While the world was slowly trying to get some sense of normalcy, video games were still there to unite everyone through the love of gaming. From battle royales to horror games, video games have given people countless hours of entertainment. These ten video games are the best unveiled during another challenging year for everyone.

10. Wrestling Empire (Nintendo Switch, PC)

After 20 years, longtime wrestling game developer MDickie finally made their way to consoles with Wrestling Empire. Launching on the Nintendo Switch, the game easily pleases those looking for a wrestling title on the popular console. With graphics and gameplay reminiscent of N64 wrestling games, Wrestling Empire is easily one of the best sports titles released in 2021.

9. Buildings Have Feelings, Too (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC)

Buildings Have Feelings, Too won't have you asking random buildings about their day any time soon, but the title will offer a unique city management experience. In the game, you have to help cities grow by catering to buildings' needs. Some buildings want to be near pubs while others want to be alone. Trying to discover the perfect building placement is the tricky part, but it's rewarding when you get it going.

8. Mario Golf: Super Rush (Nintendo Switch)

The beloved Mario Golf series arrived on the Nintendo Switch with Mario Golf: Super Rush. While the Golf Adventure mode was there for single-player action, the meat of the title came from exciting multiplayer action, which includes the new Battle Golf mode. There wasn’t much content available at launch, but Nintendo did offer a plethora of new levels and characters for free since its release.

7. Pokemon Unite (Nintendo Switch)

Many people were skeptical about merging the worlds of Pokemon and MOBAs such as League of Legends. Pokemon Unite became a pleasant surprise with its smooth gameplay and strict 10-minute battles, which differ from other MOBAs in the scene. Within days, players already had numerous tier lists for the best Pokemon in the game.

6. Pac-Man 99 (Nintendo Switch)

Arika developed the smash hits Tetris 99 and Super Mario Bros 35 to the Nintendo Switch, so why not combine the same gameplay with one of the most beloved video game franchises ever? Pac-Man 99 is a bonafide way to kill some time at the office or on a car ride.

5. Shin Megami Tensei V (Nintendo Switch)

While Persona fans have been wanting a port of Persona 5 on the Nintendo Switch, Shin Megami Tensei fans have been waiting for the arrival of SMT V. Revealed at the Nintendo Switch launch presentation back in 2017, the game saw a slow but steady development for its inevitable release this year. SMT V offers what SMT fans expect out of the beloved franchise and more, including a handful of redesigned demons and the addition of Safety Mode for newcomers to the genre.

4. Forza Horizon 5 (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC)

Forza Horizon 5 became an instant hit for Xbox with over 10 million players hitting the road thanks to its ready availability on Xbox Game Pass. Boasting the largest map seen in a Forza Horizon game, the game allows players to roam freely through a luxurious atmosphere with an everchanging weather system. Much like other Forza Horizon games, the soundtrack for Forza Horizon 5 features a slew of fantastic artists, including Big Freedia, Sad Alex, and Foo Fighters.

3. Gas Station Simulator (PC)

No one ever thought a game about running a gas station would become a surprise hit. Fortunately for Movie Games, Gas Station Simulator turned heads with its overall chill demeanor and surprisingly neat game mechanics. You can read our review of the title here.

2. Boyfriend Dungeon (Nintendo Switch, PC)

Summer 2021 will forever be known as the summer of Boyfriend Dungeon. The title combined the worlds of dungeon-crawlers and dating sims to bring forth an interesting final product. Social media became filled with Boyfriend Dungeon content, including everyone's disdain for Eric.

1. The Artful Escape (PC, Xbox One, Xbox X/S)

When it comes to music video games, The Artful Escape is hands-down one of the best music titles seen in years. Developed by Johnny Galvatron from Australian rock band The Galvatrons through their game development studio Beethoven & Dinosaur, The Artful Escape is a glamorous rock opera that can attract non-gamers and musicians alike. The Artful Escape’s colorful cast of characters intertwined with an extravagant storyline will hook those who fell in love with games such as Wandersong and Sayonara Wild Hearts.