2025 has been an interesting year for games, to say the least. The industry itself looks like its going to burst at any minute, with Microsoft looking more incompetent than usual with their layoffs and Sony still relying on sequels and remasters that take forever to develop. Nintendo is doing better with the Switch 2’s release, but the company introducing $80 games could damage their credibility with fans.
Even with the industry being held together by duct tape and glue, the actual games have done a solid job of keeping excitement alive. These range from AAA titles that surpassed expectations and smaller games that won a whole generation of fans over. As we reach the halfway mark for 2025, we’ve decided to name our best games of the year, at least so far.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
To the surprise of absolutely no one, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has won over fans and critics alike. From its astonishing story to the satisfying gameplay, this French RPG was a reminder that games with a vision that are made by artists who aren’t chained down by AI and trends can still succeed.
It’s hard to call this a “smaller” game since this title has killer visuals and some top actors as voice talent. However, the team at Sandfall Interactive weren’t tied down by publishers who would have demanded microtransactions and other annoying fads. Don’t be surprised if this sweeps awards by the end of the year, especially those “Best RPG” awards.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
After the first game came out to mixed reviews and opinions, it’s surprising to see Death Stranding 2 become an instant hit at launch. Even with Hideo Kojima’s continued involvement, no one expected to see this game get flooded with 9’s and 10’s. Our own reviewer Feliciano loved the game, even with its supposed “walking simulator” elements.
Kojima might feign at hating positive receptions, but a faster pace and more gameplay from the get-go helped things. This is also a game that actually feels like a PS5 exclusive, with consistent frame rates and incredibly fast loading times. We think Kojima is going to have a hard time topping this one, but anything can happen.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
The game that took everyone by surprise, especially those racists. Even with the series’ problematic reputation and other aspects going against it, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has risen above expectations to be one of this years’s best titles. Our reviewer Alister loved the game too, and he’s been critical about previous entries.
Many fans agree that this entry has finally perfected the open-world gameplay it introduced back in Origins. Having two protagonists was also an inspired choice, letting players choose if they want to be stealthy or go all out with massive sword slashes. While the series may never put the Animus to rest, this is still a stellar entry everyone can get a kick out of.
Mario Kart World
We don’t want to praise an $80 game too much, but Nintendo earned it with their efforts here. It would score a lot higher if this were a $60 game, but there’s no denying that Mario Kart World is an outstanding racing game and a perfect launch title to showcase the Switch 2’s power. This is a very good game in spite of that fact.
Unlike the other games in this list, there’s actually a chance that MKW gets better with age. Nintendo is determined to update this game, although recent patches have made the online experience a bit worse. Still, that can always be fixed and we think MKW will go down as one of the series’ best entries.
Hades 2
Despite being in Early Access for the longest time, Hades 2 has already won fans over with its addictive gameplay and sheer amount of content. With the devs claiming that it might get its full release this year, we can see the Supergiant-developed roguelite get plenty of love. This game is coming to Switch 2 and Switch 1, so that widens its already large PC fan base.
Considering all of the content currently available, outside of that main story, we think Hades 2 can continue the same success its predecessor started. We’re all excited to revisit this version of Greek mythology again, especially with all the hot Gods and Goddesses.
Those are our 2025 game of the year candidates thus far. Stick with us here at Gfinityesports.com, when the year ends for our actual thoughts on this year’s best games.
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