
While multiplayer is still a big draw, the real star of the show here is the Campaign mode, which rewards players with documentary-style videos about real medieval warfare, technology and art. Age of Empires IV puts players at ease with familiar subject matter and gameplay, then challenges them to master each civilization’s unique strengths, from the mobile villages of the Mongols to the mighty elephants of the Delhi Sultanate. If that sounds a lot like Age of Empires II, that’s by design. The game offers eight medieval civilizations that can gather resources, build militaries and advance through the Ages, researching novel technologies and sieging each other’s fortified castles along the way.

When the Tom’s Guide staff discussed its potential Game of the Year picks, we called Age of Empires IV a “crowd-pleaser.” Age of Empires IV doesn’t reinvent the historical real-time strategy genre, opting instead to refine it. And no need to worry if you haven’t played the original the sequel recaps the previous adventure very well at the beginning of the game. This results in a game that keeps you on your toes throughout the whole experience.

In our spoiler-free Psychonauts 2 review, we highlight how the game beautifully combines the magic of the original with more modern gameplay elements. While Psychonauts 2 may look like a children’s game, its story is emotional and captivating, addressing topics such as LGBTQ+ representation and mental health as it unravels.
BEST TIME SINK GAMES 2021 FULL
Throughout his adventures, you’ll need to utilize Raz’s full kit of psychic powers to overcome various puzzles and challenges. You play as a young psychic named Razputin, who dreams of joining the legendary Psychonauts spy agency. This year, we finally got a sequel to 2005’s cult classic Psychonauts, and boy, did it deliver.
BEST TIME SINK GAMES 2021 SERIES
Psychonauts 2 (PC/Xbox One/Xbox Series X/S) (Image credit: Double Fine Productions) 12. Guardians of the Galaxy’s stylized graphics, exceptional voice acting and rocking soundtrack make it among the most enjoyable titles of 2021. You could argue it’s just as good, or better than its source material, due to it being interactive.

It has all of the humor, action and memorable music that made the franchise a hit. It’s a shame that some players are still apprehensive about this title, because it really is an exhilarating experience.Īs I said in our Guardians of the Galaxy review, this title is a Marvel Cinematic Universe film in video game form. Extended Reading: Death's Door is a moody love letter to Legend of Zelda that makes death feel both bleak and supremely. Thankfully, Guardians of the Galaxy turned out to be everything Avengers wasn’t: a fun, narrative-focused single-player experience that evoked the spirit of the franchise that inspired it. This is one adventure that absolutely should not be missed from 2021. Everyone expected another "Games as a Service" slog. This is due to the poor reception Marvel’s Avengers received last year. Guardians of the Galaxy faced an uphill battle before launch. Guardians of the Galaxy (Multiple Platforms)
