This Criminally Underrated 2021 Game Restored My Love of Gaming

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As someone who writes about games, I always thought my love for them would stay strong, no matter what. I figured big events like Nintendo Directs, PlayStation State of Plays, and Developer Directs would always excite me the way they used to, and that every new game announcement would keep my passion burning. But surprisingly, even I’ve found my enthusiasm fading at times, despite dedicating so much of my life to video games.

I’m realizing my enthusiasm for gaming is fading again. It’s not that I don’t enjoy games anymore, but fewer and fewer of them truly satisfy me. While stuck with nothing to do, I’ve been thinking about games that have pulled me out of similar funks before. The last time I really needed it, a game called Sable (from 2021) completely reignited my passion – it wasn’t just fun, it felt deeply fulfilling.

Sable Is An Underrated Gem

While playing Sable, I had a rare moment of pure enjoyment. Gliding over the game’s stunning, dreamlike landscape – inspired by the art of Moebius – with the wind whipping around me, I felt completely lost in the experience. The beautiful music by Japanese Breakfast added to the otherworldly feeling, and I found myself genuinely smiling as I explored this strange and wonderful world. It was a level of fun I hadn’t felt while gaming in a long time.

Sable is an exceptional and unique game. It beautifully combines peaceful, dreamlike exploration with a compelling story, creating a powerful sense of purpose beyond simple completion. I felt a strong connection to Sable and her world, eager to discover its secrets and help her on her journey of self-discovery. The game’s coming-of-age story particularly resonated with me at a time when I was questioning my own identity.

Even if you weren’t feeling down, you’d likely still love Sable. It’s a fantastic open-world adventure filled with interesting people, beautiful scenery, and cleverly designed quests. Smooth platforming, collectibles, and a glider add to the fun. Like Breath of the Wild, which clearly inspired it, Sable is one of the best open-world games out there because it lets you explore and discover things at your own pace. It trusts you to find what makes it special, without constantly pointing you in the right direction.

Unfortunately, the PlayStation 5 version of the game launched with significant problems, leading to a lot of negative reviews. Originally, removing the game’s exclusivity to Xbox should have been a positive step, allowing many more players to enjoy its unique world. However, this backfired. The larger audience on PS5 encountered a buggy and slow-performing version, which turned them off the game and discouraged others from trying it. Even though the technical issues have been addressed, Sable remains unfairly overlooked, despite being a genuinely strong and creative game.

Sable Restored My Love Of Gaming (And Music)

It’s often said to turn your passions into a career, and for many people, that’s good advice. But for me, video games were a refuge from difficult emotions. Unfortunately, turning my hobby into work – requiring analysis, criticism, and a naturally pessimistic outlook – ruined the enjoyment I once found in gaming. It became unpleasant, like when studying a classic book or novel in school – something you initially loved but eventually grow to resent.

Even if I hadn’t been working as a games journalist, my love for gaming would likely have faded anyway. As you get older, life naturally brings more responsibilities, worries, and fears. These feelings were made even worse by my ongoing struggle with depression. What used to be a fun and relaxing escape – spending hours playing games – started to feel like a painful and unproductive activity. As my depression worsened, I lost interest in everything I once enjoyed, including hobbies, music, books, games, and life itself.

Luckily, I discovered Sable, which really hit the spot. I connected with its ideas about finding yourself and figuring out who you are. But even more than that, I loved its beautiful landscapes and relaxed gameplay. It doesn’t hold your hand, so you have to be willing to put in the effort and really get involved. You can’t just drift through Sable and expect to enjoy it. In a way that no other game could at the time, Sable made me genuinely feel invested.

It’s hard to truly get lost in a game unless it’s genuinely enjoyable, and Sable definitely delivers. It reminded me of the special feeling you get when a developer pours their heart into a project, and how a truly inspired game can connect with you in a way other media like movies, TV, and books just can’t. The game’s soundtrack, by Japanese Breakfast, was also fantastic – songs like Glider and Better the Mask even inspired me to discover a new type of music.

Sable is a wonderful example of how powerfully games can change a person’s life, thanks to the deep connection they create with the player. It’s disappointing that it doesn’t get the recognition it deserves, because it offers a really enjoyable experience, similar to Breath of the Wild. I especially need a game like Sable right now to remind me what I love about gaming. I wish I could experience it again for the first time!

Has a video game ever really stuck with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-07 02:11