Best PlayStation Games of 2021 So Far!

We are over half way through the year and we have already seen some gems when it comes to PlayStation games. With some major releases and some unexpected wonders coming out so far, I think it would be great to look at the five that have really stood out among all of the rest.

Throughout lockdown, a lot of us turned to online gaming to distract us from the pandemic. And games like these have really provided a lot of entertainment and enjoyment in a rather bleak time.

 

Hitman 3

Hitman 3 takes you back into the world of assassination following the events of the second game. Taking you through a number of huge action-packed levels where you can use anything as a tool to take down your target. Hitman 3 PS4 version is a great game to experience, but you can also play it on Xbox or PC.

With a huge shout out to one of the levels introduced here: Thornbridge Manor in Dartmoor with the Death in the Family mission. A truly great mission that not only has a really amazing and unique level design, but a story that accompanies it really well.

The story has never really been the true focus of the Hitman series and I do not feel that’s much different with this. The focus of Hitman has always been to take down your opponents in really wicked ways. But the overarching story in Hitman 3 works decently well, it is nothing mind blowing. But it’s the gameplay that really makes it enjoyable and entertaining. The different storylines within missions are quite interesting, some moments were a bit goofy but I still found them to be quite fun.

Pros:	Cons:
Stunning locations Lots of improvements compared to last game	Not the best cutscenes Weaker AI for none playable characters

Mass Effect: Legendary Edition

Though it may be a remake of the original trilogy, Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is an extraordinary game with an incredible value. Taking all three original games and completely rebooting them with beautiful graphics, stronger performance, and of course fixing most of the pesky bugs and glitches that plagued the originals. A Mass Effect remastered in a way.

Best thing about this game though is definitely the value. I did mention this just briefly a moment ago, but it is absolutely brilliant. For about £60, you get all three of the Mass Effect games completely remade, over 40 DLC packs and just a completely rebuilt experience. It is so much fun and 100% worth it for anyone who enjoys a good action game.

For those who are wondering what Mass Effect is about. The Mass Effect series takes place in 2183 in the Milky Way galaxy. You start off the story as Commander Shepard, an experienced and elite human soldier who must prevent a galactic invasion from a race called the Reapers. And that is where the story sets off from the original Mass Effect.

Pros:	Cons:
Sharp textures and detailed in general Lighting choices are modern and effective	Facial animations aren't as up to date

Returnal

Returnal made its way to the scene this year as a PS5 exclusive, and proved itself as a brutal roguelike game. Taking place on a mysterious alien world where you are stuck in a constant loop of death. Making your way through hordes of devastating enemies that will tear you apart as you move on. And as you die and find yourself revived; you will see that the environment around you changes each time. Making every fight feel different.

Returnal really shows off what it means to be a PS5 exclusive, and really makes the most of the PS5 features and the PS5 DualSense controller. Every time you engage in combat or explore the world you can feel every moment where the adaptive triggers and haptic feedback kicks in to make it feel absolutely extraordinary.

But it is not for the faint of heart. Returnal, as said, is extremely difficult and a massive challenge. And you can really feel it as you get further into the game. The enemies will crush you in fast paced and wild encounters and the bosses within each level will push you to the edge. And once you die, you have to start again, which can be a real pain after fighting so much.

Pros:	Cons:
Quick combat Impressive storyline Great DualSense features	Limited build options Can sometimes be difficult

Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart

Another PS5 exclusive makes its way onto this list. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is another demonstration of the power of the PlayStation 5. Everything in this game looks and feels so incredibly outstanding, and the PS5 definitely plays a major part in that.

Everything happens in an instant. Loading time are insanely fast and you can switch between dimensions like it is absolutely nothing. With a blink of an eye, you can switch from one area to another, it’s just so insanely quick. The PS5 DualSense controller also has some great usage, especially with the haptic feedback. You can really feel the kick of a weapon, or the movement around you. It’s brilliant.

The new Ratchet and Clank really shines in the graphics department as well. It looks absolutely beautiful whenever you enter a new world or area. The cutscenes look extremely great. This is for sure the best looking PS5 game available at the moment.

But that’s enough about performance. Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart for the PS5, both in terms of story and gameplay are tremendous. The story is a very enjoyable one and you get to experience a lot of different places and meet a lot of characters who play their part really well. It is difficult to pick out a bad character or place, it’s brilliant. And the gameplay is so wonderful as well. Every weapon and fight feel so good to play. Everything feels and looks really unique, it is phenomenal. A good game to play if you managed to get a PS5.

Pros:	Cons:
Great graphics Runs smoothly as a whole	Occasional crashes and bugs Difficult to manage weapons

It Takes Two

It Takes Two is a two-player game that is available on all platforms, but feels really great on the PS4 and PS5. And with It Takes Two, only one person needs to buy it and the other person you want to play it with can play for free, a really good move by Hazelight Studios. And it is an absolutely wonderful co-op experience.

The game follows Cody and May, a couple planning to get divorced. After telling their daughter Rose that they are getting involved, they find themselves trapped in the form of two dolls and try to return to their normal bodies and to their daughter. It is an absolutely amazing story that focuses on the topic of relationships, and takes a look into the couple's negligence of their different belongings and their daughter. An excellent narrative that I cannot recommend enough.

But it isn’t just the story that works really well, but the gameplay is super fun and unique. Making your way through a number of different levels that all have different mechanics and ways of playing that are all enjoyable. And both you and your friend will play different roles in completing the level and beating the boss. For example, there is a level where one of you will be equipped with a nail to throw at different obstacles, and the other has a hammer for breaking through objects.

Pros:	Cons:
Brilliant for multiplayer Exciting and engaging	Some aspects of game can feel drawn out

Conclusion:

But that will conclude this short list of the best games for PlayStation so far this year! I am sure that we will see and get to play many more impressive games this year, and hopefully some to make their way into the best games of this year.