The year 2021 in video games has in may ways been a disappointing one, overall. Some of our most anticipated games turned out to be “not great” and we’ve seen disturbing trends in the video game market; both straight up Kickstarter scams where the developers take the money and run and big name companies now starting to dabble in NFTs as monetization model (one could argue those are scams in their own right). But there has also been some highlights here and there and those are what keeps us going at this point. We’ve also seen quite a bunch of surprise releases that have been top-notch, especially in the indie game section of the market. Let’s take a look at what goodies the coming year might yield.

Monster Hunter Rise

One of the best action adventure RPGs is coming to PC / Steam and we are here for it. Expect high quality co-op gameplay that will challenge even the most skilled gamer.

Elden Ring

Elden Ring features amazing graphics and, perhaps an even more amazing setting. It will be interesting to explore more of the lore in this mystifying and dangerous world.

The King of Fighters XV

The King of Fighters series has been a favorite among fighting games ever since ’94 (or the Fatal Fury series, if we’re being technical). This new entry promises better online functionality, which we think, is key to make the game approachable for the greater fighting game community, such as streamers etc.

Pinball FX3 – Indiana Jones™: The Pinball Adventure

Not a stand-alone game, but a DLC expansion for Pinball FX3, which brings the classic Indiana Jones pinball table (1993) to our gaming devices. Pinball fans should keep an eye on this!

Toaplan Arcade Garage: Hishou Same! Same! Same!

This is something for the collectors and game importers out there. We loved everything about the previous Toaplan Arcade Garage release and this looks to be an excellent sequel. A true love-letter to the shooting game fans out there.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

Co-op beat ’em up games are always a good time and this game looks like a dream come true – colorful graphics, amazing animation and action packed levels.

Valfaris: Mecha Therion

A sequel of sorts to the excellent action platformer game Valfaris, this time it assumes the form of a side-scrolling shooter that looks extremely old-school and metal.

Iron Meat

Another indie game that has been on our radar for quite some time now. This is a side-scrolling run ‘n gun game that looks incredible with its colorful (and dark!) pixel graphics and features co-op action, which reminds us of classic Contra games.

Earth Defense Force 6

This game has been released in Japan already, but we are anticipating a world-wide PC release sometime 2022. We’ve played the previous installment of Earth Defense Force more than what’s healthy, and it will be interesting to see (and play) what’s next in the series.

G-Darius HD

Another game that has already been released elsewhere. We saw the much beloved Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade release on PC this year, and we’re naturally looking forward to the next port, which has been confirmed for PC release 2022.

Total War: Warhammer III

The Total War: Warhammer games have been a blessing in epic proportions for us strategy game fans. The third installment is further going to expand on the previous games, completing the trilogy and bringing us new factions to wage war against. It’s simply brilliant.

Guild Wars 2: End of Dragons

Guild Wars 2 is a MMORPG that has captured our attentions time and time again. The game has become a comfortable comfort zone at this point, and seeing new content added to your favorite game is always great.

Destiny 2: The Witch Queen

Another MMORPG expansion. I have personally just started playing Destiny 2 but the proposal of more content to explore is certainly something to keep an eye on.

Lost Ark

We’ve been hearing about Lost Ark for a while now and we’ve followed the updates about its upcoming world-wide PC release. The game looks like an interesting offering in the action RPG segment and it might well be worth your time and money!

Supplice

Naturally, we’re hugely into retro FPS shooters. Supplice looks like a super-retro fun time with dark themes and highly explosive action. What’s not to love!?

Undecember

We’re generally not into mobile gaming, but Undecember is about to get a PC port that looks amazing, both graphically and gameplay wise.

Ion Fury: Aftershock

Ion Fury was a complete spectacle of a game, especially for us retro shooter fans. The fact that an expansion is coming is both heart-warming in the best possible nostalgia-way and exciting, all at the same time.

Baldur’s Gate III

The greatness of the previous Baldur’s Gate games is long past, but since Divinity: Original Sin 2 was such an enjoyable co-op experience, we are looking forward to play the next Larian Studios game – and this time it happens to be called Baldur’s Gate III.

Sol Cresta

Shmup fans has been looking forward to this unicorn ever since that confusing April fool’s announcement (which was a joke at the time, but turned into a real project!). The game is finally happening and it’s looking gorgeous.

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide

Even if this game is just Vermintide 2 with a Warhammer 40k skin, it’ll still be interesting to play. The Vermintide games are pretty fun in co-op and the world of Warhammer 40k is always captivating in its own right.

Granblue Fantasy: Relink

We love the world of Granblue Fantasy and seeing a third-person arcade style hack ‘n slash game in this setting is a recipe for excellence. The game looks amazing in every way with its colorful characters and lush environments.

Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown

We’ve been playing Test Drive games since the Commodore 64 version and these games have always held a special place in our hearts. We don’t really know much about this new installment, but if it has high speed sports car racing and beautiful environments to race in, I think that’s something to keep an eye on.