Welp, here we are again, about to sunset yet another year. Happy you’re here. I wasn’t expecting much out of 2025 in terms of gaming, but man it delivered. Here are some of my favorite games I played in the year 2025.
Fantasy Life i The Girl Who Steals Time
Available on: Switch, Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series S|X, Steam
If you know me, then you you’re not at all surprised this is on my list—or that it’s first (although this list isn’t in any specific order). To say I wished for an another proper entry to one of my favorite games is an understatement. I swear I would search weekly to see if Level5 would grace us with a sequel to their 3DS darling, and I’d repeatedly be disappointed. Well, not only did Level5 finally give us a sequel, but it ended up surpassing the original in every way. It turns out the game changing directors was a good call as the team put their all in and created a game that’s been highly regarded across the by both critics and players alike. There’s not a doubt in my mind that The Girl Who Steals Time has cemented the series as a mainstay for Level5. I’m also thrilled it came to Xbox and that gamers who only own that device can partake in such a wonderful chill title.
I completed the game and am not even close to maxing out each of the game’s Lives (think jobs like in Final Fantasy). There’s also Ginormousia which is a procedurally generated island chock full of challenges, materials, and loot. Oh, and it’s multiplayer with both cross buy and save across all platforms not to mention the free updates that keep coming out, the latest of which adds a roguelike area separate from the main game that you can grind for killer high level gear in. It’s the game that gives a lot and keeps giving even after release and is a mainstay on all my devices.
Clair Obscur Expedition 33
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series S|X, Steam
This game was one of my most anticipated of the year. I saw the stellar visuals and was immediately drawn in. Clair Obscur looked like it was everything Final Fantasy used to be and isn’t with turn based JRPG combat of yore. FF XVI was a major letdown for me in this regard with its button mashing repetitive combat taking place in what felt like nothing more than corridors funneling the player to areas with saves of enemies. It’s a tiresome leave design trope that felt all too repetitive. I was so confident that I purchased Clair Obscure on Steam (it ran poorly on Deck but apparently runs great now) and I have zero regrets. There’s nothing I can say that you likely haven’t read or seen as it swept the game awards, winning nine out of its eleven nominations, and I honestly think it deserves every win. If you love RPGs just play it and if you have Xbox Game Pass it’s included.
Avowed
Available on: Xbox Series S|X, Steam
Avowed was a game I had on my radar for a while, mainly because it’s on Xbox Game Pass. Truth be told, I ended up playing it much later in the year in part due to all the mediocre reception it received. And you know what? It’s a solid game. Sure, it doesn’t reinvent the wheel in any way, but it doesn’t have to. There’s nothing wrong with a game being familiar in mechanics and atmosphere. Gaming comfort food if you will. Throughout my journey, I was intrigued with the story as I grew my party with fun ad unique characters I met along the way. Obsidian crafted a wold full of wonder and there were many a time I found myself stopping to take in the sights. Sure, the enemy AI is dumb as rocks, but I was in it for the exploration and Avowed is pretty good for that. It’s a delightful chill RPG to just play. Give it a go.
Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter
Available on: Switch, Switch 2, PS5, Steam
This is easily simultaneously one of the best remakes as well as best RPGs I’ve ever played. It’s not hard to see the stark difference of this glorious remake when comparing it to the PlayStation Portable (PSP) original. The world is now fully realized in full 3D with voice acting, revised combat borrowed from the Trails Through Daybreak arc, quality of life improvements, and more. This is how you remake a game. The sequel, Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter is set to release in 2026—DO NOT WATCH THE TRAILER FOR 2ND CHAPTER PRIOR TO PLAYING 1ST CHAPTER BECAUSE IT SPOILS THE ENTIRE GAME!!! Absolutely play this game if you’re interested.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Available on: PS5, Steam, (eventually on Switch 2 and Xbox S|X)
Some people love Square Enix’s remake for Final Fantasy VII, one of the most beloved RPG games of all time next to Chrono Trigger, and some people hate it. As for me? I love it. Sure, three gigantic games compared to a single game feels a bit much, but god damn is it glorious. I lap it up every game. The second entry in a trilogy of the FF VII Remake series, it is bigger and more open than the previous game which set up the story to come. The cast of characters is one for the books and some of the most cherished ones in gaming and this game adds a few more. I love them all. Obviously play Final Fantasy VII Remake before playing this as it’s a direct continuation of that story seeing as all three games tell the story of the original PS One classic. There’s lot of side quests and mini games to partake in even once the credits roll along with lots of options including chapter select and more available upon completing the main story.
