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2025 year end game roundup with reviews on 40+ titles

2025 Gaming Highlights | Year-End Game Roundup

By

Mila Novak

Jan 7, 2026, 01:35 AM

Edited By

Dominic Crown

3 minutes of duration

A collage of game covers and characters from 40+ video games released in 2025, showcasing various genres including action, adventure, and strategy.
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As 2025 wraps up, a passionate gamer shares insights on over 40 games enjoyed throughout the year, providing scores and mini-reviews. This rundown reveals favorites, surprises, and disappointments, illuminating the gaming experiences many have had this past year.

Overview of Year-End Gaming Reflections

In a recent forum post, a devoted gamer recounted their year filled with game explorations, mostly diving into titles after significant price drops. The post emphasizes their love for both indie and AAA games, which has struck a chord with fellow gamers. They share: "I made a small dent in my backlog this year."

Notably, the individual rated each game based on a scale that echoes IGN's ratingsโ€”ranging from "Masterpiece" to "Garbage."

Key Game Highlights

The standout games included:

  • Mass Effect 3 (10/10): Cited as the best in the series, many gamers resonate with its emotional closure, especially the Citadel DLC. A commenter remarked, "The ending left me satisfied!"

  • Horizon Forbidden West (10/10): Loved for its expansive world and engaging story, it topped the list of sequels this gamer embraced.

  • VIDEOSERVER (9/10): This game surprised many with its nostalgic narrative approach, highlighting community evolution.

However, not every title hit the mark. Red Dead Revolver (4/10) failed to impress. The poster described it as clunky and dated, remarking, "It has NOT aged well!"

Community Sentiment and Insights

The reactions among forum participants were lively, with many opting to share their favorite titles or express skepticism about games mentioned in the review.

  • Positive Sentiment: Many applauded the thoughtful breakdown of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles games, with one user stating, "Appreciate the turtles breakdown. Thanks!"

  • Discontent: The lack of a rating for Dishonored 2 sparked some debate, as comments like, "You shouldn't score what you didn't finish" emerged.

  • Curiosity: Players expressed interest in starting the Mass Effect series, reassured by the enthusiastic endorsement.

"Iโ€™ll join you on the 'Mass Effect 3 is the best' hill," one user added, reinforcing the gameโ€™s strong reception.

Year-End Gaming Takeaways

  • Mass Effect 3 reigns supreme for many gamers this year.

  • Surprising classics like VIDEOSERVER make unexpected impacts.

  • Dissatisfaction over unpolished titles lingers, particularly with Red Dead Revolver.

  • Many are eager to tackle new experiences in the upcoming year, mentioning games like Doom II and Final Fantasy VI.

As 2025 comes to a close, this roundup showcases the diverse preferences and engaging conversations within the gaming community, proving that shared experiences resonate deeply even in a digital world.

Game Trends on the Horizon

As the gaming landscape evolves, there's a strong chance we will see a heightened focus on community-driven content in the coming year. With many gamers keen to engage more on forums and share insights, developers may prioritize multiplayer features and exclusive content that foster collaboration. Experts estimate around a 60% probability that upcoming titles will emphasize local multiplayer experiences and cross-platform capabilities, as players seek more opportunities for connection in their digital adventures. Additionally, the success of titles like Mass Effect 3 suggests a move towards narratives that prioritize emotional engagement and player choices, which could become more prevalent in future releases.

Unexpected Echoes from Music History

Interestingly, this situation mirrors the journey of the music industry during the rise of indie bands in the early 2000s. Just as dedicated gamers championed underdog titles like VIDEOSERVER, music fans gravitated toward smaller, independent labels that prioritized authentic sound over mainstream appeal. This shared momentum reflected a shift in consumer behavior, where communities supported the unique narratives of both games and music. Just as fans rallied behind those budding musicians, gamers now lift lesser-known titles in their quest for richer experiences, indicating that cultural connections can transcend their respective mediums in surprising ways.