Whatoplay presents 15 of the best PlayStation 5 titles from the first half of 2021. All arranged
by playscores. To check out our full list, visit our page on all best PS5 games of 2021.
15. Marvel’s Avengers Eidos Montreal’s ambitious looter-RPG really
fell flat. It didn’t get the following it needed due to its microtransactions and shoddy attempt
at storytelling. However, the PS5 enhanced version really adds something for players to enjoy, aside
from its visuals and performance. The breadth of new content coming might possibly turn this
game around. The upcoming massive expansions may just be what the game needs. A playscore of 8.02.
14. MotoGP 21 A playground for would-be racing
managers. This latest from MotoGP enhances the simulation experience of their previous entries,
bringing in a fresh and next-generation feel in and out of the racetrack. It’s the most
realistic and immersive MotoGP experience to date. MotoGP 21 has a ton of features in store
for all the racing enthusiasts, despite most of its content being copies of its previous titles.
Create that dream crew and customize every facet of their budding careers. A playscore of 8.12.
13. SCARLET NEXUS The latest action-RPG from Bandai Namco.
It’s not the most original idea they came up with, but Scarlet Nexus’ satisfying combat is something
every fan of the genre should try. In it, you manipulate the environment around you using
a variety of telekinetic abilities. The PS5’s DualSense controller helps with the experience.
This stylish flow of gameplay makes every encounter feel like you’re the most powerful guy
in the room. Tag teaming with the protagonist’s partner feels like you’re playing under one mind,
despite them being AI. While its abundance of side-quests is all but filler, the main
story is not too bad. You know what else is ‘not too bad’? A whatoplay membership,
of course! Support our channel by joining and becoming part of the Whatoplay experience.
Scarlet Nexus receives a playscore of 8.28.
12. Subnautica Below Zero
Unknown Worlds’ next chapter to their terrifying yet beautiful underwater exploration game.
Anyone with Thalassophobia should never put their hands on this one.
But if you want to brave the depths of the abyss, you’re free to do so. Below Zero pretty much has
the same mechanics as the original, but with more linear storytelling and a main protagonist
that can finally speak. Make the most of this terrible situation by crafting the right tools
and surviving in this harsh frozen wasteland full of nightmare-fuel leviathans. A playscore of 8.47.
11. Chivalry 2 If anyone’s looking for some crazy good time with
friends, Torn Banner Studios’ chaotic melee-based first-person title is the perfect choice. Assuming
you bought a PlayStation 5. Sure, while the game supports cross-play between both PS4 and PS5,
the PS5’s performance is better compared to its previous gen counterpart. That makes it
the definitive platform to play on. Running at 60 frames and supporting 4K, what more could you
ask for in this sequel? Aside from the improved gore and physics, of course. A playscore of 8.47.
10. Returnal Housemarque’s biggest game to date
and it’s the first of the many PlayStation 5 exclusives to grace the console. Returnal borrows
familiar elements from notable roguelike titles such as Hades, Dead Cells and Risk Of Rain. This
is evident in its endless cycle of life and death, with every return (no pun intended) rewarding.
Despite this familiarity, its third-person shooter gameplay is seamless with its serving of
satisfying gunplay. Not only do you feel every shot from your DualSense controller, its alien
environments-- obviously inspired by HR Giger’s works--also feels like a character on its own.
It receives a playscore of 8.51.
9. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Square Enix’s beloved Final Fantasy entry
is getting a re-release exclusively for the PlayStation 5. One would say it’s a
Remake of a Remake, considering it comes with enhanced visuals and performance.
Intergrade’s biggest addition, aside from Tifa and Aerith’s 4K beauty, is the Yuffie DLC. In
a separate game mode, this single-player story is more than just bonus content.
It syncs up perfectly with Remake’s story and its gameplay is amped up,
bringing in more stylish action to the fray. The future of the series is still a mystery,
and with Tetsuya Nomura’s genius, who knows what’s going to happen with Part 2. A playscore of 8.61.
8. Control: Ultimate Edition Remedy Entertainment’s
supernatural action-adventure was a sleeper hit when it came out.
To this day, it continues to gain traction due to its impressive gameplay and bizarre story.
The SCP inspired concepts of its enemies are a nice touch as well! Ultimate Edition is the
definitive way to play Control, if you haven’t played the game before. It contains all the DLCs,
including a tie-in with none other than Remedy’s Alan Wake series. It receives a playscore of 8.64.
7. Yakuza: Like A Dragon The latest of the Yakuza games
is a breath of fresh air for new and old fans of the series. The switch to turn-based alleviated
some of the game’s chaotic moments. Now with more time to breathe, it gives players all the
time in the world to enjoy the brand new story as well as deal with their enemies. Like all Yakuza,
expect batshit crazy activities. Anyone with a PlayStation 5 might want to grab this game if
they’re interested in some lighthearted RPG with a few story-heavy moments. A playscore of 8.68.
6. Judgment Speaking of Yakuza games, the success
of the series opened it to new possibilities of growth. This Yakuza spin-off isn’t the strongest
of the series, but it did generate a new fanbase that love this new approach to the universe.
That much is evident with a sequel coming out this September. Originally a PlayStation 4 release,
this next-gen upgrade is ready to play on the PlayStation 5 with better visuals and performance.
Fans of the Yakuza series will find some of its mechanics familiar, but in terms of story,
it’s far from the wacky adventures it had. It receives a playscore of 8.74.
5. GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE-
Ahh fighting games. Arc System Works’ latest Guilty Gear in forever is taking the Fighting Game
community by storm… well kinda. Like previous GG titles, the controls are mechanically demanding.
It would take you hours and hours of practice to maximize each of the roster’s movesets.
But, don’t worry, Strive has a streamlined tutorial mode to aid you better.
Of course, with all the fancy moves, the crazy dolphins and perfect frames, it’s still a fighting
game where playing casually is perfectly fine, as long as you’re enjoying it. A playscore of 8.75.
4. HITMAN 3 IO Interactive’s
final Hitman game. For now, at least. The world famous bald Assassin is out to take his most
dangerous contracts ever, taking him to places all around the world. Whether you want to take in the
amazing sights of the famous places you visit, or clear a variety of objectives, Hitman 3 has a lot
of stuff packed for anyone into the Stealth genre. Now that Agent 42’s story is about to end, let’s
see how IO handles their upcoming new IP, a Bond Game. Hitman 3 receives a playscore of 8.76.
3. Resident Evil Village Everyone knows about Village.
From the memes, to the creepy dolls, to Lady D’s massive presence all around the internet. It’s
hard not to know about this game. Village is the biggest Resident Evil game CAPCOM ever made and
it certainly exceeded everyone’s expectations. The story of Ethan Winters came to a dramatic close.
With different spooks in each of the four areas in the game, t’s like the Disney-land of all
things great about the horror genre. A DLC is currently in the works, so we might see more
of our favorite Lords. Maybe even a new Redfield story. Who knows? Village has a playscore of 8.83.
2. The Nioh Collection If you’ve been missing out on Team
Ninja’s action-adventure RPG, the Nioh Collection is the perfect opportunity for you to enjoy what
they have to offer. If you’re a returning player, well, enjoy increased performance and better
visuals this time around. With 4K and 120 FPS support, your journey around this Yokai-infested
Nippon has never been this better. The combat is still difficult, but that’s a given since it
takes inspiration from FromSoft’s Souls series. This collection receives a playscore of 8.85.
1. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart And the best PlayStation 5 game
this first half of 2021 is none other than Insomniac’s action-adventure platformer.
Rift Apart takes the PlayStation 5’s beast of a hardware and integrates it to Ratchet
and Clank’s time-bending journey. With little to no load times and smooth 60 frames performance,
make your way around a science fiction trip where you put a stop to Dr. Nefarious’ nefarious plans.
Use a variety of weapons at your disposal, ranging from badass to downright ridiculous.
A playscore of 9.26.