Great year in games with lots of super fresh imaginative worlds to explore. I found myself gravitating more to indies games than ever before, which was nice. Also, can we give it up for sliding in games this year!? 2021: the year of Sliding.

My Top Ten Games of 2021

10. Sable (developed by Shedworks)

Open, Personal, Relaxing

This is starting off my list for the sheer peace this game brought me this year. Beyond its chill music, elegant visuals, and straightforward mechanics, it was how the game put the onus of agency completely in your hands. There is no world ending event you have to prevent, no enemy you’ve wronged coming for revenge, no family members who are in danger, you’re simply on a journey and YOU get to decide when you feel your journey is done. I loved that.

9. Knockout City (delveloped by Velan Studios)

Stylish, Fast Paced, Hard Hitting

My sleeper hit of the year. It’s video game dodgeball. I didn't know how much I needed dodgeball back in my life. The first time in this game that I heard that “thwump” as the ball beaned off my head, I was instantly transported back to 5th grade. That nostalgic feeling drove me to spend a bunch of time getting real good at this multiplayer game. Fast Balls, Curve Balls, Fake Outs; by putting in the work, the "easy to play/hard to master" aspect of the game revealed itself. I am ALWAYS ready to hop in a match or two. Wanna play?

8. Haven (developed by The Game Bakers)

Elegant, Relatable, Romantic

One of the most elegant games I've played in years. The graceful dance that this game does between exploration, cooking, combat, and relationship building is moving. I cared so much for these two love birds, cause they kinda reminded me of the dating years of my wife and myself. The little ways you can show kindness to your partner, while learning what makes them tick was everything to me. Games released in December of the previous year (like this one) still count for me this year, as I wouldn't have had time to play them before that previous year's end.

7. Life is Strange True Colors (developed by Deck Nine)

Rich, Affective, Surprising

A game that leads with the idea of using empathy as your power to navigate the world is definitely going to get my attention. Deck Nine Games should be praised for the nuanced, gorgeous, and deeply enriching tale they wove with this Narrative Branching adventure game.

6. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart (developed by Insomniac Games)

Gorgeous, Nostalgic, Care-Free

Playing this game brought me back to those joyous feelings I had when I played the first Ratchet and Clank game. That electric air that made you buzz with the knowledge that good times were ahead. Not to mention, visually, this is the best thing I've seen this year, hands down. This is the game I would show people who are wondering what makes the PlayStation 5 worth it.

5. Inscryption (developed by Daniel Mullins Games)

Disturbing, Brilliant, Unique

I can honestly say I have never played a game like Inscryption before. At the core of its gameplay, this is a deck building card strategy game and I have a WEAK spot for anything deck building. The less I say about this game the better it is for those who want to play it, and yes, you should want to play this.

4. Road 96 (developed by DigixArt)

Sad, Scary, Lasting

Each attempt to flee this country, whether you make it or not, ends with you taking on the role of another teen who has learned from the successes and failures of those that have gone before. Seeing how these teens were helping each other by writing encouraging messages on walls or leaving money under rocks, really touched me. I felt real stakes knowing that if something went awry, if I said the wrong thing, this teenager could die permanently. The reality of that, really hit me. Don’t get me wrong, there’s also fun/exciting/lighter aspects to this game too

3. It Takes Two (developed by Hazelight Studios)

Gleeful, Imaginative, Unifying

This should be called “JOY the Video Game”, cause that’s exactly what it brought us from start to finish. Each mind-blowingly imaginative level came with its own innovative skills and puzzles that were only outdone by the next ingenious level of skills and puzzles. Find a friend (or in my case an amazing wife!) and enjoy this heartfelt adventure.

2. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy (developed by Eidos-Montreal)

Bombastic, Poignant, Raucous

I’m smitten by this game. I loved it from that very first second, in a grimy ‘80s basement, all the way to the bombastic hold noting back ending. What they do with banter in this game is masterful. The innocuous, constant banter made this team feel alive in a way they few videogames are able to achieve. It only works because this content is genuinely hilarious and entertaining. It’s marvelous, truly. Add on top of that the blockbuster movie style action sequences, deceptively deep combat (if you put it on hard), some really jaw dropping narrative moments and you got a beautifully balanced gaming experience. Oh and it also delivers on a killer soundtrack.

1. Psychonauts 2 (developed by Double Fine Productions)

Witty, Trippy, Ingenious

I never thought I would get a sequel to one of my favorite games of all time. When the original Psychonauts came out SIXTEEN years ago, it was critically acclaimed but only a few of us bought it. Over time, it developed a huge cult following and I was ecstatic when Double Fine announced they were making a sequel. The imagination behind that first game was unlike anything I had seen before; the idea of delving into a physical environment based on someone’s mental state blew my 20-year-old mind. All these years later, the sequel managed to blow my mind again. Staying super faithful to what made the original game great, they went the extra mile to make art concepts and story beats that stretched the limits of an already expansive imagination. Constantly throughout this game, I was gob smacked by the daringness of their level design. From the uncomfortable dental phobic hallways to the sadly accurate Casino themed Hospital to even a world that felt like you stepped into a Jimi Hendrix Album Cover. On top of that, they nailed a humorously touching narrative. Expanding on the setup from the first game, this one tells a fascinating, mysterious tale of family, betrayal, love, and grief. My wife and I also got to help fund the game; the fact that this project started with crowdfunding gives me the warm fuzzies knowing that we had a tiny hand in how far this title has come. This game felt like a warm hug to all the Psychonauts fans out there and I have no doubt they have made a whole new generation of fans because of this stellar addition to the franchise. Psychonauts 2 is my Game of the Year.

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So, Gamed (59 games played this year)

IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

A completely normal and innocent dating simulation that is definitely completely sweet, innocent and normal (2020) This is Great!

I love originality. I love gumption. This game has both in spades. It’s a wild dating simulator with a rudimentary style that is actually quite brilliantly subversive. Don’t underestimate spunky indie developers.

Across the Grooves (2021) It’s Good

This is a musical visual novel that lets you travel through time by playing a specific “maybe haunted” record. Pretty rad premise, the game even lets you make significant choices as you play. My only gripe is that I really didn't like the songs on that record. Which is unfortunate, because the music is such an important part of the game.

Animal Crossing New Horizons (2020) This is Great!

The new extra content reeled me back into the "oh so satisfying" loop that is Animal Crossing. The main draw for me this time was making a farm. I was giddy to design a cafe/farm type joint and was really satisfied with how it turned out. Unfortunately, once I finished that farm, my interest in AC dropped off again. Yes, I tried the Happy Home Paradise DLC, but that kind of gameplay just isn't for me.

The Artful Escape (2021) This is Great!

This game plays like it sprang out of a Van Halen Guitar Solo. You go on this Greek-like epic poem filled with star guzzling monsters, bayou blazing baddies, and of course, your own personal demons. It’s a journey to reinvent the main character in a way that feels true to themselves. It has a DEDICATED button to perform endless guitar licks whenever you want. Endless. Guitar Licks. Also, CARL WEATHERS is in it!

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Season Pass (2020) It’s Good

Expansions: Wrath of the Druids (Ireland) and Siege of Paris (France, not Texas). Both added interesting new stories and even better costumes. Neither advanced the modern-day plot though, which I was hoping for.

Boyfriend Dungeon (2021) This is Great!

There was a permanent smile plastered across my face the whole time I played this. This is a Dungeon Brawling/Dating Simulation game where you date your weapons. You heard me correctly. The writer/developer really captures the nuance in relationships, from realistic subtext in texting, to subtle behavior shifts to let someone know you are or aren't into them. One of my favorite things about this game is that you can become genuine friends with someone if there’s not a romantic connection.

Burly Men at Sea (2016) It’s Good

Super cute game that was just sitting in my back catalog for years. Queued it up and played it in one sitting. It's got some fun story puzzler aspects to it and gets pretty trippy at points. Is it great? I’m not sure, but the charm of this little title still won me over by the end.

Clash Royale (2016) Stunning!

I might be addicted to this game. I've been playing it for 5 years. At the end of the day, this is a really fun IOS multiplayer deck game that mixes strategy, execution, and stamina. I love it, still love it.

Deathloop (2021) This is Great!

I didn't realize how much of a Bioshock itch I needed scratched. Firing guns while using magic to warp around the map, turn invisible, hack turrets and more just brought me back to those old games I loved so dear. I also loved the moments of revelation I got when I figured out another piece of the puzzle (worth noting, I actively ignored the game's objective markers and opted to figure it out on my lonesome…for better or for worse). Every time I made another piece of the puzzle fit into place I was elated. The only thing that didn't vibe with me was that multiplayer aspect, sometimes it was fun, other times it was eye rolling.

Democratic Socialism Simulator (2020) This is Great!

What a cathartic way to work through some pent-up political tension that I've got harbored. In this game, you get to run a Democratic country. But all your cabinet members are animals. Balance the wacky meter of getting your agenda pushed without being mauled by the mob. Great replay value.

Destruction All-Stars (2021) It’s okay

I wanted to like this Demolition Derby Game. The character and car designs were so robust, and they animated so beautifully well. The gameplay, however, just got in the way of all of that. Yes, it was energetic, high octane, full of pizazz. But it was also laggy, confusing, and boringly repetitive. Unfortunately, the worst parts popped up more than the better parts.

Dominique Pamplemousse in “It’s All Over Once the Fat Lady Sings!” (2014) Stunning!

I couldn't be more impressed by this game. This Claymation, musical, point & click adventure has everything I love about indies: Heart, Ingenuity, Authenticity, Humor, Eye Catching Visuals, and so much more. This fully voiced, narrative musical adventure about a poor plucky non-binary Private Investigator is unlike anything you’ve played before, and it was such a privilege to experience it.

Dominique Pamplemousse & Dominique Pamplemousse in "Combinatorial Explosion” (2017) Stunning!

Alright I just explained how much I liked the previous Dominique Pamplemousse and guess what? THEY WENT AND MADE A FREAKING SEQUEL!!! This game doubles down on what made the first game so special. What more is that they amp it up by making it super meta in a good way. To experience and feel every bit of the heart that the developer, Dietrich Squinkifer put into this game is an honor.

Doodle Champion Island Games (2021) Stunning!

This is that 16-bit Olympic themed game starring that cute ass cat from Google. Google! This wins “Surprise Game of the Year” because I didn't know when I clicked the Google logo that day that I would be sucked into a 2-hour top-down RPG super nintendo-esque adventure. Well, played Google, Well played.

Doodle Date (2018) It’s Good

You draw your ideal date…then you get warped into your own journal where your doodle comes to life and starts dating you. What starts as an already questionable concept, goes full tilt into the bizarre as multiple drawings start coming to life with their own wants and desires. Let’s just say this game went WAY further than I ever thought it would…and I’m still pretty shook by it

The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim Special Edition (2011/2016) Stunning!

What else can be said about Skyrim? It’s one of the most legendary gaming experiences of all time. One that I only dabbled with 10 years ago when it first launched. So, I was happy to put some time aside this year and fully play this game to “completion”. By the end I had sunk over 230 hours of gameplay, completed well over 300 quests, built three houses, helmed every guild, maxed out crafting, and went full werewolf and vampire. Yea, now I understand firsthand why Skyrim is considered one of the greatest of all time.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade (2020/21) It’s Good

I played this version just for the content featuring Yuffie, the magic stealing ninja. I hear the rest of the game got a great upgrade, but this was all I was interested in, and it was exactly what I wanted.

Greedfall (2019) Stunning!

This is my sleeper hit of the year. I fell fully into the world of Greedfall. Original. Deep. Vast. I was constantly getting shocked by how developed and rich every part of this Victorian era politically driven action fantasy role-playing game was. If it came out this or last year, it would without a doubt be in my top 5 favorite games played this year. Best part about falling absolutely in love with this title, is that the developers have made a new fan out of m, and you bet I will be there day one for whatever game they make next.

Happy Color (2018) This is Great!

It’s an IOS “Paint by Number” app. Highly recommend it if you're looking for some moments of Zen this year. I also recommend the X-men Coloring book.

Hand of Fate 2 (2017) Stunning!

One of the best games I’ve played, period. That is, if you're utterly obsessed with card strategy games like me. I think it's the complexity and sheer audacity of this game that grabs ahold of me. I find it utterly unique. It combines elements from a ton of different genres. We’re talking Deck Building, Roguelikes, Action Combat, Loot Based, Tabletop Role Play and more. All weaved together by a smarmily pithy Dealer, whom I love. This developer went out of business after this game came out. I can't help but feel that they gave it literally everything they had and I’m grateful for it.

Haven (2020) Stunning!

One of the most elegant games I've played in years. The graceful dance that this game does between exploration, cooking, combat, and relationship building is moving. I cared so much for these two love birds, cause they kinda reminded me of the dating years of my wife and myself. The little ways you can show kindness to your partner, while learning what makes them tick was everything to me. It also had a really, slow unravelling narrative with a good pay off

Hitman III (2021) This is Great!

This is a very funny game in disguise. It’s also a very well-made game. Each level felt like this delicious puzzle that I just couldn't wait to figure out. By the end, the amount of content fell a bit short for the full asking price of the game, but I’m not dissatisfied with what it was.

Holy Potatoes A Weapon Shop!? (2017) This is Great!

A fantastic recommendation from one of my fellow podcasters, Brian. The only problem is that it took me 3 YEARS to finally play it. My bad!!! But damn am I glad I finally did. This Management game is chock full of so much silly earnestness, that you can't help but lean into the whimsy. Once you get into the swing of the gameplay, you'll find a very Zen-like gaming experience.

Hunter’s Arena (2021) Oh this is not for me

I didn't love it. Turned out it was way more of a standard -by the books- Battle Royale than I expected. Battle royales only keep my attention for an hour or so, tops (Apex Legends excluded). Although this was a hot new release, I never felt compelled to go back to it after that first night. However, it DOES have great character design and animations, I'll give it that.

I Love You Colonel Sanders (2019) This is Great

This game is Bonkers. Romancing Kentucky Fried Chicken’s Colonel Sanders is NOT even the weirdest thing you can do in this game. It plays like a very well made inside joke that manages to still be charming.

Inscryption (2021) Stunning!

I am so glad I decided to try this game out. It went on sale for Black Friday, and I wasn't having the greatest of days, so I bought it as a distraction, and it worked hella good. First off, I have a weakness for deck building games and deck building is the vehicle in which this experience unfolds. I loved it. This game gave me some of my most tense, uncomfortable moments of gaming this year. The number of times I said out loud “Is this really happening?” is plenty. Simply put: If you like video games, play this. There’s nothing else like it.

It Takes Two (2021) Stunning!

This should be called “JOY the Game”, cause that’s exactly what it brought me from start to finish. Each mind-blowingly imaginative level came with its own innovative skills and puzzles that were only outdone by the next level of skills and puzzles. Find a friend and enjoy this amazing adventure, the critics are all right about it.

Kena Bridge of Spirits (2021) This is Great!

This is a gorgeous game. While it’s a single player game, my wife and I played it together, which means we passed the controller back and forth whenever we felt it was necessary. Controller goes to Manda to find collectibles, because she’s got a great sense of environmental direction and the controller goes to me for those ultra-pesky boss fights that I sadistically thrive off of. By the end, we both had a really wonderful experience filled with top notch visuals, a sweeping score, and a bittersweet folk tale.

Kentucky Route Zero TV Edition (2013) oh this is not for me

I’m so surprised that I didn't like this game. I’ve heard only wonderful things about it for years and while I’m not saying it’s not wonderful, I am curious what I missed. At most I found this bleak/abstract road trip game interesting, but with its very slow pace, obtuse storytelling, and ambiguous character development, I found myself struggling to concentrate on the task at hand. Two thirds into the second act of Kentucky Route Zero I simply had to admit that I was not enjoying myself and had to let it go.

Knockout City (2021) Stunning!

My true sleeper hit of the year. It’s video game dodgeball. I Didn't know how much I needed dodgeball back in my life. The first time I heard that “thwump” as the ball beaned off my head, I was instantly transported back to 5th grade. That nostalgic feeling drove me to spend a bunch of time getting real good at this multiplayer game. Fast Bals, Curve Balls, fake out, I put in the work and the easy to play hard to master aspect the game revealed itself. I still have this game installed on my PS5 as my casual pick up and play a few matches game. Wanna play?

Life is Strange True Colors (2021) Stunning!

A game that leads with the idea of using empathy as your power to navigate the world is definitely gonna get my attention. Deck Nine Games should be praised for the nuanced, gorgeous, and deeply enriching tale they wove with this Narrative Branching adventure game. Usually, these games are doled out episodically over months, this game is all at once. So, word of caution, pace yourself, cause it’s a very heavy game

The Longest Road on Earth (2021) It’s Okay

A fascinating experimental “Music Video” Videogame. You basically just walk through a bunch of scenes. Each vignette is accompanied by a song by Beioli, an indie electric folk band. What’s cool about this game is that if you grab some headphones, sit back, and let it all wash over you, you start feeling the greater picture slowly being revealed to you. Did I like it? Kinda. I just liked them attempting something weird, something interesting. I started getting antsy around the end parts. The songs started sounding all the same and the novelty of the premise wore off. Luckily the game wrapped itself up before I was fully checked out. So that’s good.

The Longing (2019) It’s okay

Another experimental game. Great in concept. Fun fact: I started playing this around April in 2019. The idea of this game is basically about this giant “Mountain King'' who goes to sleep, hibernates for 400 days, and needs YOU to wake him up. This game then gives you a timer for a REAL 400 days that starts ticking down by the seconds. As this little husk-like being, you just mill about trying to pass the time. You explore the caves and all its mysteries, you could learn to play an instrument, even read Moby Dick…yes, they put the ENTIRE novel of Moby Dick and other classics in this game for you to sit on a comfy chair and read. So naturally I did what any true gamer would do… played till I got bored then set an alarm on my phone for 400 days in the future. FAST FORWARD to 2021 an alarm goes off and I’m like “wwwhhhaaattt? Oh right!”. The Mountain King picked all of 2020 to sleep through! I was envious. I rushed over to my computer and woke that damn King up. What happened? Well...you should buy the game and set your own damn alarm. Or just watch a video on YouTube. Fun idea, even if I cheated.

Lost Words: Beyond the Page (2021)Stunning!

Floored. Absolutely floored. The story and narration in this game is top notch. The way they turn a young girl writing in her journal into an emotional platformer is awesome. It’s a brilliant game that deals with a big moment of transition for the young lady. Multiple times I had to walk away from my computer because I got so sad. Ugh, hit me right in the gut. By the end, thankfully, the game gives you a great deal of closure and pulls you out of the ditch it had lowered you into. Very impressed by this game

Maquette (2021) This is Great

My jaw hit the ground when my mind finally put together how the puzzles worked in this game. I felt my brain grow two sizes that day. The Puzzles are narratively tied together with a real bummer of a breakup story. It was effective on me, as parts of the narrative touched on my own insecurities and sent my brain into a week-long spiral of anxiety that I very much did not appreciate…fucking art.

Marvel’s Avengers (2020) It’s Okay

Ohhhhhhh I was so ready to hate this game. Yes, I know it’s a cringey cash grab, yes, I know it’s a shallow grindy multiplayer, yes, I know it directly exploits our seemingly ingrained love for Marvel, but fuuuuuuuck did I have fun punching things! Every Avenger was rad and played different enough to make it feel like, for a hot second, I was Captain America or Black Panther or the Hulk. All I can say is that I put this thing on easy and played through all the story content and had a blast. This game made me a Kamala Khan fan, so I’m super happy about that

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy (2021) Stunning!

I’m smitten by this game. From the very first second, in that grimy ‘80s basement, all the way to the bombastic ending. What they do with banter in this game is masterful. The innocuous, constant banter made this team feel alive in a way they few videogames are able to achieve. It only works because this content is genuinely hilarious and entertaining. It’s marvelous, truly. Add on top of that blockbuster movie style action sequences, deceptively deep combat (if you put it on hard), some really jaw dropping moments and you got a beautifully balanced gaming experience. I’m in admiration of the killer 70s/80s soundtrack. One of my favorite moments of gaming this year involved fighting a dragon while “We Built this City on Rock n Roll” hilariously played.

Merge Dragons (2017) it’s okay

Don't judge me…don’t you dare judge me. We all have our dumb iPhone games ok! You see there are flowers, and these Dragons can then collect magic orbs from-you know what- I don't have to explain this! I don't owe anybody anything dammit, leave me and my dumb Dragon Merging game alone!

MLB the Show ‘20 (2020)This is Good

Every year I try out ONE sports game. By try, I mean I really give it a chance and dig into the game. I am NOT a sports guy. I actively tell my Twitter to remove any sports from my feed and I am OFFENDED if one sneaks in. But 5 years ago, I tried NBA 2K16 and it reminded me that Sports are indeed games too and last I checked, I like games. So, every year I will sink time into a different sports genre and try to find out why it’s loved by the masses. My epiphany with the MLB came by wrestling with my existing feelings of baseball: It’s too slow, not enough action, boring to watch. But a friend explained his attraction to sport lied within the fact that, since it’s a slower game, he found it relaxing. That thought rang very true to the videogame baseball experience I was having. There’s definitely something I like about the repetitiveness and the stop & go pace of a baseball game. Unlike basketball or hockey where my brain is constantly in motion trying to follow the action, Baseball lets you chill, sit back and relax. I get it now, and I respect that. So, what sport game should I play next?? Football? Golf? lemme know

Monster Train (2020) Stunning!

I love deck building games and this is, without a doubt, one of the most fun card-based games I’ve played. What’s strange is that while I played this, I had absolutely no idea how many hours were slipping away. I remember starting a game up and the next thing I knew 3 hours flew by and I'm like ”WOW TIME TRAVEL EXISTS.” The mechanics and card designs are so smartly made and balanced. The challenge is delectably addictive, it’s got that classic “just one more go” quality to it.

Outriders (2021) It’s okay

Biggest tease of the year. It’s got the vibes of Aliens and Mad Max, but even the super fun storyline isn’t enough the grab a team's attention to play it through. Bad online multiplayer matchmaking is at the heart of my disappointment.

Overwatch (2016) It’s okay

My favorite game of all time finally became less great this year. I knew it couldn't last forever. My interest in playing is spotty at best these days.

Penny & Flo Finding Home (2021) This is Great!

What at first seems like a really shallow IOS game turns out to be a really fun puzzler. What is unexpected is that the story bridging all these puzzles together is actually kinda interesting, in a cheesy Soap Opera way.

The Procession to Calvary (2021) oh this is not for me

I can’t deny this game is a work of genius. Taking classic paintings and repurposing them to tell this irreverent, absurdist, bloody tale is objectively brilliant. Unfortunately, some uncomfortable humor soured the whole dang game for me. Even I got a line on what I find funny and what I find too fucked up and this game crossed that line for me.

Psychonauts 2 (2021) Stunning!

I never thought I would get a sequel to one of my favorite games of all time. When the original Psychonauts came out SIXTEEN years ago, it was critically acclaimed but only 5 of us bought it. Over time, it developed a huge cult following and I was ecstatic when Double Fine announced they were making a sequel. The imagination behind that first game was unlike anything I had seen before and the idea of delving into a physical environment based on someone’s mental state blew my 20-year-old brain. Once again, all these years later, they managed to blow my mind again. Staying super faithful to what made the original game great, they went the extra mile to make level designs and mission structures that stretched the limits of an already expansive imagination. Constantly throughout this game, I was struck by the daringness of their level design; from the uncomfortable dental phobic hallways to the Casino themed Hospital, to even a world that felt like you were playing inside Sgt Pepper’s Album Cover. On top of that, they nailed a humorously touching narrative. Expanding on the setup from the first game, this one tells a fascinating, mysterious tale of family, betrayal, love, and grief. My wife and I also got to help fund the game, the fact that this project started with crowdfunding gives me the warm fuzzies, seeing how far it has come. Getting to be a part of why this game exists is a privilege and I couldn't be happier that it’s my favorite game of the year.

Ratchet & Clank A Rift Apart (2021) Stunning!

Nostalgia, the game. The core gameplay loop of shooting, smashing, and collecting, touched every nostalgic bone in my body. I’ve been playing Ratchet and Clank games since the beginning, and this is the best one I’ve played yet. This game delivered on all those feel-good vibes from the old games and even introduced great new characters to breathe fresh life into the franchise. Can’t wait to see where they go next!

Road 96 (2021) Stunning!

Let me get my only critique out of the way first: the animations can look real stiff…that's about it. The rest of this game is amazing, the animations honestly didn't even bother me after a while. The stakes of this procedurally generated choose our own adventure game weighed super heavy on me. Mixed with the heartbreaking themes of fleeing one’s country and the dangers of polarizing politics; this game made me feel and reflect on so much strife that real people go through in this world as refugees. Yea this game really struck me more than just in my thoughts, but also in my heart.

Roki (2020) This is Great!

Super cute game filled with some beautiful Lore. I loved being alongside Manda, while she played this. Just a delightful, lovely adventure.

Sable (2021) Stunning!

What’s amazing about this super open-world desert sailing exploration game, is that they tell you this is YOUR journey. Let it be as long or short as you feel it is. The end of the game is shown to you early on and anytime you want, you can glide over there to finish it. I found it striking to put the motivation and purpose of the game entirely in your hands. As Sable you roam this desert talking, climbing, and gliding around as you search for your purpose. Everyone in this land wears a mask and those masks are tied to your profession: Mechanic, Cartographer, Guard and so on. As you adventure you earn some of these masks by proving your skills in each profession through various tasks. After a while you, as the player, may find yourself gravitating to one mask over the other. It’s this subtle affinity that is the magic of this game. Once I knew what I wanted Sable's purpose to be, I felt an air of resolution and something in me knew I was ready to finish the game. My journey was relaxing, curious, gorgeous and so much more.

Skatebird (2021) It’s Okay

The premise is fire. Take a Tony Hawk game, then make them birds. It even doubles down by letting you play with a bunch of real birds. Barnyard Owl? Got it. Rock Sparrow? Got it. Ruby Throated Hummingbird? Got it. You can even then dress them up with hats and glasses! Unfortunately, once I got into the actual game, things fell apart for me. I’m a Tony Hawk fan, so it was hard adjusting to imprecise movements and obtuse timing windows. All in all, this is still a bit of fun to have on a lazy afternoon.

Speed Dating for Ghosts (2018) Stunning!

The idea of speed dating a bunch of misshaped goofy looking ghosts is a fun premise to get behind. Where the game starts getting real however, is when you come across some ghosts who have serious social anxieties, or heavy baggage, or some that haven't realized they're dead yet. The DLC only furthered this theme of grief and loss. Damn, I still tear up when I think about the little lost doggo that showed up instead of the date. The game took us on a very real journey surrounding the grief around a pets’ passing. I still haven't recovered from that. Go play this game.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Madness (2020) It' okay

IOS BS game. Don't play it, I just love TMNT so much I’ll suffer through dumb stuff like this just to get a fix every once and awhile.

Tell Me Why (2020) This is Great!

From the makers of Life is Strange comes an amazing tale about twins who suffered a childhood trauma, are now grown, and have reunited in their small hometown. The mystery surrounds the death of their mother, who she was, and why she acted the way she did. One of the siblings is trans and it is so good to see more representation in gaming from the trans community.

Toem (2021) This is Great!

Take pictures! Be cute! This simple little photo game was exactly what I needed late this year. You run around as this little sheep, with a fully functional camera and you help the many denizens of the land with various little quests. Doing so will earn you stamps that let you pay for your bus trip to the next locations. I love a feel-good game, and this is nothing but a good feeling all the way through.

Twelve Minutes (2021) This is Great

It seems like I'm in the minority of people who really liked this game. Is it messed up? Yes. Is it convoluted? Yes. Does it cross some really uncomfortable lines? Oh Yes. But for me, it all worked. You play as this dude that gets stuck in a 12-minute time loop. What starts as a special dinner and a dance with your wife gets interrupted by a man who busts in and accuses your wife of murder. After you get knocked unconscious you wake up and start those twelve minutes over again. Rinse and repeat, over and over again until you unravel mystery after mystery about how all three of the characters are connected through their sordid pasts. Because this is still a Point & Click game, I got to the same point that I always get to in these games where I am completely frustrated. And when I’m stuck and frustrated, I start clicking and trying everything, hoping ANYTHING will give me a clue at what to do next. This frame of mind led me down some very dark lines of thought that I fully understand to be very triggering for some. I was straight up disturbed by the number of options this game allowed me to perform. But in the end, I was able to see this tale to the end. All in one very long sitting. I know it’s not feasible, but if you do play this, I recommend playing as much of it in one go as possible. The repetition does get maddening and you do feel yourself sync up with the character’s mind frame, which is a cool, well-designed feeling.

Unpacking (2021) This is Great!

Simple, relaxing, and surprisingly addictive. Room after room you start realizing that they are actually telling a story of a young woman's life from childhood to college, and beyond. All through the gaze of unpacking their latest move. I found myself bristling in anticipation when I reached a new apartment or house to find out about the next phase of life this character was in. I wondered what they decided to bring with them and what they left behind. Beautiful game, a quick playthrough, not one to miss.

Witch it! (2017) This is Great!

Hide and go seek at its kookiest. We played this with two other friends and it’s a true delight!

Wordscapes In Bloom (2018) Stunning!

This is the best game for IOS. Hands down. If you’re into word games, crosswords, stuff like that, this one ticks those boxes. It's a great way to wind down after a long day, or even ease your mind to fall asleep at night. I truly think the world of it.

Yes, Your Grace (2020) This is great!

A King simulator with a great story and high stakes decisions. This management game comes down to your own preference and savvy. Laced on top of your daily hearings is a looming invasion by an army of bandits, building alliances with neighboring countries, managing your home life. My 15–20-hour playthrough ended with me running out of food and getting beheaded by my hungry subjects. Yep, this game beat me. I deserved it. Worth a try, nonetheless.

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*35 Indie Games, 24 Triple A Games

*12 PC Game Pass, 7 IOS, 6 Steam, 4 Switch, 7 Itch.io, 23 PSN

WELL DONE you read through all of my Video Games! If you want to catch up what TV Shows and Movies I experienced this year, here are the links:

2021: Review Kids on the Block (Series)

2021: Review Kids on the Block (Movies)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!