The 20 Best Video Games of 2021 So Far

by Jason Dietz, Metacritic Features Editor – July 7, 2021

Which games impressed professional reviewers the most during the first half of the year? Above, we rank the best-reviewed videogames released between January 1, 2021 and June 30, 2021 by Metascore. Games must have at least 7 reviews from professional critics to be eligible for inclusion.

Note that ...

If a game was released on multiple platforms, we included only the version receiving the largest total number of reviews (usually, but not always, the PS5 or PS4 version).

Multi-game compilations and newly released ports of games released in prior years on other platforms are excluded, unless they are substantially different from the prior release(s) (for example, an HD remaster of a previous-gen game that also adds some new content).

2 of 21 photo by Whatboy Games

81 #19: Trials of Fire

A single-player, turn-based tactical/roguelite/deck-building game that marks the debut for UK indie studio Whatboy Games, the currently PC-only Trials of Fire is set in a post-apocalyptic fantasy realm. Explore procedurally generated maps and engage in turn-based strategic card battles on a top-down hexagonal grid.

“Push past the convoluted mechanics and daunting start of Trials of Fire to be greeted by a deep and engaging deck-building rogue-like that’s meticulously designed, generous with content, and rewarding to play.” —Critical Hit

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