It has been a great year so far for gamers, as 2025 has delivered several outstanding games already. The year isn’t over yet, but so far we’ve had sleeper hits like Blue Prince and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 alongside fun blockbuster titles like Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Doom: The Dark Ages
On top of that, the Switch launched earlier this year and several of its exclusives have been some of the best games of the year. Mario Kart World is pure pedal-to-the-metal racing action, Donkey Kong Bananza is an exciting adventure for the ape wonder of the world, and we’re still looking forward to more first-party releases throughout the year.
You can also count on indie games to surprise and delight, as some of the best and weirdest games are often found in this category. Like last year, we’ll be keeping track of the best of the best throughout 2025, so you can revisit this page to see which games have made the cut.
As a reminder, a game has to earn a high review score of at least 8 to make it onto this list. That doesn’t mean that games scoring below this threshold aren’t worth looking at, as these titles can still be pretty great if you can overlook some of their flaws.
Split Fiction — 10
Our first game of 2025 to earn a rare 10/10 score, Split Fiction is another masterpiece from developer Hazelight. The studio has crafted some of the best co-op games of recent memory, and following in the footsteps of the critically acclaimed It Takes Two, Split Fiction is a ripping yarn full of terrific levels, exciting gameplay, and likable leads.
Read our Split Fiction review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Blue Prince — 9
Some of the best games are the ones that test your mental muscles while offering a unique experience to savor, and this year, Blue Prince more than meets those qualifications. Approachable but challenging, it’s a masterfully crafted roguelike puzzle game set inside a shapeshifting manor house full of intricate details and grand mystery. The end result is a unique architectural adventure and one of the most memorable games of 2025 so far.
Read our Blue Prince review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Cabernet — 9
Anyone looking to sink their teeth into a vampire story will want to check out Cabernet, as this 2D narrative-driven RPG puts a fascinating spin on the infamous monsters. Set in 19th century Eastern Europe, Cabernet is an intriguing examination of vampires through a grounded lens and narratively fulfilling character arcs.
Read our Cabernet review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Claire Obscur: Expedition 33 feels like a breath of fresh air in the fantasy RPG genre. While there are familiar elements here, developer Sandfall Interactive also puts a novel spin on these ideas by re-imagining the traditional turn-based structure and blending it with action to create an engaging experience. Throw in gorgeous graphics, an elegant art direction, and an emotional story anchored by a cast of captivating characters, and Sandfall’s debut game is an instant classic.
Read our Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Donkey Kong Bananza — 9
Donkey Kong Bananza might just be the best reason to get a Switch 2, as the lovable musclehead shines in this colorful adventure. The central concept of destruction is perfectly executed, the core gameplay is a blast of fun, and it plays like a highlight reel of Donkey Kong magic. This is a new direction for DK, and a must-play title for all fans of the greatest ape.
Read our Donkey Kong Bananza review. Available for Switch 2.
Elden Ring: Nightreign — 9
After a hit game and a critically acclaimed expansion, just how much fuel was left in the Elden Ring gas tank? Plenty, as From software subverts your expectations in this thrilling cooperative multiplayer game. Elden Rign: Nightreign condenses the core souls-like experience into an unforgettable adventure that is fast, aggressive, and ruthless in its challenge.
Read our Elden Ring: Nightreign review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.
Herdling — 9
There just aren’t enough Journey-like games being made these days, but fortunately, developer Okomotive is filling that void with its superb adventure game Herdling. A game that’ll appeal to people who care deeply for animals and nature, Herdling is a beautiful trek across scenic vistas and it tells a grand story without ever needing to speak a single word. Minimalistic but impactful, it’s a reminder of just how much responsibility humanity has been entrusted with as the apex species on this planet.
Read our Herdling review. Available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 — 9
Like the best sequels, Kingdom Come 2 improves on the original game in almost every area. The journey through 15th century Bohemia features engaging quests, thrilling combat, and an incredibly polished experience overall. There are surprises around every corner in this medieval adventure, as the game expertly blends choices and consequences with deep RPG elements to create an exciting knight’s tale.
Read our Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Lego Voyagers — 9
A gorgeous and touching story of companionship, Lego Voyagers is an effortlessly charming co-op game. It’s full of creative puzzles, tranquil vibes, and a heartwarming story that reminds you why Lego is an experience that’s best shared with a friend, whether it be physical or digital.
Read our Lego Voyagers review. Available for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and Switch.
Lost Records: Bloom and Rage — 9
Don’t Nod has established itself as one of the best studios for narrative-driven games, and the first chapter of Lost Records: Bloom and Rage is a promising start for a new series. This coming-of-age story feels authentic and explores adolescence through a superb presentation, relatable characters, and novel camcorder-focused gameplay.
Read our Lost Records: Bloom and Rage review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Mario Kart World — 9
A colorful racing game that builds on the foundation of Mario Kart 8, Mario Kart World is both a joy to play and constantly rewarding. It’s the first big exclusive of the Switch 2 era, and one of the best games in the long history of this beloved franchise.
Read our Mario Kart World review. Available on Switch 2.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater — 9
Remaking a beloved classic is no easy feat, and the task becomes even more daunting when that game is considered to be the very best entry in the legendary Metal Gear Solid series. To its credit, Konami has successfully modernized Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, bringing it to life with vivid graphics, an overhauled control scheme on par with contemporary games, and a wealth of extra content. These upgrades and tweaks enhance Snake’s dangerous mission for a new generation while still feeling familiar to veterans of the series, and its unchanged Cold War-era story remains as timeless as ever.
Read our Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance — 9
After years of hiding in the shadows, Sega’s Shinobi series has made a big comeback with a game that both honors its legacy and evolves it for a new audience. With Streets of Rage 4 developer Lizardcube at the helm, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a fast-paced action game full of delicious combos to dial in and shurikens to hurl at unsuspecting foes. Old-school at its core, this new Shinobi adventure does the franchise proud with its slick gameplay and reverence for the past. It’s good to see Joe Musashi back in action.
Read our Shinobi: Art of Vengeance review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch.
The Alters — 8
An engrossing combination of base-building, survival, and self-reflection, The Alters is a captivating experience. Managing a workforce comprised of your alternate selves while you race to avoid being fried by a looming sunrise on a barren alien planet is consistently engaging, but it’s moral dilemmas and interactions with your human resources that’ll stick with you after you roll credits on this sci-fi gem.
Read our The Alters review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows — 8
A beautiful tour of feudal Japan, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is an exciting adventure full of moments that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. Admittedly, that’s if you decide to focus on Naoe for your playthrough, as co-protagonist Yasuke feels out of place in this action-RPG when compared to his shinobi counterpart. Naoe’s gameplay elevates the traditional stealth experience, and while there are narrative shortcomings, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is still a worthwhile entry in the series.
Read our Assassin’s Creed Shadows review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Capcom Fighting Collection 2 — 8
Capcom continues to raise the bar for game preservation with its compilations, and while some entries in Capcom Fighting Collection 2 haven’t aged too well, this is still a rock-solid package to check out. Titles like Capcom Fighting Evolution and Power Stone are weak in comparison to gems like Plasma Sword and Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper, but this is still a treasure trove of classic games to check out.
Read our Capcom Fighting Collection 2 review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch.
Cronos: The New Dawn — 8
Bloober Team delivered an impressive remake of Silent Hill 2 last year, but with Cronos: The New Dawn, the studio proves that it’s just as adept at crafting original tales of suspense. Best described as Dead Space meets a cult-classic ’80s time-travel dystopian movie, Cronos will keep you on your toes with its sci-fi horror and enemies that’ll test your fight-or-flight responses. It has a dangerous world that you’ll want to explore in its entirety, as well as one of this year’s best video game soundtracks with its catchy synth beats.
Read our Cronos: The New Dawn review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Dead Take — 8
Surreal and intellectually stimulating, Dead Take is a fascinating dive into the mind of an actor. It’s anchored by a cast of incredible performers and meaty gameplay with rewarding puzzle mechanics, making for a short harrowing experience that’s hard to put down once it sinks its hooks into you.
Read our Dead Take review. Available on PC.
Doom: The Dark Ages — 8
With its medieval-inspired direction, Doom: The Dark Ages is thrilling to play thanks to its harmonious fusion of solid gunplay and heavy metal close-quarters combat. The appeal of ripping and tearing through armies of demons feels better than ever, as the game finds a satisfying balance between fast-paced action and satisfyingly brutal new gameplay mechanics.
Read our Doom: The Dark Ages review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
EA Sports College Football 26 — 8
After more than a decade away, EA’s collegiate football series made a triumphant return last year, and this year’s entry in the franchise builds on that momentum. While EA Sports College Football 26 is an iterative sequel, there’s still plenty here to enjoy from renewed emphasis on rivalries between colleges to exciting modes that offer a thrilling alternative to other football games on the market.
Read our EA Sports College Football 26 review. Available for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered — 8
It might have been one of the worst-kept secrets in gaming, but the grand remaster of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion still manages to surprise thanks to the sheer depth of the work done to freshen it up for a new generation of gamers. While some of the gameplay is admittedly still rough, the charm here lies in the incredible visual overhaul alongside numerous quality-of-life changes done by developer Virtuos and Bethesda.
Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Read our The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered review.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves — 8
Fatal Fury: City Of The Wolves is a colorful fighting game that offers a polished fighting system inspired by its past and some forward-thinking with the balanced REV System. Energetic and loaded with a roster that encourages experimentation, Fatal Fury: City Of The Wolves is only slightly hamstrung by its sparse selection of gameplay modes.
Available on PC, PS5, PS4, and Xbox Series X|S. Read our Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves review.
FBC: Firebreak — 8
Remedy Entertainment is known for its single-player games, but FBC: Firebreak sees the studio venture into live-service territory in this Control spin-off. While its opening hours are admittedly a bit of a slog to get through, FBC: Firebreak does start to open up once all the pieces fall into place. Making class-based builds feels rewarding, the gunplay is rock-solid, and the intentional push to reject the trappings of live-service FOMO makes for a fun time with friends.
Read our FBC: Firebreak review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
The First Berserker: Khazan — 8
The First Berserker: Khazan wears its souls-like inspiration on its sleeve, but at the same time, it puts its own spin on the genre with a few clever ideas. A killer combo of parry-heavy combat straight from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, visuals that pack a punch, and hard-hitting action will keep you on the edge of your seat in this thrilling adventure.
Read our The First Berserker: Khazan review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Lies of P: Overture — 8
Featuring a compelling story at its core, Overture is more of the same in the best way possible. You’ve got an expanded arsenal to experiment with, more enemies to test your skills, and imaginatively designed locations to explore in this meaty expansion.
Read our Lies of P: Overture review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.
Luto — 8
It’s downright criminal that we never got to see Hideo Kojima’s take on Silent Hill–PT–but the next best thing might just be Luto. An unpredictable ghost story, Luto is undeniably inspired by PT but it rises above that comparison by being a well-crafted experience that can shock and amaze you in equal measure.
Read our Luto review. Available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Madden NFL 26 — 8
With annual franchises like Madden, there’s no getting around the fact that each game provides iterative upgrades at best. In Madden NFL 26, those new gameplay features are being added to an already solid foundation of sporting action, and they’re surprisingly bigger than you’d imagine them to be. Pairing the series’ great on-field gameplay with a complete overhaul of Franchise mode has resulted in the best NFL sports-RPG fantasy in years.
Read our Madden NFL 26 review. Available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2.
MLB The Show 25 — 8
Like other sports games, MLB The Show 25 is another fine example of incremental improvements leading to impactful changes. Tweaks have helped to further polish its captivating gameplay, resulting in a game that feels more dynamic than ever with every swing of the bat. Throw in a reworked progression system and improvements to several gameplay modes, and MLB The Show 25 is another great day out for baseball fans.
Read our MLB The Show 25 review. Available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch.
Monster Hunter Wilds — 8
Monster Hunter World and Monster Hunter Rise did a great job in building a rock-solid foundation for the series, and with Monster Hunter Wilds, Capcom’s series feels more welcoming than ever to newcomers. Thanks to several clever gameplay tweaks, polished gameplay, and new systems that emphasize flexibility, Monster Hunter Wilds offers a fun time for all on its new frontier.
Read our Monster Hunter Wilds review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
NBA 2K26 — 8
The NBA 2K series is in a league of its own when it comes to basketball, and once again, it raises the bar for just how authentic a sports-simulator video game can be. While the deeply embedded pay-to-win shenanigans can sour the experience, at its core, NBA 2K26 is still a dynamic game full of welcome tweaks to its gameplay and graphics that take another step forward toward photo-realism.
Read our NBA 2K26 review. Available for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox, Switch 2, and Switch.
Ninja Gaiden: Rebound — 8
2025 is turning out to be the year of Ninja Gaiden, as this gem of a retro-inspired game is comfortably sandwiched between a well-crafted remaster and an upcoming sequel from the series. Blasphemous developer The Game Kitchen recaptures the magic of the classic Ninja Gaiden games, using them as inspiration to create a relentlessly challenging action-platformer that feels like it was ripped straight out of the SNES era.
Read our Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound review. Available for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch.
Old Skies — 8
A touching tale of love and loss wrapped up in an engrossing mystery, Old Skies is an enchanting point-and-click adventure game in which you play as professional time traveler Fia Quinn. Throw in themes of fatalism and superb voice acting as you journey through various eras of New York City, and you’ve got a terrific story to explore here.
Read our Old Skies review. Available on PC and Switch.
Revenge of the Savage Planet — 8
While its combat could feel more impactful, Revenge of the Savage Planet is still a fun game and a sharp satire of corporate greed. It never takes itself too seriously, and whether you’re on your lonesome or teaming up with a friend in co-op, exploring its diverse planets makes for an engaging mix of platforming and puzzle-solving.
Read our Revenge of the Savage Planet review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII — 8
Civilization VII doesn’t reinvent its 4X turn-based wheel, but it does make some significant changes to its design. How these changes will shape up in the grand scheme of things remains to be seen–as some of them could very contentious with longtime players–but at its core, the Firaxis-developed strategy game is still as compelling as ever. Whether you’re shaping civilization through diplomacy or warfare, Civilization VII has a strong foundation to build upon in the years to come.
Read our Civilization VII review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch.
The Sims 4: Enchanted By Nature — 9
At this point in the life-cycle of The Sims 4, there’s a mountain of DLC out there for the life-simulator. Enchanted By Nature solidifies its position as one of the best paid DLC releases for the game, as it goes all in on the idea of living your best fantasy life with its vibrant locales and enchanting fairy gameplay.
Read our The Sims 4: Enchanted By Nature review. Available for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.
Skin Deep — 8
Skin Deep is a fine example of taking a genre known for being traditionally dark and injecting some absurdity into it. The oddball immersive sim is delightfully silly, but it’s also a puzzle box that requires you to think on your feet, come up with clever solutions, and experiment with every tool in the environment to triumph against overwhelming odds.
Available on PC. Read our Skin Deep review.
South of Midnight — 8
South of Midnight plays it safe with its gameplay, but it more than makes up for it with a fantastic story, a setting that feels authentic, and imaginative visuals. An exploration of the American Deep South, South of Midnight is mechanically sound in its construction and stunning in its storytelling.
Read our South of Midnight review. Available on PC and Xbox Series X|S.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 Review — 8
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4 perfected the gameplay of the series, and decades later, they’re getting a chance to shine once again in a package that enhances them for a new generation. Admittedly, some baffling decisions have been made with regards to the game’s Career mode, but beyond that, virtual skateboarding just doesn’t get any better than this.
Read our Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 Review. Available for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch 2.
Sunderfolk — 8
Like the best board game experiences, Sunderfolk is a blast when you have a few friends along for the ride. Inspired by tabletop games, this turn-based tactical RPG is a fun example of how teamwork and strategy can come together to create a grand adventure.
Read our Sunderfolk review. Available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch.
Virtua Fighter 5 REVO — 8
Virtua Fighter 5 has been knocking around for a few years now, but this new edition of the classic fighting game updates it for modern audiences. More than just a high-definition visual refresh, Virtua Fighter 5 REVO features fine-tuned gameplay, a balanced roster of colorful brawlers, and player-requested rollback netcode for satisfying online matches.
Read our Virtua Fighter 5 REVO review. Available on PC, PS5, and PS4.
Disclosure: GameSpot and Fanatical are both owned by Fandom.
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers — 8
It’s very easy to see the souls-like DNA in Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, and while it can play like a derivative compilation of From Software’s greatest hits, it also hits that mark with exceptionally well-crafted gameplay that’ll appeal to fans of the genre. There are admittedly some balancing and performing issues to work out, but if you’re looking for a souls-like with meaty combat, beautifully designed levels, and a gorgeous art direction, this is highly recommended.
Read our Wuchang: Fallen Feathers review. Available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
WWE 2K25 — 8
This year’s entry in the sports entertainment video game franchise sticks to that script, delivering an engaging Showcase Mode, a gigantic roster of superstars, and gameplay tweaks that make WWE 2K25 feel like a main-event superstar. The game also introduces The Island, a PvPvE social space heavily inspired by NBA 2K’s The City, but you’ll want to avoid it in case you aren’t a fan of egregious microtransactions.
Read our WWE 2K25 review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.
Every other GameSpot review in 2025
As mentioned above, not every game released this year is a winner. That doesn’t mean that they’re not worth playing, and if you can overlook some of their issues, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised. In case you missed them or you’d like some extra insight, we’ll be running a list of the games that didn’t make the cut like the other titles above did, and we’ve arranged them in alphabetical order so that you can quickly find what you’re looking for.
- Alien: Rogue Incursion — 5
- Atomfall — 7
- Avowed — 6
- Borderlands 4 — 7
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach — 7
- Deliver At All Costs — 5
- Destiny 2: The Edge of Fate — 6
- Discounty — 7
- Drag X Drive — 5
- Dune: Awakening — 7
- Dynasty Warriors: Origins — 7
- Eternal Strands — 6
- Grounded 2 (Early Access) — 7
- Hell is Us — 7
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The Order of Giants DLC — 7
- InZoi (Early Access) — 6
- JDM: Japanese Drift Master — 5
- Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii — 7
- Mafia: The Old Country — 6
- Mecha Break — 6
- Rematch — 7
- Shadow Labyrinth — 5
- Sniper Elite: Resistance — 6
- Suikoden 1 and 2 HD Remaster Gate Rune & Dunan Unification Wars — 6
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown — 7
- Tales of the Shire — 4
- To a T — 6
- Wanderstop — 7
Great to see such enthusiasm for gaming in 2025! It sounds like a fantastic year for players, and I’m excited to hear about all the amazing titles that have come out already. Looking forward to seeing what else is in store!
I completely agree! With so many innovative titles released already, it’s exciting to see how developers are pushing the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay. I’m curious to see which games will become fan favorites by the end of the year!
I totally get that! It’s fascinating to see how developers are pushing boundaries with new gameplay mechanics and storytelling techniques. I think it sets a high bar for the rest of the year!
Absolutely! It’s impressive how innovative mechanics are reshaping player experiences. Plus, the storytelling in some of these games really enhances immersion, making them even more engaging.
I agree! The introduction of new mechanics really does elevate gameplay. It’s fascinating to see how developers are pushing boundaries, especially with immersive storytelling and AI integration. It makes me excited to see what the rest of the year will bring!
I completely agree! It’s intriguing how these new mechanics not only enhance gameplay but also encourage developers to think outside the box. I’m particularly excited about how they can create more immersive experiences in future titles.
I totally see your point! It’s fascinating how innovative mechanics can foster deeper player engagement and creativity. Plus, the storytelling in these games seems to be evolving alongside the gameplay, making for a richer experience overall.
Absolutely! It’s interesting to note how many of these games are also prioritizing narrative depth alongside innovative mechanics, which really enhances the overall experience. It’s exciting to see where game design is heading this year!