Top Games of 2025 Mid-Year: Assassin's Creed, Doom, Switch 2
The first half of 2025 has been an unforgettable whirlwind for gamers. From the launch of revolutionary new hardware to the arrival of long-awaited blockbusters and stunning indie surprises, our backlogs are fuller than ever. We've journeyed to medieval hellscapes, explored feudal Japan, and raced through inventive new worlds. As we catch our breath and look ahead, it's the perfect time to celebrate the standout titles that have defined the year so far. These are the best games of 2025 that have captured our imaginations and set a new standard for excellence.
Blockbuster Epics Redefining Genres
This year saw titans of the industry return with fresh, ambitious takes on their beloved franchises. They didn't just deliver more of the same; they pushed boundaries with new settings and bold gameplay mechanics that have dominated the conversation.
Assassin's Creed Shadows
After years of anticipation, Assassin's Creed Shadows finally transported players to the rich, tumultuous world of feudal Japan. This entry has been hailed as a masterclass in environmental storytelling and dual-character narrative design. The ability to switch between the powerful, honorable samurai Yasuke and the swift, stealthy shinobi Naoe offers two fundamentally different ways to approach every mission.
- Yasuke's Path: Playing as Yasuke feels like directing a classic samurai film. His combat is deliberate and impactful, focused on direct confrontation, parries, and overwhelming force. Marching into an enemy fortress as this living legend is a true power fantasy.
- Naoe's Way: As Naoe, the game transforms into a pure stealth experience. Utilizing a grappling hook, smoke bombs, and a hidden blade, her gameplay is about using light and shadow to become an unseen force, a whisper in the night who can dismantle an entire enemy operation without ever being seen.
The dynamic between these two protagonists, coupled with a world that reacts to changing seasons, has made Shadows a breathtaking and essential experience.
Doom: The Dark Ages
Just when we thought the series couldn't get any more intense, Doom: The Dark Ages arrived to prove us wrong. This prequel takes the Doom Slayer back to a brutal, medieval-inspired world of dark fantasy, blending the franchise's signature high-speed gunplay with devastating new melee options. The introduction of the Shield Saw is a stroke of genius, serving as both a defensive bulwark and a grisly throwable weapon.
The scale of the conflict is bigger than ever. Players command the Atlan, a colossal mech of their own, to fight skyscraper-sized demons in battles of epic proportions. And yes, you can finally ride a dragon. Taming a cybernetic, fire-breathing beast to rain destruction from above is one of the most exhilarating moments in gaming this year. The Dark Ages is a raw, thunderous, and triumphant return for the king of first-person shooters.
Indie Darlings Capturing Our Hearts
While the blockbusters made massive waves, 2025 has also been a phenomenal year for smaller studios delivering unique and unforgettable games. These "sleeper hits" have climbed the charts through word-of-mouth, proving that creativity and passion are the most powerful drivers of success.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
This stunning turn-based RPG emerged as an early contender for game of the year. Developed with the powerful Unreal Engine 5, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a visual masterpiece inspired by the Belle Époque art style of France. The game's premise is hauntingly beautiful: every year, a mysterious being known as the Paintress awakens to paint a cursed number on her monolith, and all who are that age instantly vanish.
Players lead Expedition 33 on a desperate, one-year quest to stop the Paintress before she can paint again. The combat system is a brilliant evolution of turn-based mechanics, incorporating real-time inputs for dodges, parries, and counters that keep you constantly engaged. Its emotional story, memorable characters, and breathtaking world make it an adventure that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Blue Prince
Proving that a great mystery is timeless, Blue Prince has been the cerebral indie hit of the year. The game welcomes you to the enigmatic Mt. Holly, a sprawling manor where a room appears or disappears every day. Your goal is to uncover the secrets of the estate by exploring its ever-changing halls. It's a game about strategy, deduction, and paying close attention to your surroundings. Each "day" presents a new puzzle, and the choices you make influence which parts of the manor become accessible. This clever blend of mystery and procedural generation ensures that no two playthroughs are exactly alike, making it one of the most talked-about and compelling puzzle games in recent memory.
A New Generation of Console Gaming Arrives
Perhaps the biggest story of 2025 has been the launch of Nintendo's new console, the Switch 2, which has taken the world by storm. Its arrival was bolstered by a fantastic lineup of exclusive games that brilliantly showcase the hardware's new capabilities.
Mario Kart World
This isn't just another sequel; it's a complete evolution of the beloved racing franchise. Mario Kart World has been praised for its vibrant, semi-open-world hubs that connect various themed race tracks. The core racing is as tight and exhilarating as ever, but the freedom to explore, find secrets, and engage in fun mini-games between races has added incredible depth. The game's new anti-gravity mechanics and dynamic weather systems, which can completely alter a track mid-race, make every lap feel unpredictable and fresh. It's pure, pedal-to-the-metal joy.
Donkey Kong Barrel Blast Bay
Donkey Kong is back, and his latest adventure is a glorious return to form. Donkey Kong Barrel Blast Bay is a 2.5D platformer that combines the challenging, momentum-based gameplay of the classic Country series with a stunning, high-definition art style. The environments are lush and layered, with secrets hidden behind every corner. The cooperative play is better than ever, allowing players to team up as DK, Diddy, Dixie, and Cranky Kong, each with unique abilities. It's a tough, rewarding, and beautifully crafted platformer that stands as one of the best launch titles on the new system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What has been the biggest surprise hit of 2025 so far?
A: While many games have been successful, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been the biggest surprise. Its unique art style, deep combat, and emotional story have earned it critical acclaim and a massive player base, proving that a new IP can stand tall among established giants.
Q: What other big games are expected in the second half of 2025?
A: The year is far from over! We are still looking forward to several major releases, including the next chapter in the Grand Theft Auto series and other highly anticipated titles that are scheduled for the holiday season.
Q: Is the new Nintendo Switch 2 worth it based on its launch games?
A: Absolutely. With polished, innovative titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Barrel Blast Bay available from day one, the console has made a powerful first impression and established a strong foundation for its future.