Top Game Picks for 2025: Clair Obscur, Blue Prince, and Beyond
As June comes to a close, the year 2025 is halfway through, and it has been a remarkable one for video game enthusiasts. A diverse range of titles has captured the hearts and minds of players, combining critical acclaim, fan reception, and innovation across the industry. Here are ten standout games that have made a significant impact so far.
First on our list is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a debut game from Sandfall Interactive that has broken the mold. This French RPG features emotional storytelling, an active turn-based battle system, and memorable characters. It has received high critical scores, with a 92 average critic score on major platforms such as PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X.
Another noteworthy entry is Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, the sequel to the original Death Stranding. This game, self-reflexive and explores the utopic vision of a united world against the backdrop of expansionism, has garnered mixed but generally positive reviews. It delivers a meaty story about the long-term danger of mass connection, refining its predecessor's elements.
Monster Hunter Wilds, one of the bigger releases of the year, blends action and exploration. Despite facing some criticism regarding performance issues on PC, it has been highly anticipated and is well-received by fans.
Avowed, an RPG met with mixed reactions but considered one of Obsidian's best games to date, excels at telling a nuanced story about the politicization of a crisis. Born from the Covid-19 pandemic, it is a work of art that offers an immersive gaming experience.
Split Fiction, a PlayStation 5 exclusive, has been highlighted by some outlets for its narrative and gameplay, regarded as a promising indie release for the year.
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, an indie RPG sequel, is well received for its storytelling and gameplay depth.
WWE 2K25 is notable for its engaging Showcase Mode, comprehensive roster, and gameplay improvements. However, the PvPvE social space "The Island" has been controversial due to microtransactions.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins, a new entry in the long-running hack-and-slash series, has a solid fan base.
Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii, part of the Yakuza (Like a Dragon) franchise, is known for its vibrant story and gameplay.
Rematch, an arcade sports game, boils soccer down to its essence and offers a satisfying gameplay experience.
In the realm of indie games, Despelote, an Ecuadorian coming-of-age story game, received a rare five-star review from Digital Trends. It draws a parallel between a child's growth and Ecuador's World Cup run in 2002.
Lastly, The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy, a game from the creators of Danganronpa and the Zero Escape series, offers an engrossing story full of cliffhangers, twists, and challenging, turn-based tactics. Notably, it features 100 endings.
Blue Prince, a game launched in April, has received critical praise. It is a roguelike manor-builder with a tactile puzzle hook and layers of secrets.
Mario Kart World, the latest installment of Nintendo's racing series, has been released for the Switch. It builds on Mario Kart 8's success with a balance of casual chaos and traversal tools for high-skill play.
Lost Records: Bloom and Rage, a spiritual follow-up to Life is Strange, is a tender narrative adventure about the transformative power of punk rock.
These titles represent a balanced mix of genres and experiences that define the standout games of 2025 so far. They reflect the diversity of this year's gaming landscape, combining blockbuster hits and notable indie projects.
The diverse range of video games in 2025 extends beyond the realm of sports, with notable releases like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a French RPG, and Lost Records: Bloom and Rage, a narrative adventure about punk rock. Technology and entertainment have also played significant roles in these standout games, as seen in gadgets like the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X that host memorable titles.
