The Best Video Games of 2025

The year 2025 in video games revealed a stark dichotomy: success through meticulously crafted narrative experiences versus immense profits from addictive, simpler games. This contrast is evident when comparing titles like Ghost of Yōtei, which sold millions due to its intricate story, stunning visuals, engaging music, and enjoyable combat, with Candy Crush, which generates $1 billion annually for King.

While empires are built on casual entertainment, evidenced by app store charts filled with micropayment-driven puzzle and building games, and a flood of low-quality Switch titles, one might question if creativity in video games is being overshadowed by financial incentives.

That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. 2025 also delivered some of the most innovative and captivating games in recent years. These titles showcased exceptional design and reminded players that immersive narratives and engaging puzzles are still highly valued. Here are ten of the best games from the past year:

• Blue Prince**
• Developer: Dogubomb
• Publisher: Raw Fury
• Platform: Playstation 5, Windows X/S, Xbox, macOS

Blue Prince generated significant buzz upon release. Players initially expecting a simple puzzle game discovered a fiercely challenging experience. The premise involves inheriting a mansion and having one day to locate the 46th room by connecting blueprints of other rooms. The game's addictiveness stems from the persistent desire to succeed and the abundance of secrets and details within.

• Atomfall**
• Developer/Publisher: Rebellion Developments
• Platform: Playstation 4 & 5, Windows, Xbox One & X/S

Atomfall is a survival adventure game where players awaken in a bunker with amnesia, setting the stage for the unfolding narrative. The game takes place in an alternate, quarantined Cumberland, recovering from a nuclear disaster. Players encounter druids and robots as they investigate the events and defend themselves. While not groundbreaking, Atomfall has been praised as a British take on classic nuclear disaster stories, delivering its grim tale with dark humor.

• Tatami**
• Developer/Publisher: Kaylee Calderolla
• Platform: iOS

Tatami is a simple logic game where players must cover numbered blocks in a 'room' with tatami mats. Despite its initially easy gameplay, the difficulty quickly increases. According to creator Kaylee Calderolla, the game features procedurally generated boards for endless play. Tatami is designed as a 'kind game,' free of ads, data collection, logins, dark patterns, timers, and scores, allowing players to skip levels without penalty. It offers a refreshing, minimalist experience compared to more complex games.

• Donkey Kong Bananza**
• Developer/Publisher: Nintendo
• Platform: Switch 2

This latest installment in the Donkey Kong series encourages players to cause destruction in pursuit of diamond bananas. Almost every part of each level can be smashed, and there are many levels to explore underground. Donkey Kong gains new animal abilities, transforming into an ostrich, zebra, elephant, and more. The game embodies Nintendo's signature silliness, featuring absurd bosses, catchy music, and expansive worlds for completionists to explore.

• Is This Seat Taken**
• Developer: Poti Poti Studio
• Publisher: Wholesome Games
• Platform: Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Switch 1 & 2, Windows

Problem-solving enthusiasts will enjoy Is This Seat Taken, which presents players with a cast of charming but demanding characters who have very specific seating preferences. The game transforms the challenging task of creating seating plans into an art form. Players progress through levels, seating people on buses, at events, in restaurants, and on trains, becoming masters of diplomacy. Its addictive nature and charming design make it appealing without being mentally taxing.

• Powerwash Simulator 2**
• Developer/Publisher: FuturLab
• Platform: Switch 2, Playstation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S

The original PowerWash Simulator was featured in a previous roundup, lauded for its surprising satisfaction. The sequel maintains the core appeal of cleaning large, dirty environments, with some new nozzle options. The game's success lies in the sense of accomplishment it provides. In a world where work often feels endless, the game offers a simple, defined task to complete.

• Once Upon a Katamari**
• Developer: Rengame
• Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
• Platform: Switch 1 & 2, Playstation 5, Xbox Series X, Windows

The Katamari series has a dedicated following due to its absurd storylines, catchy music, and memorable characters, particularly the King of All Cosmos. Once Upon a Katamari, the latest installment, taps into the primal desire to collect. Players control The Prince, tasked with rolling objects into an ever-growing ball. The game's psychedelic nature may prompt players to question its meaning, but ultimately, it's about the pure silliness, deserving a top score for that alone.

• Ghost of Yotei**
• Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Platform: Playstation 5

A sequel to the popular Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yotei follows a morally complex protagonist seeking revenge on her family by tracking down a group of criminals. The game showcases meticulous craftsmanship in every aspect, from its stunning open-world design to its exceptional soundtrack and well-developed characters. The developers preserved the enjoyable elements of the original while adding a new narrative layer, making it feel fresh and not repetitive. The game sets a high standard for effort and quality.

• Tiny Bookshop**
• Developer: Neoludic Games
• Publisher: Skystone Games
• Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux, Switch 1 & 2

In contrast to Ghost of Yotei, Tiny Bookshop is a simple, 'cozy' game where players manage a bookstall in a small town. The gameplay primarily involves matching books to customers within a larger narrative. The ambient music and graphic style contribute to its enjoyable, low-stakes experience, perfect for relaxing days.

• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond**
• Developer: Retro Studios
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Platform: Switch 1 & 2

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was one of the most anticipated releases, following a beloved trilogy of Metroid Prime games. Expectations were high, especially after Nintendo restarted development in 2019 due to quality concerns. The game delivers the hallmarks of a great Metroid Prime title: excellent sound design, beautiful visuals, and a compelling sci-fi story. While some may feel it could have pushed boundaries further, the game justifies the long wait.