The end of 2021 has been requested by many doomers. But so was the end of 2020. And guess what, the end of 2022 will be as well. It seems like everything starting with the number 202 is a bad thing nowadays. That’s why I kept my GOTY list of 2021 to 5 games and 1 honorable mention. I mean, I don’t want to anger the doomers after all. Yes, that’s my excuse. It has nothing to do with me not wanting to do a GOTY list with 202 games. Not at all! Don’t get me wrong. I could. God knows I’ve played enough games this year to do that and more. But me doing so would result in you sitting here at this time next year and still reading my GOTY list of 2021. Although an entertaining thought, I’m sure that time is better spent on playing the games listed below. With that said. Let’s get into the indie gems of 2021!
5. Lifeslide by Dreamteck
Motivation
Lifeslide with its timeless story and two-button control scheme embodies the phrase “less is more”. It will stay relevant and fresh throughout this year and beyond!
Details
- Game: Lifeslide
- Genre: Adventure
- Developer: Dreamteck
- Publisher: Dreamteck
- Release date: August 6, 2021
- Platform: Steam, Epic Games
4. GRIME by Clover Bite
Motivation
GRIME delivers classic and well balanced boss fights in such a way each encounter feels fresh and new. It has more personality and soul than other games in its genre!
Details
- Game: GRIME
- Genre: Action
- Developer: Clover Bite
- Publisher: Akupara Games
- Release date: August 2, 2021
- Platform: Steam, GOG, Stadia
3. Lamentum by Obscure Tales
Motivation
Lamentum has more personality and delivers a more ominous atmosphere than its shinier 3D counterparts. It is, without a doubt, a future horror classic!
Details
- Game: Lamentum
- Genre: Horror
- Developer: Obscure Tales
- Publisher: Neon Doctrine
- Release date: May 20, 2021
- Platform: Steam, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation
2. Mind Scanners by The Outer Zone
Motivation
Mind Scanners quirky art style and odd mini-games delivers a unique and unrivaled experience rarely seen in games today. It needs to be played more than once!
Details
- Game: Mind Scanners
- Genre: Simulation
- Developer: The Other Zone
- Publisher: Brave At Night
- Release date: May 20, 2021
- Platform: Steam, GOG, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Epic Games
1. Ynglet by Nifflas
Motivation
Ynglet is a fresh and innovative title that sets a new standard for platform games. It’s a real treat both sonically, visually and mechanically!
Details
- Game: Ynglet
- Genre: Action
- Developer: Nifflas
- Publisher: Tripple Topping
- Release date: June 5, 2021
- Platform: Steam
Honorable mention
How do you end a GOTY list? You end it with a title that is a strong contender for next year’s list, of course. You know, a title that’s in early access and has yet to be fully released. Now, it’s hard enough to pick five games and much less one out of the thousand games I’ve played this year, especially since you don’t know what’s to come. And even though it took more time than I wanted to, I finally settled on a game that will end this year with a bigger bang than any fireworks we might set off at midnight. So, without further ado. Here’s the honorable mention of 2021!
Prodeus by Bounding Box Software Inc.
Motivation
Prodeus is an absolute blast from the past. Not only does it remind you of the shooters of old, but it also makes that era seem better than it was!
Details
- Game: Prodeus
- Genre: Action
- Developer: Bounding Box Software Inc.
- Publisher: Humble Games
- Release date: November 9, 2021
- Platform: Steam, GOG
The end is nigh
There you have it, one of my GOTY list of 2021. An interesting mix, to say the least. Sure, I knew most of the games before they got released and had a pretty good idea if they would end up on my GOTY list or not. But even so, some entries surprised me. Most notably, Ynglet by Nifflas. And let’s not forget that I have close to 70 hours in Lifeslide as well. If that isn’t a testament in itself, I don’t know what is. My only regret is that I couldn’t put the same amount of time in all games I’ve played this year. Maybe I should try and make it a new year’s resolution? You know, find more time for each game. Whatever I decide, I’ll see you here in a not too distant future. Until then, take care and happy new year!
