2021’s Hidden Gaming Gems – Game Informer

2021 was a year of great games. Many of them will be competing for game of the Year titles. Some games are overlooked. 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. Enjoy enchanting tunes 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. Find out more about Library of Ruina.

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.

Our complete Inscryption review can be found here.

Nova Island

You can find endless options for mobile cards games. 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. There are many strategies to make this happen. You can make an odd deck to maximize basement points or you could take on the battle in the mezzanine or penthouse.

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. Each round has an 8% chance that the controlling player will win. 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.

Tails of Iron

In a sentence, yes it’s kind of like Redwall meets Soulsvania. That’s all there is to it. 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. You will find yourself in this world full of dark queens, quibbling royals, and allies who are a bit clumsy, which is an ideal setting for having fun. Maybe I’m just really a Nightmare Before ChristmasA fan who loves this bizarre combination of elements. You should definitely give this game a shot. 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? We’d love to hear from you in the comments