Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo 2021 Report Cards

Alex DS. from Link Cable Gaming writes: "Sony and Microsoft were aiming to give the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S respectively a reason to end up in your shopping cart with cutting-edge exclusives while Nintendo was busy counting the dough as the Switch continues to rack up massive sales. But how did these three company’s first-party lineups end up faring? Good thing that today is report card day so we can go over what went well, and where we want to see improvements going into next year."

[sammarshall102]

I'd give PS5 a B+

I'd give the Xbox Series X a C-

Xbox took a long time to get the ball rolling with an exclusive

[LOGICWINS]

I'd agree with you if this was 2020, but not for 2021. Xbox absolutely outclassed Playstation in terms of exclusives this year. Xbox Game Studios dominated in terms of awards.

https://www.cnet.com/tech/g...

https://www.gamespot.com/vi...

https://www.ign.com/videos/...

[MoonConquistador]

@Pots - How can you claim Deathloop with a straight face when it's available on PlayStation consoles but not X Box?

[TheDoomedGuy]

Really? This year xbkx had Forza and halo. Again. Oh and a flight simulator.

While PlayStation had returnal and ratchet.

I know which id rather play.

@pots
Deathloop is a PlayStation console exclusive so howd you gather it as an Xbox game. Xbox had nothing to do with that game. And psychonauts 2 is also on PlayStation...again how'd you gather that as an Xbox game...really bizarre arguments.

[SoulWarrior]

Outclassed by releasing yet another Halo and Forza title? If you're referring Deathloop and Psychonauts one of those isn't even on Xbox and both games had an agreement/contract/funding with other publishers, MS had zero hand in developing those, by this logic you may as well congratulate them for the 20th re-release of Skyrim.

Not to take all the credit away though, this year is infinitely better than the last several years of drab releases, so 2021 for MS can only be siginificantly better, Forza is a quality title, it may not be a genre that interests me, but it's clearly a great game, especially for those who like racers.

[waverider]

dude, 2021 didnt start on November with Forza.... The first exclusive of the year of Microsoft. Absolutely outclassed... You dont even know what that means. where were the games all year. Beside a pc game that already was launched, indie game, platform multiplat, a multiplat fps that wasnt even maked or planned by microsoft but bought... And another Halo after more then a year of delay. Damn. Thats really amazing.

[BehindTheRows]

No surprise that you’d make such a claim. Outclassed with what? ANOTHER Halo? ANOTHER Forza? Both of which released late in the year. Not only did PS5 have actual exclusives, one of them was a new property and didn’t release so late. On top of that, Infinite released as an unfinished product, despite its incredibly long dev time and showstopping (in a bad way) 2020 showing + delay.

Be happy for Xbox now that it finally had a noteworthy year again next to PS.

OT: Nothing wrong with their grades. All consoles had a decent year and none really stood out over the other.

[SoulWarrior]

@pots yeah because Deathloop started development literally the same day MS bought Bethesda, same with Psychonauts with Double Fine, there definitely wasn't a contract and funding with another publisher already in place prior to this for development, great logic. Also this is the first Ratchet game that has released for 5 years.

You're grasping at straws to inflate the numbers.

[P4rrot]

Outclassed in terms of exclusives? please name just 1 exclusive as a reason to buy an Xbox. Something I can't currently play on my PS5, Switch or Laptop.
I have nothing against Xbox, and would be willing to buy one if there was something I want to play on it that I can't do elsewhere. But as far as I know, there is nothing at all? I may be wrong, please do enlighten me.

[SurgicalMenace]

Uuum, so thirsty for a win that the delusion is settling in, huh? Deathloop isn't on an XB console but both Pyschonauts and DL are on a PS console. Let me tell you there are so few games on the PS side that it doesn't even make sense that they're crushing in sells. Hardware and Software....can XB compete where it matters? Marketshare....it's all about marketshare.

[darthv72]

to all the above who are ragging on "another Forza" or "another halo"... it was 5 years since the last one. Guess we can expect you all to say Sony is releasing "another GT / GoW" seeing as both are coming out next year..... right?

[Teflon02]

??? Xbox had nothing all year... PS was outselling and had games all year. Deathloop can't be considered as it was a game made under Bethesda before MS and they were bought during the final polish, Double Fines title is on PS as well so can't be considered like MLB isn't considered. As well as that being a game before MS. Sony made sure they had games all year. You have to be a MS fanboy to say the same 2 series released since Xbox existence at the last 2 months of the year is better than great games all year round lmao

[CaptainHenry916]

@Pots

Psychonaunts is available on playstation as well. Are we talking about exclusives? Sony and Nintendo are about to take over 2022. Breath of the Wild 2, Metroid Prime, Bayonetta, God Of War, Stars Wars: TKOTR, GT7, Forspoken,and Horizon Forbidden West. The only AAA game Microsoft has next year and I'm still skeptical about this game and too realistic approach is Starfield. I'm sure the game will have bugs at launch too knowing Bethesda

[Obscure_Observer]

"Xbox absolutely outclassed Playstation in terms of exclusives this year. Xbox Game Studios dominated in terms of awards."

Indeed.

Games from Xbox Studios absolutely destroyed the modest line up of Sony first party games this year.

Next year will be interesting with so many great games.

As far first party games goes, Sony will have Horizon, GT7 and God.

For MS, Redfall, Starfield and probably Forza Motorsport.

2023 and beyond seems like a desert on Sony´s side since they only have Spiderman 2 and Wolverine as blockbusters announced so far.

MS on the other hand is developing TES VI, Fable, Perfect Dark, Indiana Jones, Project Mara, Gears 6, State of Decay III, Avowed, Project Midnight by Compulsion, New AAA IP/RPG from Inxile and more.

Sony better step up their game line up for 2023 and beyond.

[CaptainHenry916]

Redfall is going to be a flop or another back 4 blood

[GhostScholar]

No one on this sight will ever admit that. I agree with you though. Game pass alone had a better year than playstation. I have both systems so I have no reason to lie. Returnal, ratchet and clank, and kena were good games. So we're psychonauts 2, forza horizon 5, flight sim, and halo infinite. There's no way sony had a better year than Microsoft.

[andy85]

Claiming Deathloop as an Xbox game because they bought the studio is hands down one of the dumbest things I've read on here when they had zero to do with the development and it's not even on the console. If Sony buys Playground does that mean that all developed Forza games are PlayStation games? No it does not.

And Psychonauts 2 is on the PS as well. Are you okay?

[DOMination-]

Best argument yet to see the "another Halo and Forza" thing brought up again and then defending it by mentioning Ratchet & Clank (the 13th game in the series) and Returnal (a third party game - at the time)

And then in the next breath moving to 2022 and mentioning God of War (the 15th game in the series) and Gran Turismo (the 13th in the series)

:D

[Teflon02]

DOM
Big difference
Ratchet and Clank had it's last original game when? PS3. The ps4 game was a movie tie in remake lol. It's not really the same convo when 2 of ratchets games after the last full fledged one where small DL games (full frontal, nexus). On the other hand they try make a full-blown halo every other year and to make it worse MS never has anything to show between it for years other than gears and forza lol.
Next let's not get started on Forza and project G lol. PG had 4 or 5 games I think, then went to forza, main series on 7 and Horizon on 5 lol. MS had Xbox 20ish years and between those are at 16while GT is at 8 games lol.

This isn't even the issue anyways. People say it because it's all that MS releases. Then MS fanboys praise then when the new version comes that old one wasn't good now lol. Like they don't even keep it 100 with themselves lol.insomniac has been making a bunch of different things, VR titles, resistance, garbage fuse, Spiderman, sunset overdrive etc. If they're fast enough to create a new Ratchet after 10 years after all that, great. MS studio A "my whole catalog is halo" B "my whole catalog is forza" C "I was brought from epic to exclusively work on gears" the rest are all canceled games or embarrassments

[r2oB]

@ Domination

Your comment needs context, otherwise it’s very misleading. There are not 15 games in the God of War series. There are 2 for the PS2, 2 for the PSP, 2 for the PS3, 1 for the PS4, and 1 for the PS5. That’s 8 entries in the series across 5 platforms. If you want to throw in the phone game from 2007 and Facebook game, fine, that makes 10 games in the series. There have been 4 compilation titles and 1 remaster, but saying those are additions to the series is misleading. Bethesda has released Skyrim like 4 times, would you consider every release of Skyrim an addition to a series even though it’s just one game rereleased 3 times? There is a distinction to be made. Gran Turismo will have 13 entries across its 26 year history.

Halo has 14 entries in the series (not counting the halo anniversary and TMCC), and Forza currently has 13 entries in the series across its 17 year history.

Context is everything. I think people mock Xbox with the whole “another Halo, Forza, Gears” stigma because since the latter part of the 360’s life cycle, they have not released much else. And when they do, more times than not they release sub par games. Microsoft has huge droughts without first party games, and as soon as a Halo, Gears, or Forza game comes out Xbox loyalists get amnesia. It’s harder to criticize Sony for releasing another God of War game, or another GT, or another Ratchet and Clank, or any addition to a series when they have been constantly releasing new IPs on their platform too. They give you the best of both worlds, compelling new IPs and continuing popular ones.

[Lightning77]

Doesn't matter when the games comes. Fact of the matter is they came and they were great vs not coming at all. Next year Sony and MS have the same amount of games coming out, assuming no delays.

[Jin_Sakai]

Luckily I own a PS5, Series X, and Switch OLED. A+ for me. Lol

[NotoriousWhiz]

Eh... even with all three consoles, I'd rank last year above this one.

Last of Us Part 2
Ghosts of Tsushima
Trials of Mana
FF7 Remake
Animal Crossing
Streets of Rage 4
Demon's Souls
Nioh 2
Crash 4
Super Mario 3D All Stars (I know this one's controversial)

[Jin_Sakai]

“Eh... even with all three consoles, I'd rank last year above this one.”

I’m with you. Last year was a great year for gaming.

[Zeref]

Lol so because they took a long time they deserve a lower grade, despite the games being amazing? 😂😂

[Lightning77]

Yes that is there logic. If they don't release within the first 4 to 6 months of a new year then that's a fail.

Using their own Logic MS already has a B+ if not a "A" for 2022 seeing how Crossfire X and Stalker 2 release in the first 4 months if next year lmao... You can't make this up.

Now sit back and watch them goal post a flimsy argument and say "it's not first party!"

[Saijahn]

Did you even see the article? Xbox dropped more first party titles than Sony ...

Either way a B is fair for both. I wish both companies could pump out games all year rather than a couple months out of the year.

[Hofstaderman]

I agree with this sentiment. That's why I'm still playing my ps4. However with Horizon and GT7 coming out in Q1 2022 I simply have to make a plan to get a PS5 soon. If I can't lay my hands on one I'm going to have to settle getting Horizon for ps4 and then upgrade it to the PS5 version later.

[TheTony316]

Pots22

Deathloop and Psychonauts are on Playstation tho.

[NotoriousWhiz]

Psychonauts was produced by an Xbox studio, just like MLB The Show (which is on Xbox) was produced by a Sony Studio.

[Orchard]

Those seem like fair scores. B for PS5 and XSX since neither of them have really set the world alight / are pretty balanced. Switch definitely had a weaker than normal year, so C- is fair.

2022 is where it's really going to heat up for PS5 and XSX, and I expect to see them pushing into the A's next year - there are a lot more big releases next year, and more truly next-gen games / less cross-gen titles.

[Tacoboto]

Agreed. Sony released their main stuff by/before summer. Microsoft released summer or later, it was a pretty balanced year between them. MS Studios had two games go to PS (one exclusive), Sony released PS4 Director's Cuts.

Switch continued to exist and Metroid finally came back to existence. Not much else that's a banger.

[CaptainHenry916]

I agree but Sony and Nintendo are about to take over next year. They have lots of AAA and AA exclusives coming out next year.

[LOGICWINS]

I desperately want an upgrade to my Switch. Despite Ninty's solid 2022 lineup (BOTW 2, Triangle Strategy, 13 Sentinels, Bayonetta 3 etc.), I don't want to play these games on my OG Switch.

As far as Sony, good for Guerilla Games and Sony Santa Monica for delaying Forbidden West and GOW 5 so they could be as polished as possible....but I'm not interested in either of them personally.

[CaptainHenry916]

The Xbox really just got one AAA game next year. I'm still skeptical about Starfield. All the other Microsoft exclusives is meh. Hellblade 2 isn't releasing next year either

[Lightning77]

They only have one? One AAA really dude? Forza Motorsports 8, Redfall. Crossfire X in February and Stalker 2 in April Warhammer Darktide?

Stop crap posting.

[CaptainHenry916]

Redfall is a back 4 blood clone, Forza is a good game but I'm not really into race games like that, Stalker 2 is not an exclusive, Crossfire X I'm not impressed yet. I have to see more it looks generic to me. So yeah meh when it comes to AAA first party exclusives for 2022. 2023 looks good though

I will always post my opinion whether you like it or not 😁 🤡

[ColtPSSX]

Bro don’t you know, if it’s on PC and Xbox that mean it’s Xbox exclusive still but if it’s PC and PS5 it’s obviously multiplatform.

Xbox got smacked around so much last gen that they had to bring in PC just so they can feel better.

[Lightning77]

Redfall is described as more Bordeands esque. No one's played it so you don't know what it's like. Stalker 2 is on Xbox and PC just like everything else.

For starters what you said wasn't opinion it was factually wrong just like how you're wrong about every single thing Xbox related. You said they're had one game... like what? I have to constantly correct you all the time like a school teacher. So there you go, painfully predictable as you are you don't like what Xbox has, shocking. play what you like there's something for everyone on all 3.

Just know there's more than one game releasing on Xbox, that's all.

[CaptainHenry916]

Stalker 2 is coming to all platforms. Leaked documents have revealed that Stalker 2 has an exclusivity period of just three months on Xbox formats, so the game would be free to come to PS5 and Steam Deck and maybe Nintendo after that period. I had to correct you on that. Xbox has nothing ground breaking next year unless you think Redfall and Starfield will be GOTY contenders. Microsoft hasn’t had anything ground breaking in two decades other than Halo and Gears which is a stale franchise imo 🤔 Nintendo and Sony looks to have GOTY contenders next year.2023 looks good for Microsoft though

[Lightning77]

Stalker 2 a timed exclusive yes I know all about that for the time being it'll only be on Xbox and PC.

"Microsoft hasn’t had anything ground breaking in two decades other than Halo and Gears which is a stale franchise imo 🤔"

This statement makes no sense. They had nothing ground breaking for 20 years then named 2 of Xbox's biggest games for 2 of their generations. What's wrong with you are you dizzy or something?

So Let me get straight you say that Sony and Nintendo will take over next year because they have AAA and AA exclusives just like MS does mind you but since Henry doesn't like Xbox NOBODY will like what Xbox has to offer next year. As if you speak for the world. You said that last year that Xbox has nothing this year. What do you know they swept all kinds of awards and lots of fan fair for their games.

You're constantly on the losing side of the argument year in and year out when it comes to Xbox it's going to be dejavu ground hogs day again where Henry and the rest of the naysayers are wrong again, and again and again and again. Especially knowing that next year looks much better than this year for Xbox. It's comical at this point. You don't speak for everyone. When Starfield and Forza 8 sweep more award's again and you know they will. You'll go into hiding, guess what you'll be wrong again. There's nothing you can do about it.

[CaptainHenry916]

I never said I didn't like Xbox🤔 you said that. You say I'm on the losing side? What side is that if you don't mind me asking. I barely even play on consoles so I could care less. But I will say Microsoft has a long ways to go.

[Christopher]

***Redfall is a back 4 blood clone,***

It's a Borderlands clone. Sheesh. People still don't know anything about the game.

[Lightning77]

"You say I'm on the losing side?"

Whatever thoughts or predictions you have regarding Xbox games are always wrong. You said this years was going to be a bad year for xbox games. Well many publications will doubt that and it clearly wasn't.

The games not being for you is fine and dandy but you don't speak for everyone in the world just you. They don't just exist because you don't like it, again to you, and you only they don't exist that's ok play what u like.

[DarXyde]

Orchard,

I agree with just about everything, but I'm not so sure we'll see truly next gen games just yet. There's a lot going on right now in the world: global pandemic, economic constraints, supply shortages...I think there's too much risk involved in current gen development exclusively that companies aren't willing to take.

I could be wrong, but I think we'll see have to wait until install bases (and attach rates) catch up.

[darthv72]

XB/PS both getting B is fair and understandable. As a new switch owner Id have to give it B as well, but only because all the games I have been picking up / playing are new experiences to me. Now had I been in the class since the beginning then yeah, maybe a C- but I can only grade on what I have been enjoying and it is all three.

Forza Horizon 5, Halo Infinite, Psychonauts 2, Ratchet Rift Apart, Miles Morales, Astro PlayRoom, Metroid Dread, Cruis n Blast, Mario Odyssey... those are the games I have been enjoying this year.

Honorable mentions would be Psykio collection 1&2, RType Final 2, GDarius, Darius Burst Another Chronicle, Raiden 4 & 5... switch has been great for shmups. Don't know why I waited so long.

[IanTH]

If you just got a Switch, and never had a Wii U, I can imagine how it would seem rosier. From my POV (having owned it from the start, & owning a Wii U), this is the most disappointed I've been with a Nintendo console in a while. I know that's funny to say after the WIi U debacle, but I own a lot more for that than I do my Switch. And the fact I can't buy any Nintendo games on a decent sale, some being 4 years old, still kinda irks me.

Odyssey & M+R:KB were great though (BotW as well, of course, but I played that on Wii U).

[darthv72]

I have the wiiu but I did not double dip and get any of the ports to switch. I've strictly stuck to its own games and so far in the short time i have had it... I'm already at something like 33 games for it.

[IanTH]

@darthv72

I've seen you around, but I can't remember what other platforms you own. Do you also play on PC? That might be part of the issue I have, too. Lots of the indies & such that might be Switch console only can be bought on PC as well (and in better fidelity), or previously owned on PC that ended up getting a Switch port later.

And I was slowly turning the Switch into my portable little indie machine, but stopped that after I pre-ordered a Steam Deck as I can get cheaper games, with better features, have a massive existing library for, & know they will always be "backwards compatible".

Gonna do a quick count here, as it has been a while. So, as it stands, I have 8 boxed Switch games (2 I own on other platforms, but wanted portable versions of, & another 2 are multiplats) & 14 digital ones. I think Golf Story is the only digital Switch only game I own. Many of the rest could have been bought elsewhere, a couple of which I do own elsewhere; was buying most of those to help justify my Switch purchase, kind of turning it into the aforementioned portable indie machine.

I'd love to know what you've got, as maybe I'm just missing stuff somehow. I don't know how you have 33 games that are Switch exclusive, especially if none are Wii U ports :-p

[darthv72]

I ordered a steamdeck as well. Will be nice to play pc stuff on the go. I havent really gamed on a pc since the old days of playing counter strike at lan parties. I know steam has lots of sales and some really good shmups that I have heard of. I look forward to expanding my gaming to include steam in the near future.

As for switch games probably 5 of them are digital but the rest are physical. And exclusive/non dont bother me. If its a game i want to take with me, i get it. I do like shmups so recently I bought a buch I was late to the party on like psykio alpha and bravo, g darius, darius another chronicle, raiden 4 and V, rtype dimensions (digital) and final 2, blaster master zero trilogy, ninja gaiden trilogy and of course mario oddyssey, links awakening, luigi mansion 3.

Id thought of getting captain toad and yoshi and mario kart but i have those on wiiu. if i have it on wiiu, I dont get it on the switch. If its a different game like yoshi crafted worlds on switch compared to yoshi wolly world... then maybe, but I havent yet.

[IanTH]

@darthv72

Gotcha! All that sounds good & makes good sense to me.

And I don't care if they are exclusives either, it was just your wording of saying you've "strictly stuck to its own games", so I took that to mean you had 33 games you could only play there.

[Omegasyde]

You know what bothers me the most with nintendo is why it’s so damn hard find year 1 and 2 first party games still priced high?

[VersusDMC]

Lists in the article has a bunch of age of empires games for xbox and a ton of switch games listed...but forgets to list FFXIV Endwalker, Kena, FIST ,Guilty Gear Strive for PS.

You could say those are third party exclusives but Nioh collection and a DC game on switch are listed.

Weird

[porkChop]

The lists were for first party releases, so games like Kena, Endwalker, etc., wouldn't be listed.

The Nioh games were published by Sony everywhere except Japan, and the DC game was developed and published by Nintendo. I assume that's why the author is classifying those games under first party.

[VersusDMC]

What with all these qualifiers? Only games that were published by the console manufacturer matter? Just list out the games that can be played on the console exclusivly if we're comparing the 3.

[porkChop]

The point of the article is to grade the console manufacturers on their output of games. Why would the author include games that were published by 3rd parties? I do understand what you're saying, but that would be a very different article.

[Teflon02]

Because games like kena exist in the way it does thanks to Sonys support. Sony wanted a exclusive out of it and made it happen. So whether or not they published it shouldn't matter as it was still sonys doing

[RaiderNation]

PS5 - B+
XSX - C+
Nintendo - D (would've been an F had it not been for Metroid Dread. I'm sick of their huge 1st party droughts).

[TheDoomedGuy]

With you on the saving grace of dread. Have yet to play it but would love to do so soon. It's the only reason the switch would have gotten used this year.

[septemberindecember]

Nintendo had more first party releases than both MS and Sony combined. What droughts?

[septemberindecember]

Lol oh and of course the disagrees despite there being facts. Go ahead. Keep at it fanboys.

[King_Noctis]

You are right. I wouldn’t mind the downvote on this site too much anyway.

[Teflon02]

I'm going to assume they mean games that aren't Mario and friends do this and Mario and friends do that, like Mario party and sports titles. Also re-release. That's the only way I can see them saying that

[RaiderNation]

@Teflon02

Thats exactly what I mean.

[septemberindecember]

Only three games had Mario in it. Take those out and they still released twice what Sony did.

[VariantAEC]

Nintendo gets an F seriously. The Switch isn't a brand new device it is turning 5 and Nintendo still didn't even bother to show up this year. Nintendo's 10% showing is still selling Switch's like it is a important food group... goes to show you that sales mean nothing for quality.

PlayStation did well this year and it wasn't even their best year by a long shot even so they were the only publisher pushing all their chips in on next gen at least at the start of the year before they realized PS5 is still being scalped. Regardless they made several games this year including MLB 21, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart and Returnal with 2 of those three being next gen only and PS5 exclusives all in another pandemic year no less. PS gets a C+ here they're putting games first and that's great but this isn't them firing on all cylinders by a long shot. A "B" never mind a "B+" is too high a score here PS can and has done much better and I don't see this being the highest grade they'll reach this generation.

Xbox sucked this year. The acquisitions they made this year are for the future and we know that because their output was originally Forza Horizon 5 this year. I guess everyone has the collective memory of a tartigrade as they have already forgotten Halo: Infinite was slated for release last year. Xbox did front really well this year, but they still only released two games all by years end and of all the games released on PC and Xbox between all of Xbox's developers including their latest acquisitions none are technically complete. FH5 a game I personally own on PC ran like trash on PC after update 1 now it miraculously runs at 1440p30 maxed out most of the time. On day one it could barely hold 30FPS at 1080p with some settings turned down and we couldn't hide the mouse cursor either (when FH4 already fixed that issue).
Halo: Infinite is a GAAS title that also launched in a sorry state, but unlike FH5 Infinite is also sloppy on Xbox consoles so I am told (and I've seen DF's take as well). So of the only two games that MS' studios have worked on since their inception none are standout technical masterpieces and they're basically selling on name recognition and the lack of anything else to buy. For that reason Xbox gets a D (66%) they need to improve. All the good will they've received this year won't last if they can't deliver the goods.

So as usual for the past few years PlayStation comes out on top and this in my personal opinion was a bad year for PlayStation and a good year for Xbox and Xbox still is behind PS but I can't understand how anyone in good faith can say Nintendo did even meh this year.
This year Nintendo really fell on its face and people need to call them out. At the same time all the people kissing PS and Xbox's butt need to look at the past when these companies were at their best, both PS and Xbox can also do better, but obviously PlayStation outperformed Xbox and Nintendo this year even ignoring PS re-releases.

After PC my first experience with consoles was with SNES. Where is that Nintendo?

[RaiderNation]

@septemberindecember

Oh, quit playing dumb. You know exactly what I'm talking about. Yes Nintendo released a lot "stuff" but very little of it I would consider truly high quality, AAA content. Yes, Nintendo released a lot of remasters, glorified upres'd 3DS games/mobile games, and the umpteenth variation of Pokémon and Monster Hunter. However they have not released a truly modern 1st party AAA game since probably Luigi's Mansion 3 in 2019. The only true AAA 1st party titles that are currently in development are Metroid Prime 4 and Breath of the Wild 2. MAYBE 3 if you consider Splatoon 3 AAA. Besides those, it's crickets.

[septemberindecember]

You need to quit obsessing over imagined budgets of games to determine whether or not those are good, first of all. Does Splatoon 3 have a smaller budget than Ratchet and Clank? We have no idea. We don't have that information, so assuming is baseless. You're going off of no information besides the power of one machine over another, really.

Second, no major games since 2019? Really? Maybe you don't particularly care for them, but there have been some major Nintendo releases since then. Quit being dramatic. There aren't game droughts. They are releasing a lot of games. You just don't want to consider them for arbitrary reasons such as an imaginary budget you imposed onto a game.

[septemberindecember]

Also, about four out of the 8 or so games on Sony's list are PS4 ports (GoT, Nioh, Nioh 2, and Death Stranding), so the remaster/port argument is doing you no favors. Similar for MS as well (three age of empires remasters and Microsoft flight simulator port on Series consoles)

[RaiderNation]

@septemberdecember

You're seriously comparing a console's year 5 release schedule with another's year 1 schedule? You can try and defend it all you want but Nintendo's release efforts since year 3 have been trash. Relying mostly on remasters, lazy ports, and low budget titles. Their games have become safe, boring, and lack any real production value. It also doesn't help that their games have to be played on such sh_t hardware.

[septemberindecember]

Why does a first year release schedule for first party products change anything? First party devs and those Sony is publishing have access to the tech builds long before other publishers, and Sony is using cross gen development to support both of their consoles so resources aren't split.

If I was talking about total amount of games ever made for the console then the number of years would matter. But I'm not.

Also, there have been like four Wii U ports since 2018, so they haven't been relying mostly on ports. And, again, there are more ports/remasters on Sony and MS's list despite having even less games.

So you're being hypocritical, allowing other companies to do things for little valid reason while criticizing Nintendo for it. You're also being illogical, making up things for reasons that don't actually make sense. If you don't like Nintendo I don't care, but making stuff up just makes you look foolish

[TheDoomedGuy]

For me first year of consoles has been awesome.

Since getting the PS5 I was able to play demons souls remake, astrobot, miles morales, ratchet and clank, and returnal.

On my laptop I've been able to play halo infinite on game pass. And...well that's about it on the Xbox side. There was also psychonauts 2 but idk ..maybe I'm not into the IP. Had tried several times with psychonauts 1 but didn't manage to stay interested. Solid game though. But not really an Xbox console exclusive so.

I'm not really spending much time on the switch at all...but I would be if I had Metroid dread.

So for me it's actually pretty clearly an A, B, C.

I can recognize that Microsoft is beginning tk release something after so many years but playing another halo just isn't going to blow me away no matter how fun the mutliplayer may be.

On PlayStation side i finally had a chance to replay and finish demons souls. Returnal was simply incredible and mind blowing...love the alien franchise and this game had a ton of those vibes. All in all...along with the dual sense experience. Incredible first year for PlayStation.

5 solid titles in the 1st year of a new generation of consoles is quite incredible...and they can only be enjoyed on a PlayStation.

Shoot I even forgot about Kena. 6 titles then. Six.

[IanTH]

I'm not knocking your logic in any way, as I agree with most all of it, but just thought I'd throw out that Kena isn't a console exclusive. You can play that on PC right now:

www.epicgames.com/store/en-US /p/kena-bridge-of-spirits

[TheDoomedGuy]

I agree. But then I shouldn't mention any Xbox game as it doesn't have any since they're all on PC.

Xbox has changed the landscape and since I mention their games I saw no reason not to mention and do the same with PlayStation.

Btw I thought console exclusive meant simply that it isn't on other consoles but is on PC since PC is not a console.

[dbcoops]

It's a terminology issue brought about by Microsoft.

They were the first ones to start using terms like "console exclusive" and "console launch exclusive" at E3 years ago.

Essentially "console exclusive" just means its only on a specific console, being on PC doesn't count in the equation as PC is not a console. So yes its not "exclusive" but it is exclusive to a particular console if that makes sense, but like TheDoomedGuy mentioned if Kena isn't exclusive than nothing on xbox is either.

[blackblades]

Your logic is bad, kena is a console exclusive as of now. Pc isnt a console its a pc in certain terms. The comment is section is just eh.

[IanTH]

I agree with the both of you about the confusion on terminology, and to be clearer I should have said "it isn't a PlayStation exclusive". That's due to the fact TheDoomedGuy said 5 solid titles that "can only be enjoyed on a PlayStation" right before bringing up Kena, saying that was the 6th. Being that the previous 5 could *literally* only be played on a PS, and not even on PC, it seemed Kena was getting grouped into the true "only enjoyed on a PlayStation" meaning, rather than "PlayStation/PC" exclusive.

Was more a PSA than anything, as I know others didn't know Kena was on PC since it isn't on Steam yet.

[Teflon02]

Yeaahhhh no. That still makes no sense as they didn't nitpick MS for having the games all on PC as well. They just said they played MS option from the PC because that's what was available. Kena is still a exclusive as all those Xbox games are still called exclusives

[IanTH]

I didn't say he nitpicked anything. I'm not sure you meant to reply to me, because practically nothing you said makes any sense. They didn't even say anything about playing MS options from the PC...an odd way to phrase, but I think I get your meaning.

And you're right. I'm definitely the crazy one. When someone says "can ONLY be enjoyed on a PlayStation", that wording definitely doesn't potentially indicate that...ya know...it can't be enjoyed elsewhere, and can ONLY be enjoyed on one platform. Sure, I'm with ya.

[Lightning77]

A B is a fair assessment for both consoles, nothing truly hard hitting besides Ratchet, Returnal, Horizon 5 and Infinite, Now that MS is finally showing up, there's gonna be something for everyone I also think Sony won't simply sweep the GOTY contender or overall fan fair like they did most, if not all of last gen as I mentioned their competitor is finally showing up to the plate, when their games were barley there last gen, also to finally diversify, even compete with their exclusives. Sony will still and always have GOTY contenders always, they'll just have to work a little harder at it this gen. Real gamers see.. No they know it's a good thing. Who doesn't want more exclusives from Sony and MS?

[Rainbowcookie]

normally the first year sucks, this have been an above average first year in testing times...it bodes well for the future.

[smashman98]

Honestly B for Xbox and ps is way too high. These are D years for both of them. B implies that these companies did really good. While an A would be an amazing year of non stop hits. C would be a year where we got at least one massive title with a bunch of good smaller titles peppered throughout.

It’s not an F but Sony typically does way better than this.

Now Xbox usually performs at around an F but honestly the double whammy of forza and halo. Was a really strong way to end the year. But still a D especially considering all these games are playable on last gen.

[BehindTheRows]

I agree that Sony typically goes much better, but I’m sure the pandemic has had a massive impact on things.

Xbox definitely improved in 2021, but their bar needs to be raised. Game Pass, in my eyes, isn’t enough and the pandemic can only excuse the past two years. Now GP is a wonderful service, but not enough to offset a stellar lineup one could only find on their platforms. I’d like to see them do more. Much more. Hellblade is a step, but not nearly enough either.

[smashman98]

Oh for sure the pandemic had a lot to do with this year in gaming. In fact I agree with everything you said. But I’ve been noticing a worrying trend of letting things be good enough and slapping an 8 or a B or a 4/5 on it.

If we call this year a B for these companies than the bar is way too low.

The pandemic sucks and I don’t believe we should rush devs or anything. I think while we may have to accept the reality that output is lower due to extenuating circumstances. We shouldn’t in the meantime lower our standards for what we consider to be a “Great” year.

[Lightning77]

What more do you want from MS? Hellblade 2 while questionable gameplay is that type of game ppl have been wanting is it not? The type of 3rd party narrative story driven game with pretty graphics isn't that what the industry likes? The Sony style of game?

[smashman98]

@lightning - Hellblade 2 isn’t out yet. As for what I’d consider a good year for Microsoft? Hopefully one with more than 2 major games. Especially considering the 20 or so studios they have purchased.

[BehindTheRows]

@Lightning77

Wouldn’t you want MORE than a single game? It being a ‘Sony style game’ is irrelevant. They need more content overall. You can be happy with what they currently have, but plenty aren’t.

[Lightning77]

@Behind You were the one who mentioned He'll blade so I talked about that one game you mentioned.

Well there's always next year now is there for bigger and better games. Sony themselves this year was just good, but not killer like in previous years. Again what kind of lofty goal posting expectations that's required of MS this time? My goodness MS is just getting started the gen is still very young.

Was this the best year MS had in awhile? Yes but they didn't surpass the 360 when that console was dropping bangers for awhile. MS still has a few years until they get there. Next year they have bigger titles hitting that are new and again Sony and MS are releasing the same amount of games when you count 3rd party. I know that hurts allot of you (for whatever that may be) but facts could care absolutely less about feelings.

[BehindTheRows]

@Lightning77

You completely missed the point of why I mentioned that one game.

[TheDoomedGuy]

For it's first year of a console...nah. PlayStation has had 5 titles and all of them are worth it.

Not including 3rd party times exclusives and 3rd parties in general.

I don't know of any other year where PlayStation had a better lineup of games.

Demons souls, astrobot, spiderman, ratchet, and returnal

Then you had the great Kena and well...if you're into it...deathloop.

[smashman98]

The title said 2021 report card so I’m not counting demons souls or Spider-Man or Astrobot.

[TheDoomedGuy]

@Smash

You don't have to. But it's painfully obvious that they should be considered as no thought was given to them in 2020. And theres a nice group making it seem like in a year there's been very little when there's actually been quite a bit on the PlayStation.

[Teflon02]

Sonys first years are usually garbage. This was fantastic in comparison

[monkey602]

2021 really wasn't Sonys strongest year, but they had some great releases throughout. Enough to keep us contempt anyway.

Xbox is getting far too much praise. Halo infinite is getting a free pass from mainstream media and Forza is pulling the Xbox brand's weight all over again. MS had a stronger year than usual but there's no way people should lay off the pressure for Microsoft to do better. Gamepass is saving Xbox and that's fine and well. I personally would rather a ton of top quality games did that, over a cheap entry point service.

As for Nintendo! I don't think I bought a single 1st party game from them this year! Dread looks good but they haven't had a single game cross my radar all year otherwise. Nor do they in the near future that I can remember. The 1st year was fantastic! They had a number of great exclusive games and then because I'd skipped the WiiU the ports carried them over a 2nd year for me too. Now aside from the Indies releasing on the eshop before they hit other home consoles the Switch is dead to me and I struggle to see a future for it

[IanTH]

Heh, "contempt" :-p

And I agree with you about Switch, and you're fortunate you didn't have a Wii U. I did, and this is definitely the fewest games I've ever bought for a single console after nearly 5 years. Was really excited for the Switch after the big duo of SMO & BotW. It showed growth & ambition from Nintendo that - in my opinion - they hadn't shown since the N64 days. But then they kinda went back to doing their old MO of smaller games and 2D stuff.

And games like Dread look good, but I struggle to feel like 2D games like that are worth $60. Kinda feels like Dread was a 3DS game they ported up to the Switch, and those used to cost $40. Honestly, it's less about if the quality is worth it, and more about understanding the cost of production. We know Dread wasn't a huge, 300 person development team backed by a massive budget. Does this really feel like it should cost the same as BotW? And with quality Metroidvanias like Hollow Knight and the like selling for $20? Tough to reconcile.

[darthv72]

I too have the wiiu with currently 58 games. Have had it since 2013 when it released. the switch i have had since black friday of this year and I already am up to 33 games. None of which are wiiu ports. That is more than half in a month... yeah i went on a bit of a shopping spree. And I aint done yet.

[monkey602]

I take a lot of issue with Nintendo and the price of their software. Their fanbase won't push back against it tough so it's never going to change.

And yes! I messed up and meant to say feeling "content" oops haha

[Obscure_Observer]

"Xbox is getting far too much praise. Halo infinite is getting a free pass from mainstream media and Forza is pulling the Xbox brand's weight all over again. MS had a stronger year than usual but there's no way people should lay off the pressure for Microsoft to do better."

MS First Party Studios on Metacritic this year:

Forza Horizon 5 - 92
Deathloop (PS5) - 88
Microsoft Flight Simulator (XSX) - 90
Psychonauts 2 - 87
Halo Infinite - 87
Age of Empires - 81

Sony First Party Studios on Metacritic this year:

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart - 88
Returnal - 85

And you still question why Xbox is getting so much praise. Lol.

[monkey602]

2 of the games from your list are not on Xbox and 1 is a multiplatform title.

Flight Simulator released last year (unless we are counting games brought forward to the platform late in which you can start listing Ghost of Tsushima and Death Stranding etc. But let's not bother)

There are also titles left off that list because of your clever wording but Kena and Guilty Gear Strive were critical darlings too.

Like I said push MS to do better! Xbox will be greater for it.

[IanTH]

If you're including multiplatform for Xbox - including the XSX release of Flight Simulator - you have to for Sony. Some are better than others, but further output is still there.

Destruction Allstars (Feb 2021): 62
Days Gone PC Release (May 2021): 76
MLB The Show (April 2021): 79-81 depending on platform

Also released Iki Island for Ghosts of Tsushima, which - while not a full release - was a solid expansion. Fairly tame, all said, but seems a little less so when looked at as what was inbetween a strong 2020 & (by all appearances) 2022, with the pandemic pushing games meant for this year into next.

I also think there's a little bit of a difference with Deathloop & Psychonauts 2, given MS literally bought those companies in the late stages of those games' development - one of which is currently only on PS and the other still on PS platforms - so they don't feel very much like Microsoft games, so to speak.

I still think their output the last half of the year has been great (even if they aren't games I liked), so they get kudos there for sure. I'm excited by their recent commitment, as it feels different from the hollow promises of days past. Own a PC, so I'm definitely happy with how things are going for them these days.

[Obscure_Observer]

"2 of the games from your list are not on Xbox and 1 is a multiplatform title."

Whatever makes you sleep at night, dude. Being on Playstation doesn´t change the fact that MS owns the IPs, Studios and the talented developers.

What? Are you going to start and call every single Playstation game that is also on PC a multiplatform game? I doubt that. Somehow it´s only valid when comes to Xbox games, right?

"There are also titles left off that list because of your clever wording but Kena and Guilty Gear Strive were critical darlings too."

Not first party.

"Like I said push MS to do better! Xbox will be greater for it."

They already done better than Playstation this year.

[RedDevils]

I wonder what this insecure trying to say. It's better to talk to a brick wall/

[waverider]

your list:
Another racer in november (the first big title after a year in the market from microsoft)
a game tjhat isnt on xbox and that microsoft didnt make.
a old game PC
a multiplat
another halo
rts game.
Dude what an amazing year.

[Obscure_Observer]

@waverider

"Dude what an amazing year."

It is.

92, 90, 88, 87, 87, 81 on Metacritic. All by Talented Xbox Studios.

You can´t spin that.

[MIDGETonSTILTS17]

I liked Returnal a bunch, and I don’t game in PC or enjoy Game Pass, so I’d score this differently.

[GamingSinceForever]

Based on the games list alone Sony and Microsoft are not a tie.

[Aloymetal]

Western biased media, especially here in the U.S. keeps sugar coating mediocrity. They need to keep the xbox brand somehow relevant.
With the amount of money they have you'd think they'll be pumping out great new AAA ip's every 6 months or so but nope, they rely on the same rinse n repeat from 15+ yrs ago aka Halos, Gears and Forzas.
It's ok to release ''classics'' as long as you have great new Ip's to go with them every gen but that's not MS's way.

[monkey602]

There's a huge divide between gaming media and the greater public perception of Xbox. Its not a new phenomenon. It has been around for more than a decade now and it certainly won't go anywhere any time soon.

[darthv72]

Personally I dont care if more entries in franchises I enjoy are made. It's why Im excited for a new god of war and gt7 game. I get that many may want some variety but there is plenty of that with all the 3rd party titles that get released in between. But if a new mario or zelda or gears gets announced... yeah Im going to get them because I like those franchises.

[Lightning77]

Right, right Redfall and Hell Blade 2 and Starfield aren't anything new right? cross Fire X Stalker 2 from third party is definitely the same ol, ol huh?

Since you made that post I can only hint at you don't like Xbox, which is fine but try to make sense as to why you don't like it instead of just spouting complete and utter nonsense.

[King_Noctis]

So what happened to Age of Empire 4, Flight Sim Console version, and Psychonaunt 2 which also released this year?

Also, why do you think that the only division that Microsoft have is Xbox and they have to spend all the money they have on Xbox?

[GJC1]

Xbox - A-
PlayStation - C+
Nintendo - C

[Aloymetal]

PlayStation A-
Nintendo B-
MS C- they skipped classes all yr long... like always;)

[CaptainHenry916]

The only game I liked from Microsoft this year was Forza and Flight Simulator.

[RedDevils]

Even Age of empire was a let down. I think RTS are no longer worth playing. I hope every old RTS get a remake/remaster and I probably enjoy that more.
I wouldn't rate Sony A-. I probably rate them all like this.
Sony C+/B,
Nintendo C
MS C/C+
It an average year imo.

[chicken_in_the_corn]

Sony didn't have a good year with all the cross gen games, delays and underwhelming PS5 exclusives

[Aloymetal]

Ratchet n Clank, Returnal and Demons Souls are underwhelming? Good thing that's your own personal opinion.
If you think those were underwhelming I cannot even begin to imagine how you feel/felt about Xbox games, it must have been a dumpster fire turd covered in burnt hair. Right??

[stonecold3]

ps5 had a greatyear guilty gear x ff 7 interagrade ni oh collection ghost death stranding it was great year ps5

[GamerX23]

PS5 - B
Xbox - B-
Nintendo - A

[UltimateRacer]

PS5 was my go to console for gaming in 2021, anything else was on PC.

[Elda]

It was the PS5 for me with the first party current-gen titles Returnal & R&C. The 3rd party timed exclusives Deathloop & FFVII:Intergrade were enjoyable as well including the PS5 version of GOT with the latest expansion. PS5 gets an A from me. I just received an XBSS 3 weeks ago so I don't have a grade for the platform.

[Zeref]

Playstation puts out last gen remasters/directors cuts and gets the same grade as Xbox? 😂😂😂

GTFOH

[kickerz]

PlayStation- B
Xbox- A
Switch- C

[lonewolf10]

Good year for all consoles considering

[MrBeatdown]

Using a GOTY that's not on Xbox to talk up Xbox is peak console war. It just goes to show that forum warriors put more stock into company pissing contests than what a console owner can sit down and play.

[monkey602]

It is so bizzare but every time I read it, I cant help but roll my eyes and think "of course this is happening"

[P_Bomb]

Total list wars. If you can’t play it on your console, that used to be the end of it. Now it’s all about semantics. Feels like I’m being sold a used car. Faded paint? No that’s custom, lol. Cracked window? Exclusive air flow.

[BrettAwesome]

Hahahaha 😂😂😂
28514; you all suck ass! Hurling shit both ways like there's no tomorrow! You should all be smothered in your own diapers. Except the Nintendo fans. They need theirs when the go to spend their time in animal daycare

[septemberindecember]

I don't see how Nintendo would have a lower score than the other two when Nintendo released as many first party releases as those two combined and had notable third party exclusive releases such as SMT V and Monster Hunter Rise.

[Hofstaderman]

The only decent game released on Xbox was Forza. Halo is not the be all end all people were touting it to be.
2022 will be even worse for them with Horizon and GT7 releasing. Shame..... But Game Pass lol.

[anast]

Not sure how this grading system works, but Xbox has 4 derivative Age of Empire games, a racing game and a live service Halo. Save Forza, this is the definition of mediocre: C.

Sony has Demon Souls, Rift, and Returnal, not to mention that new controller. Demon Souls is enough, I will be on this game for the next couple of years, but then add the other stuff: B.

Too me it doesn't seem like they should get equal grades, not everyone gets a trophy.

[RickRoland]

Since when can I play Age of Empires on my Series X? We're bulking GamePass PC games into these comparisons now that aren't accessible on Xbox? This is an incredibly selective list. They listed only "first party" games to rate the consoles first years and add Psychonauts to the Xbox list, yet I can also play that on my PS5. While also neglecting quality third party games exclusive to specific consoles (e.g. Deathloop, FFVII Intergrade and Kena: Bridge of Spirits). Take out AoE and how does that list look? Cherry picking at it's finest. These lists are not representative of the quality of the consoles....especially the PS5 catalog.

[Yui_Suzumiya]

Everyone gets an A since Doki Doki Literature Club Plus was released on all consoles! The true GOAT of gaming. I dare any game to be as brilliant as it. Some have definitely come close such as Soma but none have surpassed this yet.

[Yui_Suzumiya]

This year was about Nintendo for me.. I spent over thousand at least on Nintendo and sold my PS4 collection to go towards it..

Aokana: Four Rhythms Across the Blue
Apocryph

Back in 1995

Catherine: Full Body
Christmas Tina
Clannad

Doom 64
Doom (2016)
Doom Eternal
Doom: The Classics Collection
Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!
Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary Edition
Dying Light: Platinum Edition

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Fatal Frame: Maiden of the Black Water
Final Fantasy VIII Remastered
Food Girls
The Fox Awaits Me

Gal*Gun Returns
Gal*Gun 2

Hentai Vs. Evil

IdolDays
If My Heart Had Wings
Island

Kingdoms of Amulur: Re-Reckoning Edition

Maitetsu: Pure Station
Metro Redux
My Girlfriend is a Mermaid?!

Nekopara: Volume 1
Nekopara: Volume 2
Nekopara: Volume 3
Nekopara: Volume 4
Night Trap: 25th Anniversary Edition
NinNin Days
NinNin Days 2

Persona 5 Strikers
Planetarian: Reverie of a Little Planet

Resident Evil 6
Resident Evil: Origins Collection
Re:Zero - The Prophecy of the Throne
Root Film
Root Letter: Last Answer

Sakura Nova
Sakura Santa
Sakura Succubus
Sakura Swim Club
Senran Kagura: Peach Ball
Steins;Gate Elite

Tokyo School Life

White Night
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
World End Syndrome

YU-NO: A Girl Chants Love at the Bound of this World