Top 4 video games coming out in 2021

The new year is finally here, and while there are many, myself included, who are more concerned with the events happening in 2077, (as in CyberPunk 2077) there are some other cool games/stories set to be released in 2021! So, in this post, I’ll be highlighting some of my favorites or some that I think will be a BIG deal for gamers this year. Under each section, you will find a brief synopsis of each game coupled with their expected release dates. Hopefully, these dates will remain as is, because based on what I’ve seen from each of these games, any kind of delay will be truly heartbreaking, to say the least.

We’ll start with a title from a series that I’ve been playing since my first Xbox console! Yes, the big one with the wired controllers!

1. Hitman 3

In the shadows of life, and in the business of death, it appears that Agent 47 is ready to take on new contracts. The only question is: will they be the very last? If you’re a fan of the previous games in the Hitman series, then this newest/final chapter in the epic telling of 47’s story should definitely be on your radar in 2021. The Hitman games have always been known for their free-flow style and ruthless killing capabilities, but according to developers and other resources, Hitman 3 will apparently enable players to have even more freedom and creativity with their assigned contracts. 

Now, whether that means more room to roam or perhaps even stealthier ways to kill, I can’t say, but based on what I’ve seen in other Hitman games, I think it’s fair for me to just use my imagination in this regard. However, one thing that I think that we can confirm, based on some features that have since been released by the developers, Hitman 3 will encourage more exploration via different shortcuts and other ways to get around each map. I don’t know about you, but that sounds cool to me. That little detail, coupled with the recent gameplay trailer that was released back in December, only confirms my belief that Hitman 3 will be one of the biggest and best games of the year!

Hitman 3 is scheduled to be released on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Stadia and Nintendo Switch on January 20th. Well, now I know what I’m getting for my birthday!

2. Far Cry 6

As a fan of the Far Cry series myself, I have to say that this is definitely a game that I’m looking forward to this year. Now, while the official release date has not been confirmed, I’m hopeful that the launch date listed in the Microsoft Store is correct. That would be May 25, 2021. Again, fingers crossed that it’s not any later than that! Now, the Far Cry games are known for their huge open worlds, in-depth storylines, merciless villains and non-stop, in-your-face first-person action. Based on the early reviews and trailers released so far, Far Cry 6 seems to follow that same template, and even appears to take things a step further!

The game is set on the fictional island of Yara, which has fallen under the control of a fascist dictator known as Antón Castillo, who is played and voiced by actor Giancarlo Esposito. As the player, you are cast as Guerilla soldier Dani Rojas, who is both a Yaran local and now a freedom fighter looking to combat Castillo’s army and ultimate control over your country. While I’ve played all of the Far Cry games so far, I have to admit that this one looks absolutely amazing and could be the beginning of something really special in the series as a whole! May can’t get here soon enough!

Far Cry 6 will be available on Amazon Luna, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Stadia.

3. Gotham Knights

Based on my previous posts about the Arkham game series, this pick should come as no surprise. However, instead of playing as the iconic Dark Knight, this game gives players the opportunity to play as his trusty sidekicks, which includes Nightwing, Batgirl, Robin, and Red Hood. Now, Red Hood has been a significant adversary for Batman in previous games and movies, but without spoiling too much, let me just say that in this game, the Red Hood is….good once again. 

According to the storyline, Batman/Bruce Wayne is dead and now his Bat-family must take on some of his most dangerous enemies, such as Mr. Freeze, The Court of Owls. Just like the Arkham titles, Gotham Knights will allow players to roam around the city and combat crime using Batman’s iconic fight style, detective skills and gadgets. As far as vehicles go, it seems that the only driveable/playable vehicle available in the game will be the custom Batcycle, which seems to be Batgirl’s primary mode of transportation. Of course, more vehicles can be added in updates via DLC packages, as they have in the past. But let’s face it, nothing beats fast grappling and gliding over the rooftops of Gotham!

The official release date for Arkham Knights is still unknown. Right now all we know is that it will be released sometime in 2021 and available for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S players! Hopefully, WB games will put up a signal soon!

4. Returnal

I’m an Xbox player, and when I learned that this awesome-looking sci-fi game was only going to be available on Playstation consoles, you can imagine how much it stung. Looks like I’m going to have to make another trip to my cousin’s house and use her PS5 instead. Returnal is a third-person shooter game that takes place in a futuristic space-like setting and casts you as Selene. Selene is a spacecraft pilot who finds herself stuck on an Alien inhabited planet and in a time loop as well. The time loop plays a key role in the story, as it allows Selene to come back to life after each death, Hence, Returnal. Think like Edge of Tomorrow meets Interstellar if that helps. Just add some high-tech armor/weapons and deadly alien life to the mix!

The graphics for Returnal look amazing, which is par for the course on new PS5 consoles, the gameplay looks to be smooth, detailed and packed with all the action one can expect from a sci-fi, outer space combat game. You can tell from the trailer, that a lot of time and effort has been put into bringing this new adventure to life! And back to life, depending on how you look at it!

Returnal is expected to be released on PS5 on March 21st!

So, which of these games are looking forward to the most? Let me know below. Also, I realize that there are a ton of other highly anticipated games set to be released this year, so if you have another favorite that isn’t on my list, be sure to leave me the title and expected release date in the comments section as well. How about we make this an honorable mention section instead? 

As always, I thank you for joining me and taking the time to read through this latest listicle and hope that you will join me for more great listicles/content coming down the pipe very soon!

Until we meet again,

Vince the Prince