The John Linneman Collection: DF’s Best Games of 2021
Digital Foundry
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As an incredible 2021 reaches its conclusion, the Digital Foundry team present their favourite games of the year. Kicking off with an exhaustive list of modern, retro and retro-modern titles, it’s none other than John Linneman!
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26.03.2022
Wow.. I greatly respect the work you do, but making this video within 15 minutes, I'd watch it then. Sorry bro, this is way too long, and there isn't even chapters in the video. So not for me then.
I really didn't like psychonauts…got bored. It's crazy how people differ. Returnal would probably be mine but overall a slow year for gaming. I've been catching up on games from previous years i.e. Bloodborne
I just can't buy a PS5 since release, scalpers are always faster. My 3090 was overprized with month salary, this hobby got expensive…
Thanks for bringing attention to Demons of Asteborg, only 18 reviews on Steam so looks like a very overlooked retro themed title. Guardians of the Galaxy was the biggest surprise of the year, really loved it and I want more of it. Your number 1 pick was awesome, after so many years and troubled development I am glad we got such a great game at the end which is not usually the case
Psychonauts 2 was exceptional but I think it was overshadowed by the graphical superiority of Ratchet & Clank on the PS5…. then though the former was a much better game with a much more creative graphical and gameplay style. Psychonauts 2 was also my GOTY
I don't agreed with some of your choices but I hey that is your choice and we all know we are a bit of an old school player. Great video otherwise.
Fantastic video and list. John's the video game youtuber with the taste that most closely matches mine, but his taste is still better 😀
I remember trying the Stormdivers Beta and it was pretty rubbish. It felt like they were just chasing the trend and there was nothing that made me think it was a Housemarque game. I'm so glad they found their feet with Returnal instead.
Metroid Dread’s map is terrible. Nothing but a chore.
What's the track in the background of Forza Horizon 5?
I'm still waiting on John to recommend a Neptunia game one day.
I am disappointed not more people choose your number 1, it was the stand out game for me and I did not play the first one until this year
What a great list and your input was fantastic!:)
Good job John my favorite game in a long while is psychonauts 2 as well. It’s brilliant
Ahhh oh my god Demons of Asteborg is such a pleasant surprise on this list. I bought it immediately because of this video and love it!!
John, my dearest life long friend passed away last year and it's still hard for me to game after him among many other things. you remind me of him, you're so genuine at what you do you make the most unlikely things happen, like becoming interested in a marvel game or bring back the beautiful memories of old with your passionate narration and deep love for this hobby.
Good job man and thank you.
Maybe, just maybe, some dev behind Demons of Asteborg is a huge fan of Michael Moorcock's Elric of Melniboné?
Hey John, if you like 2d metrovania games you should give a shot to: Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights
Great video, great games. I haven’t gotten to Demons of Asterborg yet, but it’s on a short list:) I was also surprised to see a ys game on here, I played ys3 on the snes for the first time this year, and really liked it. Those games have always been just outside my radar and I’m really glad to be enjoying the ones I’ve played so far. I will check out ys4 now, for sure
Great list, I love that you played It takes Two with you son.
Thank you John, your input is a necessity in these strange times! You are great!
1 "bespoke" only?
I too fondly remember those Lucas art years, and sam n max hit the road, “I’m excited”…………”well who isn’t!” I’ll certainly take a look at psycho naughts 2, thanks for the great content JL!
I love John and his love for video games
Good list but you need to make your videos shorter.
Sega influence in those levels with the rail grinding
Yes, totally agree with the list, with some personal favorites that I could add (like SMT V) but the list is overall on point. I've got a switch and an x box series console with gamepass, so I haven't played returnal which looks very good, but I have played almost everything else and my 2 best games of 2021 are without a doubt Metroid and Phsychonauts 2. Great job DF.
Imagine having pixelshit indie games as your "goty"
Hmmm, your sound seems to be slightly out of sync. Are you being emulated?
House Marque has an ego issue. They are a hit or miss studio.
They blame their misses on the audience not getting it. Their hits are stellar. Returnal and Nex Machina are awesome 9/10 games. Dead Nation/Matterfall/Alienation are OK. I'd give them a 6/10.
Super Stardust HD and Resogun are solid 8/10s.
Forza Horizon 5 quite simply one of the greatest racing games ever.
I saw Psychonauts 2, I clicked
Agreed with everything EXCEPT returnal, absolutely not
where is richards top ten? i wanna see any game he played ever i know the internet won't allow it :sad 🙁
"BESPOKE"
Does anyone know if they fixed the issues with the Demons of Asteborg physical version? RetroRGB had a post a while back about it potentially damaging your system
Does anyone know the name of the song that starts at 8:36? I listened to the Forza Horizon 5 OST but didn't hear it. Have I just missed it or is it not from the OST? Thanks!
Guardians was amazing!
My number one is definitely Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart – just like Psychonauts 2 brought you back to your childhood, Rift Apart brought me back to the days of playing the PS2 games for the first time. In my eyes, it's a return to form and it pushes the series forward narratively in a way that I find very satisfying. It's not perfect, but it's just endless fun for me.
What would you say is the best way to play Psychonauts 1 for those who missed it back in the day and want to experience it 1st time?
I love that you like good 2d as well as 3d
Btw. Where is Ride 4? Maybe the best looking game on consoles in 2021.
Psychonauts 2, wow what a DMT trip
Just finished pschonauts 2. Brilliant game
Psychonauts 2 is one of the best games I've played in recent memory. The story telling was just a different level that I haven't seen in a video game in quite some time. It'll be one of the classics we talk about 20 years from now
100% agreed, when (SPOILER) Psychonauts first came out it was oneof the most unique games I'd ever played at the time. Had to wait 16 years for a sequel, but it finally came, and it was amazing.
storm Diapers 🤣🤣
Ah yes, John Linneman played with his son. Son Linneman
Being 33years old, my approach to gaming shifted quote a bit, from fast paced, driving/simulation, action packed games to more slow down, well crafted journeys. Hearing an experienced player talking of a game like you did about psyconaut made me wanted to play It.
Wish you guys did the retro pick-ups video for the year. Those videos are my favorite of the end-year videos you put out.