Game of the Year 2021: JANE, MIKE AND ELLEN DECIDE | Day 2 

When Jane was describing how Hitman 3 looks I was genuinely expecting to see the clip of her watching the rain dripping down his head from that challenge she did with Mike.

On the one hand I want to make a joke about how onbrand Mike's choice was. On the other hand, I think it's really sweet that he's picked up that the standards for Forza are so high that it's next to impossible for a game in the series to standout, one of those "people will only notice if it's done badly" situations, and took the opportunity to highlight the quality of the game and give kudos where he felt it was deserved

I like the Ancient Greek chorus of Andy and Jane shouting in disbelief as Mike picks another racing game.

Jane wins by having a memory that stretches back to ye olden days of 12 months ago.

When I walked onto the dancefloor in Hitman 3´s Berlin level for the first time and felt vibrations in rhythm with the bass, that got harder the closer I walked to the DJ booth, I had one of these rare "oh my god this is magic" moments

Love these kind of videos. The ones where someone almost-monologues about a game or whatever for a bit while the rest of the team basically heckles them. Great stuff

Andy chirping in the background is always a good thing lol

Oh my god I didn’t know about Hot Wheels Unleashed but that “Gimme fuel, gimme fire” opening line sent me STRAIGHT back to being 4 years old playing hot wheels on the PlayStation 1. I don’t think I’ve ever bought a game so fast.

Andy’s Siri is an honorary member of OX in my book.

my favourite tiny detail in Hitman 3 is that everywhere has the correct plug sockets on the walls

This style of video with the Statler and Waldorf-style commentary just off screen is my favorite.

Mike really is right. The fact fh5, has been so well reviewed, so massive, and played by so many people. But left out of something like game of the year shows how much it's taken for granted

Deathloop helped Ellen discover the true joy of going full Mike

I was already laughing at “The Dame Judi Dench of videogames” but that editing just slayed me 😂

Mike's enthusiasm almost makes me want to try a racing game. Almost.

15:21 Andy's Siri is now my favorite Oxboxtra member

If u didn't know what Mike's GoTY was gonna be b4 he said it you must be new here lol

6:49 *Andy:* “Damn you, Moneky’s Paw!” 😂

My GotY is Unpacking. It's chill and relaxing (much needed this year) and I've replayed it at least a dozen times. The story is really sweet, and I love that you can go back and find better, more organized places to put things away. Plus the ending always makes me teary, and crying is cathartic. 😊

I remember the days of playing Forza Motorsports 3 and going on the message boards where everyone was saying _"The graphics have really come along. We're at a point where I'd like them to break down the barriers around the track so we could explore the landscape around Maple Valley or the Nurburgring..."_ Forza Horizon is literally the answer to all those requests.

"The Dame Judi Dench of video games...reliably brilliant every single time." Tell me you haven't seen "Cats" without telling me you haven't seen "Cats"...

Mike: I've got a lovely bunch of automobiles, big ones, small ones, some the sizes of your head!

Mike's pick was 100% predictable, but in his defence, Forza Horizon 5 is absolutely brilliant.

Really did not expect Jane to pick Hitman! I was thinking she would for sure pick Life is Strange, Unpacking, or evil genius

My GotY weirdly enough probably would be Cyberpunk 2077, because thanks to a dodgy internet connection I wasn't able to play it prior to January 2021, when the worst bugs had been ironed out. And I loved almost every second of it. Yes, it had its kinks and some scenes were somewhere between questionable and appalling. But as someone who played the P&P RPG for the first time in 1992, the moment I stepped into Night City, I knew this was everything I imagined - and then some. So yeah, CP77 is my GotY.

I think 'Baby's First Time Loop' is actually Outer Wilds, and now I'm really curious to know if Ellen has ever played that one since she loves time loops so much. No shooting, just a lot of picking up information and blowing up.

there is something magical about going through a level and neutralizing every enemy without any of them knowing what is going on.. or sneaking past them and only taking out the target and again with them having no idea what is going on. always saw that as more of a challenge than just running and gunning.. so enjoyed stealth far more.. but fun to cut loose too.

I spent this year watching your channels. I don’t even watch TV at this point. I watch OX and OXtra, and I put on one of your playlists to fall asleep.

1:13 one could also refer to it as a Game Judi Dench :) sorry

I generally don't purchase recent releases, but I did pick up Wildermyth this year, and man, it is such a lovely idea and so well executed. Procedurally generated fantasy adventure story with a legacy system where your characters can have children who go on to be heroes themselves. It's amazing!

1:13 Game Judi Dench?

I have defeated the inability to travel the last 2 years with my inability to pay for a vacation for the last 2 decades. You can't take away from me what I never had. Mike did a great job on selling me on both his games. Driving cars, large and small, does sound fun. Outside Xbox as a whole already sold me on Hitman but I'm not so far as 3 yet. Ellen pointed out that there are actually a few games for that hardware so available I constantly forget it "was released" a year ago.

Agreeing with Mike, that it would be nice to have more fun and social multiplayer games. Noticed this especially throughout the pandemic when you can't meet your friends and just need a nice place to hang out and mess about but still want to have room for talking to each other.

11:37 Not the hero we deserve, but then again--- it's his first day...

Not being able to go out is literally why I enjoy video games so much. I've been housebound for many years and games allow you to experience things you wouldn't normally be able to experience so I agree with Jane about hitman 3. I've not played it but from what I've seen it's gorgeous 😍

Maybe Mike's point about not going on a vacation is why New Pokemon Snap was my game of the year. Just a relaxing safari photography adventure that you can play at your own pace is why i loved it so much. Pretend you're on a vacation while you're actually on lockdown.

I'm curious to know Mike's views on Gran Turismo 7 when it releases next year. I'm considering it as an option for a racing game. However, I know it's meant to be closer to a racing sim with less of the open world arcade aspects of GT Sport and Forza Horizon 5. Hitman 3 is my game of the year as well. I got into the Hitman series from watching Andy, Jane, and Mike's ways to play vids. I got hooked on them and Hitman is one of my go-to games for when I just want to relax. I do find them relaxing and not really stressful. The stakes are lower than when I'm playing, say, Bloodborne or DS3. If I mess up I can reload a save or just restart/replan the mission. I won't have lost much time from messing up unlike it most of the other games I play. Hitman 3 is also my GOTY in part because it's the only 2021 game I've played. All the others are from 2019 or earlier, lol. I got sucked into the story of Hitman, and I hadn't expected that since the videos don't show the story cutscenes. The cutscene after Dartmoor (avoiding spoilers) had me take a break for a bit before I could play the next mission. The one after Mendoza with Diana was brilliant and I love how they showed 47 in it. The story hooked me and I've taken great enjoyment out of killing the Constant multiple times. I haven't just offed him on the Isle of Sgail only because it's an instant mission failure, but it's so bloody tempting. I have a soft spot for Whittleton Creek, in part from the music. Colorado is a location most people get annoyed with, but I love it. One of the easiest 5 star SAs to get with only Miami really being easier. Colorado is just a fun level for me. I also agree about playing Hitman as a comedy game. Yeah, I take it seriously when I'm going for 5 star SA on missions, but I still giggle stupidly at 47's horrendous murder puns (because I love puns). His deadpan voice for everything is a delight. I usually don't get too mad when a cockup cascade happens when I've misjudged knocking someone out or something. I just reload a previous save (if possible) or just shrug and kill everyone, and then retry the mission without screwing up. I'm playing on the PS5 and it's absolutely gorgeous on there too, and I don't have an Xbox Series X to compare it with (they're probably almost identical anyway). I've considered Deathloop, but I'm still on the fence about it. For one, I'd be using AI Julianna's or whatever because I don't have a PS+ account to allow for online play (because all my games are basically single player), so I'm not sure how that would go. I just need to watch some more gameplay to see if it's something I'd enjoy. I was on the fence about Hitman, to be honest, but I took a chance with buying Hitman 3 and then the Hitman 1 and 2 passes through Hitman 3, and I love it. Hitman 3 (and the previous ones, and the Deadly Sins DLCs and such) and Elden Ring are the only games I've bought at full price recently. Both are worth it, imo.

I find it funny that Deathloop and Returnal are both Shooters where the story had to be pieced together from amnesia and multiple runs of the same areas, I loved both and it's a shame that that's a genre that's popped into my head lol.

Got to agree with Jane on this one- Hitman 3 is absolutely my GOTY, got to give an honourable mention to Death’s Door though!

Mike's choice was a surprise. Said no one LOL

I'm rather shocked that no one so much as mentioned Life is Strange True Colors, though perhaps that's why we haven't had the usual Life is Strange discussion videos on the OX channels.

I played the whole hitman trilogy for the first time in Hitman 3 this year, so that easily wins for me. There's so much to do! So many unique murders and "to die for" voice lines to find! It's honestly jumped into my all time top 10, maybe even top 5.

Kingdoms of Amalur was a monthly pick for PlayStation Plus and I think of Ellen every time I play it.

Ellen makes Deathloop sound like a Hitman level with Dishonoured controls. Which I did not realise I NEEDED.

I agree 100 percent with Mike. Online games need to be more chill! With the option to go high stakes. But often, you just want to hang out and goof around with friends. Without being murdered by a nerd in a flying motorcycle.

I’m not a car person I can’t tell you the name of most cars. But Mike’s points on multiplayer and just chilling and talking nonsense with friends appeals to me a lot.

Kena:Bridge of Spirits is my GOTY: Ember Labs did such a great job in the art design and animation (obvious for an animation studio), but I was also impressed by how the puzzle platformer elements and combat worked together.

i'm glad my fave game of the year got mentioned, even if it was by siri and dismissed by jane

Mike shushing Andy like an exasperated father and Andy is his troublesome kid was hilarious xD Thanks for all the streams and presh mems, Oxbox and Oxtra! See you guys in 2022!

The only "new" release I played this year was Mass Effect Legengary Edition, but, given my long-standing obsession with the trilogy, I think it was always going to be my GOTY regardless.

I chuckled that everyone but Jane forgot HITMAN 3 was a 2021 game. It released on my birthday last year - and my geekly-momentous 42nd birthday, no less. No way I’d forget that! 😂

Before I watch, my predictions are: Forza for Mike, Deathloop for Ellen, Hitman for Jane? In decreasing order of confidence. Mike is 100% going for Forza, but Hitman 3 is just a guess.

A little surprised Life is Strange - True Colours didn't get a mention here, great addition to the series I thought.

I think the most disappointing thing hearing about GOTYs is that I haven't played any of them... the joy of living five years behind...

I can believe Mike hasn't been on real a vacation in two years when the thought of a dust storm even if fake gets him excited 😆.

Shocked Jane didn't pick Mass Effect Legendary Edition. That's like 100 hours of her being able to date Bioware characters and kill indiscriminately

Mike's honorable mention is essential Jeremy Clarkson talking about Alfa Romeos. "Not everyone likes racing games so I should probably pick a non racing game. And then I thought, no I'm guna pick another racing game" and then the game he picked is one that everyone thinks is trash xD

Jane's thirst for Lady D remains strong, I see 😂

I lived in Nevada for around 4 years. I think there was only one sand storm in that time but it was so weird to me who has lived on the east coast my whole life. It kinda looked like a blizzard.

There's been so many great game this year, I absolutely forgot that Resi8 was this year, it feels about 3 years ago now. Deathloop and Forza were amazing, Guardians of the Galaxy was genuinely outstanding, and Psychonauts 2 just brilliant, Necromunda: Hired Gun was a beautiful hidden gem, and so many lovely and sweet indy games.

"you're either an adult or you're a child". I dunno Mike, I reckon you can be both. At least that's what all my toys keep saying about me.

My game of the year is Tales of Arise. Hardly got any mention this year, but was absolutely fantastic!! Honorable mention to Guardians of the Galaxy.

Mike:... Not all the people are into racing games so probably I should pick something that's us not a racing game but then I thought "no, I'll pick another racing game" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 that's why we love you, Mike. Shame we didn't see you play many racing games on this channel tho!

Ok, who had "Jane admits to being part of the Illuminati" on their OxBox Bingo card?

Inscryption is my favourite three games of the year

My GOTY is boyfriend dungeon. Its music was amazing, I had a really nice time the combat even though I don't usually like rogue likes, and it's one of the few games that made me actually invested in the characters emotionally

Mike really sold the hell out of Forza for me. I'm actually interesting in trying a Forza game for once. The social aspect of just driving around together sounds really fun.

I really look forward to the next box-art of Forza Horizon with the quote '"It's the Dame Judi Dench of video games" - Mike Channel'

Hah! I was wondering why Andy hadn't picked Hitman 3! To be fair, though January of 2021 does not feel like a mere YEAR ago. But yeah, gotta go with Jane's choice as tops, simply because I LOVE your Hitman content, and the Hitman 3 "3 Ways To Play" were delightful. :D

I could sense the pain in Mike when Jane told him he doesn't have any free time to play games. Too real, man

There are a ton of hilarious moments in hitman that are spontaneous, gotta give my vote to hitman 3.

Mike: My favorite game is FH5 because I get to take a holiday to Mexico! Probably everyone: Sure Mike, that's the reason it's your favorite game

Honestly if I had to pick a game of the year it would definitely be psychonauts 2 followed by resident evil 8, so the opposite of Andy because of that damn doll level.

MS Flight Simulator made it to XBox Series this year, so I'll stake my claim. For me, this is part Geo-guesser, part sightseeing, with a smattering of roleplay and tinkering. Since the world is rendered in detail, it helps establish an appreciation of geography both in terms of scale and the lay of the land. Then you have the ability to go anywhere and see features and cities that you may be intimately familiar with, or places you've only seen in issues of National Geographic. As to roleplay, you can always wrap a story around a particular flight or challenge-- pretend you're flying friends to Tahoe in a commuter propjob, or act like you're on a medical flight and you have to reach your destination within a time limit, weather notwithstanding. Search and rescue, conduct a security overwatch, or do what the military does and treat a stadium fly-over as a practice mission by 'hitting the target' on cue. Plus, it's fun to just sit in the cockpit and flip important switches at the most inopportune moments.

For me, my GoTY has to be Death’s Door

It would seem Siri is more of a PlayStation fan, then 😂

I thought Ellen would take the opportunity to talk about that new Kingdoms Of Amalur DLC that came out recently

As much as Mike likes Forza, I get the feeling he's never seen 'Cats' ... Even 'Dame' Judi Dench couldn't save that one.

All great choices, but Siri is correct. Ratchet & Clank was 2021's GOTY.

Is luke the mike in games where you go berserk mode, and ellen is like andy where they like to sneaky-sneaky? 🤣

It's always fun when others are in the background contributing little snippets

Siri can be switched to where her voice is controlled by the mute switch so that she doesn’t start suddenly yelling while your phone is on silent. Either that or Andy just loves the chaos

I also paid £65 for Super Street Fighter 2 on the Super Nintendo. In 1994. According to the Bank of England Inflation Calculator that is equivalent to £132.22!

GOTY for me is Death's Door. It's got so much charm to it

I was kind of hoping one of them would give a deadpan, impassioned encomium of GTA 5 just to watch the comments section melt down.

Having driven in a 75+mph (120+kph) 150+ square mile (388 square kilometers) dust storm in the Texas/Mexico area doing it in a video game is leaps and bounds more fun. Fml

Hitman playthoughs has been some of my favorite videos on OutsideXbox, precisely because of your different playstyles. :)

the thing about everything being cheaper and more amazing but not having any time to use it is the cruelest joke

I've been to Mexico four times> My sister, nephews and dad live in Mexico for 12 years. Zero sandstorms.

Life is Strange: True Colors and, if remasters are allowed, Mass Effect Legendary Edition were my games of the year. I spent the rest of the year finishing things like Horizon Zero Dawn and now replaying Mass Effect: Andromeda

I'm with Ellen on this one. So unique in so many ways and well done all around.

10:02 Ah! So that explains the chair 🤔

I just realised Mike sounds EXACTLY like my GP

I figured for sure, Ellen's pick would be the new Fatesworn DLC for Amalur.

Wait… does Famous Stars and Straps still exist in the UK?! Or does Ellen just have an immaculate Famous shirt? I’m jealous either way.

My game of the year is Horizon Zero Dawn as I just got it this year and I haven't played many if any games that actually came out this year.

Riders Republic has to be my GOTY as it's the only 2021 game I've played.

My choice for game of the year in 2021 is Resident Evil Village. The titular village looks suitably eerie and the domains of the four lords look impressive as well like Castle Dimitrescu and House Beneviento. I also found it cool that the four lords have similarities to classic monsters like vampires and werewolves for example. Well done Capcom you've made a very good game.

21:00 really should be one of the OXtra presh mems!

I've been waiting all year for this.