by themathlete
2025 was a year that saw me try out quite a few more games than most, but didn't result in as many finished games. I suppose that's not the biggest problem in the world, though.
With a modded 3DS, Vita and (as of 2025) Wii U I've been able to try out a lot of different games without worrying about spending too much money.
As an aside, having these modded systems has been a real gamechanger in my gaming habits. It's given me the opportunity to try out a lot of games that I've missed out on in the past.
Before getting to my list, I did want to list off a few games that I did put a significant amount of time into but for one reason or another I didn't finish or don't feel compelled to add to this list. They are:
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Super Mario RPG
Super Metroid
Metroid Dread
Monster Hunter Generations
Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology
Resident Evil Revelations
Anyways, on with the list.
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I put a bit of time into Streets of Rage 4 when it first came out in 2020 but did one solo playthrough and put it away for the time being. In 2025, I decided to pick it back up and play through it with my partner. I can say now that playing it multiplayer is the way to go. It's a much more enjoyable game with a partner. When you get into a proper rhythm with someone - managing crowds, doing cool double-team juggles, etc. - it's a much smoother, more pleasant experience. The game is great whether played together or solo, by the way. It's hand drawn animations look amazing and the music is terrific. It may not have made my list in 2020 but its definitely one of the best games I played in 2025.
Diablo III is a game I had a pretty good time with when it came out in 2012, but I didn't think about it very much once I was done with the story. After playing it in 2025, I see it in a whole new light and appreciate it a whole lot more. I think the thing that really elevated it for me is finally playing the multiplayer. Going through the acts with another person, balancing out our playstyles and destroying the enemies together was a real joy for both of us. As someone who kind of fell off from Diablo III back in 2012, its now (probably) my favorite in the series and one of my top 2025 games.
Balatro is a game I have quite a bit of fondness for, even if it was a game I played "on the side." I mostly played either before bed or in-between other games and activities. Even being a "side game," Balatro definitely belongs on this list. Balatro is an excellent deck builder with a great and addictive hook. Its easy to get into the game and when it really starts to click, it feels great. Balatro is a whole lot of fun and is definitely one of the best games I played in 2025.
Kirby is a series that I've always been fond of. Epic Yarn and The Forgotten Land were each favorites of mine the years they came out. I can safely say that Kirby: Planet Robobot stands amongst those as the best of the series so far. Planet Robobot is a fantastic game with the 2D platforming being as great as ever. This Kirby has some of the best copy abilities in the series, with the Robot combat being an interesting addition to the game. The game also looks great. The colours really pop on the 3DS screen (even with the 3D turned off). The music is pretty good, as well. At the end of the day, Kirby: Planet Robobot is a fantastic game, the best on the 3DS and one of the best games I played in 2025.
The placement of this game isn't too much of a surprise to me. The first Hades was one of my favorite games of 2020; so it makes sense that Hades II is in 2025. Hades II takes most everything that was great about the first and refines it. The gameplay is just as tight, with Melinoe playing just as well as Zagreus. The gameplay loop is just as compelling as the first, as well. I learned something with each run and each death, making progress each night. With that said, I'm not sure if the second is better than the first. There is a lot more going on in II but I think I may have had a better time with the first Hades. Regardless, Hades II plays great, looks great and easily belongs as one of my favorite games in 2025.