2021 is a promising year for gaming. With new next-generation options available for creators, it was a playground for all designers involved. With new styles being introduced, like the unique style of Deathloop, the insane graphics of Horizon Forbidden West, and Black Myth: Wukong, gamers don't even know where to start this year.
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To make things easier, here's a list of carefully chosen upcoming games focusing on graphics. Either they're anticipated for their new spin on design, or their insane graphics and use of next-gen tech, these games each have a huge fan base before even releasing in 2021.
Updated on June 21st by Mark Sammut: 2021 is shaping to be an incredible year for gaming, especially with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S coming into their own. While it will take a few years for the full potential of these consoles to be realized, their existence is translating to improved visuals, even if the leap forward from the PS4 and Xbox One era isn't as significant as in previous generations. The PS5 and Xbox Series X/S might be the hot new systems on the market, but they are not the only ones set to welcome some graphically amazing games in 2021. With E3 2021 done and the second half of 2021's calendar beginning to form, this article has been updated to reflect the next few months in gaming.
10 Psychonauts 2
- Release Date: August 25, 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
Double Fine's highly-anticipated sequel to 2005's Psychonauts might not have the budget of a Far Cry 6 or a Battlefield 2042, but it looks set to deliver vibrant and creative visuals. This third-person platformer largely takes place within the minds of its colorful characters, as Raz uses his Psi-Powers to explore them. Psychonauts 2 embraces its sci-fi premise with the whimsy of Saturday Morning Cartoons with an edge.
Psychonauts will guide players to worlds that typically reside only within their subconsciousness, and things will get weird in the best possible way.
9 Deathloop
- Release Date: September 14, 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PC
A lot of fans are worried about Deathloop. While the gameplay and story seem fantastic, and gamers are eagerly waiting to try it out themselves, the graphics have a lot to prove, and here's why.
Deathloop, according to the footage available to the public, will be introducing a unique art style and aesthetic that will most definitely make it an odd duck amongst new PS5 games. This looks very intriguing, and fans are waiting for the final product. It will either be phenomenal, introducing a whole new animation technique and gameplay style or if the graphics fail, will be a flop. Nonetheless, it's one of the most intriguing games of 2021 graphics-wise, and if they manage to pull it off, it will be epic.
8 Sable
- Release Date: September 23, 2021
- Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
Shedworks' open-world game has been in development for quite a few years, but Sable is finally set to debut by the end of September 2021. The title will also be available on Xbox Game Pass, making it accessible to as wide of an audience as possible.
Sable's unique art style opts for a comic book aesthetic that is very pleasing to the eyes. Rather than aiming for realism, the game prioritizes color, tone, and atmosphere. No other 2021 release will look like Sable.
7 Far Cry 6
- Release Date: October 7, 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
October 2021 is shaping up to be massive for gaming, be it through new entries in returning IPs like Battlefield 2042, exciting licensed games such as Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy, or fresh properties like Back 4 Blood. Far Cry 6 could very well be the biggest game set to come out during this month.
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Ubisoft's franchise tends to produce some of the best-looking open-world titles on the market, particularly when it comes to environments. The upcoming Far Cry entry takes place on Yara, a made-up Caribbean tropical island, that happens to be run by a terrifying dictator.
6 Chorus
- Release Date: 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, Stadia
Chorus gives off Control vibes, while combat scenes may bring back memories of Everspace. It takes place in space, making so graphics-wise the creators have big shoes to fill, and it seems they met the mark. The characters are unique and look amazing, but the views? Simply outstanding.
Many people can't wait to be engulfed in this experience, with Chorus showing off all kinds of next-gen technology. The story offers a lot of mystery, and true classic elements for sci-fi fans, with jaw-dropping graphics and location shots.
5 JETT: The Far Shore
- Release Date: 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC
JETT: The Far Shore is another black swan on the list. Creators are seemingly experimenting with a new take on graphics, design, and animation, and it looks very promising. With very minimalistic features, pastel colors, and an overall unique animation, JETT looks like it will be capturing on a whole new level. This style of design and animation is known to bring true dream-like depth to animations, taking the player on a journey.
The game plays around with the effects of hard shadows, rough angles, and lighting, and the results are jaw-dropping. For a lot of people, this design is not their cup of tea, but for those who will give JETT a chance, they'll see it grabs them by the gut and soon the "graphics" of the real world will look mundane.
4 Halo Infinite
- Release Date: 2021
- Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
Master Chief should be making a return in 2021, with Microsoft announcing plans to release Halo Infinite by the end of the year. 343 Industries' first-person shooter has already suffered through a few delays, but hopefully, they have only served to bring the game to its full potential.
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Halo provides scale, state-of-the-art graphics, and great gameplay. There's nothing to suggest Halo Infinite will be any different, and the multiplayer is also shaping up to be something special.
3 Kena: Bridge Of Spirits
- Release Date: August 24, 2021
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC
No matter what the gameplay will be like, Kena: Bridge of Spirits is looking like ten million dollars. The available footage really caught the attention of everyone, with its unique style, and jaw-dropping cinematic scenes.
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The details in the game are astounding, and the varied scenery is done to perfection. With a unique Pixar-like take on design, Kena is one of the most intriguing games in 2021. The story is well-written, the gameplay is exciting, and above all else, the creators really went all out in regards to the graphics. This game promises to be the most capturing in a while.
2 Forza Horizon 5
- Release Date: November 5, 2021
- Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
Microsoft's E3 2021 conference was jam-packed with exciting content, and one of the event's best reveals was Forza Horizon 5. It was only a matter of time before Playground Games announced a new entry in arguably the best arcade racer of the last decade, and there's a lot of hype surrounding the upcoming game as it has been three years since Forza Horizon 4.
Set in Mexico, Forza Horizon 5 will offer an expansive sandbox where players can race, complete challenges, and cruise while enjoying the gorgeous scenery.
1 Ghostwire: Tokyo
- Release Date: October 1 (PS5, PC); 2022 (XBX/S)
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Ghostwire: Tokyo does a fantastic job of bringing its titular city to life. With an eery vibe hanging over the entire design, the streets of Tokyo have never been so cheap to visit, and in a horroristic alternate reality nonetheless.
The characters and people are made to perfection, the combat scenes are so beautiful players will have a hard time concentrating on surviving, and the location shots are mesmerizing. Its design is very realistic, and the style is full of color but still low-light and ominous. One of the most beautiful games that looks set to come out in 2021, and if players aren't motivated by that, the story and gameplay are very promising and unique.
Every Game Coming Out In 2021 (And Beyond)
Regardless of whether someone owns a PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or PC, 2021 will leave them spoilt for choice when it comes to games. For a complete calendar of every AAA and indie game coming out on these systems, please check out the below articles:
- Every Video Game Release Coming Soon For PS5 And PS4
- Every Video Game Release Coming Soon For Xbox Series X|S And Xbox One
- Every Video Game Release Coming Soon For Nintendo Switch
- Every Video Game Release Coming Soon For PC
NEXT: 10 Best Released & Upcoming Games For The DualSense Controller