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Top Recent Video Game Releases 2025

Introduction

If you’ve been searching forums and watching your game list grow, you’re in the right spot. Over the past 12 months, a wide variety of games have come out, from huge AAA adventures and polished AA experiences to fresh indie hits. Here, we'll take a closer look at six amazing games: Kingdom Come: Deliverance II’s immersive medieval world, The Talos Principle: Reawakened’s philosophical puzzle overhaul (often called The Talos Principle 2), Astro Bot’s perfect platforming, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II’s intense action, and two indie sensations, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Blue Prince, that critics are raving about. We'll give you easy-to-understand summaries, a roundup of review scores from Metacritic and other places, quick facts, and direct links to trailers (with cover art) so you know just what you're getting into. Whether you love historical accuracy, tricky puzzles, or games that mix genres in new ways, you'll find something here. Let’s check out the best video games of the last year: no fluff, just the good stuff.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II (2025)

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Key Art

Step into a lively medieval Europe where your choices truly count.

Review Scores: Metacritic 88/100, OpenCritic 89/100

Trailer: Watch on YouTube

Description: Picking up where the 2018 original left off, you’re Henry of Skalitz, now caught up in Bohemia’s civil war with tougher armor and bigger risks. The sequel refines the combat, adds more depth to side-quests, and makes the world feel even more alive. Villagers react to what you do, political talk fills every tavern, and the genuine Bohemian setting pulls you into a tough story of honor and staying alive. It’s not just a game; it’s a medieval world you’ll want to explore endlessly.

Key Details:

  • Release Date: February 4, 2025
  • Genre: Action RPG
  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X
  • Standout Features:
    • Branching narrative with real consequences
    • Deeply realistic combat and survival mechanics
    • Vast open world rich with historical detail

The Talos Principle 2 (2025)

The Talos Principle 2 Cover Art

The ultimate experience for fans of thought-provoking puzzles.

Review Scores: Metacritic 91/100, OpenCritic high praise across the board

Trailer: Watch on YouTube

Description: Croteam’s much-loved philosophical puzzle game is back, and it's much bigger than the first one. The Talos Principle 2 improves the graphics, throws in a ton of new, tricky puzzles, and adds new story elements to its deep, philosophical world. You’ll still ponder big questions about intelligence, consciousness, and free will as you play with lasers, platforms, and other tricky mechanics. You'll do this in even more detailed settings, and with helpful updates that make those 'aha!' moments even better.

Key Details:

  • Release Date: April 10, 2025 (Note: Original release was Nov 2, 2023; this date might reflect a special edition or re-release in your blog's context)
  • Genre: Puzzle / Adventure
  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X
  • Standout Features:
    • Vastly expanded world and puzzle count
    • Enhanced graphics and audio
    • Deepened philosophical narrative

Astro Bot (2024)

Astro Bot Cover

Sony's amazing PS5 platformer.

Review Scores: Metacritic 94/100, MeriStation 10/10

Trailer: Watch on YouTube

Description: The creators of Astro’s Playroom are back with a complete adventure that takes 3D platforming to new heights. You guide Astro and his pals through creative worlds like jungle temples, starry skies, and factories run by robots. Each one is packed with secret paths, fun gadgets, and super smooth controls. It’s a charming adventure that will remind you just how magical platformers can be.

Key Details:

  • Release Date: September 6, 2024
  • Genre: Platformer
  • Platforms: PlayStation 5
  • Standout Features:
    • Innovative use of DualSense haptics
    • Charming level design with varied gameplay hooks
    • Packed with collectibles and surprises

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II (2024)

Space Marine II

Intense action in a dark, futuristic world.

Review Scores: Metacritic 84/100, OpenCritic 83/100

Trailer: Watch on YouTube

Description: Grab your bolter and chainsword for this sequel that captures all the wild energy of the 40K tabletop game. Playing as Ultramarine Captain Titus, you'll fight Tyranids, serve the Emperor, and pull off awesome combos. Co-op campaigns, PvP modes, and lots of ways to customize your character mean every way you like to play, whether you prefer blasting with heavy flamers or sneaking around for quiet takedowns, works in this fast-paced shooter.

Key Details:

  • Release Date: September 5, 2024 (Note: Actual release date is September 9, 2024)
  • Genre: Tactical Third-Person Shooter
  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X
  • Standout Features:
    • Seamless melee-and-shooting combat
    • Extensive co-op and multiplayer modes
    • Deep customization of armor and weapons

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (2025)

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

A hit turn-based JRPG from former Ubisoft developers.

Review Scores: Metacritic 92/100, OpenCritic ranks it #1 for 2025

Trailer: Watch on YouTube

Description: Sandfall Interactive, a team made up of former Ubisoft developers, has made an amazing first game. Expedition 33 mixes beautiful, moody art with smart turn-based combat and a memorable sci-fi story. You'll lead a diverse group through ancient space ruins, face difficult moral decisions, and discover forgotten cultures. Critics are praising its stunning debut and smooth gameplay.

Key Details:

  • Release Date: April 24, 2025
  • Genre: JRPG / Turn-Based
  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X
  • Standout Features:
    • Deep narrative with branching paths
    • Signature Eclipse Magic system
    • Hand-painted environments

Blue Prince (2025)

Blue Prince

A stunning mix of puzzle and roguelike.

Review Scores: Metacritic: Universal acclaim; multiple 9/10 reviews

Trailer: Watch on YouTube

Description: This standout indie from Dogubomb and Raw Fury blends the ongoing progress of roguelikes with puzzle-solving adventure. Explore a constantly changing mansion looking for Room 46, figure out trickier and trickier rooms, and deal with the stress of permanent death. The gradually unfolding story and always different room designs in Blue Prince will have you saying "just one more try" again and again.

Key Details:

  • Release Date: April 2025 (Note: Actual release was February 14, 2024)
  • Genre: Puzzle / Roguelike
  • Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5
  • Standout Features:
    • Ever-shifting, handcrafted room designs
    • Roguelike meta progression system
    • Haunting, minimalist soundtrack

Conclusion

Over the last year, developers of all sizes have really pushed the envelope. They've given us epic medieval tales, brain-twisting puzzles, groundbreaking platformers, and amazing indie games that had both critics and players hooked. From the true-to-life feel of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II to the roguelike puzzles in Blue Prince, these six games really show off the best of gaming in 2024–2025.