It’s that time. It’s time for an end-of-year wrap-up of 2025. But rather than just doing the traditional, boring “hey, here’s our favorite games of 2025” or “what the hell was I doing playing this garbage this year”, we decided to take a different approach and highlight nine games that stood out for us, based on experience.
Of course, your mileage may vary when it comes to these games. But in our eyes, any of these games could easily stand out in your collection. So, without further ado, let’s dive in, shall we? Here are nine games that rocked our world in 2025.
Donkey Kong Bananza
Many experiences defined the Nintendo Switch 2 in its debut year. However, nothing came close to what Donkey Kong Bananza did. It’s a remarkable platformer that’s piled on with secrets, innovative boss battles and, of course, lots of style. Not to mention it has one of the best soundtracks of the year and looks utterly amazing. It’s a game definitely worth going…ape for.
Birdcage
No, not the Robin Williams movie. This is Polygon Bird’s deep dive into “shmup” heaven – or bullet hell, as some would see it. The end result is an inspired triumph, a game that packs on lovely graphics and an amazing soundtrack. But the thrill, of course, is in the shooting itself, as the game piles on challenge after challenge, leaving you wanting more. And, boy, do we want it.
Neon Inferno
Does Retroware know how to pick ‘em or what? Neon Inferno is the latest blast of fresh retro air from the company. A game that thrives on front-range action and shooting in the distance, it’s just so well put together. Plus its theming, combined with crazy boss fights and captivating stage design, is really something. I can’t wait to see what these guys have in store for the new year.
Marvel Cosmic Invasion
And here we thought Tribute Games reached its peak with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge. Silly us. Marvel Cosmic Invasion is a wonderful throwback to the older days of Marvel titles, while throwing in enough freshness to keep players coming back for more. All that’s missing from this is a DLC pack with Squirrel Girl and Howard the Duck. Needs to happen!
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance
2025 has been the year of the ninja, especially with not one but two outstanding Ninja Gaiden games to choose from. But leave it to Sega to win the day with a bold, thrilling hand-drawn action-adventure with one of our favorites. This one’s a throwback to the fans, but also welcome enough for new players. And, boy, the unlockable stuff is sure to keep you busy.
Constance
OK, we had no problem with Hollow Knight Silksong. It’s an outstanding sequel that’s worth its weight in gold. But let’s not brush aside BTF’s impressive Constance. We reviewed this a little bit ago and it’s terrific, a gorgeously-painted game with a story that holds up very well, and platforming action from the heavens. It’s a bit tough, but worth it to see the whole picture.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
What else can we say? Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 changed the way we look at gaming forever. It’s a captivating effort by a small team that made a tremendous difference with its gameplay and presentation. What’s more, it made waves that made people take notice in the AA game development community. I just hope we see more like it – and sooner rather than later.
Earthion
A Sega Genesis shooter getting top marks in 2025? Hell yeah. We reviewed Earthion a while back and it still holds up as one of the best experiences of the year. Yuzo Koshiro and company nailed the 16-bit aesthetic, while delivering a fresh shooting package that we still can’t get enough of. And best of all, it actually comes to the Genesis in 2026. Go get it.
Absolum
So, wait. Hold on a minute. A wholly original beat-em-up built around an original world and featuring RPG elements? And it’s hand-drawn? Sign us up. Absolum is one of this year’s biggest surprises, and we still can’t get enough of it after all these weeks. It makes us wish for a sequel – and maybe a hand-drawn Golden Axe sequel on the side. What? We’re not asking much here.
What games shook your world in 2025? Let us know. And here’s to 2026!
