GOTY (GAME OF THE YEAR)

Previous Winners
2012: Xenoblade Chronicles (Wii)
2013: Fire Emblem: Awakening (3DS)
2014: Super Smash Bros. (Wii U)
2015: Xenoblade Chronicles X (Wii U)
2016: Hyperdimension Neptunia V-II (Multi)
2017: Persona 5 (PS4)
2018: Valkyria Chronicles 4 (Multi)
2019: Fire Emblem: Three Houses (Switch)

It’s finally time to crown the oprainfall Awards 2021 Game of the Year! We narrowed the field down to three finalists who won in the previous categories we’ve posted throughout the week. Now its time to show off the best of the best!

Shin Megami Tensei V

Best Console Exclusive, Best Atmosphere

NA Release Date: November 12, 2021
Platform(s): Switch
Review

Everyone here was very excited when Shin Megami Tensei V finally launched this year. This was one of the few times we were all in agreement that this title had met our expectations. Its amazing gameplay, music, and atmosphere make it a must-have title on the Switch. We don’t know how long we will have to wait for another mainline entry in this franchise, but it will likely be worth it.

Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker

 Best Story

NA Release Date: Dec 3, 2021
Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Review

Final Fantasy XIV fans eagerly awaited the release of the game’s latest expansion, Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker, just a little while back. They were blown away by its emotional story, so much so that it won our award for Best Story this year. There were also a slew of features including: Sage and Reaper jobs, male Viera, new cities, new dungeons, and much more. There really is no wonder why this is the one of the biggest MMOs on the planet, and it just keeps growing.

Bravely Default II

Best RPG

NA Release Date: February 26th, 2021
Platform(s): Switch, PC
Review

Bravely Default II is a return to form for this fantastic franchise. It improved the Brave and Default combat system we all know and love, and had a fantastic cast of characters. REVO stepped in for some of the battle music this time around, and did an amazing job as always. Throw in a great story, and there is no wonder why Bravely Default II not only won our award for Best RPG of 2021, but is a great contender for Game of the Year.

And the winner is…

Shin Megami Tensei V!

There is always something great about when a new mainline Shin Megami Tensei title releases. I guess it’s because we don’t get these very often, so we appreciate them more when they finally arrive, but it’s not just that. Atlus always delivers an amazing experience with each of these titles, and Shin Megami Tensei V is no exception. This is a stellar experience any franchise fan, or RPG fan in general, should seek out and play as soon as possible. It is also our pick for 2021 Game of the Year!

That’s it for this year’s oprainfall awards, but there is plenty of good gaming to look forward to this year. Be sure to check here for the latest coverage on all your favorite niche titles and visual novels!