Halo (20 Years)
Big Video Game Anniversaries in 2021
The Halo franchise hits a big milestone this year. Halo: Combat Evolved was a launch game for the Xbox in November 2001.
The series would go on to become Microsoft’s biggest exclusive for the Xbox and one of the highest grossing video game franchises of all time.
We already know that the next game in the series, Halo Infinite, is due to release in late 2021 after it had been delayed in 2020. The release now coincidentally lines up with the 20th anniversary of the franchise.
Crash Bandicoot (25 Years)
Big Video Game Anniversaries in 2021
The first game in the Crash Bandicoot series released in September 1996, originally created as a platformer exclusive to Playstation but has since seen released across many other consoles.
The franchise saw multiple main series games and spin-offs until 2010; then, there wouldn’t be another game until 2017 when the trilogy was remade. 2020 finally saw a brand new Crash game, aptly named It’s About Time.
Since It’s About Time recently released, it’s unlikely we’ll see a brand new title in the series for the anniversary this year. However, we already know that a mobile game called Crash Bandicoot: On The Run is coming in March.
Resident Evil (25 Years)
Big Video Game Anniversaries in 2021
The Resident Evil series also sees its 25th anniversary in 2021. The first game of this survival horror and shooter franchise was released in 1996 on the PlayStation.
Resident Evil is probably best known for defining its genre and popularizing zombies in video games. It’s Capcom’s best-selling franchise, and it even has several successful movie adaptations.
In 2021, Capcom will be celebrating the franchise’s anniversary with a brand new game in the series: Resident Evil: Village.
Pokemon (25 Years)
Big Video Game Anniversaries in 2021
The first Pokemon games (Red, Green, and Blue) were released in Japan for the Game Boy 25 years ago in 1996. Since then, Pokemon has boomed in popularity, becoming the highest-grossing media franchise of all time.
In addition to main series releases, there have been numerous spin-offs, remakes, an ongoing TV show, many movies, and more. Not a year goes by without some sort of new Pokemon content.
The Pokemon Company already revealed the 25th anniversary logo a few months ago during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. We also made some predictions of what a perfect anniversary year for Pokemon would look like.
Sonic the Hedgehog (30 Years)
Big Video Game Anniversaries in 2021
Sega’s mascot turns 30 years old this year. The very first Sonic game released on the Genesis in June 1991 and became one of the most iconic platformers of all time.
The series has seen many titles in the form of 2D platformers, 3D platformers, racing games, and other spin-offs. Sonic the Hedgehog was even among the highest-grossing movies of 2020 with just over $146 million.
We already know that Sega plans to recognize Sonic’s 30th anniversary at the very least; they’ve already revealed a logo for the anniversary. We’ll have to wait and see if they have any exciting announcements to share.
Kid Icarus (35 Years)
Big Video Game Anniversaries in 2021
Kid Icarus has a bit of a cult following compared to some of the other games on this list, but its anniversary is still worth celebrating. The first game released on the NES in 1986, putting the series at the ripe-old age of 35 in 2021.
The franchise would only see two more games: a sequel in 1991 and then a long hiatus until Kid Icarus Uprising revived the series in 2012. Despite this, the series remained popular through character inclusions in Super Smash Bros.
With so many other Nintendo franchises having anniversaries this year, it’s unlikely we’ll see another Kid Icarus game or any celebration for it at all. We’re probably recognizing it more than Nintendo will. Sorry, Pit!
Castlevania (35 Years)
Big Video Game Anniversaries in 2021
Castlevania has become one of the most well-known gaming franchises of all time, and it all started with the first game released in September 1986 in Japan for the NES.
Since then, over 25 Castlevania titles have been released, and the franchise has carried a powerful legacy. There has even been a Netflix adaptation.
A few years ago, Castlevania received an anniversary collection celebrating Konami’s 50th anniversary, so it is unknown if anything could be in the works for the 35th anniversary of the series itself.
Metroid (35 Years)
Big Video Game Anniversaries in 2021
1986 was a big year for to-be-important video game releases. The first Metroid game was released in August that year in Japan for the NES. Who could forget the epic ending of Samus taking off her helmet and revealing her identity?
This series, which combined the popular platforming and adventure genres, would see over a dozen releases, from both 2D and 3D games to remakes and spin-offs.
We already know that Metroid Prime 4 is currently in development, but it seems like it may be a way off, so we probably shouldn’t expect it to release for the anniversary. I’d take the Prime trilogy for Switch to hold us off, though.
The Legend of Zelda (35 Years)
Big Video Game Anniversaries in 2021
35 years ago, in February 1986, the very first The Legend of Zelda game released in Japan for the NES. This was the hero Link’s first adventure through Hyrule to save Princess Zelda, and it set the stage for every game in the series after that.
Since then, there have been 18 main series Zelda games as well as several spin-offs, such as the recent Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity.
We already know that Breath of the Wild’s sequel is in development. Could it possibly release in 2021 for the 35th anniversary of the series? We recently pondered that as well as other things Nintendo could do to celebrate.
Donkey Kong (40 Years)
Big Video Game Anniversaries in 2021
If this one doesn’t make you feel old, I don’t know what will.
The original Donkey Kong game was released in arcades in July 1981. It was one of the earliest platformers known, and it even predates Mario himself (he was known only as ‘Jumpman’ in that game).
This was Donkey Kong’s debut, and the game’s success helped to make him one of Nintendo’s most recognizable characters. Donkey Kong is considered to be one of the most important and influential arcade games of all time.
40 years later, Donkey Kong has appeared in dozens of platformers, racing games, party games, and more. There has been no announcement of a new game in the works, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Nintendo honors this franchise with something exciting in 2021.
A Few Other Anniversaries to Make You Feel Old…
In addition to the ones above, here are a few more game anniversaries in 2021 that we feel are worth mentioning:
- Pokemon GO turns 5 years old
- Overwatch turns 5 years old
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim turns 10 years old
- Pokemon Diamond and Pearl turn 15 years old
- Super Smash Bros. Melee turns 20 years old
- Runescape turns 20 years old
- Animal Crossing turns 20 years old
- Fatal Frame turns 20 years old
- Tomb Raider turns 25 years old
- Super Mario 64 turns 25 years old
- Dragon Quest turns 35 years old
And some consoles:
- Nintendo 3DS turns 10 years old
- Wii turns 15 years old
- PlayStation 3 turns 15 years old
- GameCube turns 20 years old
- Nintendo 64 turns 25 years old
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