If we expected a 2025 dominated by the usual blockbusters, we were wrong. The ranking of the most appreciated games so far tells us another story: that of independent developers and medium-small studies Which, with creativity and vision, are keeping head (and in many cases overcoming) the giants of the industry.
According to the data collected by OpenCriticthe platform that aggregates international reviews, the qualifications with the highest evaluations in the first months of the year are mostly indie or double a. And let’s not talk about bizarre experiments: they are solid, well -kept games, with strong identities and often more innovative than competitors with hundreds of millions of budgets.
From the surreal Gothic by Blue Prince at interactive fiction of split fiction, passing through a surprising return of Monster Hunter, 2025 is proving to be a year various, courageous and full of surprises. Here are the titles that, for now, are making (well) of themselves.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – A mix of poetry and RPG
With a average score of 91is the most appreciated title so far. It is a French rpg With real -time shift combat, dreamy settings and a narrative inspired by art and philosophy. Struck for visual originality and refined writingwhile arousing some disputes in China for some cultural references.
On Metacritic, it is 92 points from criticism and an enviable average of 9.7 points from the users of users.
Split fiction – Comics style and moral choices
An action adventure episodicwith a very marked Cel-Shading style. The player’s choices heavily influence the plot, and each episode changes tone and direction. A narrative experiment reminiscent of interactive comics, with one average evaluation of 90. Here you can read our review.
On Metacritic, it is 91 points from criticism and an average of 8.9 points from the users’ votes.
Kingdom as: Deliverance II – Strengled historical realism
The sequel to the medieval RPG returns with an even more detailed world, No magica new more branched combat and missions system.
Set shortly after the first chapter, he received consensus for historical consistency and technical evolution. Average: 90.
On Metacritic, it is 88 points from criticism and an average of 8.6 points from the users’ votes.
Blue Prince – Gothic and surprising roguelike
A dungeon crawler in which we decide How to build the castleroom after room. The Gothic atmosphere mixes with an elegant aesthetic and a jazz soundtrack. One of the most surprising titles of the year, with a score of 89.
On Metacritic, it is 92 points from criticism and an average of 7.6 points from the users’ votes.
Keep Driving – Road trip narrative and relaxing
A game where you drive and listen. Each passenger is a storyevery journey a reflection. The minimal graphic style and the ambient soundtrack accompany driving sessions with interactive dialogues. A simple but well performed idea, with average 89.
On Metacritic, it is at 84 points from criticism and an average of 8.2 points from the users’ votes.
Monster Hunter Wilds – The first triple a in the standings
The only high budget title in the top 10.
The new Monster Hunter introduces dynamic mapscreatures influenced by the weather and a day/night cycle that also changes the behavior of monsters. It remains faithful to the series but it evolves it with care. Average rating: 89. Here our complete review.
On Metacritic, 90 points from criticism and an average of 7.7 points from the users of users is at an altitude.
Other titles to keep an eye on
- The Hundred Line – Last Defense Academy (87): Soul -style shift strategic, with school jrpg mechanics.
- Bionic Bay (87): physical platform in 2D, set in a dystopian world with original interactions.
- Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector (86): Sci-Fi text adventure with resources management and narrative decisions.
- Expelled! (86): investigative game set in a school, with psychological horror elements.
- Two Point Museum (85): ironic management, spiritual successor of Two Point Hospital.
- Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist (85): Elegant Metroidvania with Dark Fantasy colors and excellent pixel art.
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