Gaming Influence: Rankings - Favorite Video Games in 2025

Hello everyone, 

Welcome to Gaming Influence, a reboot of the same name I created in WrestleCorp. However, I will not only share my thoughts on certain video games and video game series, but also on video game movies, anime, digital presentations, and more.

I'll rank my favorite video games for this Gaming Influence edition in 2025.

Before I begin, my rankings will be based solely on games released in 2025, including new original titles, remakes, remasters, and ports with additional content not present in the original game. My rankings will not include re-releases on other consoles and DLC unless it's a separate game with a physical copy (Ex. Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna ~ The Golden Country and Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak). In addition, if your favorite games of 2025 aren't listed on my rankings, that doesn't mean it's a bad game; it's just that I haven't played the game or have no interest in it, so keep that in mind.

Anyway, let's get started!

Before I start my actual rankings, if you want to see my favorite video games of last year, check out the link here: Gaming Influence: Rankings - Favorite Video Games in 2024

Here are some honorable mentions that I enjoyed, but didn't make it on the list:

Honorable Mentions: Blue Prince, BALL x PIT, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Dispatch, Avowed, The Outer Worlds 2, DOOM: The Dark Ages, The First Berserker: Khazan, South of Midnight, Digimon Story Time Stranger, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny, No Sleep For Kaname Date - From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES, RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army, STORY OF SEASONS: Grand Bazaar, FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time, EVERYBODY'S GOLF: HOT SHOTS, Super Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV, Kirby and the Forgotten Land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World, BRAVELY DEFAULT FLYING FAIRY HD Remaster, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, Lumines Arise, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound, Sword of the Sea, Mina the Hollower, Once Upon a KATAMARI, PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC, Split Fiction, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, NINJA GAIDEN 4, ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN

Now, let's start with my #20 favorite video game in 2025:

Mario Kart World is a kart racing game developed by Nintendo EPD and published by Nintendo. The game was released on Switch 2 on June 5, 2025.

After playing Mario Kart 8 for a decade, it was time for a new Mario Kart game, and we finally got it with Mario Kart World, as it delivered in so many ways. Really love how they expanded upon the racing aspect by making each lap of the track different, which makes each race unpredictable and will have to apply different strategies to get 1st place. Granted, I feel like online could've been done a lot better, but other than that, it's been the racing game from a new Mario Kart that we've been waiting for, and it delivered on that end.

Here's my #19 favorite video game in 2025:

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a kart racing game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega. The game was released on Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC on September 25, 2025.

This was a game that I didn't expect to be as great as it is, but it's a lot of fun, especially when they added the crossover aspect to it, which makes it great. Plus, I personally feel that this game is a better racing game compared to Mario Kart World, and to me, it has better online as well, which is a plus. However, I don't like how there is no voice acting when it comes to the crossover characters, which causes it to go down a bit. Despite that, I really enjoy this game and can't wait to get the other crossover characters to the game once they're released.

Here's my #18 favorite video game in 2025:

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is a hack-and-slash game developed by Koei Tecmo and published by Nintendo. The game was released on Switch 2 on November 6, 2025.

When they first announced this back at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct back in April of this year, I was surprised that they would make another Hyrule Warriors game based on what happens before The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, but it made sense. Just like with Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, this game was so much fun to play in terms of the gameplay combat style, as it's pretty much a Warriors/musou game with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom gameplay mechanics to it, which is awesome. Not only that, the frame rate for this game is a lot better, which is much appreciated. If you love the previous Hyrule Warriors games, you'll enjoy this game as well.

Here's my #17 favorite video game in 2025:

Yakuza 0 Director's Cut is a definitive edition of the action-adventure game developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by Sega, Yakuza 0, which was released on PS3 in 2015. The game was released on Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC on June 5, 2025.

Yakuza 0 was one of my favorite games in the PS3 era, so when Sega announced that they're making a definitive edition of this game with never-before-seen cutscenes in the game, I knew I was going to love it, and I was right. This game still holds up to this day, and it's still one of the best Yakuza/Like a Dragon games in the series. If you want to get into the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, this is a great place to start, as it's the origin story of Kiryu and Majima, so give it a go.

Here's my #16 favorite video game in 2025:

Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater is a remake of the action-adventure stealth game developed and published by Konami, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, which was released on PS2 in 2004. The game was released on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC on August 26, 2025.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is not only one of my favorite Metal Gear games of all time, but also one of my favorite games of all time. When Konami announced that they would make a remake of this game, I was delighted, as it brought Metal Gear back in the spotlight, and just like the original game, it delivered. Plus, the addition of the gameplay style really changes the game as well, which doesn't make it the same at all. This game is a classic for a reason, and this remake of it shows that this game still holds up and why it's one of the best games of all time.

Here's my #15 favorite video game in 2025:

DRAGON QUEST I & II HD-2D REMAKE is a reimaging of the two role-playing games developed and published by Square Enix, DRAGON QUEST and DRAGON QUEST II, which were released on NES in 1986 and 1987. The game was released on Switch, Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC on October 30, 2025.

These two games help define the JRPG genre, and they've been reimagined to get the full experience of the games, as Square Enix did a tremendous job on staying true to the original games, but also expanding upon them to make them modern as well. I also love the additional content that they add to the game that wasn't in the original games, which is an awesome touch. If you want to experience the origin of the JRPG genre, but in the modern era, play these two games, and you won't regret it.

Here's my #14 favorite video game in 2025:

MONSTER HUNTER WILDS is an action role-playing game developed and published by Capcom. The game was released on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X on February 28, 2025.

I've always been a fan of the Monster Hunter games, and with MONSTER HUNTER WILDS, it was no different. I continue to love how Capcom evolves the Monster Hunter franchise through the customizations available for your avatar and the diverse locales that players can explore within the game. This is probably the biggest Monster Hunter game and is pretty accessible as well for newcomers, so for people who want to get into Monster Hunter but don't know where to start, try out MONSTER HUNTER WILDS.

Here's my #13 favorite video game in 2025:

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is an action role-playing game developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and Pokémon Company. The game was released on Switch 2 and Switch on October 16, 2025.

I've always been a fan of the mainline Pokémon games, but what Game Freak and the Pokémon Company have done with the Pokémon Legends series has been incredible, as they tried to change up the gameplay for the series to make them stand out. The real-time combat within Pokémon Legends: Z-A has been very fun, as I like how they keep changing the gameplay style of each Pokémon Legends game, which is awesome. I hope that Pokémon Company and Game Freak keep this up when it comes to the Pokémon Legends games, and they continue to improve upon it from here.

Here's my #12 favorite video game in 2025:

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is an action-adventure game developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo. The game was released on Switch and Switch 2 on December 4, 2025.

It has been eighteen years since we last got a new original mainline Metroid Prime game, and we finally got it with Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, as it delivered big time. Even after not working on the series for nearly two decades, Retro Studios still have it when it comes to the Metroid Prime series, and it's great to see. Granted, I feel like they could've done better when it comes to the open desert area, but besides that, it felt like a true Metroid Prime game that we've been wanting for nearly two decades, and I hope to see another Metroid Prime game in the future without waiting for nearly two decades for it.

Here's my #11 favorite video game in 2025:

OCTOPATH TRAVELER 0 is a role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix, where the game was released on PC, Switch, Switch 2, PS4, and PS5 on December 4, 2025. 

I've always been a fan of the Octopath Traveler series, but the fact that Square Enix did a prequel to the first Octopath Traveler game is insane. I was quite surprised when they decided to have eight characters on screen with your party, and the amount of customization with the characters you have in the game is insane. Not only that, you get to build your own village in the game too, which is a nice surprise. I really enjoyed it and would love to see Octopath Traveler become a big series for Square Enix in the future.

Now, we're in the top ten. Here's my #10 favorite video game in 2025:

Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition is the definitive edition of the action role-playing game developed by Monolith Soft and published by Nintendo, Xenoblade Chronicles X, which was released on Wii U in 2015. The game was released on Switch on March 20, 2025.

This was one of my favorite games on the Wii U, and as a huge Xenoblade Chronicles fan, I have to put this game on my list as the additional content and the new QoL improvements made this game so much better than what it was back in the Wii U. I love the new story content that was added to this game as we finally got answers to the cliffhanger that we got back in the original and the QoL improvements made doing side quests for this game a lot easier to do. Hope this isn't the end for the X spin-off/sub-series of Xenoblade Chronicles, as I feel like they can improve and expand upon it if they do another one in the future.

Here's my #9 favorite video game in 2025:

Kirby Air Riders is a racing game developed by Bandai Namco and Sora Ltd. and published by Nintendo. The game was released on Switch 2 on November 20, 2025. 

I love the original Kirby Air Ride game back on GameCube, so the fact that we got a sequel to this game, twenty-one years later, is insanity. Masahiro Sakurai and his team came in and gave a feast, as it's everything that we love from the original game, and more. The fact that we're not even getting any DLC or additional content for the game is insane, especially in today's gaming industry. Glad to see this series back, even for one time, as this is a game that I'll be playing for years, or even decades to come.

Here's my #8 favorite video game in 2025:

Silent Hill f is a survival horror game developed by NeoBards Entertainment and published by Konami. The game was released on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC on September 24, 2025.

Ever since the remake of Silent Hill 2 was a success, the Silent Hill series has been making a comeback as of late, and it's awesome to see. Love the fact that the game takes place in Japan, and the horror in this game is quite creepy and intense. The story in this game is quite interesting, and the gameplay is fun as well. Nice to see Silent Hill back in a great way, and hope it continues.

Here's my #7 favorite video game in 2025:

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is an action-adventure game developed by Kojima Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game was released on PS5 on June 26, 2025.

I really enjoyed the first Death Stranding game as it's different, but also fun in its own way, as well as due to the creativity that Hideo Kojima does with games, and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach was no different. To me, this is probably the best game from Hideo Kojima since Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, and that's definitely saying something. Really love this game and am looking forward to Hideo Kojima's next projects, and we'll see if Death Stranding will return in the future, or if this is the end of the series.

Here's my #6 favorite video game in 2025:

Ghost of Yōtei is an action-adventure game developed by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game was released on PS5 on October 2, 2025.

I really loved Ghost of Tsushima, as this is pretty much another game within the Ghost series, and just like with Ghost of Tsushima, it delivered big time. Love the Yōtei area that took place within this game, as it's a fun area to explore, gameplay was smooth and fun, and the story was quite interesting as well. The game also has a lot of customization as well which is also a nice treat. I hope Sucker Punch Productions continues to make more Ghost games, as this is probably some of their best work yet, and we'll see if they make more, or if this is the last within the series.

Now, we're in the top five. Here's my #5 favorite video game in 2025:

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a remake of the role-playing game developed by Nihon Falcom and published by GungHo Online Entertainment, The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, which was released on PSP in 2004. The game was released on PS5, Switch, and PC on September 19, 2025.

I love the Trails series, and I was quite surprised when Nihon Falcom decided to make a remake of the first game of the series, but I'm so glad that they did, as they did this game justice. They pretty much stay true to what the game is special in the first place, but made it modern with the HD graphics, voice acting, and the more modernized combat of the Trails series, which is awesome. For those who want to get into the Trails series but don't know where to start, this is the game to start with, and you won't be disappointed once you play it, as you'll be in for a great time.

Here's my #4 favorite video game in 2025:

Hollow Knight: Silksong is a Metroidvania game developed and published by Team Cherry, where the game was released on Switch, Switch 2, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC on September 4, 2025.

We've been waiting for Hollow Knight: Silksong for the past six years, and we finally got it as it was delivered in the best way possible. The combat was so much fun and satisfying, the exploration of the game was well done, and the bosses were quite challenging, but also fair. This game was definitely worth the wait, and I'm glad that the game delivered, so congrats to Team Cherry for their work here, and we'll see if we'll get another Hollow Knight game, or if this is the end of the series.

Here's my #3 favorite video game in 2025:

Hades II is a roguelike action role-playing game developed and published by Supergiant Games, where the game was released on Switch, Switch 2, and PC on September 25, 2025.

I love the first Hades game as it's one of those roguelike games that are addicting and satisfying to play through, and with Hades II, it's no different. The story is great and intriguing, the combat is so smooth and satisfying, and the customization you can do with your abilities and skills is insane. Supergiant Games definitely killed it with this game, and we'll see if the Hades series will continue after this, or if this will be the last of the series.

Here's my #2 favorite video game in 2025:

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a role-playing game developed by Sandfall Interactive and published by Kepler Interactive. The game was released on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC on April 24, 2025.

Yep, that's right. As expected, the most talked about game this year is not surprisingly on the list of my favorite video games of 2025. No one should be surprised at all, especially since I'm a huge JRPG fan, and despite this game not necessarily being a JRPG, it's basically a JRPG, but made by Western developers with a Western art style, and it's fantastic. I'm still quite surprised that this game is made by an independent studio and not an actual AAA studio, as the graphics are beautiful, the story is amazing, the gameplay is so much fun, and the music is incredible. Love what Sandfall Interactive has done with this game, and I'm looking forward to their next game after this, as they have a bright future ahead of them.

Now, here's my #1 favorite video game in 2025:

Donkey Kong Bananza is a platformer developed and published by Nintendo EPD, where the game was released on Switch 2 on July 17, 2025.

I love Donkey Kong, and it's been twenty-six years since we had a 3D Donkey Kong platformer, as Donkey Kong Bananza delivered in that front and so much more. I never thought that punching pretty much almost everything would feel so satisfying and so much fun as well. The new design of Donkey Kong goes back to his original design, and getting more of Pauline is never a bad thing, as well. The references to all of the past Donkey Kong games have been a treat, too. If you love platformers and love Donkey Kong, you'll play Donkey Kong Bananza. You won't be disappointed.

Those are my favorite video games in 2025.

What are your favorite video games in 2025?

Let me know in the comments below.

Thank you for reading.