One of the most debated topics in the gaming industry in the past few years is whether video games can be considered art. While I don’t have the academic background necessary to provide a definitive answer to such a question, Clair Obscur Expedition 33, with its story, art, and music, evoked feelings in me that only the most memorable works of art can: pain, joy, sadness, and grief. All of this, combined with one of the finest turn-based RPG experiences of the last decade, makes this game not only one of the best of 2025, but one of the greatest offerings of this generation.

Astro Bot is a game full of passion, quality and competence, consolidating Team Asobi as the best and most creative studio under the PlayStation Studios umbrella. It delivers an enchanting experience from start to finish, with fun and varied mechanics enough that the player doesn't notice the time passing. It is also worth praising the excellent localization into Brazilian Portuguese.

Dragon's Dogma 2 is worth your attention, whether you're an old fan or someone who's never touched Dark Arisen. You just need to be aware that this is a more difficult game, in which it is not possible to reverse your actions and that focuses heavily on exploration and intense battles.

Magnum Opus. The Latin expression is used to express a work of excellence in all aspects, usually being the pinnacle of an author or artist. If the composition of a team of renowned names from Studio P was already a clue that Metaphor was destined for great things, now with its release it is impossible not to have the feeling that this is the greatest work produced by Atlus yet. Absorbing everything that is best in the already historic Persona and Shin Megami Tensei franchises, Metaphor: ReFantazio is not only the best RPG of the year, but is also one of the big favorites for game of the year 2024.

The Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 collection carries on its shoulders the two best 3D platformers ever starring Mario. Both games feel frozen in time, showing absolutely no signs of aging — quite the opposite, in fact: they highlight Nintendo’s sorcery in crafting magical, timeless experiences. Some minor tweaks were added to make them more accessible for new players, but honestly, they didn’t even need it. Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 deserve to be listed in the dictionary as synonyms for perfection in gaming. Only those who embark on this journey truly understand how far the mustachioed hero went (to space, literally) to outdo himself in creativity.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a true love letter not only to fans of the series, but also to Kiryu Kazuma. It is also a reminder that the two protagonists were not created to replace each other: they both have their value and learn from their qualities and defects when they are together.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach delivers on its promises, featuring a star-studded cast worthy of Hollywood. Its story surprises with the boldness of its themes, accompanied by fun and refined gameplay. It’s an essential recommendation not just for Kojima fans, but for anyone who loves video games.

If you grew up in the 90s or 2000s, Mixtape will likely bring laughter, nostalgia, and maybe even a few genuine tears. For those born in the TikTok era, it's almost like a time capsule of a less connected, but perhaps more present, youth.

I’m a huge fan—not just of Hades, but of the entire catalog of titles released by Supergiant Games to date. So it came as no surprise that Hades II turned out to be one of the best games I played in 2025. While writing this review, I found myself restless—not because I struggled to talk about the game, but because every minute at the keyboard was a minute spent away from Tartarus or Olympus. Its only shortcoming lies in the somewhat limited strategic variety offered by Melinoë’s weapon aspects. Beyond that, Hades II elevates every element that made Hades the breakout hit of 2020, delivering once again one of the finest roguelikes ever made—packed with content and crafted with a quality worthy of a true Greek epic.

If you've played and enjoyed A Way Out or It Takes Two, there's no doubt that Hazelight's new game will become one of your favorites from the studio. The other thing I'm certain of is that Split Fiction isn't just an excellent game, it's a true celebration of what games should be and represent: creativity, fun, and the rare element of continuing to surprise you and put a smile on your face after hours of gameplay, when you thought you'd seen it all.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater may not be the remake new players expected, but it is a love letter to longtime fans. It is a respectful modernization of Kojima's legacy and his history with Konami.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment not only stands as the pinnacle of the musou genre—bringing variety to a style often marked by repetition, from its combat to its structure—but also firmly earns its place among the best canonical Zelda titles. Koei Tecmo absorbs everything that makes the Zelda franchise so special and delivers a work worthy of making Eiji Aonuma and Shigeru Miyamoto proud.

Reigning supreme on the Xbox Series X, Forza Horizon 5 maintains its crown on the PlayStation 5 with hundreds of hours of content and impressive technical features, especially on the PS5 Pro. Surprisingly, PlayStation now houses the best console version of a major Xbox game. In a win-win deal for both companies, Sony is grateful – and Microsoft, with its deep pockets, is smiling from ear to ear.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is like a dream come true. The immensity of the universe of this work deserved a game that was technically up to the task of portraying its settings, characters and stories with the technology of current consoles. Fortunately, the result delivered by Square Enix exceeds expectations.

With a stronger plot, better character development and a captivating dynamic between Henry and Hans, the game becomes essential for veteran fans and newcomers alike. Improved in every way possible, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 definitely delivers the experience that Warhorse Studios always had in mind for the franchise.

Overflowing with charisma, Sonic Racing: Crossworlds is the racing game the blue blur always deserved—a true tribute with that unmistakable arcade vibe that honors his legacy in gaming. With gameplay as smooth and satisfying as driving in real life, and a wealth of content built to entertain for generations, the game reignites the friendly rivalry between SEGA and Nintendo. This time, though, the race is neck and neck.

Even with some small problems, it is easy to say that Indiana Jones and the Big Circle is one of the best games of 2024, even though it has been released too late to participate in big awards.

Granblue Fantasy: Relink makes small mistakes, but it is practically a perfect game within its proposal. It's a clear example of how mobile franchises, with sufficiently engaging worlds, can be successful in genres that are more appealing to a wide audience.

Black Myth: Wukong is not only a beautiful demonstration of the graphical power that we can expect from Unreal Engine 5, but it is also an excellent action game and a possible candidate for the Game of the Year race in 2024.

If the excellent core of Xenoblade Chronicles X that didn't need to be renewed wasn't enough, such as its vast and excellent combat and RPG mechanics, a living and highly explorable world, and an excellent and addictive soundtrack, Monolith Software's remaster also manages to get the right improvements to revitalize the game for the Nintendo Switch. Whether you're a veteran of the game or, like me, a newcomer wanting to explore the world of Mira for the first time, Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition truly lives up to its name as the ultimate version to experience what can easily be considered one of the best JRPGs available for the Nintendo Switch.

Persona 3 Reload is a very faithful remake of the original, and also brings completely new elements that came to modernize the experience and make the gameplay and plot even more engaging. With a few stumbles, Persona 3 Reload might not be the most complete, but it is the definitive version of the game that marked the franchise's path to success.

Silent Hill F is not just a return — it’s a reinvention. Neobards and Konami have managed to bring the series back into relevance without relying on recycled formulas, opting instead for a fresh Japanese setting, a complex protagonist, and a combat system that defies expectations. It’s an approach that surprises while still respecting the franchise’s DNA.

Raw as it should be and honest in its set of modes, Space Marine 2 inherits the simplistic spirit of the productions of the late 2010s, when we were happier and less discerning, but presents itself as a reference for the current generation. What we have here is video games in their purest essence.

Keeper is by far one of the most original games of 2025. Without using words and with simple gameplay, the game takes you on a beautiful journey full of surprises, which will certainly please those who enjoy games with an artistic flair.

Even with its flaws, Dragon Age The Veilguard is definitely worth giving a chance. And if you let go of the weight of expectations created over the last 10 years, you might actually be surprised by what the game and its characters have to offer. Of course, as with Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the decision is entirely in your hands.

Pragmata is the kind of game that can appeal to most people, even if it has a few stumbles along the way. If you're unsure, I can say that there are many elements that reminded me of games like Resident Evil and Dead Space, with very small hints of Monster Hunter and even Death Stranding.

Unicorn Overlord presents a healthy and balanced mix between combat and exploration, naturally integrating these two crucial aspects of gameplay. Generous in content, the game can easily take a hundred hours, depending on how engaged you are with the optional challenges.

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden definitely doesn't want to be a revolutionary game. Instead, it plays it safe to deliver a solid and fun experience, with an original story and gameplay that should please fans of The Witcher 3 and God of War (2018).