Almost Flawless: Readers’ Top Games of 2025 So Far

Enshrouded

Enshrouded combines elements from at least three games, blending the creativity of Minecraft, the epic storytelling of Skyrim, and a variety of resources. My daughter kept insisting I’d enjoy it, and I regretted not listening sooner. While I was focused on Eldenling, I often gravitated towards Enshrouded’s laid-back combat. It makes me feel like a true warrior, though sometimes I find myself getting knocked down by the right tactics.

The real delight lies in the sheer freedom to pursue your whims. I can spend hours farming and baking cakes, refining metals for superior armor, and completing quests to unlock new weapons and ingredients. Ultimately, my main ambition is to realize my grand design for castles and villages atop the mountains. Above all, the graphics are exceptional. From lush forests to arid deserts and snowy peaks, it’s a visual delight. Watching the sun set and illuminate the mist is one of the game’s most breathtaking moments. Paul, South End

Stalker 2

There’s truly nothing like the Stalker series. Stalker 2 offers an immersive survival experience set against a backdrop inspired by the Stalker film and the Chornobyl disaster. It serves as a complete remake of the original game, employing a modern engine with updated graphics and interactive elements while retaining the beloved familiarity of the original. It includes new narratives, maintaining the essence of the classic while introducing some nostalgic bugs. Having played video games since Labyrinth in 1978, I find Stalker the most captivating. Purchasing it supports Ukrainian gaming developers. James, Spain

Story from Sol: Gun Dog

This is definitely my standout experience of 2025 so far. I’m captivated by the art style and the music, but it’s the 3D characters that truly resonate with me. They foster a connection that immerses you in the story. I genuinely felt an emotional bond with them, and they seemed eager to learn more about me. I’m excited to see what comes next from Space Colony Studio. Miranda, Cardiff

Indiana Jones and the Great

While Stray offered a close second and Atomfall was enjoyable, Indiana Jones delivered near perfection for me. It’s concise—ideal for my busy life with two kids—yet it provides enough open-world elements to keep me satisfied. The missions were entertaining, exuding classic Indiana Jones flair in both style and problem-solving. Starting with a boulder scene reminiscent of Raiders was a stroke of genius. The sound effects are fantastic, and I never tire of brawling with Nazis. Rob, Edinburgh

Fantasy Life I: A Girl Who Steals Time

I thoroughly enjoy Fantasy Life I: A Girl Who Steals Time. It seamlessly merges open-world exploration with countless activities, allowing players to pursue various lives to enhance their gear for adventures. Coupled with captivating art and an excellent multiplayer community, I’ve logged over 80 hours and still find more to explore. Jonathan, Edenbridge, Kent

I cherished the remastered version of forgetting; too many beloved childhood games are seldom re-released with such quality. The gameplay still holds up, and all the idiosyncrasies I loved in the original remain intact. In these politically tense times, it’s a relief to escape into a light-hearted, Lord of the Rings-like realm filled with dungeons and whimsical characters. Even Skyrim, as a sequel to Oblivion, feels somewhat heavy during these gray days. What made it even more special was introducing my partner Emily to the game years ago. Watching her rediscover the fantasy world I loved was far more enjoyable than playing it myself. Jack, Bath

Avowed

I absolutely enjoyed Avowed. It took me by surprise, as I hadn’t seen any prior advertising. Playing a well-crafted mid-sized RPG was genuinely refreshing. While many games aim to emulate Skyrim’s vastness, Avowed diverges by honing in on specific systems and excelling in them instead of trying to do everything. The combat, exploration, and narrative were all of exceptional quality. Isobel, London

Kingdom Come: Rescue 2

This one’s a no-brainer for me. It’s all about the stories, stories, stories. Lately, I’ve adopted a rule when it comes to buying games: wait a month before making any purchases. I let others test the waters first. The KCD2 narrative is so captivating that it can overshadow any minor glitches. I didn’t experience any issues myself. You become completely engrossed in Henry’s journey, navigating a world that presses all the right emotional buttons. It’s thrilling to progress through the storyline, especially during significant quests or ACT transitions. The game unfolds beautifully until that poignant moment on the hill with Henry’s deceased parents, making you truly feel like you’re leading his story. The decisions you make genuinely matter. Afterwards, you’ll find yourself pondering its overall worth. One of the finest RPGs I’ve ever played. Andrew, Australia