The Best Games Of 2025

It has been a great year for gamers, with 2025 delivering several outstanding games. We've had sleeper hits like Blue Prince and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 alongside fun blockbuster titles like Assassin's Creed Shadows, Ghost of Yotei, and Doom: The Dark Ages.

On top of that, the Switch 2 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 Metroid Prime 4: Beyond finally touched down.

You could also count on indie games to surprise and delight, as some of the best and weirdest games are often found in this category.

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.

After emerging from its early access chrysalis, Hades 2 has achieved its ultimate form as one of the best roguelites of all time. That's no small feat, considering just how good the first Hades was, but the sequel meets the 10/10 energy of the original game with an impressive amount of craftsmanship and fine-tuning. The end result is a game that not only builds on a strong foundation but adds to it with nuanced storytelling, captivating combat, and improvements across the board.

Read our Hades 2 review. Available for PC. Switch 2, and Switch.

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.

Guard Games delivered one of the best beat-'em-ups of the modern era with Streets of Rage 4, and for Absolum, it applies a roguelike spin to that genre. Fusing old school action with a world of swords and sorcery, Absolum's use of roguleike gameplay mechanics complement its rewarding and precise fisticuffs. The game is also a looker with its inspired art direction, and the constant sense of reward with each run makes it hard to put down.

Read our Absolum review. Available for PC, PS5, PS4, and Switch.

Extraction shooters can be a tough nut to crack, but when they're done right, they're home to some of the best immersive entertainment you can ask for. Arc Raiders nails that sentiment, as it combines moments of thrilling action with spontaneous cooperation that makes for an exciting journey directed by its very own community of players. Throw in satisfying gunplay, gratifying loot chases, and a cleverly designed endgame, and you've got a post-apocalyptic world to explore that's brimming with opportunity.

Read our Arc Raiders review. Available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Final Fantasy Tactics is the very definition of a cult-classic, a game that has earned a devoted following in the decades since it was first released. Bringing that beloved game to a new audience was no small feat, but Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is a stunning reminder of why this was such a formative game in the tactical RPG genre so many years ago. The updated translation, enhanced visuals, and rewarding combat systems all shine in this upgraded package, making it the definitive version of one of the best Final Fantasy spin-offs.

Read our Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles review. Available for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and Switch.

Ghost of Yotei is exactly what you'd expect Ghost of Tsushima to be: A bigger, bolder follow-up to Sucker Punch's 2020 game that gave players free reign to explore a romanticized version of ancient Japan. That winning formula has been enhanced in Ghost of Yotei, as the developer delivers an elegant and captivating tale of revenge that feels better than ever to play. It's the tweaks that elevate the sequel here, as Ghost of Yotei's exploration feels consistently rewarding, its combat mechanics are razor-sharp, and its story wil keep you glued to your screen.

Read our Ghost of Yotei review. Available for PS5.

Imagine this: You're six months old, you've started developing psychic powers, and all you want is for your family to love you while you also deal with a secretive tech corporation looking to harness your abilities for a nefarious purpose. That's the premise of Goodnight Universe, but if you were expecting a run-and-psychic-gun romp with an infant, you're going to be in for a shock when you see what the game is really about. A game anchored by incredible characters, easy-to-grasp gameplay mechanics, and a thought-provoking story, Goodnight Universe is a surprising and heartfelt tale about life and how we spend the precious time afforded to us.

Read our Goodnight Universe Review. Available for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and Switch.

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.

With enough hype to fuel a mission to Mars, Hollow Knight: Silksong needed to pull out all the stops to justify years of summoning circle memes. Fortunately, Team Cherry's metroidvania does just that and more, polishing the gameplay of the first Hollow Knight game to deliver an approachable and satisfying sequel. New mechanics add layers of new flavor to the experience, resulting in a game that was worth the wait.

Read our Hollow Knight: Silksong review. Available for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch 2, and Switch.

Digital Eclipse could have taken the easy way out with Mortal Kombat Legacy Collection, but to its credit, this compilation of classic fighting games from the Midway days is more than just a bundle of retro brawlers held together with a modern user interface. Mortal Kombat Legacy Collection is the definitive way to experience these genre-defining games in the modern age, a time capsule of Mortal Kombat history that includes the best of the franchise from that era, as well as a few of its polarizing entries. Along with brand-new content created just for this release, Mortal Kombat Legacy Collection stands tall as an entertaining history lesson.

Read our Mortal Kombat Legacy Collection review-in-progress. Available for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch 2, and Switch.

Double Fine at its best, Keeper is strange, a visual treat for the eyes, and full of emotional storytelling. While the famed studio's DNA can be felt in every pixel, Keeper still manages to be fresh and inventive, as it proudly combines a sense of self-confidence with unbridled weirdness to create a refreshingly artistic experience.

Read our Keeper review. Available for PC and Xbox Series X|S.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

For decades, most Silent Hill games have been living in the shadow of Silent Hill 2, which has long been considered to be the best game in the psychological-horror series. Silent Hill F doesn't just rise to the occasion; it sets a new benchmark that future games in the franchise will be hard-pressed to reach, let alone surpass. An exceptionally crafted exploration of horror and mature themes backed up by polished gameplay and superb storytelling, Silent Hill F is a masterclass in terror.

Read our Silent Hill F review. Available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

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.

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.

There's hard-to-quantify joy about cleaning games like PowerWash Simulator, but what happens when you combine grime-fighting with the action-packed pace of games like Metroid Prime? You get Ambrosia Sky: Act One, a thrilling tale of sanitization set on a space colony infected with deadly fungi. Not just fun to play, Ambrosia Sky is also surprisingly poignant with its tale about space and the terror of dying alone in an uncaring cosmos.

Read our Ambrosia Sky: Act One review. Available for PC.

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 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.

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.

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.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger is the best attempt yet to break free from those unfavorable--and undeserved--comparisons to Pokemon, as the game goes all in on its themes of digital monsters while keeping its core gameplay loop of team-building and turn-based combat exciting. Fast-paced and consistently engaging, Digimon finds its groove as a rock-solid counterpart to those other pocket monsters with its anime-influenced style and exploration of surprisingly mature themes through its storyline.

Read our Digimon: Time Stranger review. Available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

A spiritual successor to the narrative-adventure games produced by Telltale Games, Dispatch makes a strong case for episodic storytelling. AdHoc Studio's game puts an interesting spin on superhero action with its witty writing and well-developed characters, while the day job of dispatching heroes to emergencies makes for a fun challenge.

Read our Dispatch review. Available for PC and PS5.

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.

Dying Light: The Beast puts a fresh spin on the established gameplay mechanics of the original games. While the core concept of adventuring during the day and keeping a low profile at night create two distinct ways to play the game, it's the brutally satisfying combat, nerve-wracking survival-horror, and cheesy B-movie vibes that make it an exciting addition to the Dying Light franchise.

Read our Dying Light: The Beast review. Available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

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.

EA Sports FC 26 is exactly what you'd expect from an annual sports franchise: more of the same, but polished, and packing a few new features under the hood. While there are still a few issues on the pitch, it doesn't detract from it being an accessible and engaging recreation of the beautiful game.

Read our EA Sports FC 26 review. Available for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch 2, and Switch.

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 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.

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 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.

Deceptively simple at first glance, Kirby Air Riders brings a profound level of depth to the kart-racing experience. Not only is it a colorful and challenging blast of chaotic fun on Switch 2, but its comprehensive multiplayer and robust selection of modes will keep you hooked on Kirby's new high-speed adventure for many, many hours.

Read our Kirby Air Riders review. Available for Switch 2.

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.

What happens when you apply the synesthesia-fueled formula of Tetris Effect to Lumines? You get another winner in the puzzle game genre, as Lumines Arise resurrects the series as a sensorial feast for the eyes and ears. An engrossing test of skill and puzzle-solving, Lumines Arise also offers plenty of new content to set itself apart from Tetris Effect, resulting in a unique explosion of color and creativity that's worth experiencing multiple times.

Read our Lumines Arise review. Available for PC and PS5.

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.

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.

After what felt like an eternity of waiting, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was finally released this year. There's no denying that some elements of the game feel dated thanks to its protracted development, but Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is still a well-crafted first-person metroidvania adventure full of action, intense boss fights, and epic moments that the series has become famous for.

Read our Metroid Prime 4; Beyond review. Available for Switch 2 and Switch.

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 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.

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.

The year of the ninja is ending with a bang, as Ninja Gaiden 4 brings the mainline series back into the spotlight with lightning-fast combat and intense boss battles. Admittedly, the forgettable story and one-note characters don't do enough to propel the story forward, but when you've got hack-and-slash combat this good, there's more than enough drive here to hone your skills and Izuna Drop into action.

Read our Ninja Gaiden 4 review. Available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

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.

Octopath Traveler 0 can feel uneven at times, but at its core, it's still a game that embodies the franchise's best qualities. Combat remains consistently deep--especially when you take on some truly vile villains--and there's always something new to do right around the corner in this lengthy fantasy adventure.

Read our Octopath Traveler 0 review. Available for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and Switch.

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.

Katamari Damacy has always been the oddball franchise of video games, and Once Upon a Katamari keeps that unhinged weirdness rolling with some of the best moment-to-moment gameplay the franchise has ever seen. While the core experience remains the same, it's the small tweaks to that formula alongside the rocks-solid writing, humor, and music that make for a delightfully absurd trek across the cosmos.

Read our Once Upon a Katamari review. Available for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch.

Obsidian's spacefaring RPG sequel is a confident follow-up, one that builds on the first game's foundation to bring flexible combat options and better role-playing progression to the table. Anyone looking for rich sci-fi worlds to explore, a sharp satire of corporations, and player choice that carries tangible consequences will want to check out this smart sequel.

Read our The Outer Worlds 2 review. Available for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

With multiple games in the Trails series, it can be daunting to find an entry-point into this franchise. Fortunately, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter solves this problem by remaking the debut game in Falcom's epic industrial-fantasy saga. With the original story intact--but thankfully with the fat trimmed off--a well-balanced gameplay system, and a cast of lovable characters at its core, this is a faithful remake that'll appeal to series veterans and newcomers alike.

Read our Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter review. Available for PC, PS5, Switch 2, and Switch.

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 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.

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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.

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.