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You guessed it. That time of the year again where I talk about the best games I played and why you should play them too. So, let’s get into this years top 10 games I played in 2025. Before we begin, I would like to say that games from the same series can and will be on this list. Also, these games may include games I had previously played in the past, but played again in 2025. Let’s begin.
10. Luigi’s Mansion
System: 3DS
You may know (or maybe not) that I set out to play all three of these games by Halloween. That did not go through and I failed but I did manage to beat the first game again on the 3DS. Well, the reason it’s at the #10 spot is simply because I found the (paid link) 3DS version inferior to the original (paid link) GameCube. Either way though, it was a fun time.
9. Twilight Survivors
System: Steam Deck
You all know I enjoy a good roguelike and boy, this was one of them. From all the characters to choose from to the weapons and skills to choose from, there was always something cool to discover. Did I mention it is incredibly cheap too? $2.99 on Nintendo Switch and Steam. Worth checking out for sure.
8. Dead Space 2
System: Steam Deck
Now I’ve played this game several times since its release and I have no doubt that I will go back to it in the future. However, going back through was a real treat for me. This whole series is one I hold dear, just because I love the story and atmosphere so much. I also replayed Dead Space & Dead Space 3 last year, so check out those reviews too.
7. Kirby and the Forgotten Land
System: Switch
I remember that I played Kirby and the Forgotten Land when it released but not a whole lot about it. Well, obviously, we played again and had a pretty great time with it. We also played the (paid link) Switch 2 content, Star Crossed World, which I also did a review for. So, what made this game standout and why is it here? Simply because the fun I had playing it!
6. Mario Kart World
System: Switch 2
How could this not be on the list? I know a lot of people gave it some grief over the free roam world being “empty” but I personally didn’t feel that way. With the included cups for a regular races, then Knockout Tour, we had plenty to keep us occupied. I had fun playing with family and friends. Still do too, that’s the best part. Don’t have a (paid link) copy? You’re really missing out.
5. Hello Kitty Island Adventure
System: Switch
I’m not even sure how to convey the level of fun I had with this title. I’ve written about it a lot so I don’t want to sound like a broken record but the game really took a lot of what I enjoyed about (paid link) Animal Crossing, changed a few mechanics and made this a fun trip. Plus it doesn’t hurt that they’re still running seasonal events and such.
Alright so if you aren’t aware of what this game is, it’s definitely a cozy game on a deserted (kind of) island that all of Hello Kitty’s friends go to. It kicks off a mystery and has a decent story to it too. Check out a trailer if curious or go buy you a copy, available on the (paid link) Nintendo Switch or (paid link) Playstation 5. There is also a Switch 2 version and an upgrade pack for those of us who bought it for the Switch.
4. Digimon Survive
System: Switch
After wanting to play this ever since it was released, I finally had my chance last year. I did have previous time put into this via the (paid link) PS4 version but opted for the (paid link) Switch instead since I could play it portably. Well, what started off an adventure with some spooks and thrills turned into a story that I won’t be forgetting for a long time to come. The story behind the Digimon, what they are and what’s happening in the Digital World is very different from what we have ever experienced before. Some people talk about the game not having a good strategy combat while others criticize it for the visual novel gameplay. Personally, I enjoyed both aspects a lot and feel that perhaps this just isn’t their type of game and they need to just accept that instead of dissing it all the time. Anyway, if you want, I wrote out some tips for anyone curious.
3. Donkey Kong Bananza
System: Switch 2
Donkey Kong really was a very hyped game for me this year. I’ve been a fan since the SNES days with the (paid link) Donkey Kong Country series. I’ve loved and played games like (paid link) Donkey Kong 64 and just wished we could get another 3D title. We did, finally, last year and it was amazing. Do you want more details? Then check out my review and perhaps go buy yourself a (paid link) copy too.
2. Silksong
System: Switch 2
Like many, I was trying to buy this when it first released. I was one of the lucky ones that got through right away, bought it for the Switch 2 and away I went. Though, my journey also began here, as I had very little experience with Hollow Knight. Still, onward I went, through gritted teeth with some of those boss fights until I finally reached the end.
So, obviously for it to be at me #2 spot, I must have had a great time with it, right? Oh I did and each victory felt oh so satisfying. Sure, sometimes I wanted to give up but I managed. Even after a short break, I came back for victory. Point is, if you want a challenge, I would say Silksong provides it. You can read my review for that here and I also wrote an article talking about how this may have tainted (& enhanced) my playthrough for Hollow Knight. I am really looking forward to the DLC for this game though, so that’s exciting.
1. Digimon Story Time Stranger
System: Steam Deck
If you haven’t been able to tell by now, this is one game I really got into last year and enjoyed immensely. Well, I’m here to talk about it again because, why wouldn’t I? Really thought, as much as everyone likes (paid link) Cyber Sleuth, Time Stranger polishes the system and makes the right changes to make it a very fun game with an interesting story. To stop myself from just repeating myself, go check out my review for this game and if you don’t already own a copy, go get yourself one either over on Steam, (paid links) Playstation 5 or Xbox Series X.
Conclusion
Well, there are my top 10 games I played in 2025. What were yours? Come tell us over on Facebook. Make sure to check out my best game pickups by month and until next time, happy gaming!
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