20(21) Games You Should Have Played

[@ArchitectofGames]

Want to see five more games from this year that you should've played? Give them a look over here!: www.patreon.com/ArchitectofGames Want to complain at me that your favorite open world survival crafting MMORPG rougelike hentai hero shooter didn't get featured? Take it to twitter!: twitter.com/Thefearalcarrot

[@Justin-ee1mv]

Thanks for continuing this series mate :D

[@Beregorn88]

Isn't inscryption still in beta? Also why are you the only KZbinr to be able to correctly expose recordings of this game?

[@AnthonyKeydel]

video should have been 11 seconds longer

[@leninthebeaniesouhacker.2459]

no pathfinder wrath of the righteous?

[@xarin42]

I want to see the game that has all those genera and tags and is still good ... for reasons...

[@trainiumm]

I can’t wait to not play any of these and get mad that there’s no good games out. Thanks!

[@seven6590]

Same.

[@blubfush9376]

Isn’t being broke so much fun!

[@IcyLucario]

A got a few friends that.. Just don't realize how good smaller games are. And by smaller, I mean literally anything that isn't AAA.

[@ezet]

Same, I will continue playing only the games that get huge hype and get disappointed time after time

[@realo3503]

@@blubfush9376 yeah everyone should try it it’s SUPER fun and you get this great thing called depression

[@Honor____]

I picked up Wildermyth after hearing about it in one of your previous videos and it has easily become my favorite game of the year. Seeing your characters get old and more renowned only for their children to join your party and eventually replace them is such a rewarding experience like no other game truly provides.

[@LeoStaley]

I thought it was gmtk that talked about wyldermyth.

[@Drakonflare]

I played it for a bit. But the randomly generated story beats did not make up for the poor combat system for me. Besides, I felt like I had little choice in what happened to the characters. Sure, I could pick what choices they made. But the options were always sufficiently vague that any outcome was only tangentially related to what I picked. Might as well not have giving me the options.

[@4DonicTH]

I havent played the game yet, but the fact that "children replace parents" trope always struck me as a negative.. Im a hardcore RPG overleveling and stat-chasing fan (even in such games as sims) , and all the times where such a trope comes into play, it means "hey, have this less leveled character now and get rid of your better one" for me.. Is it the same in Wildermyth?

[@rodrikforrester6989]

@@LeoStaley Nope, that was Millard. "Why Wildermyth's best story wasnn't written by anyone" is the video you're thinking of. I think.

[@rodrikforrester6989]

Ditto. Also, something that no one seems to be mentioning: the game is _markedly_ improved by playing it with friends.

[@luizamacedo6807]

Cruelty Squad is just so eerie perfect, the soundtrack in itself matches the game in a way I havent seen in a while.

[@Lishtenbird]

I've pretty much given up on AAA titles, most of the games that manage to hold my attention nowadays are smaller indie ones with newer twists and creative art styles. But those are rarely talked about on tech channels, at best you occasionally stumble upon them streamed once they get recommended through word of mouth. So lists like these - "here's an overview without spoilers, and what's good about it" - are very helpful, thank you.

[@theisgood0]

Yep I agree I only play a couple of old AAA titles. But when it comes to indie games I feel like they actually care and have a heart.

[@sonwig5186]

The last AAA game I enjoyed was Death Stranding.

[@theisgood0]

@@sonwig5186 I heard that game is pretty darn good. Too bad my pc can’t run it.

[@jonathanzimmer6831]

Absolutely agree with this take. The AAA gaming industry has ruined high budget games for the most part. I too have found myself more interested in little. Know, low budget indie games. Those teams still harness the passion needed to create meaningful and fun games that leave impressions lasting a lifetime rather then sucking your money from your wallet with yearly additions and DLC pay walls.

[@Chaosrunepownage]

Another cool thing about Inscryption: the modding scene is super active and fun. There's new cards, new card effects, importing playstyles from acts 2 and 3 into act 1, new events, and even new bosses. Not all mods are created equal, but there's everything from a full--on Zerg from Starcraft deck to a dinosaur deck, to a Dead by Daylight deck, to cards that look and play like they're part of the base game. Gareth's mod and the pirate boss are my two favorites so if you feel like getting even more fun out of the surprisingly deep deckbuilding mechanics, download some mods too!

[@jaredowens4825]

There's mods???? I knew about Kaseys mod but that's it. there goes my day

[@penguinjuice7543]

Can't wait for 79 years when he has to give us 30 games every year

[@ArchitectofGames]

21 games, surely? 30 would be the year 3000!

[@seankeogh8134]

@@ArchitectofGames Get math’d!

[@vitaliitomas8121]

@@ArchitectofGames look to the sky, you will see the joke flying

[@ThrottleKitty]

@@ArchitectofGames Wow, a million years!

[@sethington719]

I don’t get it.

[@AvanToor]

If you ever thought, 'I wish Hyper Light Drifter had more Zelda puzzles', play Unsighted! Exactly that, with Souls combat and Vania exploration. My GotY by a long shot.

[@Maurinusa]

Wildermyth was a real breath of fresh air for me. The most fun I've had with a turned based strategy game in years

[@OptiJams]

Fuga: Melodies of steel was probably the game that I was hooked on most this year. Came out of nowhere, I played it and just got absolutely obsessed with it I barely hear anyone talk about it, which is a shame

[@O.Reagano]

I played Everhood back when the first demo came out on Gamejolt, I’m so glad it’s getting semi-popular and recognized ‘cause those songs are absolute bops

[@silverstar4505]

I'm really glad to see Chicory in this list! When I finished the game and looked it up online, I was surprised and sad it didn't get the attention it deserves.

[@mwep415]

Yeah It's made by the same guy who did Wandersong, which I loved. I haven't seen too much about Chicory yet, but if it's anything like Wandersong, I'm sure it's amazing, and I can't wait to give it a try

[@sarabian1]

That lovely feeling when you already own a full third of the games AoG has on their year-end list! It's like a confirmation of good taste.

[@quinnsoutar2196]

1. Slipways is an outstanding game, thank you for giving it some of the love it so richly deserves, 2. Thank you for doing a spider warning, much appreciated as someone with a rather, uh, unflatteringly bad phobia.

[@Evanz111]

Also holy heck. Everhood wouldn’t get out of my head months after playing. And normally I’m not too affected by games like Ominori or Undertale, but this one really made me question existence. Plus the Euthanasia Rollercoaster song on a blind playthrough is mindblowing. I wish I could say more without spoiling anything.

[@subprogram32]

Very similar experience here. Everhood was very much worth playing for me, probably in my top 3 along with Chicory and Inscryption. ^w^

[@paraalso]

I thought the battles and music of Everhood were great, but the story mediocre and uninspiring. It was still worth playing for the good bits, though.

[@Evanz111]

@@paraalso Yeah the characters didn’t grow on me like they did for a lot of people. I think it was more that mid game turning point and ending that had a lasting impact on me. Especially as I’m prone to existential dread x.x

[@Evanz111]

@lego Oops, my bad! Yeah I meant Omori!

[@cavemann_]

If there's anything that made me question existence then it would be The Talos Principle. I still think about it occasionally, and it really sent me down a spiral for a few weeks.

[@captainbighead]

The cheapest place to find them and whether or not their on game pass is an incredible addition and I really appreciate that extra step

[@brundeasie_OG]

The Forgotten City was amazing. I recommend everyone should play it.

[@nicholas209]

Glad to see Slipways on the list. Its a great little one man project that I wish I wasn't too ADD to master. And the music is fantastic.

[@Just_strawberry_eating_turtle]

I got so hiped when i saw Inscryption appeared on number 1 that game is awesome I love that the creator is still adding too it with the new endless/challenge mode

[@landonmaurer2453]

loved the first part but just hated everything after. wished they just went farther on that first section

[@lunasophia9002]

"I won't be talking about big, blockbuster releases [...]" THANK YOU. We desperately need more coverage of lesser known games.

[@Ashtarte3D]

Can very a lot of this list from personal experience. The two big ones I was praying were on here were Inscryption and Webbed. I love everything Daniel Mullins has done so far and he continues to be the lord of smashing the fourth wall to atoms while Webbed was something I had been following for a few years when I spoke to the developer on Twitter and couldn't wait to try the adorable weirdness.

[@AraksDemirdyian]

Absolutely loved this list! Imma try some of this games for sure. I'm only a little resentful that you didn't include echoes of the eye tho. Happy new year!

[@heather2503]

I would like to send my thanks to you. I have decided to send all my subscriptions something like this. You have sparked interest in game design, and have introduced me to so many great games. And you occasionally mention Fe, which is always a plus.

[@kaldo_kaldo]

Iron

[@WilliamSlayer]

Unpacking moved me to tears. The story within the game is THAT good.

[@nemesisurvivorleon]

I kind of wonder how relatable that could be with how I've had to move multiple times in the past few years feeling like I have no home of my own.

[@WilliamSlayer]

@@nemesisurvivorleon Can't recommend it highly enough. I hope you give it a try!

[@houraisheperd9721]

I've been waiting for this. Last year had some good games, and was looking forward to seeing what oddities you suggested this year. Thank you for making it~

[@TheTrueUlfhednar]

I picked up Sable on a whim and it is absolutely stunning.

[@towrofterra]

I'm so happy to see Wildermyth on here. I picked it up earlier this year, and it's the closest thing to playing D&D without a DM.

[@liamlatz1259]

No way I remember playing the pico 8 slipways on cool maths games on the school computers, can’t wait to play the new one.

[@AdrianHereToHelp]

Even though the spider didn't trigger my arachnophobia, I *really* appreciate the fact you put a warning in there; I can't count how many times I'm just watching some casual content and get put into an instinctual panic for half an hour because they just put a spider on screen out of nowhere.

[@neverendar1778]

I heard spoiler warning the first time, so I was confused.

[@matteste]

I seriously wish that the OPUS series got more love. Echo of Starsong in particular, the entry that released this year was just a fantastic narrative experience. It is just so sad that I don't see anyone talk about it.

[@curupa66]

Should I play the previous ones before? (Please like this when replying so I get the notification)

[@matteste]

@@curupa66 Nope. While they take place in the same universe, each entry is standalone, separated by god knows how many years.

[@lopside861]

Oh yeah definitely! My entry into the series was The Day We Found Earth and have loved every entry since. I do hope some youtuber gets around to talking about OPUS...

[@elimain1261]

Was looking forward to this video! You give great recommendations every year, and I've only played one game released this year (Before Your Eyes), so I'm sure there are plenty of brilliant games I haven't seen yet

[@__andra__]

As someone absolutely terrified of spiders, I cannot tell you how much I appreciated that warning!

[@dontnormally]

"Things are so weird, you'll have no idea what's going on!" no longer appeals to me. I love the bizarre but it's so much better grounded in something.

[@nemesisurvivorleon]

Lately, I've been enjoying Kingdom Come Deliverance for its absolute focus on realism and history. And Hellish Quart for the same reason although that one's in Early Access right now ( still good atm though )

[@zgamer200]

14:56 - I'm going to forgive you for this pun because Before Your Eyes is just that good, so any positive mention of it in any video gets an automatic thumbs up in my book.

[@Jan12700]

Psychonauts 2, Mini Motorways, Timberborn and Humankind are also great games that released this Year. And Against and I expect you to Die 2 are great VR games.

[@danka1167]

Such an indie gem Psychonauts 2

[@kaldo_kaldo]

Did you play any of these or just watch people on youtube play them?

[@kaldo_kaldo]

@@danka1167 Did you hear about Halo Infinite?

[@Jan12700]

@@kaldo_kaldo I played all of them. Except for I expect you to Die 2, I didn't had the time for that yet, but I did play the Demo

[@danka1167]

@@kaldo_kaldo yeah

[@zojirushi1]

Time to add these games to my steam wishlist 😩😫😭 Chicory - A Colorful Tale (2021) Genesis Noir (2021) Unsighted (2021) Sable (2021) Before Your Eyes (2021) Inscryption (2021)

[@petery999]

Thank you so much for giving spider warnings! They are impossible to avoid most of the time!

[@redella50]

I always look forward to this video because of all the under-the-radar titles you find. As always, thank you for the videos and all the work you put into them! Can't wait for more.

[@DeluxeHotel]

Slipways is actually on coolmath games but it’s a lot more pixely and probably missing a lot of the content in the new game but it’s still a lot of fun

[@kpdelaney6460]

Chicory and Webbed looked really fun! Adding them to my wishlist

[@T4gProd]

For me, The Riftbreaker was a game that I almost missed, but I'm happy I didn't. I saw it come out, thought that "hmh, that kinda looks cool" and then forgot about it. I upgraded my CPU and remembered it, since I thought it might make for a nice CPU benchmark. I was completely sucked into it, I played it for 8 hours straight.

[@brandonbrowning1585]

Thank you so much for the spider warning. Always wish people would do that, you’re the first I’ve seen actually do it

[@Loqque]

Finally somebody highly recommended Wildermyth. This is actually my game of the year - solid tactics fights, fantastic artstyle, great music, and "rng" stories never get old. I can't stop recommending this enough. shoutout to Slipways - single developer game making better strategy game than most of AAA studios.

[@Mentleif]

If we’re talking about great games being overshadowed, there’s definitely Library of Ruina. It’s a great game, but Project Moon as game developers aren’t the most well known. Out of the games released this year, it’s definitely my favourite

[@ArchitectofGames]

I've never heard of it - I'll be sure to check it out!

[@kyle5790]

I highly reccomend library of ruina as well!

[@TheMantisLord50]

Hell yeah, inscryption is honestly so cool

[@Dreigonix]

Always good to see Strange Town/Of The Killer getting more recognition!

[@Caliboyjosh10]

Thank you for bringing up Everhood. Love that you play and cover smaller games. I've been meaning to play Webbed as well, it looks so good

[@aarter2913]

Seeing the of the killer series mentioned at all was a serious suprise, im glad it's getting recognized, I like its style a lot despite how simple of a game it is

[@oyoyoyo7624]

Favorite EOY list so far. Thanks

[@lake5044]

Oooooh I finished Webbed! I loved it so much and I didn't expect it to be on the list!

[@PedroSantos-ie1oy]

You forgot about one of the most beautiful things about Incryption (which happens to be my favourite): everything gets an interaction. Doesn't matter if it is sacrificing a cat 9 times to finally kill it, the never-dying Auroboros getting stronger and stronger every time you sacrifice it, the names of card with the growth sigil actually making sense with those cards, the ringworm or poison sigil interaction at the campfire, the Mantis God's hidden eye, the interactions you can make with stuff you get from the different NPCs; I could keep going and going but I want people that read this to discover the rest on their own. Either way you get the point. It's magnificent how it all plays out and leaves the players thinking "Oh look! That dude again!" or "That works?? It makes sense, but like, WOW!"

[@IgorTavern]

Hey Adam, Genesis Noir its on Game Pass. =] Happy New Year! I love your videos and constant recomendations!

[@hi_bye5727]

In knew inscription would be #1 and it deserves it. It’s a really fun deck building game that allows you to try many strategies and while also looking amazing along with a few escape room elements

[@Caspenar]

You cost me more money than any other youtuber with your great recommendations. Somehow, I consider it a good thing. I found so many gems just because I watch this channel. Thank you for your work as al;ways and good luck in 2022

[@cirrus03]

Everhood was such a cool experience!! The songs absolutely slapped, and the trippy battles were so memorable. Some of those fights throw you in the deep end early on, but it feels nice to master the techniques!

[@adityagupta3698]

You have so much new unique game on the list .... Keep the good work ... Keep updating us with such awesome games ❤️😌

[@MaxHaydenChiz]

Your wrap ups are super helpful. I always find new games that I actually did miss.

[@riccardodepieri4582]

I have yet to watch the video, but I had to comment immediately out of the pure joy I felt when seeing this pop up in my feed. This is unironically the video I look forward to the most during the whole year. In the past years I've had so many amazing recommendations thanks to these videos and I played some of my favourite games thanks to you Adam. Great, great job. Now let me jump to the video

[@ArchitectofGames]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@AdrienDittrick]

wow, I didn't think I'd see the "of the killer" series on a big video like this one, great recommendation!

[@Gwydion129]

Thanks a lot for recommending wildermyth, just started playing it and loving it so far!

[@NyxSunspot]

I can't BELIEVE you made me lay my eyes upon Balan Wonderland. The AUDACITY. Subscribed

[@seanmcfadden3712]

A game from 2021 that I feel deserves more attention than it seems to have gotten. Road 96. You play through a series of procedurally generated road trips as teenagers trying to escape a totalitarian country. Trust me, it is awesome and has some fun and touching dialogue.

[@BiggerR10]

Sounds interesting, gonna check it out

[@colinmunro3158]

I just started playing Wildermyth with a friend, and It's every bit as good as this video makes it out to be.

[@underdoug]

Absolutely adore Wildermyth and it's a game I found through a prior video of yours I think about meaningful decisions in videogames or about death as a mechanic.

[@WadeAllen001]

Wow. The concept of Before Your Eyes sounds amazing.

[@SidheKnight]

To anyone still reading these comments: I definitely recommend playing The Forgotten City. By far one of the best games I've ever played.

[@tbahr123]

Would highly recommend Overboard! as another overlooked gem from last year. It’s a game about trying to get away with murder

[@GamingSandbox_]

So happy to see someone mention SPOOKWARE. One of my favourite games of 2021 and severely under appreciated!

[@Justin-ee1mv]

Another year. Another list to make my backlog bigger.

[@codyneubeck6557]

Even though you were right, and that was a very cute spider, thank you for the warning anyway.

[@Renteks-]

HOLY SHIT THE STRANGE TOWN GAMES ARE ON HERE? I was convinced I was one of like, fifty whole people who knew their existence. (Although, since the Alpha Beta Gamer videos on the topic, I supposed that's broadened.) They're easily some of my favourite games ever.

[@nbclover7880]

This naming convention is perfect because you can use it well into the next eight decades

[@keiyangoshin3650]

That intro alone was worth it. 😂 Well done! I’m always pleasantly surprised by this sort of video. So many hidden gems out there which aren’t mainstream. And that’s a good thing. Most of these were a tad.... creepy however, for me 😅 but that doesn’t mean the games aren’t worthy. Case in point, Forgotten City. Thank you for your recommendations. Stay safe. ❤️ PS: Before your eyes is a breath of fresh air.

[@amazinggoob9108]

The pixel art, browser game version of Slipways is also very fun to play

[@greenhowie]

The Switch version of Umurangi Generation released in 2021 is really worth playing too - the console acts like an actual camera in-game but you wander around a level at your own pace instead of being on a rail like Pokemon Snap. It's not perfect but it's weird and different - kind of the opposite side to the coin of Cruelty Squad but with the same scrappy, rebellious anger at consumerism. Soundtrack slaps too.

[@prismbich]

Glad to see Unsighted getting more coverage and attention! My personal game of the year

[@GurdevSeepersaud]

You have such a great and unique taste in video games. I love watching your end-of-year vids

[@RAIZ0R1211]

thank you so much for highlighting Before Your Eyes, it was such an amazing game!

[@rRecoveryProd]

I'm already playing Loop Hero. Nice to see it recommended by you. I wanted to play Wildermyth, but my computer couldn't handle it.

[@WanadoLP]

I know it's a DLC but seeing as you mentioned it and I'm very interested in hearing what your thoughts on the EOTE Outer Wilds expansion were? I loved it and thought it captured the essence of the main game whilst remaining unique, and they added in the new locations in a very clever way. Thought it also wasn't without it's faults

[@cosmicswordsman528]

I'm surprised Before We Leave wasn't on this, it's the first colony builder that really pulled me in and engaged me

[@topforlife2066]

Wow!!! Nertz!! That’s insane to see. My family LOVES nertz and I have never met another person who’s even heard of it. I’ve introduced it to so many people because it’s such a good card game and I’m just blown away to see it on here!! My family plays it every thanksgiving and Christmas and it really has always felt like a small family tradition of ours, with a cool hard game no one else knows about, and now it’s an entire video game🤯 WILD. Definitely gonna buy this!!

[@topforlife2066]

I’ve been playing this game my entire life I am so ready to beat all y’all

[@grodon909]

I always love these videos; half the games are ones I played and really liked, or bought and intended to play but couldn't get around to it, meaning the other half end up being reccomendations that probably fit my personality or playstyle rather well.

[@loganusher591]

Wildermyth and Inscrytion are amazing and everyone should play them! Wildermyth is also really fun to play with friends because it can almost act like little paper DnD!

[@bolicob]

We would play Nertz/Dutch Blitz on our youth mission trips and let me tell you there is nothing quite as entertaining as getting 8-10 people around a table for this game irl.

[@Wet_Deer]

Your video from 2019 got me hooked on the Outer Wilds. Love these videos

[@good-sofa]

Very happy seeing unsighted get some much deserved recognition, also you should try archvale as well

[@nightbringer99]

Brilliant video as always and has given me some games I've not heard of at all that I'll definitely have to check out.

[@jamesbrincefield9879]

I highly recommend Webbed. Do you remember booting up Super Mario 64 for the first time as a kid and spending 20 minutes running around in the courtyard because it just felt so cool to move around in a 3D space? Webbed is like that but with a spider.

[@samwoodley1653]

I picked up Loop Hero, and while I think it is overall a good game, I think new players should be aware that it does feel very hands off in relation to gameplay, and that there are stretches of time where you are simply doing loops to gather resources to build up your main hub. It's not something you can power through and "learn" or get good at, you just do loop after loop until you hit the end. For some this might sound great but for those of you who might be concerned that the combat and stuff is entirely automatic, it's something to know ahead of time. Long story short, it's less of a "one more run" type game and more "let's get on this grind". But the grind is reasonably fun.

[@samuelgeai6306]

I miss all of them. Damn, let's spend 2022 playing 2021 game !

[@DarshanBhambhani]

You named the dog pizza? I love you

[@bendurbin9585]

Slipways actually didn't come out last year, it had a web pico-8 release that included the base gameplay and features, however it was made into a full game and the entire thing was released last year.

[@Raymando]

Sooo many creative indies this year

[@CalaMariGold]

Oh my god. A youtuber that shows spider warnings?? Thank you so much

[@ramen3484]

Inscryption is INCREDIBLE. My only complaint is that it wasn’t longer. It’s so good if you go in blind.

[@Jessie_Helms]

Just dumped half my TF2 cosmetics and got an Indie Game’s worth of money in my steam wallet to burn

[@stevenobby]

Wildermyth is amazing! I've sank 8 hours into the game since watching your video

[@lostmarble540]

honestly ball in a cup has been in early access so long at this point I don't think it's ever going to get released

[@ArchitectofGames]

I regret backing it tbh

[@Mik3l24]

Gonna write both about Everhood and Echoes of the Eye here (no major spoilers). Ah, Echoes, you gave me quite a difficult time, far more than Dark Bramble could have dreamed of. Even gave me a nightmare... kinda, not in a traditional way? Anyway, I still love it. It puts a different, more visual spin on the learning-based experience of Outer Wilds. And you can definitely conquer fear with reason here!.. uhh, no, I more so tamed it... eventually. I immediately decided to play Everhood once I heard "Frogs are friends". The tutorial song. Yes. It's really, really interesting, though as a bit of criticism, it feels somewhat unpolished. I don't mean bugs, it's more so the small stuff like unfitting button prompts, visual and music transitions etc. And the music guys seem to really like distorted drums... Really, really like them. But the acid lines - absolutely worth it! (I quite like using 303 like sounds in my music as well)