Given the potential release of GTA VI and the chances introduced by Nintendo's Switch 2 launch lineup, 2025 may go down as the last decade's most memorable yr in gaming. Even with out these juggernauts, video games like Monster Hunter Wilds and Assassin's Creed Shadows have already set the tone for what ought to be one other great yr for brand spanking new video games.
Through the primary quarter of the yr, 18 video games have earned a spot on this listing, which compiles each game and enlargement launched in 2025 that obtained a review rating of 8 or greater from IGN. These are IGN's greatest video video games of 2025.
This listing can be up to date as new releases obtain qualifying review scores.
Review Score: 8 (“Great”)
These video games depart us with one thing excellent to recollect them by, often novel gameplay concepts for single-player or multiplayer, intelligent characters and writing, noteworthy graphics and sound, or some mixture thereof. If we’ve got main complaints, there are more than enough wonderful qualities to cancel them out.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
From our review: Assassin’s Creed Shadows takes a flashing blade to the collection’ established norms, trimming them to a more exact kind in lieu of chopping them down outright. Combat is aggressive and requires more intentional parrying and ability management than prior to now, and exploring the attractive provinces of Sengoku-period Japan is inspired due to the revamped map that deemphasizes accumulating icons and checking off lists. Naoe and Yasuke are well-realized and memorable protagonists, although most of the story they drive follows fairly predictable paths. Both have distinctive playstyles that bolster one another’s weaknesses, however they’re in the end imbalanced by the truth that you can also make use of the stealth and exploration expertise of the grasp shinobi far more than the superhuman power of the samurai. This isn’t the Assassin’s Creed that may change the minds of people that by no means linked with the collection earlier than, however for these of us with heaps of hours logged within the Animus, the sum of Shadows’ components present a refreshing realignment of the collection that you shouldn’t skip. – Jarrett Green
Atomfall
From our review: Atomfall is a gripping survival-action journey that takes some of the most effective components of Fallout and Elden Ring, and synthesises them into its own contemporary mutation. It presents a picturesque chunk of English countryside affected by alluring buildings to pique and reward your curiosity, eccentric locals to satisfy, and absorbing mysteries to unravel, and makes use of traditional iconography from British sci-fi and horror to constantly unsettling impact. In spite of some enemy behaviours which might be sometimes much less secure than a reactor in meltdown, Atomfall is a compelling, post-apocalyptic survival story that satisfyingly bends to your selections and discoveries no matter which route you are taking. – Tristan Ogilvie
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector
From our review: Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector doesn’t stray too removed from what made the primary one a cult hit, but it surely doesn’t need to. It tells a wealthy and poignant story concerning the complicated nature of control on one’s self when that self is a machine that may be rebooted and hacked, discovering and enriching neighborhood within the face of overwhelming odds, and expressing personhood each to oneself and to others. It’s visible novel-like presentation is heavy on studying and cube rolling, so its not precisely pulse-pounding, however the retooled character courses and stats, new crew missions, and stress mechanics present simply enough suggestions and create a sense of precarity all through that it stays participating. – Jarrett Green
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
From our review: Somehow, Donkey Kong Country Returns returned (again), however Nintendo’s third full release of this 2010 Wii platformer is nearly as contemporary and enjoyable right now because it was 15 years in the past. DK’s satisfying, weighty motion paves the best way for a difficult, momentum-based platformer that calls for more ability and precision than the average Nintendo game. But it stays enjoyable relatively than irritating due to extremely spectacular stage design that explores each intelligent thought to the fullest and a ton of hidden collectibles price monitoring down. As a remaster particularly, it’s no more than a satisfactory replace, with graphics that may solely actually be described as “good enough” and a few outdated components that would have used more fashionable touches, like a lack of checkpoints during boss fights and a few obnoxious sections full of one-hit kill obstacles. But Donkey Kong Country Returns HD continues to be a competent replace and simply one of the best ways to play one of the best 2D platformers Nintendo has launched this century. – Logan Plant
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
From our review: Propelled by a breezy and sometimes utterly bananas treasure-hunting story, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a pleasant spin-off that seamlessly shifts between avenue thuggery and skulduggery. Majima’s Sea Dog stance is one of essentially the most enjoyable and versatile combating types I’ve loved within the collection to date – at the least in its traditional, combo-based kind – and I welcomed the problem of rigorously balancing my crew lineup with a view to survive the numerous turbulent naval battles. While its overworld maps really feel a little padded out with recycled island settings, Honolulu itself is jammed with unpredictable substories and overhauled actions that meant each second of shore depart was full of surprises. Absolutely heaving with buried treasures and assorted pleasures, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a constantly fascinating voyage that stored my timbers shivering whether or not on land or at sea. – Tristan Ogilvie
Monster Hunter Wilds
From our review: Monster Hunter Wilds continues to clean off the historically tough edges of the collection in sensible methods, decreasing as a lot friction as potential that would get in the best way of you grabbing any of its exceptionally enjoyable weapons and planting them firmly in a monster’s conceal. But in that quest to make Monster Hunter more approachable, Wilds has carved a little too close to the bone in some locations, trimming its problem back a lot that I barely needed to dig into its in-depth tools system in any respect this time to develop into an apex predator. Its more versatile fight is a few of essentially the most enjoyable I’ve had with the collection, however just like the blustering lighting storms of its attractive desert, it'll burns brightly however briefly till Capcom unleashes some actual endgame beasts to problem us. – Tom Marks
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black
From our review: Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is neither Ninja Gaiden 2 nor Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, however as a substitute a secret third factor that mixes each variations collectively to create one thing that’s wholly distinctive and by far essentially the most stunning model of this wonderful action game but. While I’ve a onerous time calling it the definitive release as a result of I favor the unique’s “more dudes who are more aggressive but die faster” method, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a particular enchancment over the Sigma 2 release, fixes a number of long-standing points, and in contrast to the unique, isn’t trapped on the Xbox 360. It isn't the model I hoped for (get on it, modders), however it’s nonetheless an unimaginable game and I'm glad it exists. If this actually is it for Ninja Gaiden 2, it’ll at the least exit on a high notice. This journey via time jogged my memory that whilst you can't go home again, and nothing will ever really be prefer it was, that doesn't imply one thing can't nonetheless be stunning. Ninja Gaiden 2 is exceptional, even with its flaws, and it's good to lastly have it back in Black. – Will Borger
PGA Tour 2K25
From our review: With substantial modifications to how it appears to be like and plays, PGA Tour 2K25 appears like a completely different game from its predecessor. The new swing mechanics, paired with the considerably improved graphics, makes for a a lot more reasonable ambiance, even with a torpid efficiency by the asserting workforce. The extremely customizable MyCareer marketing campaign mode shines as one of essentially the most fulfilling components although it has a tacked-on persona system, occasional pointless connectivity points, and of course microtransactions. PGA Tour 2K25 continues to be a few strokes behind EA Sports PGA Tour as the most effective {golfing} simulator round, but when it continues to improve like this with every new iteration, we might even see it close that hole comparatively quickly. – Andrew McMahon
Rift of the NecroDancer
From our review: I may put on out my keyboard slapping arrow keys to the beat and jamming in my seat to Rift of the NecroDancer’s wonderful soundtrack, fervently chasing down a good run of a tune for hours. Whether I used to be combating stuffy puppet masters, rhythmically ridding the world of monsters, or simply waddling round in a foolish mole costume, it supplies many wonderful flavors of arcade-style rhythm action. Even although this “Greatest Hits” anthology isn’t as centered or Earth-shattering as Brace Yourself Games’ genre-bending debut album, it nonetheless regularly shocked and delighted me by offering intelligent twists on time-tested mechanics. – Charlie Wacholz
Tokyo Xtreme Racer (Early Access)
From our review: Tokyo Xtreme Racer is an infectiously addictive time capsule of a racing game that wants little more than a bit of menu refinement and a few main aggression injected into its sound to actually soup it up and prep it for even more traditional Japanese vehicles to race in and in opposition to. In reality, it’s already effectively price its early entry asking price. It’s slim in scope, however its freeway battle hook makes it onerous to put down, and its complete lack of fashionable baggage like microtransactions and tacked-on multiplayer is outright refreshing. – Luke Reilly
WWE 2K25
From our review: A pair of microtransaction-fueled missteps apart, WWE 2K25 is de facto the most effective wrestling game since… WWE 2K24, which was additionally fairly great. It appears to be like incredible, nonetheless feels good, and there’s a lot of it, together with small however welcome updates like intergender matches or greater updates like the brand new MyRise and Showcase modes. It’s an upscale wrestling buffet, if you’ll: It’s fairly delicious, there's a wide variety of dishes on the desk, and you possibly can spend an terrible lot of time within the squared circle should you’re not cautious. Speaking of, I need to get back to it. I’ve some more Showcase issues to unlock, Universe is looking my title, and… effectively, you get the concept. – Will Borger
Review Score: 9 (“Amazing”)
We enthusiastically advocate that you simply add these video games to your to-play listing. If we call a game Amazing, meaning one thing about it significantly impressed us, whether or not it’s an impressed new thought or an distinctive tackle an outdated one. We anticipate to look back at it as one of the highlights of its time and style.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins
From our review: If Dynasty Warriors: Origins is supposed to be a new starting, it’s one which will get off to a masterful begin. It doesn’t simply have the biggest quantity of enemies the collection has thrown on display screen without delay, it additionally deepens its fight, improves its storytelling with out getting in the best way of the action, and supplies a wholesome quantity of replayability and postgame content material – all whereas wanting higher than ever. Your amnesiac hero is a bit an excessive amount of of a clean slate at instances, however the spectacular ensemble forged made this story sing as I grew to care concerning the characters round him, huge and small. Origins is each a great entry level for newcomers and a triumphant return for veterans like me who felt the previous few entries had develop into stale or missed the mark. It feels just like the collection I as soon as cherished is lastly back. – Jada Griffin
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
From our review: In some ways, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 feels prefer it’s picked up and run with the reactive first-person RPG torch that Bethesda left mendacity within the mud years in the past in pursuit of a broader viewers. And it has wonderful melee fight, which The Elder Scrolls by no means got here close to even at its peak. Sometimes it's not sure if it desires to be a cinematic story about a particular man happening a particular journey or a really dynamic open-world sandbox full of attention-grabbing and assorted aspect quests, and that may result in a few immersion-shattering conflicts. But most of the time, leaning into one doesn't get in the best way of the opposite, and also you’re free to go on any of its many non-compulsory adventures alongside the best way to a thought-provoking and rousing finale for the principle plot. I used to be delighted to get misplaced in its world, and will probably be a long time earlier than I overlook its distinctive story. – Leana Hafer
MLB The Show 25
From our review: MLB The Show stays one of the most effective sports collection round. The new improve system and the beginner portion of your participant’s journey have reinvigorated Road To The Show, whereas the shift away from Sets and Seasons has righted Diamond Dynasty’s largest unsuitable. While it’s a bit of a bummer that the Storylines function isn’t dwelling up to its full potential, it stays a worthwhile and important inclusion that has attain past the game of baseball. All the small touches, resembling up to date infielder reactions and new fast time occasions just like the swim transfer, have the on-field action in a great place, too. It’s not all the time simple for an annual franchise to justify the transfer to a new entry, however within the case of MLB The Show 25, it does more than enough to make me glad it has arrived. – Justin Koreis
Split Fiction
From our review: An expertly crafted and absorbing co-op journey that pinballs from one style excessive to a different, Split Fiction is a rollercoaster of gameplay concepts and types which might be often discarded as shortly as they’re launched. This retains it fabulously contemporary for its full, 14-hour period. With no thought sticking round long enough to get stale earlier than making approach for the subsequent, it’s a victory of creativeness and restraint in equal measure. Hazelight might have been rewriting the co-op rule e-book for a decade now, however Split Fiction is a new chapter that you simply (and a companion) can’t miss. – Luke Reilly
Two Point Museum
From our review: Two Point Museum is a rewarding, deep, difficult, and extremely entertaining tycoon game that demonstrates Two Point Studios has actually hit its groove with this third iteration of the concept. The selection of completely different displays to unlock and stage up, the fun of discovering new expedition maps, and the array of intelligent and easy-to-use management instruments make designing and operating a museum joyful and constantly rewarding. I've sunk more than 40 hours into it already and I may simply see doubling that with out operating out of stuff to do. Call the curator. They're actually going to need to take a take a look at this. – Leana Hafer
Wanderstop
From our review: Every inch of Wanderstop pushes the conventions you’d anticipate of equally healthful video games. Its vibrant colours, quirky characters, and enchanting music are used to inform a compelling story that forces you to grapple with each its lead character's insecurities in addition to your own. It’s a highly effective journey not nearly burn out, however about how deeply painful it’s to free ourselves from coping mechanisms that will have beforehand stored us secure. At the identical time, Wanderstop’s easy however satisfying tea brewing experimentation serves as a secure and entertaining space to try this deep digging. There aren’t many video games like Wanderstop on the market presently, however for all our sakes, I hope there can be quickly. – Shailyn Cotten
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition
From our review: Xenoblade Chronicles X was already one of the Wii U’s greatest video games, and this Definitive Edition has escaped the destruction of its outdated home just like the White Whale and settled down properly on Switch. The quality-of-life enhancements listed below are enough to justify one other journey to Mira alone for veteran gamers, and it’s the right alternative for newcomers to discover its stunning landscapes for themselves. Its fight methods are deep and fascinating, and the huge open world by no means received outdated to run, leap, or fly throughout. Its important story might not fairly stay up to the requirements of the collection, however a likable forged of characters and many of compelling aspect missions imply Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition continues to be an journey price writing back home about. – George Yang
Jordan covers video games, exhibits, and flicks as a freelance author for IGN.