TOP 10 GAMES OF THE YEAR 2021! ...and an unpopular opinion on Tales of Arise.

[@ircha]

Please subscribe if you want to see more of my videos in your feed in the future! 😍 😍 Thank you so much for watching! ❤️

[@anthonydigeronimo7976]

I love your voice. I want to hear it all the time!!!!

[@ircha]

@@anthonydigeronimo7976 my friend and I have started a podcast! 😍 One episode is out already 😁 I'm going to get a better microphone though for the upcoming episodes 🎤 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIW6foichduSmsU

[@joilynnloner897]

Merry Christmas Ircha 😊💖 And congrats for reaching 74k Subs. 🥳

[@frankynakamoto2308]

@@ircha Ircha your gorgeous I love you

[@carlosmelendez8317]

@Ircha Gaming, you voice is so sexy and you're beautiful too. Love your Switch content and I've bought games because of you. You're from Norway right? I google searched the flag on your table because of your awesome accent.

[@Grant-H2O]

I bought a switch and 8 games today! The legend of Zelda: Links awakening, super bomberman R, super monkey ball:banana blitz, Blue Fire, Super mario odyssey,Super mario maker 2, Mario Party superstars and Mario kart 8 deluxe

[@Faustustopheles]

Pretty eclectic list. Solid.

[@Runelph]

nice!!!

[@zachman893]

Smash brothers!!! Great airtight let though! I wish I could go back to the day I got those games!

[@thewingedavenger1007]

Super Mario Odyssey is the best 3D platformer of all time!

[@jase276]

Very well-rounded list for all occasions, nice

[@gilpauloabracia]

Its nice to see you mentioning SMT V, its my GOTY tbh. I've logged in like 120+ hrs atm and on my 2nd playthrough. I never felt tired of playing it, in fact after finishing it first time, i was still excited to play it 2nd time for another ending and all the unlockable demons. I love jrpgs since the ps1 era and i love your channel! I'm new to Atelier games, i might check out the newest one for the Switch.

[@kevnosity]

My new favorite word “unputdownable” I’m stealing it hehe! Great review as always

[@derekstacey9330]

I agreed with you about the lack of levity In the character writing at first but after playing for a while and getting all the characters together I really feel like the humor has come back, just took a while to get there. I hope you're able to get into it :)

[@TarksGauntlet]

I hope everybody knows I was joking by calling it "Mary Skelter Finally" lol. Glad to see you're enjoying the series. The first one was such a surprise to me. Really looking forward to completing the trilogy myself!

[@ircha]

Everyone gets it 😁 I loved it!

[@NerdCrave]

I've never really played a game like it. I am unaccustomed to the navigation and got lost and frustrated frequently. I want to go back to it though

[@mainelyjoe]

I appreciate that you have different takes than some of the more mainstream people.

[@erallen97]

I'm really looking forward to playing Tales of Arise. I loved Tales of Vesperia but will miss the funny parts. Thank you for all the great videos this year.

[@brandonmoss7976]

She hit the nail on the head the graphics are really beautiful I bought it played through about 3 hours of it in the back of my mind I kept hoping it was going to get better but sadly it didn't. The combat is great it fluid but seriously the characters are so boring and so stiff I honestly don't care for any of them it is literally the worst tales game I have ever played. Much like her I actually started with tales of Symphonia and I loved it so much. But once I finish playing this game and don't get me started on that final act with all that dialogue oMG 🙄 I couldn't delete it off my computer fast enough. But you might have a much better experience, with that said it is extremely linear and I mean extremely linear heck it's even more linear than the last tails game Tales of Beresria sorry if I misspelled it.

[@alexterieur8813]

@@brandonmoss7976 i agree with you, none of the characters snatched my heart. I wanted a magilou, a zelos, a raven, a jade or a rowen, but never got it.

[@Walamonga1313]

Did you skip Berseria?

[@dersupra]

There is a fair bit of humor left in Arise in the form of conversations and little quips while traveling but it does indeed take a bit more serious attempt at the Tales Series. All in all I don't necessarily feel like its a bad thing. It adds to the depth and seriousness of the story. There are important issues that are part of the story in which we all live our every day lives in. I also feel like the story was written in a way that younger people, even kids, and grown adults can enjoy the dialog and make understandings in the moral of the conversation

[@DwightSanchezArt]

Enjoyed Kingdoms of Amalur this year myself. Played on PC but never finished. Finished on the Switch and looking forward to diving into the expansion. Great recommendations on this list.

[@Ruko]

I watch this lists to see what other people enjoyed, see what I might be missing and this was a nice list, I liked how you include games you played that released outside of this year too. I bought both Rysa games and those will be my first in the series, I hope I can give them the time soon.

[@MyShihtzyLife]

Doesn't matter whether you're the last to review a game, I'd still watch it and have fun for sure. I like seeing rare game gems here that were barely reviewed by others as well. Hope you had an amazing holiday!

[@ircha]

Omg thank you so much for this 😃😋☺️✌️

[@MyShihtzyLife]

@@ircha i think someone's posing as you, check comment below stating to claim the prize etc..?

[@KMACKTIME]

Never played an atlier game before but since watching your videos talking about them I’m gonna give them a go. Do you recommend any specific one for first timers to the series?

[@irenesorensen]

Ryza 1 or 2 would be perfect starting points 🔥👍

[@yakumorisuke9403]

I started with Ryza 1, and feel like it was a really comfortable entry point. I loved the combat and characters (it's one of the only games I actually completed every side quest for), and am told that the crafting is much more straightforward than in a lot of the older games.

[@the_artrobot]

Ryza 1 was my gateway into the series. 30 hours in, still loved the characters but was getting a little tired of the repeat location visits. Started most of the others in the series now on Switch without completing any, yet. Firis is my current favorite. Almost as much time spent with it as Ryza now but loving the bigger world and greater focus on exploration.

[@LuzmarieG]

I just started playing Ryza 1. it's a bit of a learning curve but it's cutesie and fun

[@swimforlife88]

Love your vids so much!! I love the types of games you review and something about your enthusiasm is just so infectious. You’ve gotten me so excited about JRPGs - playing Xenoblade Chronicles on my new switch rn and loving it!! Happy holidays and thank you for the great content!

[@ircha]

Yay great! 😍 Hope you enjoy!

[@renat.o.o]

I just love how lending games to your friends is such a big part of your gaming experience :)

[@MO-bo2du]

Great video thanks, love Tark too haha (and love any and all dungeon crawlers!!)

[@imposs8101]

Great video, I really appreciate you putting in games you played that didn't come out this year, because like you said, we are all playing those in our collections. Very happy Blue Reflection made your list, definitely one of my favorites this year.

[@Ric_93]

Ryza 2 is one of my games of the year for sure! I'm playing through it again in Charismatic difficulty

[@ircha]

I'm gonna play it a bit more this Christmas! 😁👍👍

[@benjaminaukerman5288]

Love your videos, also u got one epic switch collection

[@HaruR25]

Highly appreciate the inclusion of various genre in your GOTY. Solid list! Some that were under the radar piqued my interest to and will look into them for purchase. Truly thankful that you covered them here. Also, very happy that SoS Pioneers of Olive Town is in your GOTY, it is my number 1 as well for 2021 followed by SMT V, MH Rise, Tales of Arise, Halo 5. Happy Holidays everyone..

[@galaxophone]

"I have the best time in video games" love it ^.^ And the Game Award for Having the Best Time in Video Games goes to.... Ircha Gaming!!

[@Shagrath06]

Played a lot of ESO this year too! Really enjoyed it. Great world feel!

[@ircha]

It's great to play when I have someone active to play with definitely! 😍 👍

[@marcofernandezgonzalez2760]

Great video :) - My top 10 would be 1 NieR Replicant 2 Lost Judgment 3 Mass Effect (Legendary edition) 4Ys IX 5 The Legend of Heroes: Kuro no Kiseki 6 Guardians of the Galaxy 7 Shin Megami Tensei V 8 Hitman 3 9 Little Nightmares II 10 Kena: Bridge of the Spirits - Recommended: Atelier Ryza 2, Persona 5 Strikers, Cris Tales, Astria Ascending, Life is Strange: True Colors, SMT III Remastered - Decent enough: Tales of Arise (fully agree with your opinion), Resident Evil Village, Scarlet Nexus, It takes two - RUN AWAY: Werewolf, Balan Wonderworld, Dark Alliance D&D I've played Atelier Firis a long time ago (very decent game), Amalur on PS3 10 years ago (I loved it) and Immortals lst year (I loved it and even found it better than breath of the wild - I am probably the only one)

[@2hotsky273]

Just finished Ryza 2, so wholesome, wonderful time

[@bobbycouch9627]

Merry Christmas, Ircha!!!!

[@ghostghost514]

7:58 You are not the only one who hasn't gotten the charming magic of the "Tales of" series.

[@ThomasHostvedt]

Great lists Ircha, takk! There goes my backlog, so many exceptional titles.

[@Doongie4ever]

Great list games you made, hoping 2022 has even more great games to play and love!

[@eggegg8181]

Atelier Ryza 2 was my favourite game of 2021 too! I adored it so much. I’ll need to check out Blue Reflection.

[@ellebarron7112]

I didn't catch kingdoms of amalur came out on switch. I absolutely adore that game. Played it when it was first out. It's been so underrated for so long

[@ifrit1937]

Ya a great game, got it on PS3 and rebought the Re-Reckoning version on PS4...also just got a $100 PSN card so will probably use $20 from that for the new dlc that was made for the current gen remaster since it adds a whole new storyline (just came out a few weeks ago if i'm right).

[@justinfuller3957]

Great video!

[@Marz295]

Always love hearing your opinions on games!

[@Riyoko27]

I'm currently playing Tales of Arise and I agree with you 100% on the humor aspect. I'm also not a fan of the new skit style either. Other than that, it's an alright game.

[@PAPERWEIGHTPRODUCTIONS]

Awww i stopped everything to watch the video great video !

[@animefreak8884]

I finished the mary skelter trilogy on switch: last month I finished Finale. I have all 3 games on switch and I'm a fan of the series and it's my favorite outside of Neptunia

[@deshawnholmes4876]

Hey man your switch game collection is sick. Really nice.

[@animefreak8884]

@@deshawnholmes4876 oh?

[@Ahrilovergamer]

Thanks for making my day

[@pahtosh]

Always a pleasure when a new ircha video pops up

[@ircha]

😍😍🔥👍

[@rachyrachington]

Greatvid o thanks! My New Years resolution is to try Atelier ryza 2 at some point. Never played an Atelier game. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas! Xx

[@TheDarkEnigma]

Saw Mary Skelter in your Thumbnail and was worried you were just going to bash the 'fanservice' but credit to you, you treated it with respect and im definitely going to watch some of your other videos now. Really like how clear you are with your descriptions. And merry christmas to any folks who celebrate it. Hope you all have a good oje and perhaps get some of these games to play yourselves.

[@ircha]

Thank you 😍!

[@UnlimitedProduction1]

Great video loved a number of these games, didn't play others and never heard of some. Just the way I like it

[@charlestrudel8308]

have a great time with all of these. i have played and liked most of them.

[@chriscox3709]

Merry Christmas!!! Love the channel

[@ircha]

Thank you 💯 merry Christmas 🤶!!

[@Sergept]

Can say you bought me into the Mary Skelter series. Got them all this week. Thank you Ircha! :D

[@ircha]

Wow nice!! 😍

[@LiamPlaysHandheld]

I mean Kingdom of Amalur did come out this year on Switch so I do think that counts as 2021 game of the year 👍👍

[@cultured3551]

I think I know which ones I'm going look up on for RPG games! I grew up with King's Quest VI I think that's with Alexander, and moved on to Final Fantasy VII. Which I beat FFVII Remake on my PS5 worth it to beat that first on the console. Looking forward to these great ideas! I probably would play Dragon Star Varnir after Seek Hearts. Thanks for the ideas.

[@maxg2335]

1. Shin Megami Tensei V 2. Metroid Dread 3. Neo: The World Ends With You 4. Persona 5 Strikers 5. Nier Replicant 6. No More Heroes 3 7. Great Ace Attorney Adventures (haven't played 2 yet 8. Tales of Arise 9. New Pokemon Snap 10. Bravely Default 2 11. Ys 9: Monstrum Nox I loved all these games for the record. I feel bad putting Ys and BD at the bottom.

[@samuelc6246]

The serious voice to explain the seriousness of Tales on the serious X was actually quite funny in itself. Seriously.

[@LordelX]

You didn't care for Trials of Mana? Wow, like a dagger in my heart. But I guess it was for old guys like me, who remember SNES RPGs in their heyday. Going to check out Ryza and SMTV because of your recommendation. Thanks.

[@the_artrobot]

I was pretty underwhelmed by Trials of Mana myself, and Secret of Mana on SNES remains my all-time favorite video game. The art looks great in Trials but I think they botched the 3d camera and I miss the co-op. Glad I got to experience the original 2d version.

[@saidul02]

Tales of Berseria is also darn serious but at the same time it did had some good party skits.

[@ircha]

Zestiria and Berseria were around that tie when there were less jokes in the skits.

[@alexterieur8813]

One word: Magilou

[@Undeadspelldragon]

I've got an RPG recommendation for you if you enjoy Mary Skelter. Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk. Same style of first person RPG, fantastic music, lovely and sometimes terrifying art, and a story that only gets better the more you play. This doesn't get brought up much in the RPG Fandom, but it's also refreshing to play a game where you're not some teenage boy saving the world. You play YOU trapped in a magic book in the possession of a witch and her young apprentice. They have been tasked with solving the mystery of a labyrinth that exists in a small town's well, but as you progress you learn the witch has her own motives and secrets. Oh, for those who love extra content, this has my favorite post game content ever. It doesn't pull the "true ending" nonsense some RPGs go for, but it gives you more insight into a key player who was behind the scenes for most of the main game. You can skip it and still enjoy the main game, but it's so well done it's just more fantastic content.

[@ircha]

I have it physically actually 😍👍 I need to play it more 😁

[@Xix1326]

Being strictly a PC guy, I'm happy to finally be playing the Atelier games, and I've started with the Mysterious trilogy. Just played Sophie (took about 100 hrs) and am now starting Firis. These are wonderful games. I really enjoy turn-based combat, so these are fun. The characters are all charming and there's a good bit of voice acting. While Sophie has the standard Anime voice, it's not annoying and some of the other characters are unexpectedly different for anime. The graphics in general are beautiful. All told, a great RPG with a main storyline, side quests, major character quest lines and, of course, lots of gathering, crafting and combat. Great stuf. Amalor is amazing, especially with the game's company's dumpster fire. For a corporate disaster to actually come out with a great game... well, it doesn't happen often. Spiritfarer is another calming (cozy?) game that I find charming, if a little melancholy. Thanks for a fine video.

[@tammydolan5903]

Curious to know why you played Story of Seasons the most if Atelier Ryza 2 was your "game of the year". I love PoOT, so I am truly curious! Trying to decide if I need AR2 or not :)

[@tammydolan5903]

Should I start with the first Ryza or go straight to 2?

[@ircha]

You can start straight at Ryza 2. After filming this video I went back and played 15 more hours, making Ryza 2 my most played in 2021 😁👍

[@thriftypsgr]

I have never played any of the Tales games and I absolutely love Tales of Arise. Also the humor in Tales of Arise is very subtle.

[@alexterieur8813]

I've noticed that most people that loves Arise have either never played a game in the series or actually didnt like the ones they played before. It feels like they just went in another direction and changed its playerbase.

[@Walamonga1313]

@@alexterieur8813 All my friends who jumped into Arise and liked it also never tried a Tales before. Personally I don't really care for the series much so I don't really have strong opinions on any game, but I do find that pattern interesting

[@ElB1ankit0h]

Really cool vid! Looking nice! Merry Christmas! I hope you have a happy holidays!

[@ircha]

Thank you so much 😁 merry Christmas 🤶

[@zyadtarik2165]

Great video as always happy holiday to you

[@LiamPlaysHandheld]

I really enjoy Immortals Fenyx Rising as well. You should try Myths Of The Eastern Realm DLC if you haven't already 👍

[@jodiemcclure7854]

because of u I'm getting all the atelier series and once coolected all of them I'll do a huge grind fest

[@eclap78]

It's kinda strange, hear me out. Your taste in games is so different to mine. I haven't played any of the games on your list and I don't think I would consider playing them even if someone gifted them to me. But you talk with so much passion about these games, I just can't stop listening. And, in the back of my head, I'm now thinking to myself, I should maybe check some of these games out. Thanks for all the content, been binging it all day.

[@ircha]

Awesome 😁 thanks 😁!

[@jumboparas2020]

Happy Holidays Ircha!

[@mrpotnoodle4160]

Hi, great video as always but were some of the games PS5 or switch. Great you highlighted series x games

[@anthonywheeler2082]

Merry Christmas! I love how your list screams all your specific interests. That's great!

[@nixy1756]

Merry Christmas ❤️❤️ love from New Zealand xoxo

[@TrvisXXIII]

Don’t worry Irene, Granblue Fantasy: Relink that’s coming in 2022 is the TRUE tales of game experience you were hoping for 😁

[@TrvisXXIII]

@lucette5 yess!! My thoughts exactly

[@alexterieur8813]

Totally agree with you on Arise, it lacked a few elements to make it a real tales of experience

[@TStvonline]

Great video! New subscriber! Going to have to check some of these out that I've never heard of! Have a great holiday!

[@scoutisabelle]

Ryza 2 is my GOTY too. So much fun.

[@allenwheeler5937]

Merry Christmas! I think I'm going to have to find blue reflection! It looks like a wonderful game.

[@koxame]

I bought sophie dx yesterday on a eshop sale, time to tip the scales and play that beautiful game, then my Ryza and Ryza 2 (damn you backlog)

[@greg551]

You are suprising me positively so many times, Mary Skelter went totally under my radar and now I'm really curious and gonna check some reviews/gameplays. Also I'm getting more and more interested in starting Atelier series, so its time to pick which one I want 1st. BTW I'm quite sure you'll love Psychonauts 2 and I would love to see video about it on your channel. Best wishes for you, your family and friends for Christmas and New Year 😊

[@grey_wulf]

Merry Christmas Ircha!

[@Alex8MRD]

Hey Ircha, just in case you don't know, Kingdoms of Amalur has a new DLC called Fatesworn, it's out for other consoles and it's coming for Switch this next year. I can't wait!

[@SteffiAkira]

I’m late to this video, but what you said about Tales Of Arise is true. It’s still good, but like you mentioned, I missed the Humor, the jokes. The only little funny moments were like Rinwell and Law. But that’s nearly it. But in older games the slots were always so funny. Let it be Symphonia, Vesperia, abyss, Xillia. I feel like since Zestiria they started to loose the typical Tales of Humor more and more.

[@jersonmoran2239]

I love your accent. ❤ great video. 👍

[@tinahoefs1455]

I completed my switch main atelier games collection this year but only spent about 20 hours on Sophie and Rorona, the rest just got a couple hours if any. I spent the most time on animal crossing and cozy grove.

[@imedina3783]

Merry Christmas to you and I hope you get many games from Santa! :)

[@altezzachic]

💗 your vid’s Merry Xmas & Happy New Year 🥰

[@MistressMary...22-u9j]

Merry Christmas Ircha and have a great new year!!! we love you!!!

[@YellowHumor]

I got into the Atelier games because of you. Never heard of those games before and now I can’t wait to play through all existing games 😄 Started with Ryza and 20h in I ordered Ryza 2 🤣

[@the_artrobot]

This sounds like me 😅 Still love the characters in Ryza but wanted new stuff to explore so I've now tried most of the others, available on Switch. They all hooked me with great main characters at the start but some earlier mechanics make some harder to stick with. Firis is now my favorite in the series. Almost as deep into it as Reza but loving the greater focus on exploration and the much bigger maps.

[@esprithk]

very good list👍😍

[@JasPlun]

My best games of the year have been Forza Horizon 5, Halo Infinate, Hades, Tetris Effect (Switch) and God of War ( I know not a this year release, but love the game).

[@joemayne2265]

The way to Irene’s gaming heart…. 1) ALL THE UNICORN RAINBOW COLORS!!! 2) Collection addiction. 3) Pick up and playability so she can jump between games like a squirrel on cocaine. Kidding (mostly) 😉 but yeah, agree with you on SMT5 (20 hours in now) and can’t wait to get into some of the others on your list. Blue Reflection WILL be purchased. Merry Christmas to you too! Thank you for all the great content you make for us and see you next year!!! ❤️

[@erniegutierrez410]

Scarlett Nexus, Lost Judgement, Story of Seasons and Forza Horizon 5 my favorite 2021 games

[@ChristyMichelleLorenzo]

Happy holidays Ircha! Lot's of love always

[@adblockevery1243]

I loved tales of arise. A revolutionary game for action jrpgs!

[@Paulo280713]

Merry Xmas

[@maitrejoueur3819]

My 2021 list according to parameters set by Ircha. Played this year but not from 2021: (5) Haven, (4) Luigi's Mansion, (3) Axiom Verge, (2) Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition , (1) Cyberpunk 2077 on PC 2021 top 5: (5) Back 4 Blood, (4) The Artful Escape, (3) Psychonauts 2, (2) Halo Infinite, (1) Metroid Dread Honourable mentions: Outriders, Ghostbusters Remastered, Uncharted 3, The Gunk, Borderlands 3, Fire Emblem Warriors

[@aylmerjohnson4906]

Trials of Mana is the Best game for me this year, next to Legends of Zelda: Breath of the Wild...

[@Ahrilovergamer]

I hope you reach 1 million milestone

[@ircha]

❤️ ❤️

[@tazmanceltic]

Happy Xmas :)

[@arcadis]

Unpopular opinion here, but I think Tales of Arise was stained by that constant playstation store access in the camping menu, not to mention it did feel like they kinda made it a bit grindier to push the microtransaction aspect in it. I did appreciate the character at first though, although the longer you played the more anchored in their trope they were.

[@alexterieur8813]

Yes the game tried to push the microtransactions! That soo bothered me since i dont recall a tales of game ever doing that! Seeing the psstore accessible every time i camped was fucking annoying, plus the money being hard to get to incentivize buying gel sets was outrageous to me

[@Walamonga1313]

Didn't they literally lock skilltrees and abilities behind dlc gear? That's definitely in bad taste

[@arcadis]

@@Walamonga1313 Yes, it wasn t every dlcs but some (the swimsuit dlcs comme to mind) came with skill titles.

[@LarrenSamson]

Always love seeing you upload! I can’t wait to try out the Atelier series on my nintendo switch 🥰❤️

[@rpgs6218]

What mods do you use in ESO?

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

Great video Irene! Very jealous of that Blue Reflection box haha. Thing is though, I was lucky enough to get a code for the Ultimate Edition of Blue Reflection from Koei Tecmo (for review), so I can't and wouldn't complain! Have a good Christmas and good luck with everything in 2022. 🎄😊

[@ircha]

I got that review code too, so I was already happy with that! 😍

[@ConsolesOnlyGaming]

@@ircha Nice!👍🏻Such a great game but sadly, its probably going to go unnoticed by the vast majority of the gaming world. The first game did well enough to get a sequel though, so that's something! Also, I think games being niche is a good thing sometimes, its often where the gems are found.

[@MysticGargoyle]

Some good suggestions there Irene, I will certainly buy Shin Megami Tensei V. Kos deg videre i jula med god mat og drikke 🎅

[@SebastianEnger]

I love your videos. I have a PS4 but I like you reviewing Switch games ... so i can see what other consoles have to offer in terms of games. Merry Chrismas, Irene!!!

[@ircha]

Merry Christmas to you too 😍👍

[@dianamiller5737]

Immortals Fenyx Rising was also my favourite game. I haven’t played anything since that I enjoyed so much.

[@chocolocojames213]

Have you tried the new Record of Lodoss war? It's pretty fun 😊😊😊

[@disakland4714]

I’m so glad there’s other Idea Factory fans 😁

[@mercutiolavantine5584]

I’d be curious to know your thoughts on Trials of Mana

[@sickman5236]

Right on time again ahah, you're always posting right after my training 😜

[@ircha]

I knew it! 😁

[@koobsmooth]

I know one of the producers at Idea factory. I will tell her that you said you like their games.

[@ircha]

YES please do 😁👍❤️