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Getting a new gaming PC is like opening a box to decide what to play. It can feel like the effect of paralysis can be experienced with a constant flow of free games on the Epic Games Store, a plethora of arthouse games on itch.io, and countless other storefronts to install and choose from.
This list of excellent games released this year is a primer on what to consider if you get a new PC for the holiday. Some may be no-brainers because they are the biggest releases of the last few months, but others should not be overlooked.
Related.
The PC Game Pass is now called the Xbox Game Pass.
Many titles featured here can be downloaded and played via a PC Game Pass subscription, the PC version of Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass, while subscribers to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate get access to games on both Xbox and PC platforms. If you prefer to buy each title individually or subscribe to gain access to many, here are our top games with which to start your new gaming PC.
It's called the Infinite of Halo.
:noupscale is a file on the website of thevox-cdn.com.
The mainline Master Chief saga has six installments.
343 Industries is a part of the Microsoft Game Studios.
This may be the most obvious first choice, as it is arguably the biggest game release of the holidays, but it is also a technological test of PC hardware and a compelling title for some solo campaign fun. Combine that with free-to-play online games that launched early, and you have the makings of a great game.
There are some things that are missing from the game, but there is still a lot to enjoy. It will only get better from here as they eventually expand it with campaign co-op and continue to grow it.
There is a game called "Forza Horizon 5."
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The open-world racer is in Mexico.
The image is from Playground Games/Xbox Game Studios.
What happens when you combine a lot of cars, a lot of arcade racing, and a beautiful landscape of Mexico? You get the best racing game of 2021, complete with Drivatars, based on your friends list to challenge you. You can play it as you please. Are you looking to embrace its hardcore motorsports side? There are courses for that. Do you want to take it off-road? That is here as well. Do you want to take it easy and just enjoy driving? The rewind feature makes it easy to correct mistakes that could cost you a race. There is a lot to experience among all the cars and environments in the game.
Related.
The portable version of the game is called "Forza Horizon 5".
Inscryption is a type of cipher.
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Inscryption has a card game.
The image is from Daniel Mullins Games/Devolver Digital.
It doesn't have to be spooky to get into one of the top hits of the year. Inscryption is a horror-themed deck-building card game. As the story progresses, the game keeps changing on you. We are not going to give away any secrets but be prepared for some unexpected turns.
Even if you don't like card games or escape rooms, you should try Inscryption. If you have a good monitor with black levels, you can really immerse yourself in the eerie look of the game as you play cards and sacrifice little monsters to battle your opponent hiding in the shadows.
Related.
Inscryption is a card game and horror.
Back 4 blood.
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Four players play online in Back 4 Blood with card-based power-ups.
Turtle Rock Studios is a part of Warner Bros. Games.
Left 4 Dead is the spiritual successor to Back 4 Blood. The title carries a similar styled title but also has some of the original Left 4 Dead developers in it. Back 4 Blood is a modern take on the co-operative action of Left 4 Dead with power-ups based on a card system. The cards make each session feel different, keeping you on your toes as you mow down hordes of zombies and have to adapt to what fate has in store for you. Weapons and quip-filled characters are the stars of the show. Get yourself three friends and play zombie after zombie until you have had enough.
The Age of Empires IV.
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Age of Empires IV is the fourth in a series that started in 1997.
The image is of Microsoft.
The Age of Empires series is old enough to be past its college life and struggling through a mediocre job while living in a crummy apartment, but Age of Empires IV is a captivating new sequel that feels just like its roots. The home of anyone who has played a classic game before is very addictive. Age of Empires IV makes base building, troop placement, and massive battles seem less important. The campaigns are dense, but be sure to try playing as the Mongols for a new twist on the old formula, with hit-and-run tactics and mobility being the new keys to the game.
$60 at Microsoft or PC Game Pass.
Death's door.
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Death's Door is a highly stylized action game.
Acid Nerve/Devolver Digital
Death's Door is the prettiest game from 2021. It is enough of a joy to look at, with a lush world that is beautifully animated, but the game feels more like a game of Zelda, Dark Souls, and all-satisfying when in action. The Nintendo Switch release came out last month, so it's important to play it on a PC to make it as captivating as possible. Don't sleep on this hit. It is a great way to spend a lot of time, and come on, the crow is so cute.
Take those souls, little crow.
Hot Wheels: Unleashed.
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The stunt toy racers have a sense of speed.
The image is of Milestone S.r.l.
Imagine being given an unlimited budget to build and race the zaniest Hot Wheels track you could imagine. You can play Hot Wheels: Unleashed instead of tying up all your money and floor space in plastic tracks and 1:64 scale die-cast metal cars because you are an adult. The developers at Milestone put a lot of effort into the toy car models in the game. There are 60 cars for you to collect and race, with each one lovingly rendered down to its tiny toy details, with visible vehicle damage that looks a whole lot like the way actual Hot Wheels develop wear and tear. Add those visual stylings to the arcade racer and it will look great on a high-end PC.
Everything is made faster by flames.
Aliens: Fireteam Elite.
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Alien: Fireteam Elite is a third-person shooter that pits players against the xenomorphs.
Cold Iron Studios.
Aliens: Fireteam Elite is a good game if you feel that zombies are a bit tired, but Back 4 Blood is a good game if you like co-op. This is a three-player, third-person shooter that pits you against the Aliens franchise lore. It is alien-shooting fun with friends, but there is a touch of passive buffs to choose from. These monsters like to swarm so keep your tactics tight.
They come mostly at night.
Psychonauts 2 is a sequel.
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The sequel to the original Xbox title is called Psychonauts 2.
Double Fine Production/Xbox Game Studios.
Fans have been waiting for a sequel to the original Psychonauts. The classic Double Fine game finally gets a sequel 16 years later. The charm, voice acting, and fun writing of Psychonauts 2 is just as good as the original, but it also tackles some deeply personal themes. It feels a bit like an older game, but with a unique design. Psychonauts 2 takes you on a journey of platforming and thinking. If you already have a subscription to the PC Game Pass, don't pass this one up.
$60 with PC Game Pass.
The movie "Boomerang X."
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The game focuses on movement and speed.
Devolver Digital has an image of DANG!
The first-person action game has a sense of speed and agility. Throw it at enemies to slice them up, then vault towards it for aerial acrobatics reminiscent of old Quake rocket jumps. The visual style and lighting of Boomerang X make each arena fun to explore and the enemies keep it fresh and challenging. I believe playing Boomerang X with a mouse and keyboard is better than playing it on the Nintendo Switch. It feels like a shooter of a bygone era with very fresh ideas, because you get more control.
The first person hasVisceral boomerang action.
The Umurangi Generation was formed.
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Umurangi Generation is a first-person photography game.
The image is from Origame Digital.
I cheated a little. The Umurangi Generation came out in 2020. I cannot pass up the chance to recommend Umurangi Generation and its Macro DLC to anyone, so double check that headline and do the math. The Nintendo Switch version does feature new tilt controls, but I believe it is worth playing on a PC for the best representation of its awesome visuals.
Umurangi Generation is a first-person photography game that weaves an excellent narrative through the environment. Enjoy its vibrant aesthetic, expansive photographic camera controls, and fantastic soundtrack, all while the sense of dread sets in from its post- apocalyptic world. You don't have a choice if you don't want to watch the world burn.
Cops come here to kill us.
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