We’ve reached, in theory, the most important post of the year! It’s time to reveal the best games of 2025, focusing on new releases. The sheer number of new games this time around surpassed even last year, or perhaps my capacity to play everything I wanted was reduced. Whether due to time constraints, financial limitations, or simply because it wasn’t the right moment, some of the games I wanted to play remained on my to-do list.
So, here are my ten favorite video games of 2025 based on what I experienced this year.
10. Shuten Order
A highly entertaining visual novel that had all the potential to be among the top contenders, but due to certain decisions made at the end of the story, it didn’t quite reach that level in my personal ranking. Even so, it’s impossible to deny the freshness of Shuten Order, both in its art style and in the varied approach offered by its five routes. The best thing about the game is its unique dynamic, with a very interesting beginning that leaves you intrigued.
9. Ninja Gaiden 4
One of those games that aren’t so common these days, but are slowly making a comeback. The fourth installment of Ninja Gaiden offers frenetic action without too many distractions, letting us control its stylish protagonist to tear apart every enemy that appears. The exciting part of the experience is that it doesn’t make things easy, not even on the first playthrough, giving us a pretty stimulating level of challenge.
8. Like a Dragon Gaiden: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
In theory, the Gaiden games are “minor” installments… Who would have thought! I loved Goro’s adventure in Hawaii, both for its incredibly charismatic protagonist and for how fun it is to complete everything. As a game, it offers a fantastic action combat system against multiple enemies, shining particularly brightly during large-scale crew battles.
7. Digimon Story: Time Stranger
We were coming off a couple of titles in the Story series that I found brilliant despite their limitations. Time Stranger expands on that scope, presenting improvements in most aspects and giving us a sensational JRPG, a must-have for fans of digital monsters. This game is basically one of the best in the monster-collecting and combat genre, with a very solid turn-based battle system and quite addictive creature progression.
6. Ghost of Yotei
The high level of quality presented by Ghost of Yotei didn’t surprise me. Atsu’s adventure met my expectations and surpassed them naturally, offering a seamless “sequel” worthy of its predecessor, improving upon the mechanics inherited from the prequel that needed polishing. We’re dealing with a magnificent open-world adventure where straying from the established path is a pleasure.
5. Octopath Traveler 0
The Octopath Traveler saga has steadily improved. And here we have the third installment, a prequel to the game that started it all, resulting in an unexpected marvel. Octopath Traveler 0 introduces new mechanics that work fantastically well for the series, such as the ability to create eight characters and rebuild a village. The result is a very long game, but one that feels as complete as it is fun and satisfying.
4. Hades II
There are a few games that I simply can’t find fault with. Hades II is one of those exceptions. It’s an action experience that elevates its genre to new heights, and for me, it’s the best option currently available. Its greatest achievement is that it never feels repetitive. Its narrative incentives, the occasional conversations, the optional challenges, and trying out different weapons keep the experience fresh.
3. The First Berserker: Khazan
My biggest surprise of the year! What’s more, Khazan is the Souls game I’ve enjoyed the most and my favorite. Its adventure begins with all the brutality the title promised, taking us down a bloody path to its final objective. Its combat mechanics are addictive, and it’s satisfying when eliminating even common enemies. However, where it truly shines is in its bosses—they are all amazing.
2. Dynasty Warriors: Origins
I adore musou games and had high hopes for the return of Dynasty Warriors. Here we return “to the roots” with a very risky change: we control an original protagonist to experience the story. Origins revolutionizes the musou combat formula, giving a very realistic impact to battles against hordes of soldiers and better focusing on important one-on-one duels against their generals.
1. The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy
I suppose if you’ve been following me for a while, this won’t be a surprise. The two hundred hours I spent on this game speak for themselves. The Hundred Line didn’t have it easy, because the shadow of Danganronpa loomed large, but with this game, they managed to excel in many more areas. Through the story and the combat, you feel very connected to the defenders of the academy; their victories are yours.