With three eagerly awaited RPG sequels, an Ubisoft pirate sim, and a video game with a playable cat as the hero in this latest post, it definitely feels like we’ve crossed over into the top 25 entries on our list. If you’ve missed any of the previous parts of our list then you can find them below:
- Our Most Wanted Games of 2021 – 50 to 46
- Our Most Wanted Games of 2021 – 45 to 41
- Our Most Wanted Games of 2021 – 40 to 36
- Our Most Wanted Games of 2021 – 35 to 31
- Our Most Wanted Games of 2021 – 30 to 26
25. Stray
Even if you consider yourself more of a dog person, there’s something instantly appealing about upcoming PS5 and PC exclusive, Stray. Unveiled during Sony’s PlayStation 5 showcase leading up to the console’s launch, this Annapurna-published game has you exploring a rundown cybercity as a cat in search of their family.
There’s an ancient mystery to uncover, too, as you explore this beautiful yet grimy urban jungle, leaping between rooftops, navigating a maze of neon-soaked alleyways, and tucking yourself into small nooks and crannies. There’s still a lot we don’t know about Stray, yet its gorgeous visuals and feline protagonist ensured it would catapult its way this far up our top 50 list.
24. Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin
2021 is bringing with it not one, but two new games in Capcom’s hugely popular Monster Hunter franchise. Like Monster Hunter Rise, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin will be launching exclusively on the Nintendo Switch, at least to begin with.
This sequel to 2017’s Monster Hunter Stories comes as a bit of a surprise. The cartoony, turn-based Monster Hunter spin-off allowed us to explore this world and interact with its many inhabitants in a very different way, though it’s fair to say it didn’t do anything to evolve or refine the JRPG format. Hopefully, now buoyed by the first game’s success and coming to a more powerful console, we’ll see Wings of Ruin tout more ambitious ideas as we don the mantle of Monster Rider once again.
23. Skull & Bones
Assassin’s Creed III is easily the worst game in Ubisoft’s mega franchise if you ask me. However, despite how boring and bloated it was, this opening entry in AC’s American saga did get something right: naval battles. When Skull & Bones was originally revealed in 2017, and following on from the popularity of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, it looked as though it would take this golden chunk from the Assassin’s Creed formula and turn it into its own fully-fleshed video game.
With pirates still very much in vogue, who can honestly blame Ubisoft Singapore? That said, it seems as though Skull & Bones is struggling to stay out of Davy Jones’ locker. It was originally due to leave dry docks in 2018, pre-release demo footage looking as though the game was close to finished and ready to set sail. In October 2019, Ubisoft confirmed that it had been pushed back with the development team pursuing a new vision for Skull & Bones. As much as we want to dive into some high seas multiplayer action, hopefully this means the final product will resemble more of a full package and one that isn’t tagged with too many live service foibles.
22. Baldur’s Gate III
While you can play Baldur’s Gate III right now in Early Access, it may be at least another year until the complete version of this hotly-anticipated sequel finally touches down. It’s one of the latest high profile PC releases to enter early access, allowing RPG enthusiasts, D&D die-hards, and Baldur’s Gate fans to get a taste of what’s to come in 2021.
At a glance, this is exactly what you might expect from a fully modernised take on a traditional computer roleplaying game. Adapting the latest ruleset from the Dungeons & Dragons table top, you can create your own characters and parties in this dark new saga created by developers of the superb Divinity series, Larian Studios. Baldur’s Gate III promises a rich narrative, tactical turn-based combat, and online multiplayer. If you’re hankering for some RPG goodness and have a hundred hours to spare, then this one should be at the top of your list.
21. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2
From one pen and paper inspired RPG to the next, 2021 will see the return of Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines after more than fifteen years. Based on the World of Darkness roleplaying game which debuted in the 90s, Bloodlines has more of a cult status as opposed to being regarded an all-time classic.
Having recently played the original, there are some fascinating ideas at work. You become a Vampire at the very beginning of the game, navigating your way through Santa Monica’s tangled hierarchy of blood-sucking factions. It definitely felt very of its time, both in terms of tone and technical limitations.
Thankfully Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 won’t be dialling down some of those more intriguing RPG elements with Paradox at the helm and keen on staying faithful to the source material. However, a leap forward in technology will hopefully mean a more fluid fusion of first person action and open world exploration through the underworld of Seattle.
Another five in the bag. Come back tomorrow for the next batch as we race toward the top 10 most wanted games.
