<![CDATA[grimmys - Horrible Night]]>https://horriblenight.com/https://horriblenight.com/favicon.pnggrimmys - Horrible Nighthttps://horriblenight.com/Ghost 1.20Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:03:24 GMT60<![CDATA[The 2021 Grimmys Recap: Games of the Year Awards]]>

We’d almost call this year's deliberations efficient. 2021 got better than it deserved in our treatment of the Games of the Year. Justin and Ryan revisit the debates and winners of The 2021 Grimmys.

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Show Features

Cast: Justin Lacey,

]]>https://horriblenight.com/2022/02/07/the-2021-grimmys-recap-games-of-the-year-awards/620168850914c304bcd59bbfMon, 07 Feb 2022 21:57:29 GMTThe 2021 Grimmys Recap: Games of the Year Awards

We’d almost call this year's deliberations efficient. 2021 got better than it deserved in our treatment of the Games of the Year. Justin and Ryan revisit the debates and winners of The 2021 Grimmys.

Subscribe

Show Features

Cast: Justin Lacey, Ryan Billingsley

  • How'd the show go?
  • The Awards
    • Interruption Awards
    • Featured Awards
    • Grimmys Champions Gauntlet
    • Games of the Year
  • 2022 Predictions

More Games of the Year

The 2021 Grimmys
Games of 2021 Podcast Interviews
Games of the Year Lists

]]><![CDATA[The 2021 Grimmys: Game of the Year]]>

Game of the Year

The consensus pick for Horrible Night's Game of the Year 2021.

Grimmy Winner

Unpacking

When the dust settled on this curious year of gaming, there were plenty of games we enjoyed, but not many we all loved. Picking through that rubble there was one game none of us had anything bad to

]]>https://horriblenight.com/2022/02/07/the-2021-grimmys-game-of-the-year/620194d90914c304bcd59c38Mon, 07 Feb 2022 21:55:58 GMTThe 2021 Grimmys: Game of the Year

The 2021 Grimmys: Game of the Year

The consensus pick for Horrible Night's Game of the Year 2021.

The 2021 Grimmys: Game of the Year

Unpacking

When the dust settled on this curious year of gaming, there were plenty of games we enjoyed, but not many we all loved. Picking through that rubble there was one game none of us had anything bad to say about it. Unpacking is pleasant, joyful, and thought provoking. The gameplay taps into something that is simultaneously peaceful and stressful. The story is hardly noticeable until it forces you to take notice of what it is trying to say. It’s relatable, charming, and everyone should play it. You always find the right place for the important things in life.

Horrible Night's Top Ten Games of the Year 2021

  1. Unpacking
  2. Monster Hunter: Rise
  3. Lost Judgment
  4. Guardians of the Galaxy
  5. Forza Horizon 5
  6. Metroid Dread
  7. Eastward
  8. MLB The Show 21
  9. Tales of Arise
  10. Gunfire Reborn

The 2021 Grimmys: Game of the Year

]]><![CDATA[The 2021 Grimmys: Developer of the Year]]>

Developer of the Year

Most impressive development studio of 2021.

Grimmy Winner

Square Enix Internal Teams - Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker

One version of Square Enix would have quit on Final Fantasy XIV. Another version would have just let it drag on in its miserable existence without the Real Reborn. Since that relaunch though, the FF

]]>https://horriblenight.com/2022/02/07/the-2021-grimmys-developer-of-the-year/620194370914c304bcd59c30Mon, 07 Feb 2022 21:52:52 GMTThe 2021 Grimmys: Developer of the Year

The 2021 Grimmys: Developer of the Year

Most impressive development studio of 2021.

The 2021 Grimmys: Developer of the Year

Square Enix Internal Teams - Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker

One version of Square Enix would have quit on Final Fantasy XIV. Another version would have just let it drag on in its miserable existence without the Real Reborn. Since that relaunch though, the FF XIV has steadily delivered on a vision for a game that most players didn’t care about. Until we had to. Now we all want in, and that’s a problem that the FF XIV team fixed by making what should be an industry standard decision in not allowing new players. Gutsy and absolutely the right call for its players and the stability of this great game. We hope Square Enix leadership learns from this genius new standard.

Finalists

  • Eidos-Montreal - Guardians of the Galaxy
  • Playground Games - Forza Horizon 5

The 2021 Grimmys: Developer of the Year

]]><![CDATA[The 2021 Grimmys: Story of the Year]]>

Story of the Year

Best overall story / narrative in games this year.

Grimmy Winner

Guardians of the Galaxy

What the hell is this? This game? Of all things, this award? We don’t know what Eidos-Montreal is doing with its writers or how they ended up making the best Guardians movie yet, but what a wonderful

]]>https://horriblenight.com/2022/02/07/the-2021-grimmys-story-of-the-year/620193920914c304bcd59c28Mon, 07 Feb 2022 21:49:58 GMTThe 2021 Grimmys: Story of the Year

The 2021 Grimmys: Story of the Year

Best overall story / narrative in games this year.

The 2021 Grimmys: Story of the Year

Guardians of the Galaxy

What the hell is this? This game? Of all things, this award? We don’t know what Eidos-Montreal is doing with its writers or how they ended up making the best Guardians movie yet, but what a wonderful surprise. Unexpected feels for not only the narrative journey, but they may have salvaged a hero we had given up on.

Finalists

  • Unpacking
  • Lost Judgment

The 2021 Grimmys: Story of the Year

]]><![CDATA[The 2021 Grimmys: Best Performance]]>

Best Performance

The actor / actress behind the character that stole the most scenes in video games this year.

Grimmy Winner

Drax (Jason Cavalier) - Guardians of the Galaxy

The ensemble could have won as a group, but this version of Drax is our favorite Guardian. This Drax walked the same line the game did

]]>https://horriblenight.com/2022/02/07/the-2021-grimmys-best-performance/620192e90914c304bcd59c20Mon, 07 Feb 2022 21:47:05 GMTThe 2021 Grimmys: Best Performance

The 2021 Grimmys: Best Performance

The actor / actress behind the character that stole the most scenes in video games this year.

The 2021 Grimmys: Best Performance

Drax (Jason Cavalier) - Guardians of the Galaxy

The ensemble could have won as a group, but this version of Drax is our favorite Guardian. This Drax walked the same line the game did between giving audiences something familiar but with Eidos-Montreal’s own spin on things. This Drax has layers of motivation, grief and purpose that we didn’t know were possible.

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Finalists

  • Kit (Debra Wilson) - Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
  • Yagami (Takuya Kimura) - Lost Judgment

The 2021 Grimmys: Best Performance

]]><![CDATA[The 2021 Grimmys: Best Sounding Thing]]>

Best Sounding Thing

Greatest sound design or soundtrack of the year.

Grimmy Winner

Guardians of the Galaxy

Top level execution across the board as far as voice acting, atmosphere, and gameplay effects. A Guardians of the Galaxy movie quality soundtrack that really shines during Huddles. But, come on, on top of that you’re going

]]>https://horriblenight.com/2022/02/07/the-2021-grimmys-best-sounding-thing/62018f0c0914c304bcd59c18Mon, 07 Feb 2022 21:30:25 GMTThe 2021 Grimmys: Best Sounding Thing

The 2021 Grimmys: Best Sounding Thing

Greatest sound design or soundtrack of the year.

The 2021 Grimmys: Best Sounding Thing

Guardians of the Galaxy

Top level execution across the board as far as voice acting, atmosphere, and gameplay effects. A Guardians of the Galaxy movie quality soundtrack that really shines during Huddles. But, come on, on top of that you’re going to make a hair metal album for Star-Lord. You shouldn’t have. Thank you so much.

Finalists

  • Returnal
  • Eastward

The 2021 Grimmys: Best Sounding Thing

]]><![CDATA[The 2021 Grimmys: Best Looking Thing]]>

Best Looking Thing

A singular object or complete theme that is technically impressive or full of style.

Grimmy Winner

Forza Horizon 5

Mexico maybe should have won Best New Character this year because Playground Games is getting pretty awesome at making their worlds feel alive and authentic to their real world counterparts. This game changed

]]>https://horriblenight.com/2022/02/07/the-2021-grimmys-best-looking-thing/62018e840914c304bcd59c10Mon, 07 Feb 2022 21:28:05 GMTThe 2021 Grimmys: Best Looking Thing

The 2021 Grimmys: Best Looking Thing

A singular object or complete theme that is technically impressive or full of style.

The 2021 Grimmys: Best Looking Thing

Forza Horizon 5

Mexico maybe should have won Best New Character this year because Playground Games is getting pretty awesome at making their worlds feel alive and authentic to their real world counterparts. This game changed a lot of what we knew about Mexico and showed it in a overdue light. Plus, you know these cars look just as good as the terrain they are tearing up.

Finalists

  • Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
  • Guardians of the Galaxy

The 2021 Grimmys: Best Looking Thing

]]><![CDATA[The 2021 Grimmys: Gimmick of the Year]]>

Gimmick of the Year

The best thing in a video game or multiple games.

Grimmy Winner

Wirebug - Monster Hunter Rise

It was an easy bullet point to overlook in this sequel’s list of additions to a franchise that almost plays perfectly already. However, if there was one thing Monster Hunter needed, it was a

]]>https://horriblenight.com/2022/02/07/the-2021-grimmys-gimmick-of-the-year/62018cf60914c304bcd59c08Mon, 07 Feb 2022 21:24:47 GMTThe 2021 Grimmys: Gimmick of the Year

The 2021 Grimmys: Gimmick of the Year

The best thing in a video game or multiple games.

The 2021 Grimmys: Gimmick of the Year

Wirebug - Monster Hunter Rise

It was an easy bullet point to overlook in this sequel’s list of additions to a franchise that almost plays perfectly already. However, if there was one thing Monster Hunter needed, it was a bit more speed in getting around the map and getting to hunts. Wirebugs are the best way to explore the world and they also bring a few more fun variables to great combat design.

Finalists

  • Interior Design - Unpacking
  • Huddles - Guardians of the Galaxy

The 2021 Grimmys: Gimmick of the Year

]]><![CDATA[The 2021 Grimmys: Mr. Dave Award for Best New Character of the Year]]>

Mr. Dave Award for Best New Character of the Year

The stand out character of the year that did not exist in video games prior to 2021.

Grimmy Winner

Kit - Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Everything about R&C Rift Apart’s story works because of Kit. She was a wonderful surprise that completes the entire experience. And what can

]]>https://horriblenight.com/2022/02/07/the-2021-grimmys-best-new-character/62018bf00914c304bcd59c00Mon, 07 Feb 2022 21:18:05 GMTThe 2021 Grimmys: Mr. Dave Award for Best New Character of the Year

The 2021 Grimmys: Mr. Dave Award for Best New Character of the Year

The stand out character of the year that did not exist in video games prior to 2021.

The 2021 Grimmys: Mr. Dave Award for Best New Character of the Year

Kit - Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Everything about R&C Rift Apart’s story works because of Kit. She was a wonderful surprise that completes the entire experience. And what can we say, we’re a sucker for when a robot can make us feel things in our cold hearts.

Finalists

  • Colt Vahn - Deathloop
  • Yoko Sawa - Lost Judgment

The 2021 Grimmys: Mr. Dave Award for Best New Character of the Year

]]><![CDATA[The 2021 Grimmys: Best Indie Game Debut]]>

Best Indie Game Debut

The best game this year that was the first game from the development studio.

Grimmy Winner

Eastward - Pixpil

Eastward just seems like it was made by a team of veteran RPG designers who have played our favorites. You are instantly drawn to the characters and the world is wondrous, beautiful, and

]]>https://horriblenight.com/2022/02/07/the-2021-grimmys-best-indie-game-debut/62018b490914c304bcd59bf8Mon, 07 Feb 2022 21:14:13 GMTThe 2021 Grimmys: Best Indie Game Debut

The 2021 Grimmys: Best Indie Game Debut

The best game this year that was the first game from the development studio.

The 2021 Grimmys: Best Indie Game Debut

Eastward - Pixpil

Eastward just seems like it was made by a team of veteran RPG designers who have played our favorites. You are instantly drawn to the characters and the world is wondrous, beautiful, and yet familiar. It’s going to be tough for Pixpil to top this, but we can’t wait to see them try.

Finalists

  • Gunfire Reborn - Duoyl Games
  • Kena: Bridge of Spirits - Ember Lab

The 2021 Grimmys: Best Indie Game Debut

]]><![CDATA[The 2021 Grimmys: Best Game Feel]]>

Best Game Feel

Makes hands happy.

Grimmy Winner

Rocket League Sideswipe

No one asked for this. It shouldn’t work, but Rocket League designed for mobile evokes the same competitive juices as its legendary cousin. It only works because the touch controls are so damn intuitive. Plus, going OP with a controller makes us want

]]>https://horriblenight.com/2022/02/07/the-2021-grimmys-best-game-feel/62018aa00914c304bcd59befMon, 07 Feb 2022 21:11:40 GMTThe 2021 Grimmys: Best Game Feel

The 2021 Grimmys: Best Game Feel

Makes hands happy.

The 2021 Grimmys: Best Game Feel

Rocket League Sideswipe

No one asked for this. It shouldn’t work, but Rocket League designed for mobile evokes the same competitive juices as its legendary cousin. It only works because the touch controls are so damn intuitive. Plus, going OP with a controller makes us want it on other platforms, too.

Finalists

  • Death’s Door
  • MLB The Show 21

The 2021 Grimmys: Best Game Feel

]]><![CDATA[The 2021 Grimmys: Ongoing Game of the Year]]>

Ongoing Game of the Year

Still alive and awesome in 2021.

Grimmy Winner

Genshin Impact

Coming up with an excuse to stop playing Genshin Impact is the biggest issue with the game. There's more content that’s better than ever on top of a world that was already fun to explore. If you don’t want to

]]>https://horriblenight.com/2022/02/07/the-2021-grimmys-ongoing-game-of-the-year/620189450914c304bcd59be6Mon, 07 Feb 2022 21:07:37 GMTThe 2021 Grimmys: Ongoing Game of the Year

The 2021 Grimmys: Ongoing Game of the Year

Still alive and awesome in 2021.

The 2021 Grimmys: Ongoing Game of the Year

Genshin Impact

Coming up with an excuse to stop playing Genshin Impact is the biggest issue with the game. There's more content that’s better than ever on top of a world that was already fun to explore. If you don’t want to get gacha’d, the gameplay is still a helluva free-to-play bargain.

Finalists

  • Final Fantasy XIV
  • Deep Rock Galactic

The 2021 Grimmys: Ongoing Game of the Year

]]><![CDATA[The 2021 Grimmys: Old Game of the Year]]>

Old Game of the Year

Game not released or remastered in 2021 that still stood out.

Grimmy Winner

Monster Hunter World

Preparing for a new sequel is serious business, and when that causes the previous game to unlock all of its content at once it becomes a free for all. Crazy to think we may never need

]]>https://horriblenight.com/2022/02/07/the-2021-grimmys-old-game-of-the-year/620181660914c304bcd59bcdMon, 07 Feb 2022 21:01:34 GMTThe 2021 Grimmys: Old Game of the Year

The 2021 Grimmys: Old Game of the Year

Game not released or remastered in 2021 that still stood out.

The 2021 Grimmys: Old Game of the Year

Monster Hunter World

Preparing for a new sequel is serious business, and when that causes the previous game to unlock all of its content at once it becomes a free for all. Crazy to think we may never need to go back to this World now.

Finalists

  • Judgment
  • Breath of the Wild

The 2021 Grimmys: Old Game of the Year

]]><![CDATA[The 2021 Grimmys: Interruption Awards]]>

Interruption Awards

Nominees on the fly. One Winner.

Featured Throughout The 2021 Grimmys Deliberations Podcasts

Grimmy Winner

Winners

  • Best Hype Package - Resident Evil Village
  • More of These Award - Inscryption
  • Best Waste of Time - Loop Hero
  • Best Digital Butt - Chris Redfield - Resident Evil Village
  • Comeback Award - Back 4 Blood
]]>https://horriblenight.com/2022/02/07/the-2021-grimmys-interruption-awards/620185170914c304bcd59bceMon, 07 Feb 2022 20:51:24 GMTThe 2021 Grimmys: Interruption Awards

The 2021 Grimmys: Interruption Awards

Nominees on the fly. One Winner.

Featured Throughout The 2021 Grimmys Deliberations Podcasts

The 2021 Grimmys: Interruption Awards

Winners

  • Best Hype Package - Resident Evil Village
  • More of These Award - Inscryption
  • Best Waste of Time - Loop Hero
  • Best Digital Butt - Chris Redfield - Resident Evil Village
  • Comeback Award - Back 4 Blood
  • Video Game Ass Video Game Award - Halo: Infinite
  • Gateway Game - Unpacking
  • Couch Game of the Year - Rogue Heroes: Ruins of Tasos
  • Let's Hang Out Award - Kaito - Lost Judgment
  • Game We Didn't Play of the Year - Life is Strange: True Color

The 2021 Grimmys: Interruption Awards

]]><![CDATA[The 2021 Grimmys: Games of the Year Deliberations]]>

Welcome to The 2021 Grimmys - HorribleNight.com's Games of the Year Awards. Our voting panel this year features Justin, Ryan, and Aaron alongside a critics corner with Ethan, Cole, and JB. They nominate, deliberate, and select finalists and award winners for 12 different awards including Horrible Night's Top Ten

]]>https://horriblenight.com/2022/01/31/the-2021-grimmys-games-of-the-year-deliberations/61f84e0a0914c304bcd59ba7Mon, 31 Jan 2022 21:14:13 GMTThe 2021 Grimmys: Games of the Year Deliberations

Welcome to The 2021 Grimmys - HorribleNight.com's Games of the Year Awards. Our voting panel this year features Justin, Ryan, and Aaron alongside a critics corner with Ethan, Cole, and JB. They nominate, deliberate, and select finalists and award winners for 12 different awards including Horrible Night's Top Ten Games of the Year.

Subscribe

The 2020 Grimmys - Games of the Year Awards

Part One

FEATURED AWARDS

  • Old Game of the Year
  • Ongoing Game of the Year
  • Best Game Feel
  • Best Indie Game Debut

INTERRUPTION AWARDS

  • Best Hype Package
  • More of These Award
  • Best Waste of Time
  • Best Digital Butt

Part Two

FEATURED AWARDS

  • Gimmick of the Year
  • Best Looking Thing
  • Best Sounding Thing
  • Best Performance
  • Story of the Year
  • Developer of the Year

INTERRUPTION AWARDS

  • Comeback Award
  • Video Game Ass Video Game Award
  • Gateway Game
  • Couch Game of the Year
  • Let's Hang Out Award
  • Game We Didn't Play of the Year

Part Three

  • Grimmys Champions Gauntlet
  • Top Ten Games of the Year

More Games of the Year

Games of 2021 Podcast Interviews
Games of the Year Lists
The 2021 Grimmys

]]>