byOMG Game of the Year 2021 – Console Exclusives
PlayStation Exclusive
These games must be exclusive to the PlayStation 4 or 5 consoles for the duration of 2021.
Winner – Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is the perfect package. Its story along with the cast of characters is an entertaining, silly, witty and heart-warming good time. Our main characters have massive depth and I found them and their internal struggles more relatable than I could have imagined. Its musical score is one of the best we have heard in a long time and it sits perfectly alongside the quality voice acting of James Arnold Taylor (Ratchet) and Jennifer Hale (Rivet). Its visuals are the best ever seen on a console, they are a treat for your eyes and exactly what the newest generation need. For those saying, “I am going to wait, as there is no reason to get a PlayStation 5 yet”. Well, Insomniac have stood up and given any doubter their reason. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is the best game of the newest generation and will be on top for a while yet. 10/10 – Reviewed by Pottsy, review found here.
Honourable Mention – Returnal
Returnal is not for the faint of heart and can be seriously challenging in some sections. With no chance to save, falling to a foe can wind the clock back hour’s worth of gameplay but it is an extremely rewarding experience making it further and further on each cycle. With a desolate, hostile world to explore and a mysterious story to unravel, everyone who can get their hands on this one should jump on the opportunity. 9/10 – Reviewed by Brando, review found here.
Honourable Mention – Deathloop
Nintendo Exclusive
These games must be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch consoles for the duration of 2021.
Winner – Metriod Dread
Metroid Dread is the definition of a perfect game. MercurySteam and Nintendo EPD have outdone themselves and made a title that will stand the test of time. If this is the final 2D Metroid, after waiting nineteen years since the last instalment, then it has gone out with excellence from both the conclusion of Samus’s story and the gameplay throughout. The boss fights are superb and difficult to master. The sound, music and art throughout the biomes is unreal and keeps you in it from beginning to end. The E.M.M.I. robot addition is a great secondary battle for much of the game and adds to the complexity of the delivery but hits on every point. The fact that in both handheld and docked mode it is the same perfect game is an accomplishment worth celebrating. Metroid Dread is an amazing experience from beginning to end. The ending of Samus’s story is a mic drop moment like no other and brings it to a close with an emphatic bang. Well done to Nintendo and MercurySteam on this stunning title. 10/10 Reviewed by Rob, review found here.
Honourable Mention – Mario Party Superstars
Honourable Mention – Mario Golf: Super Rush
Xbox Exclusive
These games must be exclusive to the Xbox One or Series X|S consoles for the duration of 2021.
Winner – Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 is a racing game lover’s dream, with beautiful cars, improved graphics, sounds and customisation options surrounded by the beauty that is Mexico means that this keep up PlayGround games high standards and is arguably the best Forza Horizon games. There is so much on offer and available for players to choose from that it means hours can just go by as players dive into the largest map in the franchise’s history, there are no shortage of roads to drive on and sights to see as players explore Mexico. Forza Horizon 5 will only continue to get better in time as Playground Games eventually start releasing DLCs that will only add so much more to a world that players will love. 10/10. Reviewed by J, review found here.
Honourable Mention – Psychonauts 2*
Psychonauts 2 is a very unique game with a fantastic story and enjoyable, albeit quite easy gameplay. It is just fun to jump in and explore the crazy world and because of its beauty it really seduces players in to searching every nook and cranny in search off all those upgrades. Even with some of its pacing issues it does not grow tiring at any point and even without playing its predecessor, this Is definitely one to pick up and play. 8/10, reviewer by Brando, review found here.
*While Psychonauts 2 is available on PS4 and backwards compatible, it remains a Series X|S exclusive for the new generations.
Honourable Mention – Halo Infinite
Halo Infinite’s free multiplayer experience comes to gamers at a time where many have been looking for their next venture into the Halo universe and while it’s not the campaign that many are waiting for, there is a lot of Halo related fun to be had. The game brings some amazing and well designs maps and the new additions to the game fit right in like they’ve always been there. There are some tweaks that are required to make this game the best it can be, but as this game comes to players pre-launch in beta form, I have no doubt that improvements will come, and if the Master Chief Collection is anything to go by, these will continue for years to come. If you haven’t downloaded this one yet, then you really should give it a go. Now bring on the campaign.
Unfortunately our in-depth Halo Infinite campaign review is on going, but you can find our multiplayer review here.
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