Alright, settle in, grab a beverage of your choice (we’re not judging, unless it’s warm milk), because we’re already halfway through 2025 and it’s been an absolute banger of a year for games. My thumbs hurt, my social life is a distant memory, and my backlog is laughing at me. But you know what? It’s been worth it.
We’ve had some absolute titans drop this year, so let’s get into what’s been rinsing our wallets and dominating our screens.
Assassin's Creed Shadows
We finally got the Assassin's Creed set in Japan that people have been screaming for, and it’s pretty much exactly what you’d expect. You play as a shinobi and a samurai, and you go around doing stabby things to people who deserve it. The world is stunning, the combat is slick, and you can pet the Shiba Inus. It’s a solid entry in the series, and a great excuse to live out your ninja fantasies.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
We're not even going to pretend that we knew what la Belle Epoque was become this came out of nowhere and punched us all in the face with its gorgeousness. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is what happens when a JRPG has a baby with a Tim Burton film and fed only a strict diet of French cuisine and turn-based combat. The whole "you only have one year to live" thing is a bit grim, but the art style is so stunning you’ll forget you’re on a one-way trip to oblivion. It’s emotional, it’s beautiful, and it’s probably making other games feel a bit insecure. It's also very, very French.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Hideo Kojima is at it again, and this time, there's a puppet. Death Stranding 2 is… well, it’s more Death Stranding. If you liked the first one, you’ll be in heaven. If you didn’t, you’ll still be wondering what on earth is going on. The walking is still there, but the combat is vastly improved, it might be the most beautiful game on the PS5, and there are more bizarre celebrity cameos and philosophical monologues than you can shake a Bridge Baby at. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Donkey Kong Bananza
Speaking of Nintendo, they finally let DK out of his cage again with Donkey Kong Bananza. It’s a 3D platformer that’s so good, it’s almost like they remembered they had one of the best characters in gaming just sitting there. The platforming is tight, the collectibles are plentiful, and the urge to hoard bananas has never been stronger. It’s pure, unadulterated joy, and a reminder that sometimes, you just need to beat up some crocodiles.
DOOM: The Dark Ages
Just when you thought the DoomSlayer couldn’t get any more metal, they gave him a shield that’s also a chainsaw. DOOM: The Dark Ages is a brutal, blood-soaked ballet of violence set in a medieval hellscape. It’s faster, it’s gorier, and it’s got a cybernetic dragon as a steed. A FREAKIN' DRAGON. chef's kiss No further notes.
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2
For those who like their RPGs with a bit more… realism. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 plunged you into the muddy, brutal world of medieval Bohemia. It’s a game where you have to eat, sleep, and occasionally have a bath; it's a game with incredible combat, masterful acting, and a gripping story. Its hardcore nature might not be for everyone, but if you’re looking for a deep, immersive RPG that doesn’t hold your hand, this is it.
Mario Kart World
Just when you thought your friendships were safe, Nintendo decided to unleash Mario Kart World. The new, expansive open-world-ish tracks are chaotic evil in the best way possible, the Knockout Tour is (fittingly) an absolute knockout and one of the best things to happen to the MK formula in years, and the soundtrack is an absolute GOAT contender already. It's taken a blue shell to my my relationships, but it's a cracking killer app for the Switch 2. 10/10, would cow again.
Monster Hunter Wilds
You know the drill. Big monsters, bigger swords. Monster Hunter Wilds takes the formula and cranks it up to eleven. The new open world is seamless, the new monsters are terrifying, and the new cooking animations are, as always, top-tier. It’s a time-sink of epic proportions, but when you finally take down that massive beast that’s been giving you grief for hours, there’s no better feeling.
Split Fiction
This one was a real surprise. A story-driven, single-player game that feels like a love letter to the action games of the PS2 era, but with a modern twist. The "split" mechanic, where you can manipulate different timelines, is a proper mind-bender. It’s got style, it’s got substance, and it’s not trying to sell you a battle pass. What a concept.
Those are just a few of our picks, but what have been the standout titles of the year so far for you, Collectors?
