It was a year of disappointments (New World, Biomutant, Icarus...). But the games I liked and played most of 2021 are:

1. Skyrim: Wabbajack Septimus AE!
10 Years after Release in 2011, I am back in Skyrim with the Wabbajack Septimus AE Mod-Pack 2021. It is unbelievable, what modders can do. It feels like a new game just released in 2021. With stunning graphics, reworked combat, new content and DLCs - you can decide, how you want to play the game: every mod can be edited. New adventures, new NPC, Followers, Enemies... Go read the description and dive in Skyrim all over again!
2. Age of Empires IV
They really nailed it: The series is back with the utmost care by Relic Entertainment, displaying a commendable work like not many others. AOE is back once again.
3. Medieval Dynasty (Full Release)
Well, I talked about how good it is in EA. And now it is Released: Go get it and build your own dynasty!
4. Diablo II: Resurrected
The fires of hell burn hotter than ever, bringing the tale of the Dark Wanderer back in an eye (and ear) blisteringly good way.
5. New World BETA
New World is my biggest disappointment of the year. But, I had a good time in my Beta playthrough (70 hours). It is not enough to play it again - too repetitive and broken.
6. Zelda: Skyward Sword HD
7. Humankind
8. Tales of Arise
9. Wildermyth
10. Monster Hunter Rise

1. Baldur's Gate III (EA)
As a Divinity Original Sin and Baldur's Gate admirer, these two together... hell yeah! The EA was already very promising, loved it a lot and I am looking forward playing the full released game - gonna be a masterpiece!
2. Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord (EA)
This game has it all: It is an RPG, a life sim, a real-time tactics affair and a grand strategy game all rolled into one. ... You're just one person, not especially noteworthy, in a world full of much more important people, and it's up to you where you go from there... The EA is pretty in-depth already.
3. Medieval Dynasty (EA)
MD is one of the best early access releases I have ever played, a stunning massive world, fleshed out mechanics and a clearly defined road map. If you like simulation/survival genres, watch this games development with great interest: Story, weather, seasons, building, hunting, butter up the locals or find yourself a wife and build your own dynasty!
4. Phasmophobia (EA)
You’re going to be jumpy, you will get constant chills and you will fight over who needs to stay alone in a dark room to speak with the potentially murderous entity... A horrifying ghost hunting co-op game!