The best games we played in 2025

Gaming in 2025 feels like it’s at an all-time high with the release of new games consoles, exceptional independent titles, and tonnes of mobile games.

An action role-playing game (RPG) developed by War Horse Studios, KCD2 is a sequel to the 2018 game with a strong cult following that has finally made it to the mainstream.

As someone new to the series, I wasn't keen on its realistic and grounded medieval setting. However, I would implore skeptics new to the genre that appreciate a solo adventure to give it a go.

You follow Henry on his quest for justice following his parents' murder and the destruction of his village. A simple classic setting for a shockingly immersive experience.

Combat is hard to master and rewarding. Forests and villages feel alive and dense (and huge!). Random encounters feel organic and the user interface doesn’t break that immersion. The way in which the game world reacts to your choices feels so authentic that you wish to go back and see how it would’ve been if you'd chosen another path.

The graphics are stunning; it runs smoothly and has a rich soundtrack that makes for a well-polished experience. KCD2 pushes the boundaries of the medieval Action RPG, exploring it felt like playing GTA or Red Dead Redemption for the first time. 14-year-old me would’ve lost his mind.

Developer: Warhorse Studios. Platforms:PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Windows

The sequel to the highly critically acclaimed Hollow Knight by Australian independent developer Team Cherry, Silk Song can be considered the GTA VI of indie gaming.

What started as an expansion grew big enough to become a sequel and the devs then spent another six years perfecting it. The hype for this game was high - it sold about 5 million copies opening weekend, crashing multiple online storefronts.

Silksong builds on the rich world of Hollow Knight with a more compelling story. Without spoiling it, the game follows the kidnapped princess Hornet, who upon escaping her captors, finds herself amidst the complex and surreal mystical affairs of the religious kingdom of Pharloom. Hornet’s story is akin to those of mythical demigods; she discovers her connection to Pharloom as she helps rid the kingdom of the madness afflicting it.

Like Hollow Knight, Silksong is a very difficult. The game requires precision, patience, and focus which can lead to moments of incredible highs caused by a sort of flow state from perfectly executing your enemies or platforming puzzles.

But tonnes of frustrating moments which make you want to quit in rage. I never managed to finish this game because it was too difficult, but I still loved every moment of it.

Developer: Team Cherry: Platforms: Linux, macOS, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Written, produced, designed and directed by legendary and eccentric Hideo Kojima, Death Stranding 2 makes the games industry (and the world) a more interesting place.

It’s very hard to explain the plot. To oversimplify it, you are Sam Bridges, played by Norman Reedus, a porter in a hostile post-apocalyptic world. Sam is saving humanity by helping isolated communities reconnect while carrying his adopted infant daughter through a hostile, surreal world where reality and the afterlife are connected.

Bizarre hostile phenomena and technology make it hard for players to comprehend what’s real.

Like the original, the core gameplay is getting things from one place to the another as you crawl across majestic landscapes that make you feel small in a senseless world. This sequel feels much broader, with solid combat, polished stealth gameplay, and more tools and vehicles that make the standard loop more compelling with faster overall pacing. Even the world feels more alive with a new “surrealistic” weather system.

Death Stranding 2 cuts out what didn’t work in the original, gives you more toys to play with, terrifying bosses to beat, all wrapped in the classic surreal Kojima art design.

Developers: Kojima Productions Platforms: PlayStation 5

Every few years a game comes around that is so groundbreaking it sets a new standard for the industry. In 2023 it was Baldur's Gate 3 that exceeded expectations and this year it's Clair Obscur.

The French studio, Sandfall Interactive’s debut title has made massive waves inThe Game Awards 2025 with a whopping 12 nominations. The small 30-person team at Sandfall delivers a fresh new IP that draws inspiration from Belle Époque and turn based combat Japanese Role-Playing games (JRPG).

Each year, people of Lumière witness a haunting ritual where an entity known as “The Paintress” paints descending numbers on the horizon causing people of that age and above disappear.

The story follows members of the 33rd expedition of volunteers that attempt to stop her.

Players control a party of characters leaving their island for the first time on this grim quest for their future, exploring a rich world against great odds in what feels like a dark fantasy French opera with a mesmerising soundtrack.

The game adds real time dodging and parry mechanics to the classic JRPG turned based combat that make you pay close attention to the action. The game really clicks when you notice that it’s easier to avoid getting hit when pressing buttons to the soundtrack, making you better appreciate the music and adding a layer of emotion to key battles in the story. The game is exceptional in all aspects; story, graphics, world building, and voice acting. It really deserves to be Game of the Year.

Sandfall interactive has captivated so many gamers with a small team and a relatively low budget showing the industry that there is a demand for fresh ideas, and you don't need big budgets and huge price tags.

Developer: Sandfall Interactive: Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Cloud Gaming

Abiotic Factor

Survival crafting game for up-to six players. Half-life meets Minecraft. Whacky, funny, and spooky, get your friends to play this with you.

Developer: Deep Field Games (New Zealand Made!): Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S

Blue Prince

Best strategy puzzle game with high stakes and addictive gameplay.

Developer: Dogubomb Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows

Split Fiction

Epic two-player action-adventure for all ages, shame it didn’t get nominated for game of the year.

Developer: Hazelight Studios: Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows