More Thoughts From Me: Top 10 Games of 2025
The year is almost over so now its time once again to count down my favorite games of this year! Here we goooo. 2025 is almost over. RIP 2025. Well okay before the year ends, here are my top games of this year:
1. Donkey Kong Bananza: If you want a reason to buy a Switch 2 right now, its this game! Donkey Kong Bananza is awesome. The graphics are so colorful and detailed. And best of all: the gameplay is super addictive. As DK you’ll find yourself smashing your way through levels, collecting items, beating bosses, and discovering more of the game’s cute storyline. And the game even has DLC that is well worth picking up if you loved the main game. Donkey Kong Bananza is fantastic.
2. Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time: I loved the Fantasy Life on the 3DS and Fantasy Life i for the Switch is even better. There’s plenty to do with all the jobs, item collection, leveling up, exploring the massive maps, going into random dungeons, and playing online too. Plus the game got a recent update that added a whole new mode: a Rogue lite dream land where you can take on unique challenges, collect items, and get brand new rewards. This new mode adds tons of replay value to an already amazing experience. Fantasy Life i is such a cool game.
3. Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles: Final Fantasy Tactics was an absolute classic game on the PlayStation 1. It was really great on the PSP too. So when Square Enix said they were bringing it to the Nintendo Switch 1 and 2 and other systems, I was really excited. Best of all: I got to review the game for Nintendo Switch 2! My jaw was on the floor. The Ivalice Chronicles is the best version of this classic yet. Everything about the game has been improved, plus voice acting was added. If you’ve never played FF Tactics before, get this version. If you haven’t played it in awhile, get this version and play it again. I love this game.
4. South of Midnight: Its very rare to see a big developer take a risk and create a brand new game with totally new characters and a new world. South of Midnight is an amazing game. I love everything about it: from its cool lead character to its setting and all the neat boss monster designs and fun gameplay. I’m so happy to hear that the game is going to be coming to the PS5 and Switch 2 next year! Even more players can check out this fantastic game. I also hope we’ll see a sequel too.
5. Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection: Digital Eclipse is one of the best developers out there, especially when it comes to retro collections. They did Atari 50, Tetris Forever, and the Cowabunga Collection. And this year, they did the Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection which is definitely one of their best collections. The amount of work they put into this is stunning. There are tons of video, pictures, and games to check out in this Kollection. If you like Mortal Kombat at all or you’ve ever been curious about it, you need this in your life.
6. Marvel Cosmic Invasion: I was such a huge fan of beat ’em ups when I was kid, especially the games with Marvel (and DC) characters. I was so excited for Marvel Cosmic Invasion and this game did not let down. The graphics are perfect and the gameplay is so very good. Marvel Cosmic Invasion feels like a retro beat ’em up with all the modern convivences. Its a blast
7. Final Fantasy 16 (Xbox): I was so happy when Final Fantasy 16 came out on the Xbox. I don’t have a PS5 so I thought I’d never get to play the game. I had no idea if I’d like the game or not but I ended up loving it! Final Fantasy 16 takes the franchise back to its medieval origins and feels more like a “Final Fantasy game” than any other game in the mainline series has in awhile. The graphics are amazing, the story is so good, the voice acting is incredible, and the gameplay is fun. If you love Final Fantasy, you need to check out this game
8. Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition: On the Wii U, Xenoblade Chronicles X was a really good game. With its Switch port though, the game plays and looks even better. Being able to play this classic Xenoblade game on the go is perfect too. Its wonderful to have the entire franchise (so far) all on one system too.
9. Dragon Quest 1+2 HD-2D: I liked Dragon Quest 3 HD but not as much as I hoped I would. However, I absolutely loved Dragon Quest 1+2. It was so great to have two games in one. The first one is a solo adventure, while the second one opens up a bit more with more party members. Both games are fun and the best versions of these classic ever.
10. Star Wars Outlaws (Switch 2): The best Switch 2 port so far. Star Wars Outlaws looks and runs well on the system. I like this game a bunch: its story, gameplay, audio, and graphics absolutely rock. If you need a Star Wars game on the go, this game is a must have!
Honorable mentions: Octopath Traveler 0, Clair Obscur: Expedition 99, Pokémon Z-A, Mario Kart World, and many games I’m forgetting.
Note: I did not get to play Metroid Prime 4 nor Kirby Air Riders so thats why they are not on this list or in the honorable mentions
What a great year for gaming!
More Thoughts From Me is an opinion column. The thoughts expressed here are mine and mine alone. Can’t wait to see what 2026 brings!
Article By Daniel Fugate
