15 Best Single-Player Games of 2025 (First Half)

by

2025 has been quite the rollercoaster ride for me – a year where the much-anticipated release of ‘Silksong’ is still on hold, and the delay of ‘Grand Theft Auto 6’ left many gamers feeling frustrated. Yet, this year has also seen Microsoft leadership face some tough criticism. Surprisingly though, it has gifted us with some truly exceptional games. From daring new RPGs to revamped classics and a slew of outstanding sequels, it’s been an impressive gaming journey so far. Below are my top 15 picks for the best single-player games that have left their mark.

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered

In a twist I never foresaw, even with the disillusionment surrounding Starfield and the buzz and worry over The Elder Scrolls 6, Bethesda has returned to Oblivion in an unexpected way: preserving its core mechanics using Gamebryo while giving it a visual facelift with Unreal Engine 5. What’s more astonishing is how the storyline and gameplay still hold their charm, although the many life-improving tweaks (three cheers for sensical leveling!) definitely contribute to this. If only Virtuos and Bethesda could address the PC-related problems.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Among the many games released this year, few have left as lasting an impression as “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33”. It’s not just the compelling story, memorable characters, stunning visuals, or even the game-breaking builds that make enemies with a hundred times more health crumble, but rather, it’s about rediscovering its exceptional soundtrack, where each track harmoniously fits and sounds fantastic (“Rain From the Ground” being a personal favorite). It’s about exploring new territories within the game that I hadn’t known or heard of before. Above all, it’s about experiencing the joy of witnessing others’ reactions to its best moments, allowing me to relive those incredible instances again and again.

The Alters

A game where you experience the feeling of “I can’t stand myself, the many versions of me, known as ‘Jan,’ along with my friends, who are also ‘Jan.’ The twist? We must work together to escape a deadly sun by navigating through a colossal circular base. If that doesn’t grab your attention, consider this: watching various fictional Jans from diverse backgrounds unite, either leading to their downfall, survival, or a mix of both experiences, should do the trick. This game is called The Alters.

Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist

In a different twist from Ender Lilies, the game titled Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist doesn’t fundamentally change its core storyline, but rather transports players to a new environment plagued by the Rain of Death. Despite this shift, it’s hard to overlook the significant modifications and enhancements, such as the customization options for Homunculus and their intriguing personalities. The game maintains a strong narrative through Mili’s captivating soundtrack, impressive art design, and challenging boss battles.

DOOM: The Dark Ages

In “DOOM: The Dark Ages”, although it didn’t meet all my expectations, Id Software successfully introduced a fresh experience that echoed the greatness of current games. Instead of quick weapon switches and aerial stunts, this game offers parrying attacks, using the Shield Saw to bounce between enemies, exploding shields, and overwhelming the Cyberdemon with rapid Chainshots. The levels are well-designed and fast-paced, leaving you eager for the next intense encounter.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Henry visited us and introduced one of the top role-playing games of the year – Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Compared to its predecessor, this sequel excels in numerous aspects such as progression, combat, graphics, and so on. However, it truly shines in terms of quest design and immersion. The game offers a multitude of options that significantly impact the main storyline, and an impressive array of character building choices. Additionally, there’s an abundance of sights to behold and mysteries to uncover. As with any game, there are some technical issues, but overall it demonstrates what some developers can achieve when pushing boundaries to create a genuinely captivating RPG experience.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

Although it’s quite appealing to think about playing “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth – Majima Edition”, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii offers unique features that set it apart. Unlike the main character who suffers from amnesia, our beloved yakuza gains control of a pirate ship and crew, navigating through the ocean for sea battles and looting. The combat, reintroduced to real-time gameplay, is revitalized with new jumping attacks, summons, and the Cutlass style. Plus, RGG Studio’s signature collection of side activities ensures that completionists will find plenty to keep them engaged for quite some time.

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector

Shying away from the confined world of a single, labyrinthine hub teeming with tales hidden in its nooks and crannies, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector still centers around immersive role-playing experiences. Whether you choose to gamble on assignments, uncover the secrets of your fellow travelers, or confront your own demons, the gravity of each choice transcends mere dice throws and dialogue checks, instead feeling like a natural extension – and repercussion – of who you are as an individual character.

Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut

This game is essentially a re-release of a 2015 title, featuring some additional narrative segments and an online cooperative PvE mode. However, it’s more than just that; it’s also “Yakuza 0,” which is widely regarded as one of the best games in the series. This game delves into the origins of Kazuma Kiryu, the legendary Dragon of Dojima, and the story of Majima Goro before he earned his Mad Dog status. Set against the vibrant backdrop of late ’80s Japan, with its distinctive fashion trends and skyrocketing real estate prices, each side story is captivating and unforgettable. The game boasts exceptional combat, narrative, and a sense of discovery as almost every corner offers something new.

Bionic Bay

In Bionic Bay, some aspects of its monochrome visuals and platform-style gameplay may seem reminiscent of Limbo at first glance. However, it offers a more complex and unstable experience. The game is set in the remains of a biomechanical civilization, where survival involves not just managing time and dodging projectiles, but also switching places and altering gravity. This game’s dreamlike environments hint at an intriguing backstory, while its gameplay keeps you on your toes with unexpected challenges.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black

Suddenly, without warning, Team Ninja made an appearance and revealed that the classic game, Ninja Gaiden, had returned. Not only that, but they also introduced Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, featuring enhanced graphics and user-friendly adjustments while maintaining its signature brutal combat (complete with abundant gore). While there may be much discussion about whether it fully captures the essence of the original game or still bears traces of Sigma’s influence, as a nostalgic nod to the hack-and-slash genre of yesteryears, offering tough challenges and exceptional combat mechanics, it more than satisfied our expectations.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins

Discussing throwbacks, the game Dynasty Warriors: Origins has revitalized the series by returning to its origins. This means massive 1 versus 100 battles without open-world mechanics, accompanied by an original protagonist and a fresh take on the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Although it lacks a traditional free mode where you can play as any of your companions unrestrictedly, as a new beginning, every weapon class has its unique feel and the presentation surpasses previous titles. Overall, it’s a significant enhancement.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows

It’s unlikely that the acclaim surrounding “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” will ever fade, as it remains one of the most captivating action RPGs in the series. Not only does it boast a stunning portrayal of Japan, but it also enhances the stealth and parkour aspects, long-awaited by many “AC” enthusiasts who yearned for a true ninja experience. The combat has been noticeably expanded and refined, with characters like Naoe and Yasuke providing distinct, engaging choices, which adds to its appeal.

Lies of P: Overture

The expansion, titled Overture, does what an excellent Souls-like expansion ought to: it keeps you humbled. At times, it may have been excessively effective (requiring certain modifications), but on the positive side, it delivers everything that fans of the original game would desire. It introduces new Legion Arms and weapons. New boss battles that appear as awe-inspiringly ferocious as they play out. What else could you ask for?

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

In “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach,” you might initially find terms like “Delivery simulator,” “walking simulator,” or even “UPS simulator” being used, but this game offers a significant leap from its predecessor in multiple aspects. The world is now filled with environmental hazards, new enemy types, a wider array of weapons, and improved structures, which collectively open up many diverse strategies. Additionally, the narrative is more emotionally impactful and brimming with Hideo Kojima’s most unusual concepts (and dance sequences) to date.

Read More

2025-07-14 14:16