The year 2025 has already proven to be a phenomenal one for gamers, with a steady stream of high-quality releases across all genres. From critically acclaimed indie darlings to highly anticipated AAA sequels, this year has delivered impressive experiences. This list highlights the best games that have earned a review score of 8 or higher, showcasing the diverse talent and creativity in the industry. Expect this page to be updated as more outstanding titles emerge throughout the year.
Key Takeaways
- Hades 2 and Split Fiction have both achieved perfect 10/10 scores, setting a high bar for game quality in 2025.
- Major franchises like Elden Ring, Assassin’s Creed, and Doom have delivered strong entries with “Nightreign,” “Shadows,” and “The Dark Ages,” respectively.
- Nintendo continues to impress with Switch 2 exclusives like “Mario Kart World” and “Donkey Kong Bananza.”
- A wide array of genres are represented, from roguelites and RPGs to beat-’em-ups and narrative adventures, indicating a healthy and varied gaming landscape.
The Pinnacle: Perfect Scores and Near-Perfect Experiences
Leading the charge with flawless scores are Hades 2 and Split Fiction. Supergiant Games’ Hades 2 has emerged from early access as a masterclass in roguelite design, building upon the original’s success with deeper storytelling and refined combat. Hazelight Studios’ Split Fiction continues their streak of innovative co-op experiences, offering a narrative-driven adventure that is both thrilling and engaging.
Strong Contenders: Games Scoring 9/10
A wealth of titles have achieved a 9/10, demonstrating the exceptional quality of games released this year. These include:
- Absolum: A unique blend of beat-’em-up action with roguelike mechanics.
- Arc Raiders: An extraction shooter praised for its cooperative gameplay and satisfying progression.
- Blue Prince: A challenging yet accessible roguelike puzzle game set in a mysterious manor.
- Cabernet: A narrative-driven 2D RPG offering a fresh take on vampire lore.
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: A fantasy RPG that innovates on turn-based combat with action elements.
- Donkey Kong Bananza: A vibrant adventure for the Switch 2, showcasing classic Donkey Kong charm.
- Elden Ring: Nightreign: A thrilling cooperative multiplayer expansion for the acclaimed action RPG.
- Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles: A definitive version of the beloved tactical RPG classic.
- Ghost of Yotei: A larger, more polished follow-up to Ghost of Tsushima.
- Goodnight Universe: A surprising and heartfelt narrative game with unique premise.
- Herdling: A beautiful, wordless adventure game reminiscent of Journey.
- Hollow Knight: Silksong: The highly anticipated sequel delivering polished metroidvania gameplay.
- Mortal Kombat Legacy Collection: A comprehensive compilation of classic fighting games.
- Keeper: A strange, visually stunning, and emotionally resonant experience from Double Fine.
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2: An improved sequel offering an engaging medieval RPG experience.
- Lego Voyagers: A charming co-op game focused on companionship and creative puzzles.
- Lost Records: Bloom and Rage: The promising start to a new narrative series from Don’t Nod.
- Mario Kart World: A stellar exclusive for the Switch 2, building on the beloved racing formula.
- Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater: A successful modernization of a classic stealth-action title.
- Shinobi: Art of Vengeance: A fast-paced action game that revitalizes the Shinobi series.
- Silent Hill F: A new benchmark for the psychological horror series, praised for its atmosphere and storytelling.
- The Sims 4: Enchanted By Nature: A standout DLC pack offering a fantasy-infused life simulation experience.
Solid Performers: Notable Games Scoring 8/10
The 8/10 tier is packed with a diverse range of excellent titles:
- The Alters: A captivating blend of base-building, survival, and narrative choices.
- Ambrosia Sky: Act One: A unique take on sanitization and survival horror in space.
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows: An exciting adventure in feudal Japan, with a slight caveat regarding its co-protagonist.
- Capcom Fighting Collection 2: A solid package of classic fighting games, featuring some gems.
- Cronos: The New Dawn: A thrilling sci-fi horror experience with a standout soundtrack.
- Dead Take: A surreal and intellectually stimulating dive into an actor’s psyche.
- Digimon: Time Stranger: A strong entry that carves its own identity within the monster-collecting genre.
- Dispatch: An episodic superhero narrative game with witty writing.
- Doom: The Dark Ages: A brutal and satisfying return to Doom’s medieval-inspired roots.
- Dying Light: The Beast: An exciting addition to the franchise with satisfying combat and survival horror.
- EA Sports College Football 26: A strong return for the collegiate football series.
- EA Sports FC 26: An accessible and engaging iteration of the popular football simulation.
- The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered: A visually impressive overhaul of a beloved RPG.
- Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves: A polished fighting game with innovative mechanics.
- FBC: Firebreak: A unique live-service spin-off from the Control universe.
- The First Berserker: Khazan: A souls-like that puts its own spin on the genre with clever ideas.
- Kirby Air Riders: A deep and chaotic kart racer for the Switch 2.
- Lies of P: Overture: A substantial expansion that offers more of what made the original great.
- Lumines Arise: A visually and aurally stunning puzzle game revival.
- Luto: A horror experience inspired by P.T. that stands on its own.
- Madden NFL 26: An iterative sequel that significantly improves the Franchise mode.
- MLB The Show 25: Another strong entry in the baseball simulation series with incremental improvements.
- Monster Hunter Wilds: A more accessible and flexible entry for newcomers and veterans alike.
- NBA 2K26: A highly authentic basketball simulator, despite some microtransaction concerns.
- Ninja Gaiden 4: A fast-paced action game that reignites the mainline series.
- Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound: A retro-inspired action-platformer that captures the magic of classic Ninja Gaiden.
- Old Skies: An enchanting point-and-click adventure with a touching story.
- Once Upon a Katamari: A delightfully absurd entry that expands on the Katamari formula.
- The Outer Worlds 2: A confident sequel offering flexible combat and meaningful choices.
- Revenge of the Savage Planet: A fun and satirical exploration game with engaging platforming.
- Sid Meier’s Civilization VII: A compelling strategy game with significant design changes.
- Skin Deep: An absurd and clever immersive sim that encourages experimentation.
- South of Midnight: A mechanically sound game with a stunning story and authentic setting.
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4: A fantastic remaster that brings classic skateboarding to a new generation.
- Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter: A faithful remake that serves as a perfect entry point to the series.
- Sunderfolk: A fun tactical RPG that shines in co-op.
- Virtua Fighter 5 REVO: A modern update to a classic fighting game with excellent netcode.
- Wuchang: Fallen Feathers: A highly recommended souls-like with strong combat and art direction.
- WWE 2K25: Delivers on its core modes but falls short with its social space.
Games Not Making the Cut (Scores Below 8)
While the above games represent the best of 2025 so far, many other titles have been released. Some notable mentions that didn’t quite reach the 8/10 threshold include:
- Alien: Rogue Incursion — 5
- Atomfall — 7
- Avowed — 6
- Battlefield 6 — 7
- Borderlands 4 — 7
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 — 7
- Death Stranding 2: On the Beach — 7
- Dune: Awakening — 7
- Fire Emblem Shadows — 3
- Grounded 2 (Early Access) — 7
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The Order of the Giants DLC — 7
- Little Nightmares 3 — 7
- Mafia: The Old Country — 6
- Plants Vs. Zombies Replanted — 7
- Pokemon Legends: Z-A — 7
- Tales of the Shire — 4
- Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 — 7
Why This Matters
The sheer volume and quality of games released in the first half of 2025 paints a vibrant picture of the current gaming landscape. We’re seeing established franchises deliver polished sequels and expansions, while innovative new IPs and remasters are pushing boundaries. The continued success of roguelites like Hades 2 and narrative adventures from studios like Don’t Nod highlights a player base eager for both familiar refinement and fresh experiences. The strong performance of Nintendo exclusives on the Switch 2 also underscores the platform’s enduring appeal. This year is shaping up to be a landmark for gaming, offering something for every type of player.
This article was based on reporting from GameSpot. A huge shoutout to their team for the original coverage.
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