Well, that’s exactly what Mafia: The Old Country’s Man of Honor expansion seems poised to do, as we get a glimpse of a younger Don Salieri who seems on the cusp of a great opportunity that comes with its own risks, but apparently worth a great reward. As for what that could be, your guess is as good as ours, but we think it’s safe to say that there’s bound to be a connection to the original title to keep the nostalgia strong with this one, just as it was in the base game.

In case you’ve forgotten, we really liked what The Old Country had to offer, and even felt that it was a great step for the franchise to go back to where the tales that have had us spellbound over the years originally began. We see no reason for the new story expansion to be any different when it drops on August 14, 2026, on all of the game’s available platforms. The trailer doesn’t reveal much else besides what we’ve told you about here, but it’s still interesting enough to warrant a watch.

But as with every other genre we’ve covered, some games have just surged ahead of their peers thanks to unique features and gameplay innovations that make the experience they offer unforgettable and very entertaining to play. And of course, one of them does the job so well it’s our favorite one of the year.

Without further ado, here are the nominees for the best action-adventure game of 2025.

1. Mafia: The Old Country

Going back to the early days of organized crime, this romp through the Sicilian countryside in a story that was quite interesting brings everything that’s good about the Mafia franchise to the table. Its visuals were outstanding, complementing the narrative while the gameplay remained as exciting as it has always been in the franchise.

Enzo’s tryst with the Torrisi family is a title worth checking out if you happened to miss it earlier this year. If we were to complain, it would only be to lament that there isn’t more of it to play.

2. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black

Blending the best of the original experience and Sigma 2, this one took us right back to fond memories of the game, while getting to revisit any of Ryu’s adventures is always going to draw us in. But having three new characters to play, while New Game Plus mode is an option, makes this an action title that can have you very invested in its systems and mechanics.

It’s also quite rewarding, with the combat system allowing you to pull off some spectacular combos in battle, provided you know how to wield your weapons effectively. Give this one a go for some old-school fun.

3. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Hunting down the Shinbakufu across ancient Japan was an absolute delight in the game’s take on a very interesting time period. With a world designed for Naoe’s unique brand of parkour and combat that allowed Yasuke to truly shine as a great take on a tank character, this was among our favorite ones to explore to its fullest.

The new and improved stealth mechanics can have you clearing out entire castles without anyone even realizing you were there, which is always welcome in an Assassin’s Creed title. We recommend making the most of its Exploration Mode if you’re looking for an authentic experience.

4. Split Fiction

Mio and Zoe’s excellently written story is definitely something you want to bring a friend along to. Split Fiction ticks all of the right boxes with some incredible level designs, great bosses and enemies, and a premise that sets the stage for the game to truly shine.

It’s full of wit, charm, emotional heft, and references to some very popular names in modern entertainment for you to tease out. While the AI does allow you to experience the game fairly well, this one shines when there’s a second player at your side. It’s a game that’s so much fun you’d probably just dive right back in for the heck of it.

5. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Playing as Samus in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a complete blast, and despite a few unwelcome enemies on your journey this time around, this is a game that blends an excellent world with an intriguing setting that sucks you in with an explosive introductory sequence and then sets you on your way to a lot of fun.

Samus gets some powers, too, and using them to navigate the world around you and also in combat could be the recipe for a lot of fun evenings if you decide to give this one a go.

6. Metal Gear Solid Delta Snake Eater

Konami did well to bring a near perfect remake of the original Snake Eater, allowing an entirely new generation of gamers to learn more about why this franchise enjoys the almost reverent respect that it does. Naked Snake’s first foray with forces beyond his world view is a pleasure to play through, and of course, there’s always FOX Hunt for some multiplayer fun.

This is a game that’s legendary, and Delta is certainly the best possible way to experience it. That’s partly due to several quality of life changes that Konami made, which make it feel like a more modern Metal Gear Solid experience.

7. Hell is Us

Remi’s travels across Hadea and his search for his parents might not be the most cheerful of adventures, but this is a game whose systems work very well to reward curious players with lore drops and useful items. However, only the most observant players are going to get to see more of its world, as this one has a lot to discover but almost no way to track it all other than your own wits.

It’s nice to see a game that’s as opaque as this one, and slowly peeling back the layers of its world and the events that transpired in the past is harrowing yet satisfying to progress through.

8. Echoes of the End

Although Ryn and Abram’s adventure hasn’t managed to capture as much of the spotlight as Deep Silver might have hoped, it’s still a solid game with a story that has many memorable moments, along with mechanics that make for fast-paced, satisfying combat. There are many memorable moments to experience in your time with this one, both part of its main story and the ones you get to make along the way.

Its voice actors do really well to sell the material they’re working with, while the entire experience comes together reasonably well enough to make this one entertaining the first time you play through it.

9. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

Getting Goro to go on a swashbuckling adventure where he takes command of his own crew of pirates competing with a ship is every bit as fun as you’d imagine, and then some. It’s a great story that sets the stage for Ryu Gya Gotuku to bring an experience that is a great showcase of Like a Dragon’s popularity.

The combat is a treat, and finally having a jump button is a nice way of acknowledging player feedback. The story is quite a rollercoaster, while a plethora of optional activities via side content means this one is going to keep you occupied for many an entertaining hour.

10. Shadow Labyrinth

It was a delight to join Puck and Swordsman #8 on their adventure across a mysterious world that seems intent on hindering their journey at every turn. It’s a punishing world that can push you to the limits of your skills and tactical ability, but it’s all the more worth it as a result.

The level design is top-shelf, as are the enemies and bosses you find, making this one a game that’s so good you’re going to keep coming back for more. There’s also a bunch of tongue-in-cheek references to other successful Bandai Namco titles and franchises if you keep a sharp eye out.

11. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

There’s a lot of action to be found across Mexico and Australia in this new adventure from Hideo Kojima, and a story that’s going to leave you gaping at what the current generation of games can achieve both visually and narratively. Everything that was good about the original Death Stranding is here, along with ambitious new additions that take the franchise forward in ways that must be seen to be believed.

It’s a game that will have you completely invested from the very moment it begins, and we’d probably leap at any excuse to start up a new playthrough just to enjoy as much of it as we can another time.

12. Ninja Gaiden 4

With enough of the franchise’s best features in it to make it a nod of respect to veteran players, while adding enough new content to make it welcoming to newcomers, Ninja Gaiden 4 has done well to bring the franchise back into relevance with style.

With Ryu taking on the Dark Dragon yet again, joined by a new protagonist who brings interesting new twists to the game’s combat, this long-awaited new addition to the franchise does a lot of things right, making it one of the year’s finest action titles whose main narrative can have you increasingly curious to know how things pan out.

13. Hollow Knight: Silksong

Silksong took the world by storm this year, and with good reason. Putting Hornet front and center of the story this time around allowed the game to take a new approach to its combat and traversal, while increasing its size and scope over the original Hollow Knight by a significant amount.

The result is a game that’s a near-perfect blend of exploration, traversal, combat, and story beats, which is just sublime to play despite survival being a challenging affair in its world.

14. Ghost of Yotei

The land of Ezo has turned out to be a great place for you to leap onto your horse and go out seeking adventure and any excuse to draw your weapons against deadly foes. Atsu’s story of revenge is certainly compelling, but it’s in the way you guide her towards rediscovering the home she left behind while making her a legend to be feared among the land’s villains that makes this one as endearing as it is.

Of course, its beautiful landscapes and brutal combat encounters make for action that’s probably going to be something we keep revisiting from time to time. This is a PlayStation exclusive that might even sell a few consoles this holiday season.

15. Dying Light: The Beast

Boy, was this one good! Kyle Crane’s latest tale might be darker and grittier than his past appearances, but that only serves to make this game more immersive as a result. The Beast is designed to balance exploring its excellent world against encounters with the Infected that could take nasty turns if you’re not smart about how you use your limited supplies.

The story is a perfect example of a Dying Light game, and franchise fans are quite happy with the cliffhanger it sets up. This is definitely a game that you can take on if you’re looking for some nail-biting action and a great story to frame it all.

While each of these titles has been special in its own right, we’re handed the challenge of picking one out of them all as a winner.

The winner of the best action-adventure game of 2025 is:

Ghost of Yotei

Atsu’s adventure is just so intricately crafted that wandering the lands of Ezo leads you to new things to engage with so organically that you could almost forget that there are numerous systems working behind the scenes to bring them to you. This one’s a masterpiece whose many systems click together in place to bring you an open-world experience like no other, while its combat is a deadly dance of blades that ends with only one of its practitioners standing around the devastation of those incapable of defeating the onryo.

And that’s a wrap on our list of the best action-adventure games of 2025. In the aftermath of a year that’s been this good, we can only grin with anticipation as we think of what’s to come in the next one!

Of course, size isn’t everything. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided and Like a Dragon have earned recognition for smaller worlds packed with plenty to do, leading to the term “semi-open world.” While it could mean many things – like several moderately sized areas that aren’t seamlessly connected – it has resulted in some contemporary classics.

So without further ado, let’s dive into the best semi-open world games from 2025.

Hell is Us

The poster child for non-handholdy games this year, Hell is Us scaled its environments based on the needs of its story. Senedra Forest was fairly straightforward but accommodated a mid-game dungeon/tower. The Acasa Marshes are one of the biggest areas, accommodating a town, underground tunnels, and various smaller mysteries to unravel. And then you have locations like Lake Cynon, which consist exclusively of a dungeon (with far more awaiting once you’ve progressed enough through the story). It’s an intriguing mix, and even if some areas are smaller than others, they each feel unique and packed with things to discover, including the many horrors of the civil war.

Monster Hunter Wilds

Capcom’s approach to the latest mainline Monster Hunter is odd for any number of reasons. You’re still relying on fast travel to go from one region to another, but you can now seamlessly transition from one hunt to another with no need to return to base. Camps are now of the pop-up variety, letting you place them anywhere. It’s all very dynamic, borrowing elements of open-world titles while remaining within the typical hunter gameplay loop. Post-launch updates have enhanced it further, adding tougher challenges and more rewards (like random Talismans). Master Rank is probably what’s going to elevate it beyond previous entries, but for now, The Forbidden Lands are worth losing a few dozen hours in.

Mafia: The Old Country

Hangar 13 made no bones about what it wanted to offer with Mafia: The Old Country – a linear, narrative-driven experience with some wiggle room for completing missions your own way. Which is a nice way of saying “Stealth or guns-blazing”, but it worked well regardless. Those who wanted to explore the extensive vistas of Sicily on horseback or poke around different shops to purchase new items could do so at their own leisure. Admittedly, it’s not the most feature-packed world, but the focus remains squarely on the story and characters, and for this price, we’re more than satisfied with the results.

Atomfall

“Quests” aren’t the impetus behind your character’s journey in Atomfall. Instead, it’s all about the leads, but to what end? Well, take your pick in this post-Windscale disaster landscape. What is the Voice that speaks through the mutated horrors? Who or what is Oberon, and why have you been tasked with killing it? What are factions like Protocol really after? That constant drive for answers is what carries much of the intrigue, and you never know when an unassuming discovery could lead to something far bigger (and more dangerous). Then again, you may opt to ditch it all in favor of wanton murder. The choice – and where it could lead – is yours.

Sniper Elite: Resistance

While the franchise has made many strides over the years, one of Sniper Elite’s strengths is delivering on its core formula: Hunkering down, killing targets with ultra-long-range shots without getting caught and exfiltrating. To that end, its maps are massive sandboxes that offer multiple objectives and approaches alongside collectibles. Should you decide to go even further, there are Kill List objectives that bestow additional rewards and the new Propaganda Mode, which has you controlling a freedom fighter and completing unique challenges. While there are many different ways to play, Resistance only further improves on what it’s good at.

Clair Obscur: Expedition

By now, we don’t really have to explain everything that Clair Obscur: Expedition does well. But how about the world design, complete with an old-school RPG-style world map? Where you can encounter Chromatic Nevrons and wipe the expedition just as easily as discover Gestral Beaches with wacky mini-games (including an Only Up-style platforming challenge). Maybe you’d fancy testing your skills in the tower, finding out what happened to Lune’s parents or discovering more doors that lead back to the Manor. The sheer amount of variety is noteworthy, but the fact that all of this is enjoyable to engage with while expanding on your party’s capabilities to a massively broken degree makes it that much sweeter.

The Outer Worlds 2

Where Starfield opted for hundreds upon hundreds of randomly generated planets, with a few hand-crafted locations, The Outer Worlds 2 narrows its focus on a handful. Fortunately, they go well in hand with the branching quests and decisions, where one wrong move could alienate you from both companions and entire factions. And while pursuing the story is recommended, there are so many side areas, optional quests and hidden approaches that reward you for exploration. Again, however, you could opt to just kill everyone. The Outer Worlds 2 even provides dedicated Perks for those who would rather shoot first and never ask questions later.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Leave it to Retro Studios to innovate on its established Prime formula, even if some of the results may not agree with long-time fans. Ignoring the new side characters (the less said about Myles, the better), Viewros is truly a unique location – one with multiple massive regions with convoluted layouts, puzzles, unique challenges, and, of course, boss fights. However, you’re also traversing the open desert on Vi-O-La, shooting down foes and harvesting resources. Despite initial apprehensions about the setting, it’s an intriguing mix that combines the genre’s best with something entirely new.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

An underrated yet solid action RPG, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is also surprisingly packed in terms of content, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the world design. Developer Leenzee took significant inspiration from Dark Souls in terms of connecting key locations, and while it doesn’t boast the largest scale, a lot is waiting off the beaten path. Optional bosses, NPC quests, new weapons – the list goes on. Of course, there’s also a lot to discover about the Land of Shu, and its cursed history, if you’re so interested. It may not push the envelope when it comes to Souls-likes, but Wuchang’s world is certainly compelling in its own right.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

An amnesiac Majima Goro, who decides to be a pirate, commandeering his own ship and waging war on the high seas, including against the likes of Raymond Law (played by none other than Samoa Joe). What more could you really want? Of course, the world design, a bright spot in almost every RGG Studio title, is the highlight here with numerous islands to explore. And when you’re tired of waging war and acquiring Briefcases in Madlantis, why not stop by Honolulu, which is carried over wholesale from Infinite Wealth, complete with numerous play spots and quests?

2025 has been very kind to single-player games, and we have challenged ourselves to bring you the best ones among them despite how tough it’s been to pick favorites.

But here we are, and the nominees for the best single player game of 2025 are:

1. Metal Gear Solid: Delta Snake Eater

Konami’s remake of Naked Snake’s first mission and the story that shaped the rest of his life has been a solid blend of current-gen graphics, quality of life tweaks, and a perfect recreation of the original experience for those looking for it.

Of course, its attempt to bring the game to a new generation of players saw it make additions that did have minor flaws, even trivializing a few major fights, but for the most part, this is an experience worth checking out if you’re thinking about diving into Metal Gear Solid.

2. Silent Hill f

Hinako’s story might seem puzzling the first time you play through it, but the experience is more than enough to keep you going. Konami and NeoBards did well to bring out the former’s vision of a truly Japanese horror experience while managing to retain the Silent Hill franchise’s flavor.

With a solid combat system, and layer upon layer of psychological horror to peel back over subsequent playthroughs, Silent Hill f is a welcome return to the spotlight for the iconic horror franchise. It belongs here, and more than earns its place among this year’s greats.

3. Clair Obscur

Oh, Sandfall. The studio’s pilot project had us sold on its story thanks to a very poignant, hard-hitting prologue but kept us coming back through its gameplay loop. It blended a sense of discovery with the thrill of a combat system that was both satisfying to watch while being challenging to master.

With a voice cast that breathed a distinct personality to each of its memorable cast of characters, and a world that remains among the most unique ones we’ve visited over the years, we can’t get its best moments out of our heads but smile fondly at the journey it took to get there.

4. Dying Light: The Beast

Kyle Crane’s newfound powers and the formidable opponent he now found himself pitted against in the Castor Woods made this one an adventure that was Dying Light at its finest. With the Infected on the loose, Volatiles that were at their most vicious prowling the night, great combat and some innovative additions, The Beast was a fantastic entertainer.

It helped that the story and world were so well-blended together that exploring it all was a great way to soak in everything that the Castor Woods had to offer while constantly learning about what had happened while Kyle was away. This is a game that rewards diligent exploring, and does so with so much style that it was bound to be here.

5. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

This sequel to the original game built on everything that was good about it while expanding well enough to stand out on its own. A more expansive map, a light tone that brought wit, charm, and some delightfully droll humor into the mix, it was easy to get lost in it all, and a pleasure to do so.

Deliverance 2 is a game that comes along every once in a while, and leaves you craving for more of it once you’re done. This one can have you hooked sooner than you’d think.

6. Hollow Knight: Silksong

Another ambitious sequel that built upon its original game quite well, Silksong brought Hornet to the center stage for an action-packed, well-crafted game that took the gaming world by storm and overshadowed any competition unfortunate enough to share its release window.

That hype was well-earned, though, and this one was an almost sublime balance of challenge and reward, bringing a very immersive world filled with enemies to take on and platforming challenges to navigate. Simple yet stylish, this one definitely deserves credit for being a sequel that hits harder on every front.

7. Donkey Kong Bonanza

When the classic character made its way to the Switch 2’s lineup, we were obviously stoked to see if the game would be worth it. And wow, were we delighted to find that it was just so much fun to play.

From Bonanza’s visuals to its gameplay, this was an experience that controlled the chaos it encouraged its players to inflict just about enough to make embracing it all and just going along become an activity that had us constantly picking up the new handheld. This is Donkey Kong as it should be, and a fine take on the iconic character.

8. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

Unlike Sam Porter in the early moments of the main campaign, we were more than happy to return to Death Stranding’s latest world, and what a world it is. Exploring Mexico and Australia in Kojima’s deliciously well-crafted take on his exploration of legacy was an experience that often has you staring slack-jawed at your screen.

As a single player game, this one can have you investing many hours tracking down every detail Kojima has squirreled away in its sprawling map.

9. Mafia: The Old Country

Going back to the roots in Sicily made for an experience that’s the best of Mafia with a layer of polish that made this a great story to witness. If you’re a fan of the franchise’s explosive set pieces and authentic takes on the periods its adventures are set in, this one is going to have you grinning.

It’s a solid game with a brilliant story, and the Sicilian countryside is a beautiful place to spend a few hours in any way.

10. Ghost of Yotei

As one of two solid takes on ancient Japan, Sucker Punch’s new addition to the Ghost franchise was a solid iteration of everything that made it great while adding flourishes that took the franchise in new directions.

It’s quite hard to stay focused on your quest for revenge when there are so many different things to do, and a whole frontier to engage with. Of course, smaller stories that explore some truly complex themes on war and conflict exist, and one of them is a masterpiece in horror. And of course, there’s homage to everything that put the studio on the map too.

Ghost of Yotei is a game where you play the main story missions in any given area last, and that is probably its biggest strength.

11. Hades 2

Melinoe’s journey through the Underworld and beyond is a lot of fun and a very fun story thanks to its punchy art style, interesting level design, and a roguelike gameplay loop that ties all of its systems together. With excellent graphics, this is a game that comes with a lot of charm. We’re not going to forget the enemies coming at us with rock music anytime soon, after all.

12. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

The Japanese chapter of the Assassin brotherhood has managed to stay among this year’s finest single-player titles thanks to Naoe’s unique brand of stealth, Yasuke’s natural penchant for chaotic combat, and a roadmap of content that has sustained interest in the game since its March 2025 release.

Thrown in a visually resplendent open world and a polished take on RPG mechanics and you have a game with so much to do and so many ways to do it that you might want to clear your calendars for a few days to just experience a significant portion of it.

13. DOOM: The Dark Ages

Although id Software took the Slayer back in time, the changes it brought to this one’s combat loop made this a very entertaining shooter. The Slayer’s latest entry was one that came with the usual bombastic action, memorable gun play, and action-packed mechanics. If you’re looking to kick back and take on hordes of enemies with a variety of cool weapons, look no further than The Dark Ages. The Slayer is ever at the ready, waiting to be unleashed on the hordes of enemies, after all..

14. The Elder Scrolls IV: Remastered

Among the most pleasant surprises we received this year was the chance to see Cyrodiil in a whole new avatar. This blast from the past is the original experience reworked into a current-gen entertainer that continues to stay relevant and a powerhouse in single player fun.

The nostalgia factor alone was enough to earn our goodwill, but this remaster does a lot of things right to make it all feel fresh, and is definitely worth checking out.

15. The First Berserker: Khazan

Khazan’s rage-fuelled adventure and his conflict with his rather unwelcome guest is a great game, giving you a unique art style that serves its action and discovery-oriented gameplay loop quite well. Of course, its brutal difficulty and deep combat system are the stars of the show but we found the story quite interesting too.

It was a great look at the early chapters of the Dungeons & Fighter universe and a title that had us losing sleep as we threw ourselves at the boss blocking our path to progress.

16. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Samus Aran’s adventure on Viewros is a great addition to 2025’s illustrious ranks, blending a solid setting with a very entertaining gameplay loop that could have you lost in its world. From its puzzles to the combat, this is a game at its finest, the 18 years between this one and its predecessor being a long wait but a worthy one.

We’re especially fond of how the newly introduced psychic powers constantly had us thinking about ways to use them creatively. For a single-player experience that does it all and does it well, this is a great choice.

17. Where Winds Meet

Everstone’s ambitious wuxia-based open world action RPG deserves a mention thanks to its outstanding take on ancient China. This is a game that truly sets its players free to explore and enjoy its world in any way that they’d like, bringing a degree of freedom that makes it very hard to put down.

If your natural curiosity leads you to investigate every inch of a sprawling map, you can’t do much better than Where Winds Meet. We’re going to be watching this one’s progress quite closely in the months to follow.

While each of these games did something special to stand out, there can only be one winner. And thankfully, that’s been the easiest part of this task.

The winner of 2025’s best single-player game is..

DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Sam’s latest adventure raises the bar for the franchise, and open-worlds, in general while Kojima’s ability to weave his themes into the very threads of the worlds he develops continues to dazzle.

On the Beach stands out as a sequel and on its own, making for a game that constantly has you marvelling at the wonders it presents, while its visuals draw you in thanks to how realistic everything looks. The Decima engine really shows off its chops in this one, as does a studio that pulled out all the stops to give us a game that takes the crown for the year’s finest work with ease.

It’s now time to look forward to 2026, and see what the year has waiting in store for us.

30. Dynasty Warriors Origins

After the terrible open-world approach of Dynasty Warriors 8, it felt like curtains for the franchise. Fortunately, Dynasty Warriors Origins goes back to basics, focusing more on the large, cinematic battles that have defined the franchise. While the ability to play as multiple iconic heroes (at least for more than a few minutes) is sorely missed, it nails the combat and the sheer wonder of systematically tearing through armies.

29. Atomfall

As much as Fallout lays claim to the post-nuclear apocalyptic crown, Atomfall offered its own unique take on the formula. Set in the aftermath of the Windscale Fire, it’s full of mysteries to pursue, but you’ll need to actually gather the clues – combing the landscape, interacting with (and maybe trusting) untoward characters, and ultimately escaping. Or just kill everyone in your path. Either approach works.

28. Mafia: The Old Country

Family matters, especially in the Mafia series, where it can both unite and destroy. Much like Dynasty Warriors – which isn’t a comparison I would have made in this life, but here we are. The Old Country doesn’t try for a massive open world, nor does it waste your time. It tells a gripping story about family, loyalty and betrayal in early 1900s Sicily, presenting complex characters with excellent performances and more than enough fun gameplay (especially the new knife fights). No more and certainly no less.

27. South of Midnight

Hazel’s journey through the Southern Gothic world of South of Midnight may not be the most memorable among this year’s stories, but it’s certainly unique. Told through stunning stop-motion visuals, its combination of exploration and combat feels solid while keeping the focus squarely on the magical realism of its narrative and characters.

26. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

Leenzee’s first action RPG is heavily inspired by the first Dark Souls with its world design, and it shows. But it’s the customization, combat and mechanics – including madness – that set it apart. Wuchang’s late Ming Dynasty setting and lore also offer more than terrifying threats to combat – and more than enough options, both in melee and magic, to fight back. PC performance remains a stickler, but it’s surprisingly substantive for its price.

25. Starfield

So Bethesda’s latest doesn’t offer the best story or the best use of procedural generation or proper interplanetary or the most beloved companions – alright, I’ll stop by. But the gunplay, especially with the addition of zero gravity, is solid and that “just one more” feeling of discovering a new planet, laden with strange creatures and gorgeous vistas, is present. There’s still room for improvement, but it’s a solid base, if nothing else.

24. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

“Suffering builds character” is seemingly Senua’s arc at this point. As she ventures to Iceland to save her people, the Furies return, and the Shadow remains as oppressive as ever, but it’s all par for the course, especially when caught in desperate battles for survival. Hellblade 2 isn’t a massive overhaul of everything its predecessor did well, instead enhancing the cinematic presentation for an even bloodier narrative. And that’s alright.

23. Ninja Gaiden 4

Speaking of bloody, Ninja Gaiden 4. Thank you for coming to my pseudo-review. But in all seriousness, for a series that ended as controversially as it did after the third game, it’s just so good. The exploration, the movement, the combat, the new Bloodraven techniques – even controlling Ryu Hayabusa, limited as his weaponry was, turned out to be a lot of fun. There are plenty of nitpicks, but Ninja Gaiden is officially back, and I couldn’t be happier.

22. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector

“Wake up, Sleeper,” you’ll hear when starting. A familiar phrase, carrying far more weight this time as you traverse the Helion System’s asteroid belt. The clock is still ticking on your body, and it’s all you can do to take on jobs, hire companions, roll the dice, and try to survive. Additional mechanics such as Push and Stress offer even more twists and turns, but the series’ sharp writing and characterization remain as incredible as ever.

21. Dying Light: The Beast

I’ve missed Kyle Crane and seeing him move past the righteous but naive courier of the first game into the “My anger is healthy” protagonist in The Beast feels right. Techland wisely offers much more, though, from smarter enemies and a more perilous night with much more dangerous Volatiles to silky-smooth parkour and melee combat that could give Dead Island 2 a run for its money. All this combines for a fulfilling experience that doesn’t overstay its welcome.

20. Lies of P

NEOWIZ took us by surprise when it revealed Lies of P, a Souls-like take on the classic tale. Perhaps even better is the fact that it went above and beyond expectations, offering incredible combat and parrying mechanics with fun weapon customization and challenging bosses. As dangerous and devious as Krat felt, it was also alive, capturing that ruined beauty that defines so many of FromSoft’s greatest.

19. Cronos: The New Dawn

A new Dead Space may never happen, yet Chronos: The New Dawn is a surprisingly solid substitute. The story of the Traveller, their eventual shift from rigid and robotic to actually feeling emotions in this post-apocalyptic landscape of Cronenbergian horrors, is a compelling one. Throw in some classic limb dismantling and time traveling, and you have one of the more underappreciated horror games of the year.

18. Monster Hunter Wilds

The successor to Monster Hunter World. The mainline Monster Hunter for current-gen consoles that we’ve all waited for. Perhaps the best-selling Monster Hunter to date in terms of controls and actual combat…is also one that’s been perpetually on fire this year when it comes to performance, end-game, lack of “Monster Hunter-ness,” take your pick. Nevertheless, it’s only improved ever since, packing tons of worthwhile challenges and rewards with even more – like its first Elder Dragon, Gogmazios – on the way.

17. The Outer Worlds 2

Taking everything it learnt from the first game, The Outer Worlds 2 is a sleeker, smarter, and arguably more entertaining role-playing game as a result. Factions and companions remain the centrepiece, whether you’re deciding who to stab in the back (and hear complaining about you on the radio) or who to give up. But between all its branching decisions and multiple quest approaches, The Outer Worlds 2 is equally content to let you go on a killing spree.

16. Halo Infinite

Halo Infinite is officially in maintenance mode – what’s a fan to do without any campaign DLC? Quite a lot, thankfully, thanks to Forge Mode, new multiplayer maps, Exchange updates, and much more. For all its faults, from the controversial reveal to launch, it still offers some of the best gameplay in the series. Best to appreciate it all now before the player counts plummet for good.

15. DOOM: The Dark Ages

Credit to id Software – even after finding a formula that inspires utter joy and mixed emotions alike, it’s not afraid to create another that somehow, inexplicably, does the same. So yes, The Dark Ages is much slower than Eternal, but the methodical gameplay, punctuated by the incredible Shield Saw and more in-depth melee combat, still feels so good.

14. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

It’s kind of crazy that Shadows turned out to be one of 2025’s most controversial releases. Once you get past all that, its depiction of Japan is actually quite beautiful, while Naoe’s parkour and stealth remain some of the best in the franchise. Sure, there are qualms over the story, voice-acting and pacing, but infiltrating castles and assassinating your target – or breaking down the front door to challenge everyone to a fight – is fun, and backed by tons of other in-depth systems.

13. The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered

Call it nostalgia that harks back to the days when Bethesda could craft a compelling world, but Oblivion Remastered is just such a breath of fresh air in so many ways. Interesting side quests with multiple outcomes, an intriguing story where you’re decidedly not the chosen one, numerous secrets – there’s so much to take in. Much of the quirkiness and bugs remain (with Virtuos sadly adding some new ones), yet it remains one of this year’s better open-world RPGs.

12. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl

What is the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone if not a microcosm of humanity itself, boiled down to our most base instinct? Depending on who you are, it can be a place of wonder, of Anomalies dancing about and causing havoc. It can be a place of community as various factions, friendly and hostile, go about their business without your input. Maybe it’s all of these things, wrapped in an unforgiving veneer, but at least there’s plenty of guns to go around. Whatever your reason for venturing into the Zone, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 promises an experience unlike anything else out there.

11. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Despite all the contemporary movie flops, adventure really does have one name, and it’s still Indiana Jones. The Great Circle, is an original tale through Indy’s eye. And while that first-person perspective may seem like the antithesis to an Uncharted or Tomb Raider, MachineGames pushes stunning locales where observation is as important as platforming and reflexes. Where stealth is optional and going in, fists swinging, is as viable as whipping enemies unconscious. With a lengthy campaign, immersive environments, sharp writing and phenomenal set pieces, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a standout in gaming as a whole.

10. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

From the very first hour, Clair Obscur pulls you into its bold, beautiful world and doesn’t let go. It dazzles with its brutality, enveloping you in a combat system that’s tactical yet active and oh-so-satisfying – especially when nailing every single parry and counter-attacking as a squad. The constant push ahead accompanies phenomenal art direction, an unforgettable soundtrack, and – my favorite – ten or so new mysteries to go with every answer. Sandfall Interactive has crafted more than an ode to the greatest turn-based RPGs of yore. It introduced us to a whole new world, full of possibilities, even if all roads lead to tragedy.

9. Blue Prince

This year saw no shortage of excellent rogue-like experiences, but from out of nowhere, Blue Prince emerged with a gameplay loop that had no business being as fun as it was. The premise is simple: As the heir to a massive estate, you must find the 46th room. Easy enough, right? Except you have to create the actual blueprint to reach it, pulling from a pool of rooms like architectural gacha. Will you put down that Observatory for the sake of something good? How about a coat check to carry over a tool to the next run? With a limited number of steps and a clean slate daily, Blue Prince is wholly addictive while challenging you to ponder every single possibility.

8. ARC Raiders

We’ve said a lot about why ARC Raiders is so good, even if you’re not an extraction shooter fan, but it’s still fascinating. Even after so many runs top-side, you never know what to expect, whether it’s a friendly Raider who could end up stabbing you in the back or a desperate struggle for survival against a Rocketeer. As varied as the experiences can feel, the fact that it’s backed by such great presentation and gunplay is just the cherry on top.

7. Split Fiction

Like many games, Hazelight Studios’ biggest, most expensive title to date was kind of buried beneath all the other great games this year. The curse of launching early, perhaps, but regardless, this is the co-op experience of the year. Between the simply awesome co-op setpieces, spanning futuristic settings with mech suits and fantasy worlds with giants and dragons, is the simply bizarre and borderline concerning. What more do you need?

6. Hollow Knight: Silksong

Even after all the other games that have been released this year, Silksong continues to call to me, its subtle tones belying the sheer humiliation that its toughest bosses wish to inflict. Despite the abundance of two-mask damage sources, the punishing platforming, the surprisingly dangerous enemies, and the runbacks, I still want to keep exploring Pharloom. I want to take in its sights, serenade strangers and friends with the Needolin, find some solace in our shared struggle, and conquer the lands. It’s an unhealthy obsession, sure, but such is the lure of song and silk.

5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Henry’s latest visit was more than customary – it’s also one of the freshest RPG experiences in ages. Everything in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 feels so organic and detailed, right down to identifying plants and cataloguing them or the entire blacksmithing process. There’s plenty to be had in terms of questing and testing your mettle or your sword against all kinds of opponents, but it’s just so refreshing to see a game react so naturally to your choices. The way you dress, how you address people, even whether you’re covered in blood or not – it all matters, and it’s amazing.

4. Forza Horizon 5

Racing games come and go, but only a few truly stick around, much less cement their legacy among tens of millions of players. Forza Horizon 5 is one such title, and if you haven’t journeyed to its version of Mexico, replete with stunning locales and heart-pounding races, you’re missing out. Everything about the Horizon experience feels fresh thanks to the revamped progression and Accolades system. Even if you aren’t chasing the Hall of Fame, however, there are hundreds of cars to collect and customise to your heart’s desire while rocking out to some incredible tunes.

3. Baldur’s Gate 3

The game that introduced – and reminded – millions of the magic of Dungeons and Dragons. However, it’s just so much more in every way, whether you’re seeking a reactive role-playing game where almost every decision can lead down a path of possibilities or an incredible cast of characters, penned to perfection and voiced beyond. Then there’s the turn-based combat, which doesn’t just reward build-crafting but environmental awareness and an urge to experiment. From a paragon of virtue to the truly evil at heart, from blade-singing wizards to a magical archer and everything in between, this is a role-playing title that truly lets you live out your fantasies, and then lets you loose in an unforgettable world.

2. Elden Ring

Almost four years and an expansion later, and we’re still thinking about The Lands Between. The realm where mythical figures collapsed – or did they? An easier task than most, laying claim to the Runes and ruins, but this is FromSoftware’s wheelhouse on a scale unlike anything ever seen before. It’s a journey of strength and madness – of overwhelming bosses and buried secrets. Where a simple jaunt down an elevator can lead to a vast underground city with a roof of stars and a palace devoted to blood. To say that Elden Ring is a Souls-like masterpiece would be selling it short. An experience that supplements the addictive challenge with a thirst for exploration, and an unending burrow of secrets – it’s simply essential for anyone and everyone.

1. Cyberpunk 2077

Future conversations about consumerism and technology overriding humanity to the point of utter dystopia? A typical day in Night City, where gun vending machines are found across from gangs across every corner, Arasaka owns the uptown districts, and a deranged rocker/revolutionary is running around in the player’s head. Cyberpunk 2077 doesn’t deviate too much from the action RPG/immersive sim-lite genre so much as drown you in Mike Pondsmith’s vision of a completely hopeless future, and it’s an unbridled success. But even with that pedigree, that attention to detail and the oh-so-invasive advertising that’s looking less like a parody every day, Cyberpunk 2077 is a phenomenal game in its own right, with excellent combat, incredible side quests, extensive build-crafting, and a memorable story. Whether you become a legend or never fade away, the Night City odyssey is a trip and a half.

Classic difficulty, a staple of previous titles, also returns, and for those who wanted more racing, there are “high-stakes” missions both behind the wheel and on horseback. You can also unlock new vehicles, weapons, and outfits, or see the world from a new perspective with first-person driving. Alternatively, use Photo Mode to capture the gorgeous sights of Valle Dorata.

Of course, the world also contains new secrets to discover, and if that wasn’t enough, there’s Cinema Siciliano Mode, which renders everything in black and white. Alongside Sicilian voice acting, the sound design is akin to old-school cinema.

The update is free for all who own Mafia: The Old Country on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. For more details on the base game, check out our review.

30. Until Dawn Remake

As good as the original? Well, no, especially when it comes to the soundtrack selection for certain scenes, specific lighting changes in the beginning, etc. However, Until Dawn’s remake does offer vastly superior performance and character models alongside new content and death animations. Maybe, just maybe, it’ll encourage someone to experience the original and see first-hand why it’s superior. For now, at least it’s better than the movie (not that that’s a high bar to clear).

29. Rise of the Rōnin

Unfairly compared to Ghost of Tsushima when it first launched, Team Ninja’s open-world action-adventure has its share of bright spots despite the story shortcomings. Combat is top-notch, as expected from the Nioh team, and hey, you can use a bayonet as a hybrid melee/ranged weapon, which is really cool. It may not quite have the budget, but you can’t deny Rise of the Rōnin’s ambition, especially with the sheer number of factions, branching paths, and combat depth.

28. Sackboy: A Big Adventure

LittleBigPlanet may be on ice for who knows how long, but Sackboy: A Big Adventure did help fill that void. The vaster movesets, coupled with returning tools like the grappling hook, made for an endearing adventure, especially when playing with a friend. While it didn’t necessarily break new ground in the genre, it was still a joyful romp through Craftworld.

27. The Nioh Collection

Two excellent titles in one package alongside all their paid DLC and updates for hundreds of hours of masocore action RPG fun – what more could you want? Well, maybe a reprieve from the difficulty. However, The Nioh Collection is a sheer testament to Team Ninja’s post-Ninja Gaiden design, blending that combo potential with Souls-like fundamentals and more grounded action, even if the loot chase isn’t for everyone.

26. Mafia: The Old Country

We never really got all our answers about how Mafia: The Old Country ties into the rest of the series (save for it being a prequel and containing a few cameos). Nevertheless, it was a strong return to everything that made the franchise so memorable, from the gripping narrative and strong characterization to the deeply involving themes. That Sicily looked so stunning to explore is also a plus.

25. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered

Jokes about remastering a title that wasn’t even a decade old aside, Guerrilla Games poured a significant amount of time and resources into revamping Horizon Zero Dawn for the remaster. Environments were changed, matching Forbidden West in terms of graphical quality, and entire cutscenes were overhauled and improved thanks to re-recorded dialogue. Otherwise, its gameplay fundamentals are as enjoyable as ever.

24. Demon’s Souls Remake

Aggravating as it is that Bluepoint was relegated to making a live-service title for all these years, at least we got the long-requested remake of Demon’s Souls. Purists may scoff at some of the visual choices and their effect on the atmosphere. And yet this remake brings the FromSoftware title into the contemporary age, idiosyncrasies and all, proving that some classics truly are timeless.

23. Sword of the Sea

Fancy hovering around some stunning environments on a hoversword, trying to piece together the sordid history of the place within three hours? Sword of the Sea may satisfy that urge…or leave you confused afterwards. Regardless, it’s a seamless blend of snowboarding, surfing, and platforming with deft pacing and more than a few surprises.

22. Returnal

From arcade shooters that it claimed wouldn’t sell to delivering one of the most pulse-pounding third-person action games of all time, Housemarque has had quite the journey. Returnal is a heck of a stop on the way, with Atropos presenting environments that are as brutalising as they are lovingly surreal. Its take on the rogue-like formula may not be for everyone, but when it comes to fast-paced action and bullet hell mechanics, few games can top it.

21. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart

Showcasing the sheer speed of the PS5’s SSD, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart’s clever usage of rifts allowed for a dimension-hopping adventure the likes of which the series had never seen. But even if you ignore the technical wizardry, it’s just a stellar platformer all-around with its traversal mechanics, combat, and the sheer charm of its leading duo.

20. Helldivers 2

The sole success of Sony’s live-service initiative, and it’s easy to see why. Arriving almost out of nowhere to deliver explosive co-op action that’s easy to get into and impossible to put down, Helldivers 2 has grown into a behemoth of weapons, enemies, mission types, and whatnot. It’s almost detrimental in a way, given the technical issues, but when you can run around together in Killzone and Halo armor sets, it’s beyond worth it.

19. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

Last year saw Microsoft finally release its first-party titles on PS5, but this year saw a once-iconic character returning to where it all began. We’re of course talking about Senua, whose first game debuted on PS4 before coming to Xbox. Suffice it to say that Senua’s Saga offers more of the same but with far more gorgeous visuals, and it works, despite the familiarity of it all.

18. Absolum

The very best in beat ’em up combat is mixed with deceptively simple upgrades and a branching world design that suits the genre as much as the storytelling. Saying it looks downright amazing would be an understatement, but it also packs in a surprisingly great soundtrack with a who’s who of composers on board. Suffice it to say that if you’re going in for more Streets of Rage 4-style goodness, Absolum will easily surpass those expectations.

17. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

After successfully reviving Silent Hill, it was the turn of Metal Gear Solid, that too where it all chronologically began. And while Delta: Snake Eater threw in some notable new features, from the over-the-shoulder camera to the revamped visuals and quality-of-life, it was, unabashedly, exactly like the original. Love it or hate it for that reason, it’s still a fantastic remake for one of the greatest of all time.

16. The Last of Us Part 2: Remastered

Yes, The Last of Us Part 2 isn’t technically a native PS5 title, and yes, the series’ re-releases are getting a little too excessive. On the other hand, it’s still a fantastic game with a story and twist that’s vehemently argued about to this day. The mix of survival mechanics and responsive gameplay, coupled with larger environments to explore and even more heart-pounding set pieces, all wrapped up in that signature post-apocalyptic atmosphere – it’s still a powerful combo to this day. Throw in the rogue-like No Return and other goodies, and you’ve got an even better deal.

15. Borderlands 4

It’s a good day when you can wake up, play a new Borderlands title and come away with “Not bad.” Featuring the gunplay of Borderlands 3 and none of the same narrative treatment, its main appeal is the vast world, laden with interesting activities, and more build-crafting opportunities than ever before. The looter shooter genre as a whole may seem tapped out, especially on this scale, but Borderlands 4 is still a fun time if you’re into the grind.

14. Forza Horizon 5

For years, PS5 players have heard about the brilliance of Forza Horizon 5. The extensive roster of cars (now at 900 and counting), the attention to detail of Mexico, its various jaw-dropping locations, and the sheer amount of content to experience. But for all its intricacies, systems, and realistic physics (if that’s what you’re into), Playground Games’ open-world racer is just the perfect fantasy for any car enthusiast to let loose.

13. Gran Turismo 7

The most drop-dead, stunning game in Polyphony Digital’s long, illustrious history and also the most controversial. But has that stopped Gran Turismo 7 from delivering the very best racing sim action this generation (especially after Forza Motorsport fumbled)? Not by a long shot, and the plethora of updates thus far, including the upcoming Spec 3 update, have made it even more worthwhile.

12. Silent Hill f

With the first hurdle of a competent remake surpassed, Konami faced its next big challenge: Delivering a new Silent Hill that was not only fun but downright terrifying. So naturally it went scorched earth by having Ryukishi07 pen the narrative and kera to design the creatures alongside a rural 1960s Japanese town as the setting. Even with complaints surrounding its combat, if there’s any horror title you need to experience this year, it’s Silent Hill f.

11. Days Gone Remastered

Even in the absence of a new game, you can’t keep ol’ Deacon St. John down. Finally arriving on the PS5, Days Gone Remastered offers everything that fans loved about the original with visual improvements and faster loading times. Permadeath and Speedrun modes provide fresh new challenges, while the brand new Horde Assault puts an arcade spin on surviving against an overwhelming amount of Freakers, complete with its own progression.

10. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Bigger, better and somehow offering the same runtime, Insomniac’s sequel puts a somewhat darker twist on Peter Parker’s journey as Spider-Man. In reality, it expands on the original in some truly spectacular ways, from the varied playstyles to the customization and plethora of suits. Plus, Manhattan, alongside Brooklyn and Queens, has never looked better or flowed as seamlessly as you web sling through them at breakneck speeds.

9. Astro Bot

A pitch-perfect platformer with a presentation that’s equal parts stunning and endearing, packed with the best that the genre has to offer in terms of levels and mechanics…all without any fluff, and paying tribute to PlayStation’s extensive history? That somewhat describes Team Asobi’s Astro Bot in a nutshell, but you could also just call it a masterpiece. It may not boast the same scale as many of Sony’s other heavy hitters, but its heart is unmatched, making for an exclusive that everyone should play. However, at the very top of the PS5 mountain sits…

8. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

That Sandfall Interactive’s first title could launch this year and catapult up the list of must-play games of all time is a testament to its brilliance. And make no mistake – Clair Obscur is brilliant in every single way that should matter in a role-playing game, full of wondrous locales to explore, an involving story with memorable characters, a fantastic combat system that mixes turn-based and real-time actions to excellent effect, and the music. Oh, the music. If you haven’t experienced it already, then what are you waiting for?

7. God of War Ragnarok

Sony’s Santa Monica Studio is no stranger to going all out when it’s time to end a story, and Ragnarok is no exception. Themes of family, betrayal, belonging, and more are tackled; vast lands teeming with dangerous new threats are revealed; and the sheer amount of combos that you can potentially pull off is even more insane than ever. Ragnarok is the studio’s magnum opus, and the fact that it added an entire rogue-lite expansion, Valhalla, on top as an epilogue for free only further sweetens the deal.

6. Black Myth: Wukong

It’s not often that something so unbelievably gorgeous delivers on its mountain of expectations, but Black Myth: Wukong made it look easy. The stunning art direction and presentation are backed by an equally involving combat system and some of the coolest boss battles in a video game. Wukong is more than just a great action RPG, though – it’s also a testament to the sheer game development talent in China.

5. Horizon Forbidden West: Complete Edition

Let it not be said that Guerrilla Games didn’t follow the rule of “more” with Horizon Forbidden West. More Machines, weapon types, armor sets, activities, side quests, fidelity, characters, locations – the list goes on (and Horizon Zero Dawn isn’t a small game). Amid all this, it even offered some shocking revelations, not to mention a much-requested boss fight in the expansion, Burning Shores. It’s been almost four years since its release, but Horizon Forbidden West remains an addictive open-world experience.

4. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Venturing beyond the confines of Midgar didn’t just mean experiencing the broader world of Final Fantasy 7 as a whole – it also meant a completely new approach to exploration. More mini-games and optional activities, not to mention side quests where key party members took the lead to go with additional challenging bosses, all wrapped up in an open world format. And that’s not even getting into all the improvements with the combat, summons, and the sheer insanity of the story. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth gets some flak for certain sequences going too long, but for long-time fans and RPG enthusiasts alike, it’s simply breathtaking in almost every way.

3. Elden Ring + Shadow of the Erdtree

You probably saw this coming, but like a certain Scarlet Rotted Blade, Elden Ring and its expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, simply won’t know defeat. Are there areas where it falters, especially in performance? Absolutely, but for us, it’s such a masterclass in open-world design and action RPG combat. That first moment where you step out and gaze upon Limgrave; that moment where Stormveil Castle is conquered and you look out upon the deeper world; the first nightmarish moments of Caelid; and who can forget wandering into the Land of Shadow and getting uppies from the Furnace Golem? Elden Ring wears its influences – from Breath of the Wild to Dark Souls – on its sleeve, and delivers a magical journey that few other games have managed to surpass.

2. Ghost of Yōtei

Plenty of revenge sagas ask how far you’d go, but Ghost of Yōtei offered a slightly different twist, which led to a more layered narrative. Of course, it also took everything about Ghost of Tsushima and elevated it to whole new levels, whether it was the natural flow of its open world, the sheer variety in activities, or the responsive combat. Overall, a fantastic title and more than a worthy follow-up to its 2020 predecessor.

1. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

Much has been said about Hideo Kojima and his, let’s say, unique storytelling. However, Death Stranding 2 didn’t just up the emotional quotient while introducing various unforgettable new characters. It also made vast improvements to the original’s gameplay, accommodating those who favored stealth, going in guns blazing, or the familiar friction-filled hiking. The sheer visual fidelity is top-tier among games this generation, and it all ties together into a satisfying tear-jerker of an ending.

This confirms what it “suspected,” according to Zelnick, “Which is just… if you give consumers a great narrative experience that’s a lot of fun, somewhat contained, and at a fair price, then you can have the perfect result.”

The company didn’t provide any details on sales, but in its second quarter fiscal year 2026 report, it confirmed over 2.9 million pre-orders before launch. It also ranked third in Circana’s Best-Selling Premium Games chart in the United States for August 2025.

Going by estimates, over 800,000 copies were sold in its first four days, which isn’t too shabby for a $50 title with 12 to 14 hours of gameplay (23 hours for completionists, according to HowLongToBeat). While Zelnick didn’t discuss plans for the franchise, much less whether Take-Two would pursue other such narrative-focused titles, Isabella actor Carina Conti alleged that she was approved for “another” Mafia title.

Mafia: The Old Country is available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. You can read our thoughts here. A future update will introduce Free Ride Mode, with “new activities and gameplay content,” but a release date is still pending.

Gears 5

The Gears series was always at the forefront of modern rendering techniques, and Gears 5 is obviously no different in that regard. Released in 2019, Gears 5 continues to impress with its gorgeous level of detail present in every aspect of the presentation, including but not limited to the environment, characters, and the sheer spectacle of the firefights on offer.

According to the YouTuber, Conti said this during a livestream by Bubbly Nuggets, where, in response to the host asking whether 2K or Hangar 13 have confirmed another entry in the franchise, she said that “they were approved for another Mafia game, this is true.”

It is worth noting that neither Hangar 13 nor 2K have officially made any announcements about the future of the Mafia franchise. Neither of the companies have confirmed whether there will be DLC made for Mafia: The Old Country. However, there is a free update in the works that will bring with it a Free Ride Mode.

However, with the title having reportedly sold more than 800,000 copies in its first four days alone, both the publisher and developer wanting to make another title in the franchise wouldn’t be too surprising. The same report noted that the PS5 version of the game was the highest selling one, followed by PC in second place Xbox Series X/S in third place.

“The robust early sales underline the enduring appeal of the Mafia IP and validate the studio’s choice to deliver a linear, narrative-driven experience with cinematic presentation,” wrote tracking and analysis firm Sensor Tower in its report. “The stronger performance on PlayStation may reflect the platform’s strategic alignment with story-focused single-player games.”

Mafia: The Old Country was the first entry in the franchise since Mafia 3, which had originally come out all the way back in 2016. As the latest entry’s name might imply, however, the game leaves behind the series’ traditional US setting to instead go back to the birthplace of Italian organised crime.

The recent release has also been described by Hangar 13 as marking its new era, since it moved away from its own proprietary game engine, instead making Mafia: The Old Country using Unreal Engine 5. Back in July, studio president Nick Baynes and game director Alex Cox had spoken about the decisions behind the engine switch.

“Well, Unreal, I think as many, many players will be familiar with now, brings an awful lot to new games, gives us cutting-edge visuals in particular,” said Cox. “And for the kind of game we were looking to make this time around, we really, really wanted to put a massive emphasis on portraying the beauty of Sicily, the fantastic landscapes, plus the MetaHuman tech and all of the stuff that’s really allowed us to do really, really top quality cinematic presentation.”

“The performances of the actors are really, really fantastic. Amazing quality facial, and that’s key to this Mafia game as it was for all previous Mafia games in their time of release and achieving that kind of let’s say visual cutting edge in particular, environment art and cinematics, was really front of mind when we decided to make the transition.”

Mafia: The Old Country is available on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. For more details, check out our review, as well as our thoughts about the future of the franchise.