Although ‘most satisfying gameplay’ may seem hard to quantify, anyone who has played one of our shortlisted games knows exactly what we mean. It’s all about the tactile experience of gaming, the bosses that seem impossible right up to that last crucial swing of the blade – the mouthfeel of gaming, if you will. Sometimes a game just strikes the right chord and gives you a proper feeling of accomplishment, and that’s what this award looks to celebrate.
We’ve partnered with Fanatical for our users choice awards this year, which not only means you can nab some of the games on this list for a reduced price in their Winter Sale, but also that once you’ve voted and given your email address, you’ll get a free gift. This can be anything from a discount in their store to an entire game, so get voting!
Fanatical also provides an invaluable discount-hunting service with their Fanatical Assistant, a Chrome extension that takes all the work out of checking for a deal on your favourite game.
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Here are the nominees for most satisfying gameplay – check them out and cast your vote in the widget at the bottom of the article.
Tales of Arise
Tales of Arise brought JRPGs to everyone this year, making them accessible, enjoyable, and rewarding even to the uninitiated. As well as having a unique combat style, beautiful visuals, and a moving storyline, Tales of Arise made every encounter satisfying with some truly explosive special attacks and flashy combos.
Scarlet Nexus
Offering a deep and complex story with a few surprising twists, Scarlet Nexus was a great all-rounder. The game is the very definition of “easy to learn, tough to master”, making it an addictive and compelling trip into a strange new world.
Buy nowDeathloop
There are few things as satisfying as coming back from literal death and launching into an all-guns blazing victory in this part-FPS, part-mystery, part-completely-its-own-thing game. Deathloop was a smart and cathartic game that mashed together genres for some extremely rewarding gameplay.
Deathloop Deathloop $59.99 $25.79 Buy now Network N earns affiliate commission from qualifying sales.
Psychonauts 2
As one of the most raved about games this year, we would be remiss not to include Double Fine’s latest on this list. We knew it was coming, but after so many years since the original and a few delays, we don’t know anyone who expected it to be so good. With gorgeous artwork adorning every level, uniquely complex combat, and a rewarding storyline, Psychonauts 2 has it all.
Yakuza 6: The Song Of Life
Yakuza 6, not content to rest on the laurels of its stunning visuals and technical prowess, gave fans of the series the send-off Kazuma Kiryu deserved in every respect. It’s always satisfying to see a character given a decent ending, but the combat and gameplay were also as strong as ever.
Buy nowLoop Hero
An endlessly repeating story that never feels repetitive, Loop Hero is another jewel in the roguelite crown that captivated both indie and blockbuster crowds through a Sisyphean struggle against chaos. Although there’s no ending in sight, the game keeps the stakes high, leaving you satisfied even as you suffer.
Loop Hero Loop Hero $14.99 Buy now Network N earns affiliate commission from qualifying sales.
Persona 5 Strikers
The first action RPG in the Persona series, Persona 5 Strikers packs an enormous amount of content into a relatively streamlined experience. Fans of the series got to spend more time with characters they loved, while also giving newcomers something to enjoy.
Hitman 3
A brilliantly executed (get it?) stealth game with an endless array of assassination techniques, Hitman 3 does the series proud. Sure you can storm in and gun everyone down, but a carefully planned and finessed scheme coming to fruition is a glorious thing to behold.
Buy nowDeath’s Door
The satisfying life of a crow tasked with reaping the dead was the subject of Death’s Door, making it a unique and challenging game marbled with puzzles, combat, secrets, and beautiful artwork. Who knew being a bird was so rewarding?
Death’s Door Death’s Door $19.99 Buy now Network N earns affiliate commission from qualifying sales.
Cast your vote for the most satisfying gameplay of 2021 using the widget below and enter your email to claim your free gift! If you’ve missed any of these shortlisters, check out the Fanatical Winter Sale and pick up some bargains that are sure to satisfy.
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