21 games you might've missed on PS4 and PS5 in 2021
Check out some of the best hidden gems that may have flown under you radar in the first half of 2021.
Scott Pilgrim vs The World™ : The Game - Complete Edition
Originally released in 2010 to tie-in with the movie of the same name, Ubisoft’s retro-inspired side-scrolling beat ‘em up built a cult following on good looks, fun combat and knockabout humour. Fast forward to 2021 and it’s back, packaged with all the original DLC. Missed it first time around? Jump in and discover what the fuss was about.
Olija
Olija is a beautifully animated 2D adventure from the discerning tastemakers at Devolver Digital, following shipwrecked hero Faraday as he sets off in search of adventure armed with a mysterious harpoon weapon. Come for the exquisite retro presentation, stay for the slick, elastic combat.
Cyber Shadow
Dash, slice and dodge your way through the overrun streets of Mekacity in a desperate struggle against a merciless synthetic army. A side-scrolling action platformer with deep retro roots, Cyber Shadow is an unmissable adventure for fans of the 8-bit golden age.
Little Nightmares II
In this chilling sequel to the macabre 2017 side-scrolling adventure it's up to you to find the source of evil being broadcast through the world's televisions. Sweaty palms may occur as headless mannequins and terrifying teachers chase you through the dark in dread-inducing set pieces.
Persona 5 Strikers
Make no mistake, this is a continuation - both literally and figuratively - of the events that took place in Persona 5. Sight-unseen, this brawl-heavy romp captures the best parts of traditional turn-based combat with monster fusion, sightseeing of Japanese locales and an intensely hummable soundtrack.
Curse of the Dead Gods
It's a fantastic year for roguelikes and this stylish dungeon diver is among the best new entries. With razor sharp combat, slick visuals and an excellent non-linear design, Curse of the Dead Gods stands comfortably among titans of the genre.
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
A stunning marriage of stylish, handpainted visuals and fiercely intelligent writing, Disco Elysium is an absorbing work of role-playing fiction. Unfurl a world of political intrigue, memorable characters, smart puzzles and unique RPG mechanics.
Narita Boy
Fight back against the nefarious code of HIM and the Stallions, and save the Digital Kingdom in this award-winning, nostalgic nod to the '80s. Featuring a stunning synthwave soundtrack, engagingly fluid visuals and emotive narrative, Narita Boy is an action-adventure like no other.
NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139
If you missed out on the predecessor to 2017's critically-acclaimed sci-fi RPG, NeiR: Automata, then now's the perfect time to catch up. Enjoy the original mindbending narrative along with modern visuals, added story content and reworked combat.
Oddworld: Soulstorm
The latest entry in the long-running Oddworld series handsomely reimagines 1998 stalwart Oddworld: Abe’s Exoddus. Equally welcoming to newcomers keen to get acquainted with the series’ quirky puzzle platforming, and series afficionados in search of nostalgia and fan-service.
Subnautica: Below Zero
There's mystery and intrigue lurking in the icy depths of Planet 4546B's oceans - and, hopefully, clues to your sister's disappearance. You'll find strange creatures, perilous biomes and wonderous new environments to explore in a range of vehicles as you hunt for the truth amongst the frozen wilderness.
Battle Axe
Inspired by the classic arcade games of the ‘80s and ‘90s, Battle Axe is a top-down hack & slash adventure featuring a pitch perfect retro soundtrack, gorgeous pixel art and non-stop action. Play the campaign from beginning to end solo, or loop in a friend for an evening of nostalgic co-op fun.
Knockout City
It's dodgeball. For stakes. In a futuristic city. You can hook, curl and power-up your shots (and your teammates can even curl themselves up to become a ball) but the fundamental rule of dodgeball remains: if you chuck a ball - no matter how powered-up it might be - and it's caught, then run!
RUST
In the post-apocolyptic world of Rust, only one thing matters: survival. How you do it is up to you, but you'll need to craft or scavenge the basics to keep yourself clothed, fed and protected. Decide whether you'll be a lone wolf, form allegiences and build a camp with others, or even take a much darker path to keep hunger at bay...
ScourgeBringer
Uncover the secrets of the Scourge - and ultimately, your past - as you shoot and slash your way through ancient machines. Blast into this fast-paced roguelite 2D platformer with satisfyingly fluid controls and frantic combat system - available on PS4, PS5 and PlayStation Vita.
Ghosts 'n Goblins: Resurrection
A brand-new instalment of the classic platforming series, Ghosts 'n' Goblins: Resurrection combines the hardcore combat and traversal the series is known for with a charming hand-drawn art-style and loads of tough new enemies and levels.
Chivalry 2
Brave the clash of steel, storms of flaming arrows and blood-sodden dirt of the battlefield as you wade into the ultimate medieval warfare experience. With up to 64 players charging one another down in bloody online combat, there are few multiplayer experiences as visceral as Chivalry 2.
DOOM 3: VR Edition
A demonic invasion has overwhelmed the UAC's Martian research facility. As one of the few survivors, fight your way through the claustrophobic corridors of the base and into Hell itself to stop the invasion from reaching Earth. Experience the legendary DOOM 3 like never before with full support for PS VR.
Chicory: A Colorful Tale
Become a dungaree-wearing dog and wield a paintbrush that can paint on everything and everyone in the land of Picnic Province. Cute? Absolutely. Relaxing? Of course. But don't underestimate the importance of your work - it may be the only thing that can restore colour to the world!
Operation: Tango
Grab your headset and improve your communication skills in this two-player co-op spy adventure. As AGENT and HACKER, neither of you will have all the answers, but by working together, you'll investigate, hack and decipher your way through tense and dangerous missions. It's up to both of you to save the free world.
Legend of Mana
One of the best-loved RPGs of all time has been given a HD remaster, adding new features and mini-games, but keeping the charm, gameplay and storyline that made it such a hit in 1999. It's down to you to find the Mana Tree, and to repopulate the world of Fa'Diel as you travel through it.
