BEST CONSOLE EXCLUSIVE
Previous Winners
2018: Super Smash Bros: Ultimate
2019: Fire Emblem: Three Houses
2020 was pretty much just crappy for everyone, and all of us here at oprainfall got tied up in the madness last year. This made doing our yearly awards basically impossible. This year, we have gotten back on track, and it’s time for me to present the award for Best Console Exclusive. There are not many console exclusives nowadays, but these two examples really stand out from the pack.
Shin Megami Tensei V
NA Release Date: November 12, 2021
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Review
Most of us at oprainfall eagerly awaited the release of Shin Megami Tensei V ever since it was announced way back at a Nintendo Direct. When it released this year, we were all delighted at how the final product turned out. Most of us here agree this is one of the best games in the series in terms of gameplay, story, and overall presentation. I think this is the most approachable game in the series for newcomers, but that’s not to say it’s easy by any means. Demons can still one shot you at any given moment, forcing you to reload and lose progress if you weren’t savvy enough to save often. In the end, with all the various difficulty options and quality of life improvements, Atlus really succeeded in keeping the game true to its roots for old fans while making it open enough to attract new ones. This certainly secures it a spot in the Best Console Exclusives for 2021.
Metroid Dread
NA Release Date: October 8th, 2021
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Review
Metroid fans had been clamoring for a new 2D entry into the series for many years. They were all super excited when Metroid Dread was announced and hoped the game would deliver on their lofty expectations, and it did just that. With an amazing atmosphere, tight gameplay, and great replay value, most fans seem very pleased with the offering Nintendo has given them. They managed to retain all the challenge and charm of the original 2D games while adding some amazing 3D environments into the mix. Let’s just hope fans don’t have to wait nearly as long for Samus’ next 2D adventure.
And this year’s best console exclusive is…
Shin Megami Tensei V!
While Samus gave the demons a good run, we felt that Shin Megami Tensei V just edged her out a little bit. The great story telling, amazing design and top tier gameplay make Shin Megami Tensei V not only one of the Best Console Exclusives for the year, but one of the best games released this year, period. I hope Atlus does a bit more with the mainline franchise, since the story of law vs chaos is always an interesting one, and something we can all relate to everyday.
