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).

9 of 21 photo by Binary Haze Interactive

86 #8 (tie): ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights

Influenced by Dark Souls and Hollow Knight, PC and Switch title Ender Lilies is a "metroidvania"-style 2D dark fantasy action/RPG game set in a permanently rain-soaked and ruined land inhabited by the undead—and a living but amnesiac child priestess, Lily, who serves as your playable character. When she conquers an undead boss, she learns new abilities and can "purify" him, causing her one-time foe to fight alongside her going forward.

“Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights is that rare example of a game that melds classic game design with modern narrative sensibilities. It's at once a slice of platforming, exploration and combat that'll feel familiar to all, while also tacking mature themes with every beat. It's a treat to play, a sight to behold, and well worth your time.” —Gfinity

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