Test Orbital Transmission Layout v2

[View this email in your browser]( [Open Ars Technica in your browser]( The odd COVID-19 era production pipeline for TV and film may get all the attention, but our video game-playing hearts know new releases in that world have also been delayed due to the challenges of the last year-plus. And now that we're one-third of the way into 2021 with another spring of digital-only marquee gaming events on the horizon, we're left reflecting on a simple idea: Has there been a great game release in 2021, yet? We've certainly enjoyed a handful of early year titles, but determining the best game of 2021 so far is a big instance of "beauty in the eye of the beholder." If you enjoy an old-school aesthetic and modern survival game ethos, [Valheim]( on Steam Early Access is probably the clear choice. But if you're more of a co-op player who can embrace light gameplay and a teeny tiny bit of worthwhile story, [It Takes Two]( is probably more of your flavor. [Loop Hero]( exists for the RPG diehards, while early impressions of [Diablo II](make us wonder if remakes should be eligible for GOTY status. For this week's Orbital Transmission, we're sharing a few of the most recent games that have our minds churning about what 2021 has to offer players so far. Though it's still early, we've had a few high profile releases already (just not all of 'em have been good, [Resident Evil]( fans). And given all the time society has had on the couch in the last 12-16 months, we could all use a few new options instead of trying to beat [Hades or Ghosts of Tsushima]( again. —[Nathan Mattise]( Dealmaster's Deal of the Week Dealmaster's Deal of the Week Jabra Elite 75t for $130 at Amazon (normally $150) For those who aren't already set on a pair of AirPods, the Jabra Elite 75t are [an excellent alternative](, combining good comfort, fun sound, and solid battery life. This deal is only $10 off the all-time low. Also at [Walmart](. [$130 at Amazon]( Orbital Transmission 05.05.2021 Orbital Transmission 05.05.2021 [(image) ]( Returnals will scratch your roguelite itch, but it's not Hades-level [Read Full Story »]( Returnals will scratch your roguelite itch, but it's not Hades-level With PS5's Returnal, it's as if someone at game studio Housemarque looked at 1981's Galaga running next to 2018's God of War and said, "Can we somehow combine these two?" As modern-day astronaut Selene, you're stuck in a time loop that isn't quite as fun as Palm Springs, with each die-and-try resurface coming with new information, new abilities, and often a new lay of the land. With every run, you'll get stronger, in both permanent and temporary ways, and you'll keep going—and keep dying, of course. This game is hard. As Ars Culture Editor Sam Machkovech sums it up, "I've gone to sleep thinking about the game's best blasting moments, eager to wake up the next day and return (returnal?) for 'one more run.' Yet at its worst, Returnal's roguelite trappings sometimes threaten to bring the whole package down—especially if you're not very good at high-speed shooter games." [Read Full Story »]( [(image) ]( Deadeus is the choose-your-own-adventure Game Boy thriller we wanted decades ago [Read Full Story »]( Deadeus is the choose-your-own-adventure Game Boy thriller we wanted decades ago That's not a misprint—there are new games, released in 2021, for the classic Nintendo Game Boy. It's all part of a DIY scene driven by GB Studio, a free engine for building games to the specifications of a standard Game Boy. For us, Deadeus stood out among the notable projects. Centered around a young boy trying to avoid a catastrophic event over the course of three days, the game is a tad higher concept than your average Game Boy thriller. It may borrow the trappings of Pokémon Red and Blue, but this strange adventure is more Donnie Darko than Link's Awakening, featuring multiple paths to its 11 different endings. Its creator also shouts out inspirations like Lisa: The Painful and Tower of Heaven, so head over to [Itch.io if you want a sample]( before shelling out for the cartridge and finding your old GB at your parents' house. [Read Full Story »]( [(image) ]( The new New Pokémon Snap is a perfect chill safari for venturing back into the world [Read Full Story »]( The new New Pokémon Snap is a perfect chill safari for venturing back into the world If the US COVID-19 vaccination efforts can continue ramping up ahead of the summer, it's possible many of us will get to venture out of our homes again for the first time in months—which means the duality of the Switch becomes crucial again. And for our upcoming brief gaming stints (whether in planes, trains, or passenger-seats of automobiles), the new Pokémon Snap is ideal for that niche circumstance. If your heart doesn't melt just a little seeing a Pichu frolicking through a field with a Grookéy, you're probably not going to get much out of this game. But for the rest of us, these short safaris spent snapping selfies of Squirtle or Snorlax are an ideal way to regularly spend 10 or 15 glee-filled minutes. [Read Full Story »]( [(image) ]( What matters in tech, in your inbox every morning. [Read Full Story »]( What matters in tech, in your inbox every morning. Source Code is Protocol’s daily tech newsletter, giving you an inside view of a fast-moving industry. David Pierce and Source Code will keep you ahead of the competition so you can start your day briefed on the people, power and politics of tech. You’re busy; let us help. 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