Leenzee’s Souls-like action RPG, now owned by 505 Games’ parent company Digital Bros, is also available for PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers starting today. It follows reports about the dissolution of the core development team and the firing of director/producer Xia Siyuan. Whether the franchise has a future or not, the new owners are wasting no time to ensure more people can play the original.

Mixtape, the next game from The Artful Escape developer Beethoven and Dinosaur, is available on May 7th for Ultimate and PC subscribers. The same tiers will also receive cozy exploration crafting title Outbound on May 11th, followed by Black Jacket and Call of the Elder Gods on May 12th.

Interestingly, Elite Dangerous is also coming to Ultimate and Premium on May 12th, and may be worth checking out for Starfield fans who want deeper space exploration. DOOM: The Dark Ages debuts for Premium on May 14th alongside, at long last, Subnautica 2 on Game Preview for Ultimate and PC subscribers.

Then on May 19th, clear your schedule because Forza Horizon 6 goes live on May 19th for Ultimate and PC subscribers. If you’re subscribed to either and purchase the Premium Upgrade, then you can get early access on May 15th.

Check out all the titles that will be leaving Game Pass on May 15th (and which you can purchase at a 20 percent discount):

• Galacticare (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Go Mecha Ball (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Paw Patrol Rescue Wheels: Championship (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Planet of Lana (Cloud, Console, and PC)

The former was recently embroiled in controversy after director/producer Xia Siyuan was allegedly fired and the core development team dissolved. Digital Bros, the parent company of 505 Games, would then acquire the IP for €4 million, which could explain its inclusion on PlayStation Plus. Regardless, it’s a solid Souls-like action RPG that’s worth a look.

As for Nine Sols, it’s one of the better 2D Metroidvania titles. Launched last year for consoles, it offers a gorgeous art style and music coupled with hard-hitting parry-focused gameplay. You can check out our review for more details, but suffice it to say that it’s well worth your time.

All three titles will be available for subscribers from May 5th to June 1st. You can check out last month’s offerings – which include Lords of the Fallen – here. Of course, this is all in addition to a pretty healthy spread of new titles for Extra and Premium subscribers, including Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered and The Crew Motorfest. Head here for more details.

The deal means that Leenzee won’t receive any future royalties from sales, and Digital Bros touted the first game’s success. Over one million units have been sold as of March 31st, 2026, resulting in more than €30 million in revenue, which confirms “the strength of the product and its long-term potential.”

This would seemingly indicate a sequel down the line, which wouldn’t be the first time the company has made such acquisitions. 505 Games acquired the rights of Ghostrunner from All In! Games back in 2021 and brought on One More Level to develop Ghostrunner 2.

In this case, the acquisition of the Wuchang IP comes after reports that its director/producer, Xia Siyuan, was fired. Other members of the development team were allegedly told to shift to support work instead of releasing additional content. When they seemingly refused to do so, they were fired.

Siyuan has since registered his own company, and it would be the biggest irony if the core team reformed to continue working on Wuchang under Digital Bros. Time will tell, so stay tuned for updates.

As reported by GamerSky, the exit of producer and director Xia Siyuan was reportedly due to a refusal to shift to outsourcing or supporting other projects. Other development team members voiced objections, leading to its dissolution.

With the game not seeing any updates for a while, the team’s exit might just be the death knell for a title that was quite a solid take on the Soulslike formula. There has been no official statement from the developer, especially about rumors surrounding future planned content (which was apparently in the works before Siyuan’s exit).

It’s a shame that we’re probably not going to see any new additions to Fallen Feathers. We’d have loved to join Wuchang on a new bunch of adventures, but alas. There’s always the possibility that Leenzee brings in a new team to work on DLC or additional content. However, we wouldn’t hold our breath on that front, especially since the Souls-like apparently underperformed. It’s going to be interesting to see how Leenzee manages the situation, but its silence at this point is rather ominous.

These are rumors that remain unconfirmed at the moment, as Gamersky reports on whispers among leakers that the team behind the game has been laid off after the studio was dissatisfied with the game’s reception. Producer and director Xia Siyuan is apparently a notable one among them. He reportedly registered his own company, although other employees apparently haven’t fared as well. There’s talk of unpaid salaries and legal action – more trouble for a studio that faced extensive controversy when the game was released, owing to its shaky performance dominating much of the initial discourse.

A fair amount of additional content was also allegedly ready to go for Wuchang, which could have helped it gain a little more traction, but might now remain unused courtesy of the team’s exit. That’s a shame, as this is certainly a title that many among us would’ve loved to dive back into to take on new threats and explore more visually stunning levels.

We took on the task of bringing our picks, and a winner, of ones that really stood out and took over our lives. Without further ado, the nominees for the best RPGs of 2025 are:

1. Where Winds Meet

Everstone Studios brought us an incredibly detailed open world and an RPG adventure in which the world came with us on our journey, offering up an unprecedented amount of freedom in how we could approach its many mysteries, secrets, battles, and story.

It’s build potential, strong combat mechanics, inclusion of player professions, amazing traversal mechanics, and some deliciously slick wuxia animations make this one a very immersive addition to 2025’s ranks, and one that comes with a lot of depth and ambition. We’re quite interested to see where this one goes over the course of next year.

2. Clair Obscur: Expedition

Sandfall’s breakout hit took the RPG genre by storm with stunning and intriguing mechanics that had us at the edge of our seats right off the bat. With a talented voice cast who really sold their material and a soundtrack that continues to enjoy a lot of love from the gaming world, this is a title that we’d gladly come back to for a fun hour of exploration and combat.

But it’s the characters who make us stay, every time. Clair Obscur’s biggest strength is the Expedition that brings an end to the nightmare it presents us with, and its members are the heart and soul of an RPG that never overstayed its welcome.

3. The Outer Worlds 2

The Outer Worlds 2’s attempt to put us in the shoes of an Earth Directorate Agent on a mission in Arcadia has been an excellent effort that blends casual takes on megacorporations with a story that was quite riveting. The companions accompanying you on your adventure are a quirky and interesting bunch while the game’s gear system brought very creative touches to the table.

We particularly liked the fact that gear made by specific corporations had synergies with other equipment from the same brand, for instance. With a lot to do in Arcadia and a lot of freedom in how you approach it, this was a definitely welcome addition to our libraries of 2025.

4. The First Berserker: Khazan

Neople and Nexon’s decision to take a fresh look at the early days of the Dungeons & FIghter series paid off very well, and The First Berserker: Khazan has been an excellent action-adventure RPG with a great combat system taking the center stage.

Khazan’s vengeance fuelled adventure is brought to life by an anime-inspired cel-shaded art style that has stood out while his brutal efficiency in the field of battle has catapulted this one to the heights of being among 2025’s finest titles. It’s a game that just fires on all cylinders, all throughout its runtime.

5. Elden Ring Nightreign

FromSoftware’s successful run continued with its foray into multiplayer roguelikes, and Nightreign’s fast-paced trip through Limveld has been a great place to go for some wild action and unpredictable experiences in a multiplayer system that can have you laughing at how badly things went wrong, or stunned at how your fellow Nightfarers take on the most fearsome enemies.

With the new The Forsaken Hollows DLC now added into the mix, this one might continue to be among the most-played RPGs for a while yet.

6. Monster Hunter Wilds

The latest addition to the Monster Hunter franchise brought all of its strengths, a few creative flourishes, and barely any of its limitations to the Forbidden Lands. With visually stunning biomes housing some truly imposing monsters for us to hunt, this game was such an entertaining one we almost felt sad to move on from it as other titles took our attention away.

Monster Hunter Wilds is just fun and a delight to play thanks to its great performance and enrapturing gameplay loop.

7. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

The Shinbakufu’s infiltration of Japan’s government, and Naoe and Yasuke’s quest to dismantle their control marked a much-needed success for the series while giving Assassin’s Creed fans a title that they had been wanting for a long time.

As the franchise’s first truly current-gen entry, Shadows lived up to the hype thanks to an overhaul of the stealth mechanics and Yasuke’s unique brand of chaotic justice as a combat specialist. Japan’s many vistas were absolutely gorgeous backdrops for a combat and exploration loop that had us visiting every corner of the map we could get to, and that’s quite the compliment to any RPG.

8. Borderlands 4

As the much awaited next entry to a beloved franchise, Borderlands 4 brought its signature wit and charm to the table while giving us an RPG that nailed the experience. Joining the Vault Hunter’s adventure through Kairos was a treat in more ways than one, and the game’s combat mechanics were a blast.

While its main story could be seen as a matter of personal preference, the dearth of side content and the manner in which the franchise’s style is brought to the fore at nearly every turn are reasons to dive into what could be the best Borderlands title yet.

9. Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Lumiose City has been a great staging ground for some great Pokemon battles and quite a hub for ambitious trainers looking to make their mark on its populace. Exploring the city has a lot of perks to it, and you never know just what you might find on the ground or across its rooftops.

The combat is nothing to scoff at either, bringing a lot of exciting battles between talented trainers and a lot of juicy rewards to dive into when it was all done. This was an RPG through and through, and one that had us thinking about it when we were busy with the real world.

10. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector

This one’s among 2025’s  more innovative RPGs, bringing a balance that did wonders for its gameplay loop. Stepping into the shoes and neurons of the rogue Sleeper had us forgetting to keep an eye on the clock for the several nights it took us to play through the story.

This is a game that has you taking the protagonist’s role quite seriously, and is one that might haunt you for quite a while after you face the consequences of a bad decision. That’s a solid RPG if we ever saw one.

11. Digimon Story: Time Stranger

Bringing a poignant, excellent story to the table, this addition to the Digimon Story Series of titles was nothing short of captivating. We could not wait to find out the fate of our protagonist as we navigated its world and built bonds with other characters and Digimon in our search for the cause of a future catastrophe.

Taking us across time and space, this was an adventure that brings a fond smile to our faces when we think of all the great moments its story and gameplay loop gave us, and is an easy recommendation for anyone who hasn’t tried it out yet.

12. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

This sequel is a continuation of Henry’s adventures that hit all the right notes for fans of the Kingdom Come franchise’s formula. This was an RPG that had us immersed in the landscape it let us loose in, and quite entertained by the quirky populace it housed.

There are a lot of laughs to be had in the many conversations you can find, and many an entertaining hour engaging with all of the content that’s on offer for you in this title. It’s a thoroughly entertaining game, and one that’s really quite hard to put down once it picks up the pace in its main narrative.

13. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

The surprise opportunity to return to a version of Cyrodiil we’d never seen before is certainly among the 2025’s highlights. Returning to a beloved title after all these years with all of its current-gen bells and whistles thrown in was pure gaming bliss, and Oblivion continues to be among the most solid RPGs you can find out there.

This is the definitive way to enjoy a game that is legendary among RPG fans, and also outside of the genre thanks to how awesome it has become over the years.

14. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

Bai Wuchang’s search for her lost sister took us and the character to some surreal locations populated by bizarre enemies. The lands of Shu hid a surprising amount of depth to its lore, while the game’s combat was already on display as the centerpiece of the experience long before it was released.

Wuchang is definitely among our favorite silent protagonists, a couple of notable lines excluded, and her adventure is a brutal yet exciting journey through a very interesting take on ancient China.

15. Mandragora Whispers of the Witch Tree

Playing as the Inquisitor on a mission through this title’s dark-fantasy world brought a lot of fun to our time with it. Its action-RPG gameplay loop worked well with its side-scrolling adventure where the story was every bit as entertaining as the battles it led us to.

This is definitely among the stronger contenders for the crown of 2025’s best RPGs, and was definitely one that had us entertained from its opening hours right up until the end of its main story.

16. Trails In the Sky 1st Chapter

As a reimagining of the first chapter in a great saga, this title is definitely an RPG you don’t want to miss. It brings all the elements of the genre’s greatest titles to the table, making them breathe life into a story that’s going to be quite entertaining whether you’re familiar with the franchise’s roots or not.

Add in a combat system that works very well and blends real-time and turn-based loops in a way that feels very unique and entertaining. Its story brings a lot of heart and charm to the experience, framing your role and actions in the gorgeous open world quite well and making you feel like a small yet relevant part of a sprawling kingdom. It’s definitely a fine addition to the genre, and among the greatest ones of 2025.

While each of these titles has been excellent in its own way, there is one that undoubtedly takes 2025’s crown thanks to how well its many elements work together to bring an experience like no other to our screens.

And our winner of 2025’s best RPG is:

Clair Obscur: Expedition

Gustave, Maelle, Luna, Sciel, Monoco, and Verso bring incredible powers and an adorable amount of vulnerability to the seemingly impossible task of ending the Paintress’s reign of terror over Lumiere. With emotional heft, morbid humor, excellent character development, incredible combat, and brilliant performance across platforms, this is our favorite RPG of 2025 by a long shot.

And that’s a wrap on our picks for 2025’s best RPGs. We can’t wait to see what 2026 is going to bring to the table, and of course, we’re going to be ready to dive in when the time comes!

If that’s appealing to you, you’re probably as much of a sucker for punishment as we are, and are going to love the ones that are on this list. Each one of them is going to test you in its own way, but the journey is certainly worth it as they are experiences you’d not want to miss.

Let’s dive in, and let the battles begin.

1. Bionic Bay

If you’re raising your eyebrows at the thought of a 2D platformer being among the hardest games of the year, allow us to warn you that this one comes with a lot of moments where you’re going to be feeling despair at the seemingly impossible challenge in front of you. That’s a sentiment that never fully leaves you as you try to navigate the complex pathways to your character’s ultimate escape that serves as the narrative framing for this adventure.

It takes a determined player to get to the end of this one, and if that’s you, strap in for a hell of a good time.

2. Elden Ring: Nightreign

Although I’d personally recommend you bring a couple of friends along to Limveld, playing with complete strangers might just be a natural part of the challenge on offer in this roguelike debut from FromSoftware. From planning the perfect route and being as efficient as possible when you take on the many threats you’re going to find along the way, this one is a rush through risky lands that can get quite addictive.

Of course, the bosses at the end of each run are going to be absolute walls that require multiple runs before you can even begin to formulate a strategy to take them down that can work with different combinations of weapons. We could go on, but you get the point.

3. Haste

While its premise, gameplay loop, and control scheme are deceptively simple, Haste is so unpredictable and reliant on precision for the best rewards that it becomes quite challenging to play it the way it wants you to. For a game that’s about running as fast as you can before you try to stick a perfect landing to preserve your momentum, it sure brings a myriad of ways to bring you to a sudden halt.

But if you’re the type to keep getting back up and trying again, you’re going to have a lot of fun (and digital concussions) with this one.

4. Escape From Tarkov

No matter the mode you pick on this extraction shooter, things are going to be challenging as you begin to trade damage with enemies and pick up a few injuries along the way. That’s thanks to the game’s emphasis on being a realistic tactical shooter, requiring you to be very cognizant of your presence in the world, and ever on the lookout for signs of life from your enemies, too.

Things can get tense with this one, especially against players who know what they’re doing with it. Approach it with caution and pay attention to its mechanics, as they could mean the difference between life and death.

5. Wuchang Fallen Feathers

This fantasy, based on the end of the Ming Dynasty, is a great example of a game that encourages you to try different approaches to insurmountable challenges until you find one that works. Its combat mechanics are sublime, with each of its weapon types coming with distinct mechanics that make them very special.

Its enemies and bosses are all excellent adversaries, while some of its harder enemies had us grinding our teeth in frustration at the errors they forced us to make. For a visually stunning world teeming with difficult fights to pick, this one is a no-brainer.

6. AI Limit

Life as a Blader isn’t easy, and Arissa is no stranger to the challenges that come her way in this sci-fi ARPG. But she’s only as good as the player guiding her actions, and the combat loop on offer makes things quite challenging to stay on top of. This game’s Soulslike trappings are proudly on display, and its enemy types make it quite hard to predict potential attacks and form strategies.

The result is an experience that needs you to think on your feet, and comes off all the more rewarding as a result.

7. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

Henry’s adventure in this sequel can get quite challenging if you don’t make good use of its excellent combat mechanics. While you can make things easy for yourself by exploring as much as you can, things are designed to remain a challenge throughout the experience in this title.

Its Hardcore mode takes the realism it presents to a whole other level, removing a lot of important assists that you might otherwise rely on. You’re going to want to master the basics of this game’s combat system and practice as much as you can to make the most of it.

8. Hollow Knight Silksong

As a worthy sequel to the original game, this one’s expanded size and scope make both exploration and combat work very well together to present a gameplay loop that constantly has you on the back foot if you’re prone to making errors in combat. Hornet’s improved agility and new moveset are a valuable addition to a game that brings a very troublesome rogues’ gallery to its levels.

You’re going to want to be precise and attack with intent if you want to survive this one’s toughest battles. To hesitate is to die, and this game does not let you forget that.

9. Blue Prince

This one is a great test of your wits for those among you who prefer that kind of a challenge. Finding the hidden 46th room in a mansion whose layout is ever-changing is going to have you thinking about potential solutions even while you’re at work. It’s maddeningly simple and yet quite hard to nail down.

When considered alongside a gameplay loop that’s designed to keep you bamboozled, this is a game that can send you in circles before you find that a solution was right in front of you all along.

10. The First Berserker: Khazan

For an exhilarating combat system backed up by a great story and some very unique visuals, Khazan’s battle is going to hit all the right notes and then some. The combat system gives you all the tools you need to face down any threats standing in your way, but makes each of those threats so memorable and challenging that you can’t help but get up and try again when they take you down.

This one’s so good that giving up on it isn’t an option, as you’re going to find out when you dive in.

11. DOOM: The Dark Ages

The Slayer might be feared by the forces of Hell, but he’s only as good as the one who wields his mighty arsenal of weapons. This prequel can get overwhelming if you don’t take full advantage of its new mechanics, and even that might not save you on its harder difficulties.

This is a game that needs you to be quite tactical as you take on enemies, planning a bloody path through their ranks with the brutal efficiency that only Earth’s mightiest defender can wield against the forces that threaten his world. The Slayer’s latest adventure is a deadly one, but it’s totally worth it if you’re up for the challenge.

12. Warriors: Abyss

Although the massive roster and a great combat system are the main draws of this one, it can get quite difficult to take on the armies it throws at you in the heat of battle. You’re going to have to master your moves to get the most out of your build, and the game’s enemies are no pushovers, ready to slice and dice you into oblivion if you allow the momentum of a battle to slip away.

While the story could have been better, it does manage to give you a reason to take on as many enemies as you like with almost reckless abandon, provided you earn your mastery through practice and perfection.

13. Ninja Gaiden 4

The new Ninja Gaiden does very well to preserve the franchise’s trademark challenge, with both Ryu and Yakumo having their abilities pushed to their limits over the course of the story. Taking on enemies with its combat system might be familiar if you’re a returning veteran, but it can get a tad challenging to master for a newcomer.

Either way, this is a game where you need to use all of the skills you learn in order to stay on top of everything it throws at you. Oh, and of course, you have to do it all with style. Otherwise, what’s the point?

14. Hell Is Us

While this game’s combat might not be too much of a challenge, it’s in how the game’s very design is aimed at making it all as opaque as possible that gets you. Hell is Us can get quite complicated if you’re not paying attention, with so much of its content hidden away behind a veil of obscurity that seems to cover its world.

Uncovering it all is going to require the best of your sleuthing skills, and of course, a bit of talent with your blades whenever the need arises. Even that might not be enough to see all it has to offer in a single playthrough. Approach this one with a suitable notepad in hand.

15. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance

Joe Musashi’s fight against the ENE is a great action-platformer that can have you retrying portions of it more often than you’d like to admit. While you do enjoy Musashi’s agility and a solid arsenal of skills and tools to make fights easier as the adventure goes on, its enemies ensure that you’re always kept on your toes and that no victory feels cheap.

It’s a deadly dance of attacks and dodges that can have you spending hours just enjoying its balance between simplicity and depth.

And that’s a wrap on the hardest games of 2025 that caught our attention. We can only wonder what the year ahead has in store for us, but no matter what, know that we’re going to be there for it all alongside you!

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?

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.

These can be claimed in-game from the Reverent Temple’s Donation Box. As for Standard Edition owners, two headgear pieces have been added for free – Bo Sorcerer’s Crown and the Ming Army Helmet. Of course, the update also improves visual fidelity with DLSS Ultra Performance at 2K resolution no longer appearing super blurry.

It also optimizes VRAM usage on PC for better performance and stability. The results are pretty impressive in most scenarios, with usage dropping as much as 700 MB (though settings and hardware will vary). Leenzee confirmed that it will continue polishing the title, so stay tuned for more updates.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. Check out our review here.