2020 was a transformative year for the gaming industry. While other forms of entertainment struggled during the lockdown, video games thrived. Now there are more dedicated video game fans than ever before.

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As the world approaches the halfway point of the year, it is time to gaze ahead at the games slated for the second half of 2021. There's no shortage of promising releases slated to make their debut later this year, but these are 10 games that stand out among the litany of titles.

10 Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Anticipated Games 2021 Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart

One of the fastest approaching releases on this list is Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. This sequel to 2016's reboot continues the story of the odd duo. With reality falling apart, they'll need to hop through space and time to stop Dr. Nefarious's latest plot.

Rift Apart is one of the PlayStation 5's first true exclusives and aims to take full advantage of the system's impressive SSD. Gorgeous graphics and hilarious weapons are just a few things PS5 owners can expect with this title. Players can pick this title up on June 11, 2011.

9 Deathloop

Anticipated Games 2021 Deathloop

If at first, you don't succeed, die, die again. That's the tagline for Arkane Studios' latest title, Deathloop. The studio known for the Dishonored franchise aims to branch out with a new IP. This action-adventure game puts players in the shoes of Colt Vahn; a mercenary tasked with eliminating several targets before the night ends.

Each time he fails, the night starts from the beginning. It's a game that introduces death in an interesting way to its narrative. Those looking for impressive shooting, weapons, and abilities can pick this game up as a timed exclusive for the PlayStation 5 on September 14, 2021.

8 Kena: Bridge Of Spirits

Anticipated Games 2021 Kena Bridge Of Spirits

If high-octane shooters aren't your style, there are plenty of other options coming in 2021 for you. One of these is Kena: Bridge of Spirits. This third-person action game follows Kena on her journey to help guide the spirits of the dead to the spirit world.

Kena brings with her a host of adorable companions and harbors several magical abilities. The game's enthralling soundtrack, gameplay, and visuals are sure to turn heads when the game launches for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 on August 24, 2021.

7 Diablo II: Resurrected

Anticipated Games 2021 Diablo II

One of Blizzard Entertainment's most beloved games is Diablo II. The series may have seen a sequel with Diablo III, but to some, the direction the series took was unfavorable, to say the least. This hack-and-slash game released on PC over two decades ago, and fans have been clamoring for a remake for years.

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Fast forward to 2021, and the prayers of those devout followers have been answered because Diablo II: Resurrected is set to launch this year for PC and consoles. While there is no concrete date for the game's release, there is sure to be more information hitting the headlines in the coming months.

6 No More Heroes III

Anticipated Games 2021 No More Heroes 3

Few franchises have garnered a cult following as passionate as the No More Heroes series. When this hack-and-slash was first released on the Wii in 2007, it's hard to imagine anyone saw how impactful it would become. Travis Touchdown is a fan-favorite character that players grew to adore due to his wacky behavior, design, and swordsmanship.

After two solid entries on this console, however, the series vanished. After going dark for over an entire console generation, the series will return with another entry when No More Heroes III launches exclusively on the Nintendo Switch on August 27, 2021.

5 Halo Infinite

Anticipated Games 2021 Halo Infinite

One of Xbox's most anticipated titles this year is Halo: Infinite. The continuation of Master Chief's journey was originally set to debut alongside the Xbox Series X|S console launch. Still, after an unfavorable gameplay showcase, the team at 343 Industries decided this title needed a bit more time in the oven.

Now set for release in late 2021, this title aims to recapture the glory days of Halo, following Master Chief once more as he aims to save the galaxy. There's no date specified for this game yet, but Microsoft is sure to update its fans as the year goes on.

4 The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD

Anticipated Games 2021 Skyward Sword HD

There are few franchises as impactful as The Legend of Zelda. This series has made history as one of the longest-running franchises in the gaming industry. With over 35 years of success under its belt, the fanbase backing this industry titan is immense.

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Nintendo announced that The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword would receive an HD rerelease on the Nintendo Switch to celebrate this milestone. Not only that but the controls will be reworked so that those uninterested in using motion controls could use button inputs instead. For those who dislike motion controls, this announcement was a godsend. Fans new and old can get their hands on this beloved Zelda title on July 16, 2021.

3 Life Is Strange: True Colors

Anticipated Games 2021 Life is Strange True Colors

Those looking for a more cinematic experience may want to check out Life is Strange: True Colors. This adventure game follows Alex Chen, a girl with the ability to feel and manipulate the emotions of those around her. She'll need to use her powers to uncover the mystery behind a suspicious death in her hometown.

Like the other Life is Strange games, True Colors will be episodic. However, when the game comes out on PC and consoles on September 10, 2021, each episode will be available for players to enjoy at their own pace.

2 Horizon: Forbidden West

Anticipated Games 2021 Horizon Forbidden West

PlayStation 4 owners have most likely heard of the Horizon series. Guerrilla Games' IP launched with Horizon Zero Dawn on the PS4 back in 2017 to both fan and critical acclaim. Set in a dystopian future where humanity has reverted to tribal life, metallic monsters infest the Earth. Most of the tribal people are comfortable living day to day, but Aloy wants to uncover the truth about what happened to the planet centuries ago.

Aloy's journey continues in Horizon: Forbidden West as she heads to the West Coast, searching for answers. This title is set for release on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 sometime in the second half of 2021.

1 Pokemon Brilliant Diamond And Shining Pearl

Anticipated Games 2021 Pokemon Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl

There is no franchise more lucrative and expansive than Pokemon. This juggernaut has become the highest-grossing entertainment franchise of all time, and for a good reason. While the shows, movies, and trading cards are all important parts of the series' success, the games are the cornerstone the brand is built on. With phenomenal turn-based combat, the games have become a mainstay in gaming culture.

One of the franchise's most-loved generations is the fourth. Pokemon Diamond and Pearl were the first entries on the Nintendo DS console and introduced an entire generation to the world of Pokemon. 15 years later, Nintendo has announced that they're remaking these beloved games for the Switch. Fans can hardly wait, and with a 2021 release planned, they won't have to hold out long. This is looking like the holiday release for Nintendo in 2021.

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