple all its satisfying action with an engaging take on this year's time loop trend and it all adds up to an exceptional bout of action that's not to be missed. – Jon Ryan
For more, check out IGN's Returnal review.
IGN's Best of 2021 Awards were designed by:
Lead Design + Art Direction: Julia Rago
Motion Graphics: Will Batchelor
Continue reading...
These are our picks for the best action game of 2021.
Death's Door
Death's Door expertly blends classic dungeon puzzle solving with fast-paced combat encounters to create one heck of a memorable experience that cements itself as one of the top action games of 2021. It’s moody world packed full of secrets and mysteries would have made for a compelling adventure on its own, but the gauntlet of enemies you’ll have to reap souls from in the process is just as enticing. Its decisive combat will have you dodge-rolling between melee attackers, sniping exploding pot creatures, and reflecting ranged magic back at evil mages — sometimes all in the same fight. Surviving these waves of monsters is nothing short of a thrill, and its smattering of different weapons and magic upgrades to play with keep the journey interesting without overwhelming you with too many options. Death’s Door finds that sweet spot of giving you a small handful of abilities to master against both hordes of varied enemies, and incredibly entertaining bosses. – Brendan Graeber
For more, check out IGN's Death's Door review.
Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is oozing with nostalgia: not just for the music and fashion of the 1980’s, but also for the games of yesteryear, before everything had to be an open world riddled with microtransactions and battle passes. Guardians of the Galaxy takes bvits of Mass Effect's character interactions and other third-person action game's easy-to-learn battle mechanics that keep things focused, which simplifies the chaotic frenzy of the fights, which can get pretty cinematic. But everything works to serve the story, which has the polish and shine of a tentpole MCU movie, and at times can be very heartfelt (try not to shed a tear when you’re diving into Drax’s backstory). If you’re looking for a fun, bombastic, and heartflet ride that doesn't nickel-and-dime you, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is it. – Jobert Atienza
For more, check out IGN's Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy review.
Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter Rise is a remarkable achievement. It takes everything that made Monster Hunter World an international hit — the seamless worlds, the superlative production values — and compresses it down to the Nintendo Switch. With Monster Hunter Rise, Capcom once again demonstrates an impeccable grasp of encounter design. Its often lengthy battles feel like desperate slugfests as both sides battle to the bitter end, and even straightforward bouts can devolve into chaos when a Bazelgeuse crashes the party. When an especially vicious beast like a Zinogre finally goes down, Monster Hunter Rise imparts a sense of relish and pity as you carve up your deceased foe. It's further enriched by its weapon design, encouraging you to experiment with different strategies, combos, and loadouts. Fifteen years of refinement have honed Rise's weapon design to a fine edge, with the Longsword being a vastly different experience than the Switch Axe or the Bow. Many games have tried to imitate its unique style, but none have totally succeeded. It remains a one-of-a-kind action experience, and it's better than ever on the Nintendo Switch. – Kat Bailey
For more, check out IGN's Monster Hunter Rise review.
Persona 5 Strikers
As an action spin-off to a four-year-old JRPG made by the developer of Dynasty Warriors, it’s easy to overlook Persona 5 Strikers. It’s reasonable to assume it’s little more than a fluff-filled musou in the same vein as Hyrule Warriors, when in actuality it’s very nearly a full-fledged sequel to one of the best modern JRPGs out there – complete with an excellent story that picks up right where the original left off. Strikers revisits the Phantom Thieves in all its flashy fashion, this time swapping turn-based battles for real-time action combat that has you hacking through waves of enemies and seamlessly passing the baton between your teammates. Those characters can sport very different playstyles as well, making each one feel like a different weapon to be wielded when the need arises. The result is an action game that’s still a must-play for any fans of Persona 5, as well as a fun introduction for those new to this lovable team of weirdos. – Tom Marks
For more, check out IGN's Persona 5 Strikers review.
Returnal
After years of excellent side-scrollers and isometric twin-stick shooters, Housemarque's first shot at a proper third-person action game lands dead in the center ring. Returnal is both a fast-paced bullet hell that requires lightning-fast reflexes and skillful aim, as well as a Soulsian exercise in patience as you reset its roguelike loop again and again. The randomized weapons, items, and power-ups you'll find all provide interesting combinations - particularly the items that offer especially helpful buffs coupled with more serious penalties - that demand a flexible approach to how you get through its ever-changing maze of bizarre alien biomes and roster of grotesque monsters. Couple all its satisfying action with an engaging take on this year's time loop trend and it all adds up to an exceptional bout of action that's not to be missed. – Jon Ryan
For more, check out IGN's Returnal review.
All IGN Best Of 2021 Gaming Categories
- Best Game of the Year 2021
- Best Console Exclusive of the Year 2021
- Best Action Game of the Year 2021
- Best Action-Adventure Game of the Year 2021
- Best Puzzle Game of the Year 2021
- Best Racing Game of the Year 2021
- Best RPG of the Year 2021
- Best Shooter of the Year 2021
- Best Strategy Game of the Year
- Most Accessible Game of the Year 2021
- Best Music in a Video Game of the Year 2021
- Best Ongoing Game of the Year
- Best Performance of the Year 2021
- Best Story of the Year 2021
- Best Video Game Art of the Year 2021
IGN's Best of 2021 Awards were designed by:
Lead Design + Art Direction: Julia Rago
Motion Graphics: Will Batchelor
Continue reading...
