MH Wilds 2/2

Wilds removed so many little things that make Monster Hunter feel like the methodical and thoughtful combat action game it can be. Instead, simplifications detracted from the incredible worlds they built.

Monster Hunter: Wilds 1/2

The most I have to say about any 1 game of 2025. And it hurts. MH Wilds was supremely disappointing to me. The focus on story and streamlining were major steps backward.

Despite how MUCH story there was... no conflict or character kept you invested in the story.

Ball x Pit

This game didn't grab me like it seemed to hit folks more broadly. It felt on rails and grindy until you could coast through levels. It didn't feel like my ability as a player was super important. That being said, it has a lot of appealing elements and I think it's worth a try.

Abiotic Factor

Obligatory Playstack shout out. This game is super fun and I really just need to devote more time to it.

Warhammer 40k Rogue Trader

Only started this in the last week and didn't want to put it in my top 10 quite yet. I've already dumped 30 hours into it and the game is pretty incredible. If I had to place it in my top 10 for 2025 right now it'd be very high! Probably will be in 2026's list.

#10 - Assassin's Creed Shadows

The Japan AC game. The ninja AC game. It finally happened! And it delivered. Game has gotten a bit lost in the general discourse about Ubisoft and the size of these games. But make no mistake: Best Assassin's Creed since Black Flag.

#9 - Donkey Kong Bonanza

Nintendo just does "joy" so well. This game feels joyful and just fundamentally fun to control. Spectacular way to revisit a 3D DK platformer so many years later.

#8 - Hades 2

I need to play this more, game is great. I imagine this would be a lot higher if my attention hadn't been so split when it finally came out for real. I have more to do with this one, but it's surprised just how much more life they got out of the Hades formula here.

#7 - Silksong

Movement feels great. Very flowy and the atmosphere is still just incredible. The unique songs for all the bugs kept me going. I liked HK 1 but definitely prefer Silksong. Though I think they each have their place!

#6 - Borderlands 4

It's everything I wanted Borderlands 3 to be. A modern, updated, Borderlands that actually learns from the other 6 trillion Shlooters that have released since BL2. Humor mercifully takes a step back which lets the comedy and story breathe.

#5 - Jurassic World Evolution 3

Redemption! Jurassic World Evo 1 is among my most hotly disliked games (thought it was a lackluster followup to the tools in Planet Coaster). Evo 3 slaps. It reduced focus on the mundane busy work I didn't like and management systems felt really meaningful!

#4 - PGA 2k25

I did a lot of digital garlfing this year. The new twists to managing the plane of your swing really added a great new layer. The game does such a good job at hitting the feeling of golfing. Annualized sports games are a mixed bag, but this franchise is in a sweet spot right now.

#3 - The Gang (boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/41...)

Board game alert! This game led to the best discussions (ok, arguments actually) I've had with my friends about games all year. Co-op Texas Hold'em is the truth.

#2 - Dune: Awakening

The weeks my friends and I ran hot on Dune: Awakening were incredible. Though the campaign eventually peters out, the survival crafting game focusing on an engaging story and questing was great. Gliding and flying the Ornithopter felt INCREDIBLE.