‘Close to Perfect’ Readers’ Favourite Games of 2025 So Far

2025 has been an exciting year for gamers across all platforms, from PC and PlayStation 5 to Xbox and Nintendo Switch. With major studio releases, surprise indie hits, and long-awaited sequels, players are already calling some of these titles “close to perfect.” We asked readers to share their favorite games of 2025 — and the results are fascinating.

🎮 The Best Games of 2025 (So Far), According to Our Readers

From epic single-player stories to addictive multiplayer brawlers, here are the games readers say they loved the most — and why.

1. Stellar Blade (PS5 Exclusive)

📅 Released: April 2025
💬 Fan Verdict: “Visually stunning and emotionally rich.”

After early delays, Stellar Blade launched on PS5 to overwhelming praise for its blend of hack-and-slash action, cinematic storytelling, and unforgettable world design. Players compared it to Nier: Automata and praised its complex female protagonist, Eve.

“The combat feels tight, every boss is memorable, and the environments are gorgeous. This is what a next-gen single-player game should feel like.” — PS5 user, London

2. Hades II (PC, Console Early Access)

📅 Released: March 2025 (Early Access)
💬 Fan Verdict: “Addictive, stylish, and already better than the first.”

Hades II takes the award-winning formula of the original and adds deeper mechanics, more variety, and a new protagonist — the daughter of Hades. Even in early access, players are calling it one of the most polished games of the year.

“It’s early access, but it plays better than most full games. Supergiant nailed it again.” — Steam user, Chicago

3. Tekken 8 (Multiplatform)

📅 Released: January 2025
💬 Fan Verdict: “The best fighting game in a decade.”

Tekken 8 builds on decades of lore with crisp animations, next-gen visuals, and a fresh roster that appeals to both pros and newcomers.

“The Heat system adds depth, and the netcode is miles better than Tekken 7. It’s finally fun to play online!” — Xbox player, Manchester

4. Dragon’s Dogma 2 (PS5, Xbox, PC)

📅 Released: March 2025
💬 Fan Verdict: “Dark fantasy done right.”

Though it launched with performance complaints, Dragon’s Dogma 2 quickly won fans over with its immersive world, strategic combat, and incredible boss battles. Modding support on PC helped boost its lifespan.

“Once you get into it, it’s dangerously addicting. Capcom might have dropped a classic here.” — PC player, New York

5. Palworld (Full Release)

📅 Full Release: May 2025
💬 Fan Verdict: “Chaos, crafting, and cute creatures with rocket launchers.”

After exploding in early access in 2024, Palworld officially launched in 2025 with more content, multiplayer improvements, and full base-building systems. It’s still divisive, but many readers call it “weirdly brilliant.”

“It’s Pokémon meets survival shooter and somehow works. Addictive and hilarious.” — Game Pass player, Toronto

6. Princess Peach: Showtime! (Nintendo Switch)

📅 Released: March 2025
💬 Fan Verdict: “Charming, clever, and perfect for younger players.”

Nintendo delivered again with Princess Peach: Showtime! — a colorful, imaginative platformer where Peach takes the lead with theatrical costumes and unique gameplay twists.

“My daughter loved it, and I had fun too. It’s surprisingly creative!” — Switch player, Birmingham

7. Rise of the Ronin (PS5 Exclusive)

📅 Released: February 2025
💬 Fan Verdict: “Samurai freedom meets open-world ambition.”

Developed by Team Ninja, this PS5-exclusive offers a mix of historical fiction, intense melee combat, and exploration through 19th-century Japan. Some call it a sleeper hit.

“If Ghost of Tsushima was more RPG-like, it would be this. A bit rough around the edges, but incredible atmosphere.” — PlayStation user, Dublin

🧠 What Makes a Game ‘Close to Perfect’ in 2025?

Readers said their top games had one or more of the following:

• Strong characters and emotional storytelling (Stellar Blade, Hades II)
• Polished gameplay mechanics and replay value (Tekken 8, Dragon’s Dogma 2)
• Unique or surprising design choices (Palworld, Princess Peach)
• Visual fidelity and next-gen optimization
• No forced monetization or broken launches

There’s a clear demand for games that respect the player’s time and intelligence — not just flashy marketing.

🔥 Honorable Mentions

While not in the top tier, these titles also received consistent praise:

• Foamstars – “More fun than expected for a live-service shooter.”
• Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Switch) – “Nostalgic but tight gameplay.”
• Alone in the Dark – “Better than expected. Great horror vibes.”
• Helldivers 2 – “Tough, chaotic, and awesome with friends.”

📈 What Do These Favorites Say About 2025 Gaming Trends?

• 🎯 Single-player is thriving: Despite the live-service trend, players still crave rich, offline stories.
• 🎮 Indies hold strong: Hades II and Palworld prove indie or smaller-budget games can dominate.
• 💡 Genre blends win: Games that mix mechanics (e.g. survival + creature collection) are hitting big.
• ❌ Gamers are done with broken launches: Polished, finished games are what players demand now.

✅ Final Thoughts: A Great Year So Far, with More to Come

2025 has already delivered unforgettable gaming experiences — and we’re only halfway through. With Avowed, Black Myth: Wukong, Silksong, and Metaphor: ReFantazio still to come, the year could end up being one of the best in gaming history.

As our readers put it:

“2025 is proof that quality still matters.”

🖥️ Playing Requirements for 2025’s Best Games

Whether you’re on console or PC, here’s what you’ll need to play these fan-favorite titles of 2025:

🔹 Stellar Blade (PS5 Exclusive)

• Platform: PlayStation 5 only
• Resolution: Up to 4K with performance mode (60 FPS)
• Storage: ~40GB
• No PC release yet

✅ Requires a PS5 console; DualSense controller recommended for full immersion.

🔹 Hades II (Early Access)

• Platform: PC (Steam, Epic), later consoles
• Recommended Specs:
  • CPU: Intel i5-8400 / Ryzen 5 2600
  • GPU: GTX 1060 / RX 580
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 10GB
• Controller Support: Yes

💡 Runs well on mid-range gaming laptops and Steam Deck.

🔹 Tekken 8

• Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
• Performance: Stable 60 FPS on consoles
• PC Specs (Recommended):
  • CPU: Ryzen 7 3700X / i7-9700K
  • GPU: RTX 2060 or better
  • RAM: 16GB
  • Storage: 70GB

🎮 Best played with a fighting stick or gamepad.

🔹 Dragon’s Dogma 2

• Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
• PC Specs (High Settings):
  • CPU: Ryzen 5 5600X / Intel i5-12600K
  • GPU: RTX 3070 / RX 6700 XT
  • RAM: 16GB+
  • Storage: 80GB
• Performance Mode: 1440p 60 FPS on consoles

⚠️ PC users may need a powerful GPU for smoother framerates.

🔹 Palworld (Full Release)

• Platforms: Xbox, PC (Steam/Game Pass)
• Minimum PC Specs:
  • CPU: i5-8400 / Ryzen 5 1600
  • GPU: GTX 1050 Ti
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 25GB
• Multiplayer Support: Yes

🌐 Requires internet for full multiplayer experience.

🔹 Princess Peach: Showtime!

• Platform: Nintendo Switch
• Performance: Smooth 30 FPS
• Storage: ~6GB
• No online required

🎮 Works great on both docked and handheld modes.

🔹 Rise of the Ronin

• Platform: PS5 exclusive
• Resolution Modes:
  • Fidelity: Native 4K, 30 FPS
  • Performance: Dynamic 1440p–4K at 60 FPS
• Storage Required: ~45GB
• No PC version announced

📌 Best played with HDR and a high-refresh-rate display.

❓Unique FAQs