2025 may not go down as a legendary year in gaming history, but in a way that turned out to be refreshing. Instead of a relentless barrage of blockbuster releases, the year had a gentler rhythm that gave players a rare chance to slow down, breathe, and actually enjoy the games that did arrive. There was space to finish things, space to appreciate the details, and space to explore genres we might not have touched in a busier year. The industry took fewer enormous swings, but the quieter schedule made the successes stand out in their own unique ways. These ten games rose above the rest for me. Some impressed with polish and ambition, others charmed with atmosphere or emotional resonance, and a few surprised me in ways I absolutely did not expect. Even in a slower year, each of these titles offered something special, something that earned its place in my memories of 2025. This is my personal list of the experiences that defined the year.
10. Atomfall.
Atomfall is one of those games that sneaks up on you. It does not try to be a loud blockbuster or reinvent the post apocalyptic wheel. Instead it leans into atmosphere and weird British charm, giving me creepy villages, abandoned homes, and that constant uneasy feeling that something is not right. It is a game that rewards slowing down and paying attention which made it perfect for this kind of year. Atomfall lands at number 10 because even though it is not the biggest game here, it made a stronger impression than I expected.
9. Metal Gear Solid 3 Snake Eater Remake.
Look, MGS3 is one of the greatest games ever made, so a remake naturally had a high bar. Luckily, it sticks the landing. The jungle looks fantastic, the stealth is smoother, and the emotional beats still hit like a truck. The only reason it is not higher is because it is still Metal Gear Solid 3 which means I knew what I was getting. It is brilliant, but familiarity holds it back a bit on a personal list. Still an absolute joy to play though and a great excuse to revisit a classic in a quieter year.
8. Silent Hill f.
I love when a long dormant series comes back with something bold, and Silent Hill f definitely qualifies. Setting it in 1960s Japan with that floral body horror aesthetic gives it a unique identity right away. It is unsettling, tragic, oddly beautiful, and at times genuinely uncomfortable to play, which is exactly what I want from Silent Hill. It is not perfect, but it stuck with me. Some images from this game will probably never leave my brain which means it did its job.
7. Tormented Souls 2.
Tormented Souls 2 feels like someone broke into the old survival horror vault at Capcom, stole all the best bits, and made a modern game out of them. Fixed cameras, gnarly puzzles, creepy environments, and resource management that actually matters all come together perfectly. This is a series that knows exactly what it wants to be. I loved being able to take my time with it, exploring rooms slowly and solving puzzles without rushing. A great horror sequel and a proper treat in a chill gaming year.
6. Final Fantasy Tactics The Ivalice Chronicles.
It finally happened. Final Fantasy Tactics came back and it genuinely delivered. The updated visuals look great but still feel like Ivalice. The combat remains incredibly satisfying and the job system is just as addictive as it always was. Most importantly, the political story still hits hard. It felt amazing to be able to sit with this game and take it slow because that is the way FFT should be experienced. If you rush Tactics you are playing it wrong and thankfully 2025 let me savour it.
5. Cronos The New Dawn.
Cronos surprised me in the best way. This is a proper sci fi RPG with loads of choice, strong worldbuilding, and interesting factions that do not feel like cardboard cutouts. It never forces big moral decisions on you just for the sake of it. Everything you pick feels natural and has logical consequences. The slower year meant I could sink proper time into this one which helped it shine even more. A seriously underrated RPG and one of the most rewarding games I played all year.
4. Digimon Story Time Stranger.
Time Stranger might be my favourite Digimon game ever. The time travel premise adds weight to the story and the emotional beats land harder than I expected. The combat system is smooth and flexible, the roster is excellent, and the whole game feels like it respects both longtime fans and newcomers. It was just fun to exist in this world. In a busier year a game like this
3. Wuchang Fallen Feathers.
Wuchang is one of the best soulslike games in years. The setting during the collapse of the Ming Dynasty gives it a strong identity and the enemy designs are fantastic. Combat feels weighty and satisfying and the curse transformation mechanic adds a new twist to a familiar formula. This is a game that demands patience and practice which was perfect for 2025 because I actually had the time to give it the attention it deserved. Hard, stylish, atmospheric, and incredibly rewarding.
2. Clair Obscur Expedition 33.
At this point – There is nothing I can say about Clair Obscur that hasn’t been said again and again.
- Death Stranding 2.
At number one is Death Stranding 2 which elevates the strengths of the original and transforms them into something more emotionally resonant and cohesive. Traversal feels smoother, the world feels simultaneously harsher and more inviting, and the story explores themes of grief, community, and rebuilding with surprising tenderness. The quieter pace of 2025 could not have aligned better with a game built around slow journeys, quiet moments, and reflection. Death Stranding 2 is not the loudest game of the year but it is the one that stayed with me the most. When I think of 2025 I think of long lonely walks, strange landscapes, and unexpected emotional depth. It defines the year for me more than any other release.