The Top Gaming Picks of Early 2025: Celebrating Recent Hits and Anticipating Future Blockbusters

The first quarter of 2025 has already passed, bringing with it a diverse and exciting array of video game releases. From highly anticipated sequels to fresh, innovative titles, gamers across all platforms have had plenty to sink their teeth into. As we look back at the initial months of the year, it’s also impossible to ignore the growing anticipation for the games slated to arrive in the spring and early summer. This period promises to be just as packed with potential blockbusters and unique experiences. This article aims to navigate this landscape, identifying the standout game that has already been released and the most promising title on the horizon that is generating significant excitement.

The Standout of Early 2025:

The period between January and March 2025 witnessed a significant number of game launches, spanning various genres and platforms. Examining the release schedules from multiple sources reveals a bustling start to the year . Several titles consistently appeared across these lists, suggesting they captured the attention of both the industry and players. These included the medieval RPG Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, the latest entry in the monster-hunting franchise Monster Hunter Wilds, the pirate-themed spin-off Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, Obsidian Entertainment’s fantasy RPG Avowed, the newest iteration of the iconic strategy game Sid Meier’s Civilization VII, the PC release of the critically acclaimed Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the feudal Japan-set action-adventure Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the remastered version of the beloved Wii U RPG Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, and the HD remaster of two classic JRPGs, Suikoden I & II. The sheer volume of these releases in the initial months of 2025 underscores a vibrant and dynamic gaming industry, offering a wide spectrum of experiences for players on different platforms and with varied preferences.  

When evaluating these titles to determine the standout release, critical reception and player feedback are paramount. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II has garnered impressive scores, averaging 89 on OpenCritic with a strong 96% recommendation rate based on numerous reviews . Critics have lauded it as a comprehensive RPG with exceptional storytelling and cinematic presentation . The game’s detailed and expansive world, which vividly recreates the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, has also been widely praised . While one review offered a more moderate score, the overall sentiment points towards a game that strongly resonates with its intended audience . Despite some recurring criticisms regarding technical aspects, the save system, and the accessibility of its combat, the general consensus suggests a high-quality gaming experience .  

Monster Hunter Wilds has also achieved remarkable review scores, boasting an average of 89 on both Metacritic and OpenCritic, with a 95% recommendation rate on the latter . The game has been celebrated for its engaging and addictive gameplay, refined mechanics, and stunning visual presentation, making it an appealing entry point for newcomers to the series . However, a notable concern has been raised regarding its performance on PC, even on high-end systems . This potential technical hurdle for a significant portion of the gaming community might temper its claim as the universally “best” title.  

In contrast, Sid Meier’s Civilization VII presents a more divided picture. While it received a “Generally Favorable” Metascore of 79 from critics, this is starkly contrasted by a “Generally Unfavorable” user score of only 3.9 . Critic reviews were mixed, with some applauding its bold innovations, while others found it lacking in certain aspects . User feedback, however, has been overwhelmingly negative, citing issues such as frequent crashes, an unintuitive interface, and a disappointing endgame experience . This significant divergence in opinion between professional reviewers and the player base suggests a potential disconnect in expectations or the actual delivered experience.  

Other notable releases like Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii have generally been well-received for their fun and engaging gameplay , while Avowed has been described as a solid RPG, though perhaps not groundbreaking . The PC port of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has been praised for its technical quality , and the remastered versions of Xenoblade Chronicles X and Suikoden I & II have been welcomed by fans of those series . Assassin’s Creed Shadows, having been released more recently in March, has garnered positive initial impressions for its setting and gameplay .  

Considering the consistently high critical acclaim, fewer major technical concerns across different platforms compared to Monster Hunter Wilds, and a more positive overall player sentiment than Civilization VII, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II stands out as the premier gaming title released between January and March 2025.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, an action role-playing game developed by Warhorse Studios and published by Deep Silver , immerses players in the historically rich setting of medieval Bohemia, continuing the captivating story of Henry. The game distinguishes itself through its commitment to realism, offering a unique blend of challenging combat, intricate questlines shaped by player decisions, and a dynamic world that reacts to player actions . Critics have celebrated the game’s compelling narrative and high level of cinematic quality . The meticulously crafted world has been lauded for its historical accuracy and its ability to transport players to the Middle Ages . Many reviewers consider it a standout title in the medieval RPG genre, praising its demanding yet rewarding combat system and its immersive atmosphere . The sequel is widely regarded as a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering a more expansive and polished experience with a strong emphasis on player agency . While some players have noted the persistent challenge of the save system and the initial learning curve of the combat, these elements are often seen as integral to the game’s unique identity and its commitment to a more grounded and realistic gameplay loop. The strong positive reception for Kingdom Come: Deliverance II suggests a notable appreciation within the gaming community for experiences that prioritize historical accuracy and realism, even if it means a less forgiving approach compared to more mainstream RPGs. This indicates a potential trend towards a more diverse RPG landscape where niche experiences that offer deep immersion and challenge can find significant success.  

The Promising Future:

Looking ahead to the months of April through June 2025 reveals a lineup of highly anticipated video game releases and early access opportunities . Several titles have already generated considerable buzz and consistently appear on upcoming release schedules. These include the PC release of the critically acclaimed PlayStation exclusive The Last of Us Part II Remastered, the return of a classic fighting game franchise with Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, the next installment in the iconic Doom series titled Doom: The Dark Ages, the sequel to Hideo Kojima’s unique title Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and the immensely anticipated DLC for Elden Ring, potentially referred to as Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree or “Nightreign”. Additionally, a new game set in the TRON universe, TRON: Catalyst, is also slated for release during this period. The presence of numerous sequels and PC ports of successful console games in this upcoming schedule highlights a common strategy within the gaming industry to build upon established franchises and expand the audience for popular titles by bringing them to new platforms.  

Among these promising titles, Doom: The Dark Ages, scheduled for release on May 15th , stands out as a particularly compelling prospect. As the next mainline entry in the legendary Doom series, it carries the weight of a franchise renowned for its relentless, high-octane action and its visceral demon-slaying gameplay. The Doom series has cultivated a dedicated and passionate fanbase over decades, and each new installment is met with significant anticipation within the gaming community. Given the critical and commercial success of the more recent Doom games, expectations are high for The Dark Ages to deliver another thrilling and action-packed experience. The enduring popularity and established legacy of the Doom franchise make The Dark Ages a strong contender for the most promising upcoming title. It taps into a well-established player base that has clear expectations for intense and satisfying gameplay, and the anticipation surrounding its release suggests it has the potential to be a major hit.  

The Last of Us Part II Remastered, set to launch on PC on April 3rd , also holds significant promise. The original game was a critical darling on PlayStation, earning numerous Game of the Year awards for its compelling narrative, stunning visuals, and emotionally resonant characters. Bringing this acclaimed title to PC will undoubtedly broaden its reach, allowing PC gamers to experience its powerful story and impressive graphics, especially considering the generally positive reception of previous PlayStation PC ports. Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, releasing on April 24th , marks the return of a beloved fighting game series, likely generating considerable excitement within the fighting game community. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, slated for June 26th , is the next project from the renowned Hideo Kojima, whose games are known for their unique and often thought-provoking experiences, ensuring a high level of anticipation. Finally, the potential release of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (or “Nightreign”) in May has generated immense excitement among fans of the critically acclaimed Elden Ring, eager for more content in its rich and challenging world.  

Conclusion:

The early months of 2025 have already provided a standout gaming experience with Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. Its dedication to realism, compelling narrative, and immersive world have resonated strongly with critics and players alike, establishing it as a noteworthy title in the RPG genre. As we look forward, Doom: The Dark Ages appears to be the most promising game on the horizon between April and June 2025. The enduring legacy of the Doom franchise and the anticipation surrounding a new mainline entry position it as a potential blockbuster that is sure to deliver the intense action and demon-slaying thrills that fans have come to expect. With strong releases already behind us and a compelling lineup of anticipated titles on the way, 2025 continues to shape up as an exciting year for the gaming world.

Table 1: Top-Rated Releases (January – March 2025)

Table 2: Most Promising Upcoming Releases (April – June 2025)