Games companies have caught on to the public’s thirst for nostalgia and they’re milking it. Find out which 2021 releases will make you fondly reflect.

Game releases in 2021 that will make you nostalgic

The nostalgic hook is always there, isn’t it? It’s prevalent in the fact that retro gaming has become immensely popular. These days you can buy replica models of all your old favourite consoles from the Famicom (NES) to the Super Nintendo to the Sega Genesis. But the thirst for nostalgia doesn’t just lie in the ability to enjoy the games of yesteryear, it lies in the fact that gaming companies are well aware of the public’s yearning for nostalgia. This is why intellectual properties and gaming characters that were established many years ago still enjoy tremendous popularity today by way of new games for the current generation of consoles. Why else do you think Mario and Luigi have remained popular? Or why do classic LucasArts titles like Monkey Island or Day of the Tentacle still get major play on platforms like Steam? The business of rehash, refurbish and repeat is big bucks and it’s not going to end any time soon. With all this in mind, let us now look at some of the games releases for 2021 that will make you nostalgic.

Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues

What is it about the Karate Kid that fans and mainstream audiences cannot get enough of? An original trilogy, a spin-off sequel and now Cobra Kai, a series that hasn’t just breathed new life into the franchise, it’s practically reinvigorated it. Originally released last year in October for PlayStation 4 (our favourite version in the PS range), Xbox One and Switch, in January of 2021, this beat em up adventure came to the PC. Whether you’re for Johnny Lawrence or Daniel La Russo, there’s going to be some serious butt-kicking going down.

Super Mario 3D World + Bower’s Fury

Will Nintendo ever stop milking the Mario cow? Never! And the innovations just keep on getting better – just ask anyone who’s played Mario Kart Live. Originally released in 2013 and praised for accurate gameplay and level design, this title’s timing and the decline of the Wii U meant it didn’t get the right love. Released on the Switch in February of this year, Super Mario 3D World gives players 100 levels to run, jump and solve and lets up to 3 players enjoy it.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

To think there was a time when Star Wars merchandising was rare, for lack of a better word. There were toys but they were mainly collectables. We have Disney to thank for today’s pleasant inundation. After acquiring LucasFilms for just over $4 billion, Disney set about expanding the universes made popular by Lucas. Disney’s index membership is the S&P 500 Communication Services Sector, Russell 1000, Russell 3000, Dow Jones Composite Average, Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 100 and S&P 500. Anyone with an interest to invest in indices and tech companies would do well not to overlook Disney. However, we digress; back to the game at hand! Released in June of this year to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order recreates that raw energy of what it’s like to be learning about and mastering the force. This game’s perspective is not that of a master, but of a Padawan. You’ll see for yourself as you used your lightsaber to skilful effect while using the force to execute acrobatics movements. As is standard of the Star Wars universe, this game’s biggest drawcard is the entertaining way it lets you explore its world.