Lucky for you, we've rounded up all the biggest video game release dates of 2021 into one handy calendar. Whether you play on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, or Nintendo Switch, there are a lot of titles on the way to each platform this year in the form of brand-new releases, classic re-releases, ports, and DLC. The arcade scene saw an explosion of side-scrolling beat 'em ups in the wake of 1987's groundbreaking—and money-generating—Double Dragon.
Developer Capcom played a major role in the genre's skyrocketing popularity, thanks to a string of memorable releases that gave players the opportunity to team up with a friend to pound enemy forces into pulp. Capcom Beat 'Em Up Bundle collects seven of those games, including the classic Final Fight, in a package that also includes online play. If you fancy thumb-numbing, button-mashing action in either solo or multiplayer sessions, Capcom Beat 'Em Up Bundle is a recommended package. That said, it lacks the deep production design documents and historical notes found in Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection or SNK 40th Anniversary Collection.
Tembo the Badass Elephant's story takes place in Shell City, a populous city that's plunged into a state of emergency by an evil force known as The Phantom. The National Army is unable to contain The Phantom's destruction, so it enlists the aid of an old war buddy, the Rambo-like elephant known as Tembo, to push back the enemy troops. The game's frequently compared to the 16-bit Sonic the Hedgehog games, as it's published by Sega and features a relentlessly speedy main character who obliterates foes. However, developer Game Freak also implemented elements from classic franchises such as Super Mario Bros. and Donkey Kong Country to create a well-rounded, 2D, action-adventure platformer that stands apart from the titles that inspire it. If you need to know the release dates of the best new games 2021 and beyond has in the pipeline, then you've come to exactly the right place.
We've gathered all of the video game release dates for upcoming titles and DLC on PS5, Xbox Series X, PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Switch in this useful reference list, so you don't have to go searching anywhere else. Are you ready to hit the toy tracks at tremendous speeds in Hot Wheels Unleashed? If you said yes to either of those then we have great news, as both are coming out this week.
No matter what upcoming games you've got on your wishlist, you'll find them all listed here along with their release formats and the exact date you can start playing them. League of Legends, Riot Games' free-to-play, multiplayer online battle arena title is, simply put, the best MOBA game you can buy. Its gameplay incorporates elements of role playing, tower defense, and real-time strategy—a combination that differentiates it from the many cookie cutter MOBAs flooding the market. More importantly, the playable characters show a deep level of variation, and each match's competition level increases as the game sinks you deeper and deeper into addiction. After nearly 20 years, Metroid fans will finally be able to play a new 2D entry in October with the release ofMetroid Dread -- a game that was long thought to be dead before it was announced during Nintendo's E Direct.
Dread is set to be the conclusion of the series' main storyand will see Samus exploring the planet ZDR while trying to escape the terrifying EMMI robots. It will add stealth to the expected and iconic Metroid gameplay as Samus hides from the near-indestructible machines. Metroid Dread will release alongside two new amiibothe provide potentially game-breaking benefits.
The Tales series has been around for several years now and in 2020 we're finally going to get a new installment after Tales of Berseria. Tales of Arise is a brand new story that follows two particular characters from their unique planets. One planet, known as Dahna which is set in a medieval world that has been under control of another planet known as Rena with their technological advancements.
We're still waiting to hear more information about this game along with a firm release date. Originally, the game was slated to launch within 2020 but as since been delayed into 2021. Still, if you enjoy the Tales games in the past then you'll likely find the same mechanics and gameplay style to be brought over into this upcoming installment. The 2021 video game release schedule is brimming with potential, and gamers everywhere sit in anticipation of the next groundbreaking title, classic remaster or nostalgic remake. The promise held by this year's roster is brilliant, but it isn't always easy to stay on top of what's happening. To help you make sure you find your next favourite adventure as soon and as easily as possible, here's a list of the most important video game releases for the next few months.
Existing in the barely explored realms that lie between the visual novel, interactive fiction, and RPGs, Scarlet Hollow is a slow-burn horror adventure set in the backwoods of South Carolina. Arriving in town to attend an estranged aunt's funeral, you slowly find yourself embroiled in a peculiar tale of suspicious locals, family rivalries, and unnerving nighttime creatures. What's so impressive here isn't just the stunning writing and meticulous illustration by comic creator Abby Howard, but the degree of variety on offer. How you experience so much of the story is based on the special skills you choose at the start—you might be extremely attractive or strong, "mystical" or able to talk to animals. Then there are all the dialogue choices you make, the way you behave to certain people, and decisions you make that determine if certain characters live or die. Two chapters are out now, from a total of seven that will release between now and 2023.
Developers Black Tabby Games are showing Inkle (Sorcery!, Heaven's Vault) levels of skill here, with a spooky story that'll pull you deep in. There are few video games that drop all dark and portentous pretenses and give you a straightforward, honest-to-goodness game. It blends the charm of RC racing with the heated competition of soccer, and adds plenty of over-the-top spectacle to keep every match interesting. Rocket League is just as fun during your first hour as it is during your twentieth; there are very few multiplayer games that utilize addictive simplicity as effectively. It even supports cross-platform play with PlayStation 4 and Xbox One gamers. Dark Souls III is developer From Software's return to the Souls series after the eldritch madness that was Bloodborne.
In fact, the newest Souls game incorporates gameplay and design elements from virtually all of the team's recent titles. As a result, the gorgeous and action-packed Dark Souls III feels highly familiar, yet fresh and content-rich at the same time. Like all of From Software's launches, however, the game is in need of a few patches to adjust weapon balance. Nonetheless, Dark Souls III is easily one of the best games in the series. The fighting game renaissance wouldn't be complete without a new SoulCalibur title. SoulCalibur VI lacks the stellar presentation found in recent, competing releases, such as Dragon Ball FighterZ, Injustice 2, and the developer's own Tekken 7, but it's a strong title that deserves a place in your PC game collection.
Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite has taken its fair share of flack since its reveal, and the venom is not at all unwarranted. Fortunately, sentiments toward Infinite changed dramatically upon the game's release. The Infinity Stone hook and the move to 2 vs. 2 action make Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite an incredibly fighting to play in both casual and hardcore sessions. Still, the roster, which features many intriguing characters locked behind DLC paywalls or ignored due to brand wars, needs some work. The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match, like The King of Fighters '98 Ultimate Match that came before it, is a celebration of one of the best fighting games ever released. Developer SNK revisited the game in 2009 and added gallery and color edit modes, as well as new menu artwork, polygonal stages, music, characters, and gameplay tweaks for a PlayStation 2 release.
This Steam version is a slightly downgraded take on the PS2 game, but it features beautiful 2D stages and online play. Though this version lacks some of the PS2 title's features, KOF 2002 UM reigns as one of the best PC fighting games. Fortnite is yet another game capitalizing on the popularity of the battle royale genre, but that doesn't mean that the title is without merit. Fortnite has a lot going for it, including approachable gameplay modes, bright and zany graphics, and an excellent construction system.
Iffy combat and the presence of microtransactions detract from the experience, but as Fortnite is a free-to-play game, fans of PUBG and other titles in the genre should still give it a shot. In 2000, Sega gave us a look into the future of funk with Jet Set Radio, a cel-shaded action game that starred a cute band of rollerblading miscreants who tagged walls, battled rival delinquents, and avoided out-of-control cops. This updated PC version flexes high-definition graphics, developer interviews, and all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a Steam game. Death Stranding baffled PlayStation 4 owners who weren't quite prepared for a plot involving extinction, isolation, mortality, and humanity's remnants trying to piece together a broken world. The controversial console game is now a PC game that sports enhanced graphics, platform-specific Half-Life themed missions, and a photo mode. Taking gameplay cues from the action, stealth, and survival genres, Death Stranding is a more daring affair than the typical mainstream video game title.
After all, not many games feature a delivery person who fights flying whales one minute, and then discusses the afterlife with Guillermo del Toro the next. Officially confirmed at BlizzCon 2019, Diablo 4 is set to take us to hell and back with what looks like a devilishly good sequel filled with dungeon crawling goodness. Set in the world of Sanctuary, you'll battle against The Burning Hells in an always online experience that will enable you to fight alongside other adventurers.
So far we know of three classes you'll be able to choose from including Druid, Sorceress, and Barbarian. Well, she's returning in the fourth instalment and from the sounds of it, she'll be causing some trouble for us as one of the game's main antagonists. Her return "ushers in an age of darkness of misery," so you better prepare yourselves. Another horror game releasing just in time for Halloween, Resident Evil 4 VR will give player a new, immersive way to experience one of the franchise's most beloved entires. Set in a rural Spanish village, RE4 follows Agent Leon Kennedy as he rescues Ashley Graham from a mysterious cult.
The original GameCube game redefined the third-person shooter and survival horror genres back in 2005, influencing games like The Last of Us, Dead Space and this year's Resident Evil Village. The game will have 20 characters at launch, with more coming later as DLC. The developers also hope to make a splash in the competitive gaming scene, even featuring rollback netcode on supported platforms for online play. The legendary Halo series returns with the most expansive Master Chief campaign yet. When all hope is lost and humanity's fate hangs in the balance, the Master Chief is ready to confront the most ruthless foe he's ever faced.
Begin anew and step inside the armor of humanity's greatest hero to experience an epic adventure and finally explore the scale of the Halo ring itself. Halo Infinite is the most ambitious Halo game ever made, with an environment several times larger than the last two Halo games combined. Players can explore an expansive landscape filled with sprawling natural wonder, mystery, and a story that welcomes those new to the franchise as well as continues the Master Chief's saga for our most dedicated fans.
Halo Infinite's public unveiling last year didn't quite go as planned, with footage receiving a rather frosty reception from most fans. There are a lot of rumors of development troubles online, but Microsoft has a good track record of pulling its Halo games together in time for release, so hopefully we'll end up with another classic game in the series later this year. The Diablo franchise is an iconic dungeon crawler and over the years we've seen three mainline installments launch.
It was during BlizzCon 2019 that we got the confirmation of Diablo 4 was in development which would see the familiar isometric RPG action that we've come to know and love. Players can expect different class based heroes such as Barbarians, Sorceress, and Druids. Likewise we know that this time around players can expect Lilith to be the main enemy you'll have to face against in this game. As always, so many indie titles come out each month on Steam and other platforms that it's impossible to really put together a definitive list. If you know of any games you think should be added, let me know on Twitter or Facebook.
Souls-like fans should have an interest in Aeterna Noctis, a side-scrolling platforming adventure that looks very Hollow Knight-like with its dark visuals and fast-paced gameplay. Regardless of whatever else comes out during December 2021, the biggest game of the month will be Halo Infinite. 343 Industries' shooter marks Master Chief's highly-anticipated return to the limelight, and the multiplayer will even be available for free. The Battlestar Galactica property has enamored two generations of sci-fi enthusiasts, with both the original 1978 series and the 2007 reboot achieving cult classic status.
Deadlock sets itself on ground left relatively untouched by either series, taking players into the throes of the first Cylon war. The turn-based strategy game puts you in command of the entire colonial fleet and the disposition of its forces. Though some tactical elements occasionally feel unbalanced, Deadlock does justice to the franchise by delivering incredible space battles and intriguing lore. Battlefield V looks gorgeous, plays fast, and encompasses all the hallmarks of a modern first-person shooter. It includes respectable single player content , and new takes on multiplayer gameplay , but both settle into genre norms.
Battlefield V's most apparent drawback, however, is the complexity of its progression systems and somewhat repetitive gameplay. Overall, Battlefield V is a solid entry in the long-running Battlefield series and you should play it if you are a fan of previous titles. Nioh is Team Ninja's first attempt at an action-RPG, and it shares a few superficial similarities with From Software's influential Dark Souls games. The player-summoning cooperative gameplay, corpse-run death system, shortcut-rich levels, and enemy-respawning checkpoints will all feel familiar to Dark Soul aficionados.
However, Nioh is very much its own beast, and is filled with highly technical action and stronger narrative elements than the Souls titles. This Complete Edition includes the original console game, as well as all of the DLC content, so newcomers have dozens of hours of action to master. Perhaps to the game's detriment, Nioh has a mountain of systems that new players must learn before they can tackle the higher difficulties. Still, Nioh won't disappoint gamers hungry for a rich and immersive action game.
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 pits Marvel's superheroes against Capcom's video game characters in a frantic brawl. The 48-character headcount is impressive, but it's the individual characters that truly make the game shine. Capcom's side is comprised mainly of characters from the company's fighting and action games, including Final Fight's Mike Haggar and Street Fighter's Ryu. The Guilty Gear series reigns as the king of anime-style fighting games due to its gorgeous art style, and a rich, demanding, and lighting-quick combat system.
Unfortunately, its oceanic depth and mountainous skill ceiling proved inaccessible to the causal player—until now. With Strive, developer Arc System Works streamlines the series' unique combat mechanics to make them more newcomer friendly, while retaining the older games' creative richness. If you ever reminisce about classic beat 'em up games like Streets of Rage, Final Fight, or Double Dragon, you're not alone. Though the genre has transitioned nicely to 3D action with games like Devil May Cry and Yakuza, old-school brawlers carry an inimitable, timeless charm that isn't often seen in contemporary gaming. Enter Fight'N Rage, a modern incarnation of those iconic, bare-knuckle action games that's packed with challenge, finesse, and tremendous replay value.
Fight'N Rage's difficulty is a doozy, and its lack of built-in, online multiplayer is disappointing, but it's an excellent title that genre fans should immediately pick up. The Wolf Among Us, a game that's a canonical prequel to Bill Willingham's popularFablescomic book series, features a well-written story, light puzzle-solving challenges, and reflex-testing Quick Time Event sequences. The visually striking title draws inspiration from film noir cinema, while keeping the heavy black outlines and bright colors associated with its source material. The murder-mystery isn't particularly challenging, but if you want to spend a few hours in an immersive world filled with interesting characters and top-notch voice acting, The Wolf Among Us should find a home in your PC gaming library.
David Cage's Heavy Rain unravels the dark, fictional story of a serial murderer, known as the Origami Killer. The interactive story succeeds in building a gritty aura fitting of the subject matter and in developing a set of believable characters within its world. However, the mechanics often feel tacked on and the game's presentation is underwhelming in some aspects, such as the voice acting and graphical fidelity.
Despite those persistent flaws, Heavy Rain is worth the time and price, if only for its engrossing narrative. Capcom, in collaboration with Digital Eclipse, revisits Mega Man's past with a package that does the original six NES Mega Man games justice. Besides featuring high-definition versions of the classic 8-bit games, the collection contains new trial challenges, leaderboards, video replays, and developer art.
Besides the recent Rare Replay, Mega Man Legacy Collection is the closest to a video game equivalent of the Criterion Collection the medium has seen. Mega Man 11 is a continuation of Capcom's iconic side-scrolling platformer franchise, and it retains many of the series' classic elements. In terms of gameplay, Mega Man 11 introduces the impressive speed- and power-boosting Double Gear system, which offers new ways to avoid obstacles and dispatch enemies. There are a handful of hazards strewn throughout this action game that feel a touch unfair, and some stages drag on much too long. Still, Mega Man 11 delivers a wonderfully fun challenge that's splashed with a fresh coat of paint. If, while playing Daemon X Machina, you recallMobile Suit Gundam,Super Dimension Fortress Macross, or other classic mecha anime franchises, don't be surprised.
