10 Best Video Games Of 2021

7. Sable

A stunning game in every respect, Sable is a pacifistic approach to open world design, setting you as the titular character journeying away from their tribe; getting lost in an expansive, gorgeously cel-shaded world for as long as you like.

The latter is what makes this so special, framing Sable's own pilgrimage to when you feel you've seen enough of the outside world, learned enough of its customs, explored enough of its puzzle-dungeons and crafted enough parts for your Glider bike.

Aping Breath of the Wild's climbing system, the main progression here is verticality itself, letting you track down more bike parts and stamina upgrades, in turn conquering more of the environment and finding more stories hidden in every corner.

With Nintendo's 2017 masterpiece setting in motion a whole sub-genre of objective-stripped open-world design, Sable is the purest execution on that core feeling.