2025 has been an exciting year for gaming, with groundbreaking titles pushing technology and storytelling forward — and others reminding us that hype doesn’t always equal quality. Here are six of the best and six of the worst games of the year.
The Best Games of 2025
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
The long-awaited sequel to the medieval RPG builds on everything that made the original a cult hit. Its realistic world, immersive combat, and attention to historical detail earned it praise from both fans and critics. Though demanding, it rewards patience with an incredibly lifelike experience.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
A fresh and emotional role-playing adventure, this indie gem stands out for its stunning art direction and unique combat system. Players were drawn to its haunting world and heartfelt story that made it one of 2025’s most talked-about surprises.
Blue Prince
This puzzle exploration game turned heads with its mind-bending mansion that shifts each time you play. With a mix of mystery, logic, and atmosphere, Blue Prince proved that clever design can make even the smallest titles unforgettable.
Donkey Kong Bananza
The iconic ape made a grand return this year, delivering a nostalgic yet polished platforming experience. Tight controls, colorful worlds, and playful energy brought back the spirit of classic gaming with a modern twist.
Monster Hunter Wilds
Taking the franchise to new heights, Monster Hunter Wilds impressed with vast open environments and living ecosystems. Its thrilling hunts and cooperative play gave both veterans and newcomers plenty to enjoy.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Set in feudal Japan, this installment revitalized the franchise with breathtaking visuals and a refined stealth system. While it didn’t reinvent the formula, it perfected it, offering one of the most atmospheric adventures of the year.
The Worst Games of 2025
MindsEye
Despite massive anticipation, this futuristic open-world game fell apart due to poor design, technical bugs, and lackluster gameplay. It stands as one of the most disappointing launches of 2025.
Captain Blood
After years in development, this pirate-themed action title arrived feeling outdated. Clunky combat, weak storytelling, and repetitive missions made it feel like a relic from another era.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2
Fans waited years for this sequel, only to be met with uneven writing and broken mechanics. What could have been a deep, immersive RPG instead turned into a shallow experience that failed to capture the magic of the original.
Battlefield 6
Though its multiplayer mode held up, the single-player campaign was widely criticized for being bland and predictable. With little innovation, the game failed to deliver the intensity the series is known for.
Shark Adventure
This underwater exploration game had potential but quickly sank due to repetitive gameplay and uninspired design. Players found little reason to stick around after the first few hours.
Sokomonster
Marketed as a quirky puzzle title, Sokomonster lacked creativity and depth. Its tedious mechanics and lack of challenge made it one of the least enjoyable games of the year.
Final Thoughts
The gaming landscape of 2025 shows how unpredictable the industry can be. For every masterpiece that pushes storytelling or gameplay forward, there’s another that stumbles under its own ambition. Whether you’re chasing the next big hit or avoiding a flop, this year certainly gave players plenty to talk about.
