A new year, a new set of games to eagerly anticipate after the backlog clearing of December and January. Last year was viewed by many as a holding period between the outstanding 2023 and the promise of 2025 despite the range of quality titles on offer. Much of this was due to the excitement surrounding one game in particular, but when assessing the list of games under the 2025 banner it is hard not to salivate over the gaming menu. Here, we present Novastream’s top 25 games to look forward to in 25 – in order of anticipation.
- GTA VI
Surprised? No, nobody making a list in 2025 would have an alternative to Grand Theft Auto VI, which also won Most Anticipated at the 2024 Game Awards. What can one say about GTA VI? The release of this game will be the biggest launch of any title, in any medium, ever. Enough said. Let’s just hope there are no delays, because all other titles are waiting to release their own dates based on this juggernaut. Rockstar leads the way. Release: 2025 (TBA)
- Ghost of Yotei
Next is Sucker Punch’s upcoming sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, set hundreds of years after Jin’s saga. This is a wise move, providing a new protagonist with a new location to explore following the constraints of an island that had been unpacked to its full potential. The visuals in the trailer left everyone speechless (all those horses, that massive mountains…wow). Following games like Rise of the Ronin, everyone remembers the brilliant swordplay and exploration of Ghost. This may be GTA VI’s biggest threat. Release: 2025 (TBA).
- Monster Hunter Wilds
The fanbase of this franchise is enough to catapult Wilds to 3. World and Rise were great games with extensive content and DLCs, but now is the time to take advantage of newer technology and entice a new fanbase through greater emphasis on story. The beta released late last year provided an in-depth look into revamped combat and movement. With the release only a month and a half away, Wilds has the opportunity to set the 2025 benchmark early in the same fashion as Elden Ring and FF7 Rebirth in previous years. Release: 28 February.
- Death Stranding 2 – On the Beach
Kojima finally has his chance to use the PS5 to its potential with the sequel to his mindbending and much debated Death Stranding. Some call it a walking or delivery simulator, others call it a masterpiece, but one thing we know about Kojima is that he never remains still. The visuals (that moon!) already appear next level, but will there be enhancements to the gameplay? While it took time for the first to gain a cult following, expect the second to be a hit out of the blocks. Release: 2025 (TBA).
- Elden Ring: NightReign
Perhaps controversial to place the co-op spin-off this high, but Elden Ring draws crowds and will never dip in quality. There are actually fewer souls-likes on the agenda in 2025 compared to general action-adventures, paving a clearer path here for success. Being a standalone game means no Fromsoft fan will leave this stone unturned. Slated to re-image the game’s core design, could we see a third year of Elden Ring domination? The co-op elements may work well to set this apart from many above. Release: 2025 (TBA).
- Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
The remake we all asked for is stated to be ready for launch, yet we have no date. While it has been 21 years since this era-defining game graced our PlayStation, the fanbase of MGS remains as strong as ever. The trailer’s graphics are fantastic and the vibe seems to have transferred well, though Kojima is not at the helm. While we had the collection re-released last year, this may be the test to see if this franchise and its stealth mechanics can be a hit in 2025. Release: 2025 (TBA).
- Split Fiction
The new title from Hazelight Studios, best know for It Takes Two (GOTY 2021) comes a new game with a similar focus – co-op action only. Announced at the Game Awards and releasing in March (if only all games operated this way) the title looks to combine sci-fi with fantasy, because why choose one when you can have both. The genre-bending action looks original and clean, providing an option for those seeking a more family-friendly adventure together. Expect this one to have immediate success. Release: 6 March.
- Fable
Technically known as Fable 4, this action RPG has a strong following through cheeky humour and excellent third-person gameplay. It has been 15 years since Fable 3, and like many titles on this list its original fanbase may have aged out of this type of game. Still, Xbox owners will be eager to delve back in to Albion to tickle that RPG itch. Release: 2025 (TBA).
- Avowed
Another early win for Xbox in 2025 is Avowed, which is set to release early next month and (like Fable) focuses on that Elders Scrolls style RPG. Hopefully with less jank than Skyrim, Avowed takes place in the same world as Pillars of Eternity and will therefore have a strong foundation from the start. The luxury of releasing before the first handful of games on this list is also a win, especially following the excellent Indiana Jones release on Xbox in late 2024 when no other games were demanding attention. Release: 13 February.
- Borderlands 4
Ah, Borderlands. A gaming franchise that peaked with part 2, slightly dipped with part 3 and then completely fell apart after the movie release last year (one of the worst movies you will ever see). Still, there is hope that the first mainline Borderlands game in six years will deliver following strong user feedback on previous entries. The looter shooter was basically created by Borderlands, so it is only fair to assume that the crown may be stolen back from Destiny. Release: 2025 (TBA).
- Like a Dragon Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
Sporting one of the greatest titles in gaming history, RGG are a studio that just know how to churn out games. Only one year after the massive Infinite Wealth, many re-used assets have gone into this smaller yet brighter game focused on Majima. The twist? You’re a pirate, for some reason. It may sound silly, but the recent overview demonstrated how pure fun this will be. Giant shark and monkey summons, sea battles and sheep men are just some of the highlights. Release: 21 February.
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Impossible to leave Samus’ latest adventure of this list, but compared to the above titles there seems to be less excitement surrounding this one. Is that due to the focus on Nintendo’s next console, with this potentially being the flagship launch title? Unknown. So is the date, despite not really competing with GTA VI. Still, here is a series that provides quality. This game was announced 8 years ago – 8! – and may have one of the longest run-ups in this list. But the sheer graphical and gameplay impressions will ensure a GOTY contender is here. Release: 2025 (TBA).
- Hollow Knight 2: Silksong
Ok, this may be more guess than confirmation. This is another that is rumoured to release alongside the new Nintendo, and therefore 2025 seems highly likely if the system is revealed this month. If already confirmed, this would be higher on the list. Still, the Metroidvania will grab the attention of legions when it releases (and may even be a shadow drop). A new protagonist and improved QOL features will see another 30-40 hour release that will demand a look around every corner. Release: TBA (hopefully 2025).
- Doom – The Dark Ages
Another title that in any other year would be a top-5 guaranteed hit. The first-person shooter franchise is one of the best in its class, spanning decades and creating many of the tropes we see today. Serving as a prequel to Doom, we expect a short campaign and an extensive multiplayer offering. Not as much is known about this one, but there are guarantees of a 2025 release. Therefore, we are super excited to see how this one plays out. Release: 2025 (TBA).
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Oh, how timely. Shadows was recently delayed a second time, from Feb to March, providing the studio with another month of finessing. This may be Ubisoft’s last chance at finding a winning formula, as their latest titles have performed with very little success despite being good 7/10 games. AC is a franchise with backing, but even the most die-hard fans are wondering where this can go to recapture the passion of the early titles. Will we see another flop, or is this the game to catapult Ubisoft back to the days of Farcry 3? Release: 20 March.
- Crimson Desert
Does any game on this list have graphics better than Crimson Desert? Being a new IP may be the perfect choice considering the other titles here, but the stunning vistas and promised exploration create an enticing game from Pearl Abyss. The open world genre needs a revamp and Crimson may be the game to tackle this, flying high with dragons and epic battles. Release: 2025 (TBA).
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Henry is back and ready to get dirty again in KCD2. The first title served as a frustrating entry into the franchise for many, considering the jankiness and very difficult combat learning curve. Part life simulator, part history lesson and part medieval epic, KCD tried to be many things and at its heart is a fantastic, in-depth game. KCD2 is the chance to utilise greater funds to create a more approachable game, and interviews seem to follow this thread. It’s not far away! Release: 4 February.
- Outer Worlds 2
Much like the above, the first Outer Worlds was an amazing game that just didn’t have the full AAA focus to pull off some of its promises. With the first being a sleeper hit, the second has every chance to align with expectations as a Fallout-in-space entry. The humour added to these games is one of its strengths, but can it take itself serious enough to rival the games on this list? We shall see, but either way it is an RPG with fun written all over. Release: 2025 (TBA).
- Little Nightmares 3
A much smaller adventure in size and stature when reading through the list, the first two LN games are short and powerful narratives that reach deep into the back of the mind. The sheer dread of dodging giant hands and monsters on boats and in forests is unmatched, and the style of the game is very unique in all parts. This will be the game many use in between the massive titles as a palette cleanser, therefore bumping up its play numbers and ensuring we all have horror on our plate. Release: 2025 (TBA).
- Lost Soul Aside
Many are noting down this title for 2025, which is an action-adventure hack-slash game from Ultizero Games. Is it a Soulslike is game or only by name? Unsure, but what we do know is that this is a Sony exclusive game with swords and magic at its heart. Inspired by Final Fantasy, this could be the Black Myth: Wukong of 2025 based on the budding excitement and Chinese developer. We shall see! Release: 2025 (TBA).
- Civilisation VII
Good old Sid Meier will see the seventh mainline game released in February, building your empire in turn-based strategy. This is another unique title in action/adventure dominance, which may allow it to pave the way to success (especially as the fan base is there already). With decisions that shape the empire and the ability to play as leaders from history, Civilisation games have plenty for historical enthusiasts to enjoy. Release: 11 February.
- Atomfall
An action survival game that may link in well with Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 in the dirty life sim, this one takes a more sci-fi approach (well, alternate history 1960) through being set in UK post apocalypse. Inspired by real-world events, this one has a range of ingredients that create a unique opportunity. Scrap, craft and build – these are elements true to all survivals, but what enemies await us? Release: 27 March.
- Tales of the Shire
The Lord of the Rings is an unmatched IP. Still, that didn’t stop Gollum’s recent effort in being one of the worst games ever made. Tales takes a different approach, being light-hearted and more family friendly than the ring thief’s misadventure. This includes the graphical style and gameplay. Basically: live the cosy life of a Hobbit in the wonderfully serene landscape of the Shire. I mean, in 2025, what more can we ask for? Release: 25 March.
- Lost Records: Bloom and Rage
From the studio that brought you Life is Strange comes their next narrative title, which when reviewing the trailer seems very clear (even down to the colour choices). The game focuses on a group of four friends who met as teenagers in the ’90s and bonded over their love of rock music and protagonist Swann’s camera. Sound familiar? Yeah, we expect the same style and heart-pulling story. But the added rock music and era provides ample room for nostalgia. The best part? It’s not far away! Release: 18 February.
- Mouse P.I For Hire
Here we go. The final game on our list, using Steamboat Mickey’s style to create a brutal first-person shooter. What else would you expect? While the designs are based on the cartoon, as is the style, the gameplay is very much a violent thrill ride in a nightmare version of Disneyland. Releasing on all systems, this is a game most are watching with interest (plus, we have an Australian publisher!). The best advice is to check out the trailer and enjoy! Release: 2025 (TBA).
Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Happy gaming!
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