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Best games of 2021

Deathloop

Even as a first-person shooter that borrows different components from other FPS games, Deathloop stands out. Players are given a day to kill these targets, and failure to do so will result in the day resetting, hence, a death loop. This is inevitable for the player, and eventually, they will know how to kill each target before the day is reset. Each reset there is also a new component introduced. At the end of the day, Arkane studio’s death loop is a refreshing concept, and playing through it is a blast. 

Genshin Impact 

Genshin Impact was a newcomer to the 2020-2021 gaming scene, but quickly topped the charts as the best-earning mobile game of the year. As a free-to-download game with beautiful graphics, attractive character designs, as well as an outstanding soundtrack, it is no surprise that Genshin amassed such a large following in such a short time. Grossing over 2.5 billion dollars over the course of a year via in-game purchases, Genshin’s impact was no small feat. Adventurers and explorers alike should try out Genshin Impact, and unveil the multifaceted mysteries of Teyvat. 

Guardians of the Galaxy

With over 14 different story chapters each having around an hour of immersive gameplay, Guardians of the Galaxy provides some of the most energetic adventures of 2021. Made with high-quality graphics, the game allows the player to explore some very unique sci-fi environments, from snowy mountain planets to underground black markets to colonies of brain matter. The game draws heavy inspiration from the 2014 Marvel film Guardians of the Galaxy, but rewrites their story in a refreshing way. Fans of the films and comics alike can find themselves enjoying this game and anticipating where the story takes them. 

Resident Evil Village

Viral vampires, plenty of bugs, and plot to boot, to say Resident Evil Village made a massive splash in the gaming industry is an understatement. The survival-horror game is a sequel to Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, and allows for a first-person experience with the character Ethan Winters, who is a desperate father searching for his daughter. With a chilling soundtrack as well as countless plot twists, the game takes the player on a terrifying journey with little-to-no hope for a happy ending. Resident Evil Village comes to life with its dynamic characters and exciting gameplay. 

Halo Infinite

After waiting for over 6 years since the last major installment, the long wait for fans of the Halo franchise is finally over with the eagerly released Halo: Infinite. Halo: Infinite is still the fast-paced first-person shooter game that fans know and love, but also manages to feel like its own game with new features that move the Halo formula forward. Its map is by far the biggest and arguably the best in the franchise and it offers side objectives such as collecting skulls that will keep the player coming back. With 7 main missions, each lasting about 1 and a half hours, fans will have their hands full for a while. 

Guilty Gear Strive

At first glance Guilty Gear Strive may appear to be your run-of-the-mill 2D fighting game, but after playing for a little bit, players find that the game’s lore is as dense as it comes. As the seventh mainline installment of the Guilty Gear series, Strive was the apparent climax of the series since 1998. While the game’s plot requires a significant amount of knowledge on the production, the gameplay is actually quite beginner-friendly. Newcomers should watch a review video or two to grasp the lore, but that should not be a cause for intimidation, as the smooth

Best TV Shows of 2021

Arcane

Based on the popular multiplayer game League of Legends, Arcane is a show with a unique style, brilliant characters, and one of the best soundtracks an animated show can have. The show gives commentary on issues like mental health and class division, as its steampunk setting of Piltover and the undercity creates the perfect contrast between upper and lower class lifestyle. Overall, Arcane has become one of Netflix’s hottest releases, and with its success, fans can expect a second season to come. 

Wandavision 

WandaVision is the first-ever Marvel series on Disney+ that follows Wanda and Vision as they travel through the decades in sitcom form. There are nine episodes each modeling their format on famous shows from each decade. Every detail of the plot, costuming, set design, and writing is done with purpose and grace. The show gave hope for the potential of Marvel TV series, and started a new era in the MCU.

Tokyo Revengers

Studio Lindenfilms’ Tokyo Revengers, based on the manga by Ken Wakui, is arguably one of the best anime to air this year. In the show, a man travels in time to his teenage years to alter past events in order to save his former girlfriend from her death in the present. With ever-present themes of determination and failure, the anime is a roller coaster of emotions. While the pacing is a little slow, the plot is the main reason to stay for the show and will certainly leave viewers craving what happens next. 

Only Murders in the building 

Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez come together to make the eerie and delightful show, Only Murders in the Building. The trio attempts to solve a murder mystery in their New York City apartment complex. Along the way, they record a true-crime podcast in hopes of becoming popular. Each episode unfolds more and more as the plot moves forward in a thrilling way. The dynamic between the trio is charming, and you never know what plot twist will come up next. The show is definitely binge-worthy and worth the watch.    

Invincible

Disguised as a children’s superhero cartoon at first sight, Invincible quickly distinguishes itself as one of the most action-packed, suspenseful, and outright gory animations. Inspired by the comics, it focuses on a teen superhero whose father, Omniman, has a dark secret. Omniman is a hero who turned evil, while those around him suffer the consequences. Overall, this show manages to keep viewers on the edge of their seats and certainly stands out as a top show this year. 

Squid game 

Squid Game became an instant international hit, with the Korean title trending in the media for months after its release. Squid Game is a thriller series on Netflix centered around people playing games to win a grand cash prize. These games are all based on Korean children’s games, with a twist: if you lose, you die. The show is a spectacle of social commentary on economic inequality. Great casting, acting, direction, and plot, this Netflix series truly offers everything for viewers.

Best Albums of 2021

Tyler the Creator’s sixth album Call Me if You Get Lost, released on June 25th, is a beautiful celebration of hip hop and rap. It takes the next generation back to the era when mixtapes reigned supreme, with DJ Drama “hosting” the album to add a playful narrative. Features like Lil Wayne and Lil Uzi Vert accompany the album perfectly. Songs like MASSA and LUMBERJACK are worth the listen.   

Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak are two of the best in the industry, and they came together under the stage name Silk Sonic. Their first album, An Evening with Silk Sonic has a strong 70s aesthetic and the two have a charm and dynamism in their performance. If you want something to dance (and sing your heart out) to, this is the album for you. Check out songs like Skate and Fly as Me for a good time.

Planet Her by Doja Cat took over the world after its June 25th release. This album is pop perfection, with a seamless balance between rap and vocals. The artist seems to be taking a more mature approach to her music, with songs like Woman, and yet maintains her ironic and fun writing. With features like Ariana Grande and SZA, the album is a celebration of women in the pop industry and just a fun time. Listen to Woman and Need to Know to feel powerful.

After Taylor Swift’s release of Fearless (Taylor’s Version), fans wondered which album would be re-recorded next. The answer came on November 12th with the release of Red (Taylor’s Version). Swift shows off her remarkable songwriting once again, including a ten-minute version of her song All Too Well, along with a short film directed by herself. Red (Taylor’s Version) is a true testament to Swift’s versatility and talent. Listen to Nothing New and I Bet You Think About Me to hear that versatility for yourself. 

Whole Lotta Red is nothing short of a hip-hop treasure. Controversial upon release as Playboi Carti’s usual work is, WLR is a reinvention of the mumble rap’s sound. Carti’s New drop masterfully uses different high pitch sounds and adlibs that would otherwise be harsh sounding, and implements them to create a bit of distortion in his songs. The entire album shifts from the arrogance of fame to an introspective on drug abuse, label issues, and failed relationships. This effectively makes WLR a concept album, hiding behind the beats and adlibs is a story about fame ruining a man’s personal life. 

Olivia Rodrigo’s driver’s license took the world by storm this past year, leading many to look forward to her debut album. The release of Sour on May 21st cemented Rodrigo’s status as a pop princess through her beautiful portrayal of teen angst and painful heartbreak. Her writing is raw and honest, and the album has a shocking array of genres. At only 18 years old, Rodrigo has shown exceptional talent, and a bright future in the music industry.

Best Moments of 2021

Bernie Sanders at the Presidential Inauguration

Dawned with a pair of mittens, a puffy coat, and a crossed legged pose, Bernie Sanders waiting for the much-anticipated 2021 Presidential Inauguration was the picture perfect representation of how many people felt after the year 2020 brought. One of the greatest memes to start off the year.

Tom Brady Leads the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Super Bowl Victory

Just a year after leaving the Patriots, Tom Brady led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to victory over the defending champion, the Kansas City Chiefs, in the Super Bowl. Brady secured his seventh title to add to his record of having the most Super Bowls won by a player in American history. He also helped the “Bucs” become the first team to win a Super Bowl in their home stadium. 

Kim Kardashian Divorcing Kanye West

The breakup of the year was between the two billionaires Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. West is known to be controversial on Twitter and has recently caused an uproar with his campaign to run for President of the United States. Since Kardashian had been with West for so long, it was a shock for the masses. 

Oprah, Harry, Meghan Interview

After what seemed like a tension filled, but ultimately amicable split from the Royal Family, Harry and Meghan dropped many bombshells that counter the public facade common in the media. Race, suicide, and other topics were discussed with Oprah which have never really been large themes surrounding the Royal Family before. This interview began a new era and offered a new perspective into the British Monarchy.

U.S. Olympic Team Wins Women’s 4-x-400 Meter

Sydney McLaughlin, Allyson Felix, Dalilah Muhammad, and Athing Mu composed the American dream team for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics in the 4-x-400 meter race. With newarly a four second lead, the race not only brought Team USA a win but it also made Felix the most decorated female track athlete with her 11th Olympic medal. 

Britney Spears Freed

Instagram, Twitter, and the plethora of social media platforms were filled with “#freebritney” as the fight in court to free Britney Spears from her conservatorship, instigated by her father, took place. The fans united in support of Spears and after almost fourteen years, the “Princess of Pop” was freed in November. 

Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper on New Year’s Eve

Rapping up the new year in style, Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper hosted CNN’s “New Year’s Eve Live” for the fifth year in a row. Clearly intoxicated, Andy Cohen took shots at former mayor of New York City Bill de Blasio and Ryan Seacrest while Anderson Cooper was along for the ride. Counting down to midnight, Cohen said “Sayonara, sucker” to de Blasio which summed up 2021 quite nicely.