2021’s Hidden Gaming Gems – Game Informer

Players have been treated to an abundance of amazing games in 2021. Some of these will compete for the title of game of year. It happens that games worth noting slip by the radar. While these titles aren’t unknown by any stretch, they can get lost in the year-end conversation as everyone determines their favorite fare before heading into what’s shaping up to be another blockbuster year for games. Are there any titles you missed that stood out this year? We’ve got a few picks for you – and maybe you have a few suggestions for us, too! Let us know what your favorite hidden gems from 2021’s gaming roster are in the comments.

Library of Ruina

Library of Ruina is a tough game to get going in, but once you’re on track, it’s incredibly difficult to put down and absurdly compelling. This adventure combines elements of RPGs and tactics games. It’s a fun and exciting romp through an unusual and often haunting land. You will be enchanted by these songs Mili enhance major battles and you’ll find yourself going back to listen to them long after you complete the journey. Don’t write this off after taking a look at screenshots, as the signature battles themselves exude such style in motion. You can find more information about Library of Ruina right here.

Encryption

Inscryption begins as a sort of dark roguelike deckbuilder, but isn’t truly content to play around in a singular genre space. The twists, turns, and surprises that are uncovered along the way make discussion difficult without serious spoilers, but rest assured you’ll find mysteries worth discovering, puzzles, and curiosities littered throughout the excursion. It is one of those games that you can’t say much about other than “Go play it!” A creative little gem, you’ll find yourself captivated as the excursion goes into all kinds of places, leaving you to ponder questions and dig deeper for answers.

You can read our complete Inscryption review right here.

Nova Island

Mobile card games are endless. Nova Island is really a genre-busting blast that’s sort of a mix of tactical board game and traditional CCG, where players must combine hero powers, custom decks, and special spaces to score twenty points before the opponent. You can do this in many ways and with tons of different strategies. It doesn’t matter if you are looking to create a deck that makes the basement earn points. Keep your move-makers out of the penthouse or fight to the mezzanine and hopping lobby.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quQ9vtSphIw

Playing probability is the name of the game, and that keeps every game interesting even if you’re in a metagame mirror match. Every round, each slot has a percentage chance of giving points to the controlling player. Also, there’s no cash shop or monetization at all. That’s right, not even cosmetics. Like, what? Give this game a try – it’s way too good to go unnoticed.

Iron Tails

In a sentence, yes it’s kind of like Redwall meets Soulsvania. This is what you need to know. With big boss battles, weapons and armors to master, and plenty of action on every screen, Tails of Iron is a challenging romp that should satisfy those looking for a dire adventure that’s more than a bit grisly and grim but contains cool fights and quests to explore. Doug Cockle, the voice of the narrator is a good choice if you want a more hook. That’s right, Geralt from the Witcher!

Lost In Random

Burtonesque, this battle of cards and dice is full of humor, fantasy, action, strategy, and many other elements. The world of quibbling royalty and dark queens is a fun place to be, while the magical setting draws you in. Maybe I’m just really a Nightmare Before ChristmasFan who loves how this game managed to combine so many elements. But, it doesn’t matter if you love the gameplay, give it a try. I bet you’ll enjoy it.

Our complete Lost in Random review can be found here.

These games are just a small sampling of all the fantastic stuff coming out in 2021. Which games were your favorite that didn’t make the game of year lists? What are some other great titles that we may not have seen or missed out on? Please let us know what you think in the comment section!