2025 has been a banger year in terms of quality and variety of games that have been launched. There’s literally too many to mention so here’s a list of Favorite Games of 2025 from the GadgetMatch team!
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Rodneil: If the 9 trophies it bagged from The Game Awards 2025 wasn’t enough to convince you that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a must-play, I don’t know what will.
The game will lure you in with its stunning visuals, grab you with its inciting incident, keep you focused during combat, endear you to its characters, and deliver gut-wrenching and awe-inspiring moments that will make you yearn for more.
Thankfully, it’s a 30–50-hour campaign with late game content that could double if you’re the completionist type.
Also, this scene:
Ghost of Yotei
Rodneil: Ghost of Yotei builds on the gameplay and visuals established by Ghost of Tsushima. It’s an extension, refinement, and a bit of a remixed experience of Jin Sakkai’s tale. Except this time, you walk the path of vengeance with Atsu.
The game leaves you with something sharper than spectacle. Where Tsushima gave you the weight of history, Yotei carves its mark with intimacy. Revenge doesn’t need armies or nations to matter—it just needs a blade and a target.
That’s why Ghost of Yotei stands on its own. It may lack the grandeur of its predecessor, but it’s more cohesive, more personal, and more daring in how it tells its story. Atsu’s journey isn’t about how the world remembers her; it’s about how far vengeance will take her—and how much of herself she’ll lose along the way.
NBA 2K26
Rodneil: Consider this a sneak but NBA 2K is consistently my top played game year after year. You can say it’s my form of therapy – my way to relax and decongest.
Sure, the microtransactions still aren’t great and there’s always a missing historic player here and there. However, NBA 2K26 feels the most refined since the pandemic. The core gameplay feels fantastic and game modes like MyNBA, while largely unchanged, continue to deliver the kind of basketball video game simulation that I crave.
So, yeah. This one’s part of the list. It’s ‘favorite’ after all and not necessarily ‘best’.
SHINOBI: Art of vengeance
Rodneil: SHINOBI: Art of vengeance is one of the premiere side-scrolling action games in 2025. It scratched my “Zero in Megaman X4” itch and then some.
The art style is phenomenal. If you’re into that hand-drawn vibe, then this game is right up your alley. The gameplay also presents plenty of challenges and replayability. Even after clearing some stages, you’ll find yourself wanting to go back to make sure you get all the collectibles.
Overall, it’s just a downright good time. And it’s especially enjoyable on a gaming handheld.
Digimon Story: Time Stranger
Rodneil: Playing Digimon Story Time Stranger feels like reliving a summer memory — the excitement of discovery, the satisfaction of raising Digimon, and the pull of wanting to see what comes next.
It isn’t trying to reinvent anything, and that’s part of its charm. Instead, it offers a polished, nostalgia-driven JRPG that rewards the time you sink into it. The story pulls you in even without a standout cast. The monster-collecting systems are rich and addictive. And the combat strikes a balance between old-school comfort and modern convenience.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Luigi: Silksong was the holy grail of Metroidvania fans like me for years. Imagine our collective surprise when the mythical title was finally announced (and launched only a few weeks after the announcement). Silksong is real, and it’s here.
Silksong continues the saga started by the original Hollow Knight. Initially conceptualized as a second playable character for the first game, Hornet grew into her own game, filled with new enemies, abilities, and a much larger map. It retains the same formula that made the first great: tough fights but rewarding difficulty. There’s nothing more satisfying than figuring out how a boss here works and finally beating them after a hard fight.
Despite how huge it is, it only costs around US$ 20. At its core, it’s a true indie darling, and it still has free DLC coming!
Hades II
Luigi: In 2020, I played the first Hades. During a tenuous time like the pandemic, it was a huge lifesaver that helped me keep my sanity. Five years later, Hades 2 is here, and it’s just as epic.
A newly awakened Chronos has held Hades and his family captive. It’s up to Melinoë, Hades’s daughter, to rescue them from their prison. Much like the first one, the sequel has players go on runs to carve a little deeper into the Underworld.
Besides new weapons and tools to help go further, each run also unlocks new stories and relationships with other characters. It makes the game much more endearing, because you actually care for the characters and how they interact with Melinoë. Whether it’s a long marathon or just a run before bed, Hades II is the perfect game for a cozy time.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Luigi: The original Death Stranding is a polarizing title, earning persistent japes of being just a glorified Uber simulator. Regardless of what you think of the first game, the sequel is much grander but has a tighter story.
Sam Porter Bridges is back to connect the entirety of Mexico and Australia. Familiar faces and new ones help (and hinder) Sam’s quest. And… that’s basically it. Recapping the story of Death Stranding 2 takes more than an essay. It’s just that epic.
Besides looking like an art film on steroids, Death Stranding 2 also features cozy gameplay where you can just sit back and deliver goods across Australia in between the bombastic setpieces. It’s definitely an experience worth playing.
Two Point Museum
Luigi: I always find management games relaxing. It’s nice to unwind and help build a museum from the ground up. It also helps if the game has the quirky humor to break the monotony of just management.
Two Point Museum is simple, then. Build a series of museums with differing themes. Every single exhibit is wacky, which adds to the flavor: literally frozen cavemen, actual ghosts, fish shaped like sushi. It has the same irreverent themes of the whole Two Point franchise.
And yet, it still has its challenges. For example, sometimes certain fish hate being paired with others, so it’s like a jigsaw puzzle of finding the best way to lay out your entire museum.
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII
Luigi: To be clear, Civilization VII didn’t launch in the most complete way. Even now, the game is still getting updates that tweak entire mechanics. Still, I can’t deny that I had fun trying out the seventh strategy game in the series. I recently got back into it, and I’m still having a blast for a run or two.
Civilization VII redefines the mechanics of the franchise by introducing eras that can drastically change how you take your chosen leader through the test of time. And as always, there’s so many ways to win: scientific, economic, cultural, and military. It suits all playstyles.
If you didn’t like Civilization VII on launch, Firaxis is thankfully making it so much better and more enjoyable. It’s time to take one more turn.
Donkey Kong Bananza
Luigi: In Super Mario Odyssey, players are dropped into fresh maps where there’s a set path and a few creative ways to get there. In contrast, Donkey Kong Bananza drops players intoa sandbox filled with beautiful sandcastles and tells them “go crazy.”
Making use of the Switch 2’s new hardware, Donkey Kong’s first 3D platformer in the modern age is a beautiful game with so many picturesque maps. What sets it apart from other platformers is the ability to destroy everything. Featuring destructible terrain, Donkey Kong Bananza wants you to have fun destroying all the pretty maps it built.
At first, I thought I was going to tire of this mechanic quickly, but every map has its own quirks that every level still feels like the first time.
R.E.P.O.
JP: R.E.P.O. is widely loved for its chaotic, funny co-op moments brought by a perfect mix of scary and goofy design. The strongest element for me, though, is sound design. Every audio cue feels satisfying.
The game’s systems thrive on repetition, with escalating threats and clear rules for how monsters behave and how they can be dealt with. That loop feels engaging, especially as the difficulty ramps up. The physics-driven interactions add another layer of enjoyment, often creating chaotic, genuinely funny moments when played in a full six-player lobby.
That said, I also enjoy playing R.E.P.O. solo, especially when friends are in the mood for other games, even though it can be quite challenging. My only real wish is for a roguelike-style progression system, where failed runs still contribute to long-term progress instead of a complete reset.
R.E.P.O. is clever in maintaining its simplicity, leans into its strengths, and listens to community feedback. Despite my one wish, it’s a game I keep coming back to, whether with a full lobby or on my own.
Riot Games is celebrating the return of virtual K-pop group K/DA with new music, exclusive skins, and major gameplay updates in League of Legends: Wild Rift Patch 7.3.
After a six-year hiatus, K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER, the group’s newest track and the title track of an EP featuring three additional songs. The release marks a new chapter for the virtual group, which brings its latest musical era to the mobile MOBA through the new HEATBRINGER skinline.
To celebrate the comeback, Riot Games hosted FIRE IT UP: The K/DA Comeback Party in the Philippines. The event brought fans together for a listening party featuring music from across Riot Games’ virtual acts, live Wild Rift gameplay, community activities, and exclusive photo opportunities.
Attendees also experienced live AAA ARAM matches featuring gameplay disruptions and augments inspired by Riot Games’ musical universe, including HEARTSTEEL, Pentakill, and TRUE DAMAGE.
K/DA returns with new HEATBRINGER skins
The K/DA comeback introduces the HEATBRINGER skinline, featuring new looks for the group’s four original members: Ahri, Akali, Evelynn, and Kai’Sa.
The skins give the champions a new visual identity inspired by K/DA’s latest musical era, with fiery red and white elements that bring their stage presence to the Rift.
The collection also includes Prestige K/DA HEATBRINGER Evelynn.
The new skins are exclusive to Wild Rift and are scheduled to launch on November 4, 2026.
The comeback extends beyond the cosmetics. With FIRESTARTER and its accompanying EP now available on major music streaming platforms, K/DA’s return brings together Riot Games’ music and gaming communities.
Wild Rift Patch 7.3 overhauls marksmen and item builds
Beyond the K/DA celebration, Patch 7.3 introduces significant gameplay changes that reshape champion builds, jungle strategies, and objective control.
One of the biggest changes targets marksmen, giving critical-strike builds more room to scale. Base critical-strike damage increases from 175% to 200%, while the attack-speed cap rises from 2.5 to 3 attacks per second.
Several marksmen also receive individual adjustments, including Ezreal, Kai’Sa, Twitch, Lucian, Caitlyn, Draven, Miss Fortune, Samira, Zeri, Jinx, Vayne, and Ashe.
The item system gets an overhaul to support these changes. Players can explore new or redesigned options, including Hexoptics, Yun Tal Wildarrows, Fiendhuler Bolts, Stormrazor, Rapid Firecannon, and Immortal Shieldbow.
Lifesteal also receives changes intended to support basic attacks, on-hit damage, and abilities treated as basic attacks.
Support items are part of the update, too. Echoes of Helia is positioned toward offensive supports who want to convert damage into healing, while Ardent Censer, Staff of Flowing Water, and Harmonic Echo also receive changes.
Jungle changes reward efficient farming
Patch 7.3 also changes how junglers approach the early and mid-game.
The updated jungle system rewards consistent camp clearing with bonus gold and introduces a catch-up mechanic for junglers who fall behind. This reduces the pressure to constantly gank and encourages players to balance farming with opportunities to assist their teammates.
Clearing camps also progresses Ecosystem Protection stacks, allowing Smite to scale from 600 to 1,000 and eventually 1,400 true damage.
These changes make efficient farming more important when preparing to secure major objectives such as Baron Nashor, Rift Herald, and Dragons.
Epic monsters also adjust to the pace of each match, scaling according to the average player level rather than simply growing stronger as time passes.
Turrets receive substantial changes as well. Plating now extends to outer, inner, and inhibitor turrets and remains permanently. The new Crystalline Overgrowth mechanic lets turrets accumulate crystals that champions can detonate with their first basic attack.
Together, these changes place greater emphasis on lane pressure, defensive positioning, and coordinated pushes. Winning team fights remains important, but teams must also turn their advantages into meaningful objective damage.
Hwei, Sylas, and Rek’Sai join the roster
Patch 7.3 expands the champion roster with three additions: Hwei, Sylas, and Rek’Sai.
Hwei, the Visionary, brings a flexible set of abilities to the mid lane. His Subject: Disaster, Subject: Serenity, and Subject: Torment ability groups give him tools for dealing damage, supporting allies, and controlling opponents.
Sylas offers explosive damage and crowd control. His kit includes an ability that pulls enemies into a stun-to-knock-up combination, while Kingslayer restores health based on his missing health. His ultimate lets him steal an enemy champion’s ultimate ability.
Rek’Sai brings another approach to initiating team fights. Her Unburrow ability knocks up nearby champions, while her ultimate helps her track nearby enemies before striking.
These additions give players more options for adapting their team compositions and strategies.
Ranked play and game modes get updates
Competitive players also get changes to Ranked and Legendary Ranked.
The S/A and MVP scoring systems now evaluate performance according to a player’s lane and champion role instead of relying on a single universal metric. Strong performances can also yield more Ranked energy.
Legendary Ranked receives adjustments to its seasonal entry requirements for former Grand Masters, alongside a new trial format designed to help top performers advance from Legendary Commander Rank.
Players looking for something different can also try Rift Rumble, a new 3v3 mode played on a symmetrical map. Teams battle for kills and compete to capture ultimate stones that can change how their champions secure eliminations.
Meanwhile, AAA Realm continues to evolve with a music-themed season and new augment cards. These include Sonic Waves, which draws inspiration from Riot Games’ musical acts, including HEARTSTEEL, Pentakill, and TRUE DAMAGE.
A new era for K/DA and Wild Rift
With FIRESTARTER, the HEATBRINGER skins, and a sweeping gameplay update, Patch 7.3 connects Riot Games’ music and gaming communities through a shared celebration.
K/DA’s return gives fans a new soundtrack and fresh looks for their favorite champions, while the gameplay changes introduce new ways to approach champion builds, jungle farming, and map control.
Players can follow Wild Rift Philippines’ official social media channels for updates on the latest patch, champion releases, and in-game content.
K/DA returns with FIRESTARTER.
HoYoverse will launch Petit Planet, its first cozy galactic life simulation game, on December 4, 2026. The game will be available on PC, iOS, and Android, with a Nintendo Switch 2 release planned for 2027.
The announcement was made during the Petit Planet Pre-Launch Special Program on November 1. HoYoverse also revealed more details about the game’s characters, gameplay features, and launch events.
Build a planet and meet new Neighbors
In Petit Planet, players take on the role of Planet Tenders who travel across the Starsea with Oumuamua, a Starsea Spirit said to listen to people’s wishes.
Each player starts with their own planet, where they plant a Luca Seed that grows into a Luca Arbor. This tree gradually shapes the planet’s landscape, seasons, and ecosystem.
Players will also meet various Neighbors, including Planet Coordinator Mobai and Starsea Racer Elsasani. Getting to know these characters allows players to develop friendships and discover their individual stories.
Beyond their home planets, players can explore scattered Islets across the Starsea. They can also visit the Galactic Bazaar to play games, participate in auctions, and share their creations with others.
Launch events offer free rewards
HoYoverse has prepared several events to celebrate the game’s launch.
Players can enter a pre-registration lucky draw through the official website for a chance to win prizes. Regular gameplay will also offer more than 1,000 clothing and furniture items for free.
The Besties, Made to Match! event rewards players who invite two friends to pre-register. Each participant will receive an exclusive clothing item.
Starting November 1, the Launch a Planet event will let players design their own planets through the official event website. Participants will also have a chance to win surprise grand prizes.
The first Petit Planet Seasonal Creation Event will begin alongside the game’s launch. Selected fan creations can win cash prizes, in-game rewards, and official merchandise.
Players can also visit the game’s official X account after the special program to receive a Moving Guide and join a giveaway featuring a suitcase, gift cards, and an exclusive luggage tag.
Pre-register for Petit Planet
Petit Planet is now available for pre-registration on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Epic Games Store. Players can search for the game on these platforms to pre-register and receive a notification when it launches.
The game arrives globally on December 4, 2026, for PC, iOS, and Android. A Nintendo Switch 2 version is scheduled for 2027.
It’s been a while since the last time we got a FromSoftware game. Elden Ring Nightreign felt like an age ago, even if it was launched just last year. Plus, the title isn’t even a new one, technically, since it’s just building off of Elden Ring. Unfortunately, our wait for a new FromSoftware game has to go on for a little bit longer. FromSoftware has delayed the launch of The Duskbloods to 2027.
The Duskbloods is an interesting addition to the FromSoftware oeuvre. Compared to the usual fare, the Switch-exclusive title is a multiplayer extraction game with a distinctly Bloodborne-like feel. If you’re used to FromSoftware’s usual formula, The Duskbloods represents a huge change.
But it’s a welcome one, nonetheless. If the recently released Elden Ring port of the Switch 2 is any indication, FromSoftware does have a handle of what performance looks like on the console.
Sadly, the new title needs a bit more time in the oven. Citing “final adjustments to game rules and balancing,” FromSoftware is delaying the launch of the game to 2027. According to the studio, this is in response to the successful network test a while back.
The delay shouldn’t come off as a surprise. Though the studio promised a 2026 launch for the title, most of the year has passed without a definite launch date. That was already a telltale sign that a delay was coming.
At the very least, the delay comes with the benefit of launching the game farther away from Grand Theft Auto VI and the Ocarina of Time remake, which will surely dominate holiday gaming this year.
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