TekinGame’s Best of 2025: The Top 20 Games That Defined the Year (Ultimate Buyer’s Guide & Performance Review)

1. The GOTY Contenders: The Unrivaled Kings of 2025

Let's not mince words. These are the heavy hitters—the titles that pushed the medium forward visually, mechanically, and narratively.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

Hideo Kojima has done it again. Moving beyond the "walking simulator" memes of the first game, the sequel is a masterclass in atmosphere and traversal mechanics.
Performance Check: On the PS5 Pro, this is the graphical benchmark of the generation. Running at a native 4K with full Path Tracing features enabled, the Decima Engine flexes muscles we didn't know consoles had.
Verdict: It’s not just a game; it’s an event. Essential for anyone who values narrative.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

It took almost a decade, but Samus Aran’s return was worth every second of the wait. Launching alongside the Nintendo Switch 2, this game proves that art direction trumps raw power.
The Switch 2 Factor: Running at a locked 60FPS with DLSS-equivalent upscaling, it looks stunningly crisp. It is the definitive reason to own Nintendo's new hardware.

Monster Hunter Wilds

Capcom has perfected the loop. The new seamless open-world design eliminates loading screens entirely, making the hunt feel more organic than ever.
Value Proposition: With a $70 price tag, you are getting easily 200+ hours of content. In terms of "cost per hour of entertainment," nothing beats this. The cross-play functionality has also united the community like never before.

2. The Indie Revolution: Why $30 Games Are Beating AAA

2025 proved that you don't need a $200 million budget to make a masterpiece. In fact, the Indie scene carried the industry during the quieter summer months.

Hades II

Price: $29.99
The Experience: Supergiant Games took a perfect game and expanded it in every dimension. The new protagonist, Melinoë, brings a magical combat style that feels distinct from Zagreus. It runs beautifully on everything from a Steam Deck to a high-end rig. This is the gold standard for sequels.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

The internet meme is finally a playable reality. Silksong is faster, more acrobatic, and significantly larger than the original.
Availability: Launching Day One on Xbox Game Pass was a massive win for Microsoft. It made the service essential for millions of fans instantly.

3. Shooter Spotlight: The Return of Arena Combat

DOOM: The Dark Ages

id Software went medieval, and it worked. Swapping the sci-fi facility for a dark fantasy realm, while giving the Doom Slayer a shield saw (yes, a chainsaw shield), refreshed the combat loop.
Optimization King: This is the best-optimized game of the year. It runs at over 100 FPS even on mid-range hardware like the RTX 4060.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Gulf War

Treyarch delivered the best campaign in a decade. The return to the gritty, espionage-focused narrative of the early 90s resonated with fans. The multiplayer, utilizing the new "Omnimovement" system, feels faster and more fluid. It’s a return to form for the franchise.

4. RPG Heaven: Worlds Worth Living In

Avowed

Obsidian’s answer to Skyrim finally arrived. While smaller in scope than Bethesda’s giant, the combat is punchier, and the magic system is genuinely fun to experiment with.
Why play it? The "Living Lands" are vibrant and colorful, a stark contrast to the dreary fantasy worlds we usually get.

Persona 6

Atlus reinvented their style with a green-themed aesthetic that feels fresh and energetic. The social systems are deeper, and the turn-based combat is snappier. It remains the best "lifestyle" game—a world you inhabit for 100 hours.

5. Hardware Analysis: Switch 2 vs. PC vs. PS5 Pro

2025 was a hardware transition year. Where should you play these games?

• Nintendo Switch 2 ($399): The clear winner for value. It’s powerful enough to run modern ports (like Call of Duty) competently while offering Nintendo’s unbeatable exclusives. If you only buy one console this year, make it this one.
• PS5 Pro ($699): A niche luxury. While Death Stranding 2 looks incredible on it, for most games, the difference between the base PS5 and the Pro isn't worth the extra $200 unless you have a high-end OLED TV.
• PC (RTX 50 Series): The ceiling. If you want Path Tracing at 4K/120Hz, this is your only option. However, with GPU prices remaining high, it's an investment for the dedicated enthusiast.

6. The "Waiting Game": GTA VI and What to Play Instead

The confirmation of Grand Theft Auto VI moving to November 19, 2026, was a blow. But don't let your PS5 gather dust.

The Alternative: Mafia: The Old Country
This prequel took us back to Sicily and delivered a tight, narrative-driven mob story that scratched that open-world crime itch. It doesn't have the sandbox chaos of GTA, but its atmosphere is unmatched.

7. Value Guide: Subscription Services vs. Day One Purchase

With the global economy tightening, buying every game at $70 is unsustainable.

The Winner: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ($19.99/mo)
With Call of Duty, Avowed, Silksong, and Doom: The Dark Ages all launching Day One on the service, the value proposition is undeniable. You would spend $280 to buy those four games separately. On Game Pass, you play them for a fraction of the cost.

The Runner Up: PlayStation Plus Extra ($14.99/mo)
While it lacks Day One first-party titles, the catalog of back-catalog hits (including Final Fantasy VII Rebirth added this year) makes it a solid library for catching up.

8. Final Verdict: The Top 20 Ranked

Here is the definitive TekinGame ranking based on Performance, Fun Factor, and Value.