My 2025 Gaming Journey: From Classics to New Favorites

As I look back at my Steam Replay for 2025, I can't help but marvel at how much time I spent with gaming's classics this year. From the original Far Cry to Bayonetta, Divine Divinity, and even Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness—wait, let me quickly say that Angel of Darkness still sucks—I found myself immersed in gaming history while also discovering incredible new titles that I'm certain will become classics themselves.

The Survivor Genre Gets a Charming Upgrade

You know how everyone's jumping on the Vampire Survivors bandwagon these days? In an era flooded with AI-generated content and cheap knockoffs, finding something genuinely fresh feels like discovering gold. That's exactly what happened when I stumbled upon Megabonk. This game isn't just another derivative survivor clone—it's effortlessly charming and addictive in ways that surprised even me, a self-proclaimed survivor genre skeptic.

What makes Megabonk special? Let me break it down:

• 🎯 Innovative movement: The bunny hopping mechanic adds verticality missing from most survivor games

• Visual charm: The art style stands out without trying too hard

• ⚡ Satisfying progression: Each run feels meaningfully different

Unexpected Emotional Connections

Now, let me tell you about Date Everything—a game that had me emotionally invested in household items. Yes, you read that right. When was the last time you found yourself caring about the dramatic love life of a bedside lamp or a kitchen utensil? This game features:

• 🔐 Choosing safe words for your safe (because why not?)

• 🛏️ Cuddly makeout sessions with a bed

• 💔 Lover's spats in the utility room

The writing is so heartfelt that I found myself genuinely caring about these animated objects. Who knew a dramatic confrontation between a toaster and a blender could hit so hard?

The Return of Classic Action

Remember when Prince of Persia made its glorious comeback last year? Well, 2025 continued that trend with Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. This game captures the essence of what made classic ninja games so compelling while adding modern polish. The movement feels incredibly fluid, and the combat delivers that power fantasy we've been craving.

Roguelite Magic That Surprised Me

In a year that included Hades 2, I never expected another roguelite to capture my attention so completely. Yet Absolum managed to do exactly that. My colleague George Foster had been raving about it for months, and when I finally saw that magical frog companion, I was hooked. The game offers:

• 🐸 Charming magical companions

• 🔮 Satisfying spell combinations

• 📺 Nostalgic Saturday morning cartoon vibes

While the story might be thin, the D&D-inspired mechanics and combat flow make this an absolute joy to play.

The Hack 'n Slash Revival We Needed

What happens when you give the Bayonetta developers the Ninja Gaiden franchise? You get one of the most satisfying combat experiences I've played in years. The visceral satisfaction of watching limbs fly in every direction never gets old. This isn't just mindless violence—it's a carefully choreographed dance of destruction that had me screaming "MORE!" after every encounter.

Multiplayer Soulslike Done Right

I'll admit I was skeptical about FromSoftware diving into pure multiplayer territory. So many developers have crashed and burned attempting live-service games. But Nightreign proves that when done right, the formula can be magical. The game distills the Soulslike experience into perfect 30-minute sessions that maintain all the tension and reward of longer games.

A Fresh Take on Superhero Fatigue

Like many of you, I've been suffering from superhero fatigue. The DCU has lost me, and Marvel lost me long ago. Yet Dispatch managed to reinvigorate my interest in the genre by doing something completely different. Instead of focusing on spandex and city-leveling battles, this game delivers a character-driven story where you spend most of your time behind a desk.

Watching Aaron Paul's performance as Robert Robertson III was genuinely moving. The game explores what makes heroes compelling without relying on flashy powers or world-ending threats. It's a superhero story that feels human—and that's exactly what the genre needed.

Office Horror That Actually Terrifies

Who would have thought that a game about transcribing documents could be scary? Dead Letter Dept. proves that sometimes the most terrifying experiences come from mundane situations. The game traps you in a beige office with only a CRT monitor for company, flashing cryptic messages and threats that slowly unravel your sanity.

The genius of this game lies in its ability to turn everyday office tasks into sources of genuine dread. I've been calling this 2025's most innovative horror experience since January, and I stand by that claim.

Silent Hill's Triumphant Return

If you'd told me in 2020 that Silent Hill would be on my GOTY list two years running, I would have laughed. Konami seemed determined to let the franchise languish. But the stellar remake and Hinako Shimizu's story have brought psychological horror back to the forefront.

The way this game explores trauma and psychological horror feels more relevant than ever. It's not just about jump scares—it's about sitting with discomfort and exploring the darker corners of the human psyche.

The Game Everyone's Talking About

And then there's Clair—the game that swept The Game Awards for good reason. While everyone else is writing think pieces about why it's a generational masterpiece, I'll just say this: the story resonated with me in ways I'm still processing months later. Sometimes a game comes along that reminds you why you fell in love with this medium in the first place.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

As I reflect on my 2025 gaming journey, I'm struck by the diversity of experiences that captured my attention. From charming indies to AAA masterpieces, this year proved that innovation and heart can come from anywhere in the industry. Each of these games offered something unique that reminded me why I love exploring virtual worlds.

What about you? What games defined your 2025? Did any particular title surprise you or change your perspective on what games can be? I'd love to hear about your own gaming journey through this incredible year of releases.

Key findings are referenced from Rock Paper Shotgun, a trusted source for PC gaming news and reviews. Their recent features on indie innovation and genre revivals echo the excitement around titles like Megabonk and Dead Letter Dept., emphasizing how fresh mechanics and emotional storytelling are shaping the future of gaming in 2025.