The BEST Surprisingly FUN Games of 2025
2025 might not be over yet, but it's already been a year of surprises in the gaming world. From hidden gems that weren’t on anyone’s radar to under-the-radar experiences that became fan favorites, this year has delivered more than its fair share of gaming delights. Let’s dive into some of the unexpected standouts that had gamers buzzing, and why they deserve your attention.
Is Battlefield the New King of FPS?
According to new industry sales data, Battlefield 6 is now extremely likely to end the year as the best-selling game in the U.S., edging out Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. That alone is historic. In modern gaming history, only absolute juggernauts like GTA V, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Hogwarts Legacy have managed to knock Call of Duty off its throne.
Metroid Prime 4: Did Nintendo Drop the Ball?
After eight long years of waiting, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has officially landed, and so have the reviews. Sitting at an 81 on Metacritic, the game is earning “generally favorable” praise, but that number comes with a bit of a reality check: it’s the lowest score in the core Metroid Prime series and the lowest for any Metroid title since Federation Force nearly a decade ago.
Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Set to Return in 2026?
If there’s one Assassin’s Creed game that fans have been begging Ubisoft to revisit, it’s Black Flag. The sea shanties. The open waters. The pure, unfiltered pirate chaos. It’s a standout entry in the franchise, and now, a new report claims its long-rumored remake might be closer than expected.
Instant Riot: The Gamer Clothing Brand That Actually Gets Us
Say hello to Instant Riot, the pop-culture-obsessed, gamer-powered t-shirt brand that has quickly become our go-to for shirts that speak directly to us as gamers with a sense of humor. Not generic “gamer fuel” vibes. Not bootleg meme shirts you regret buying. Real designs. Real references. Real personality.
Destiny 2’s Struggles Signal a Make-or-Break Moment for Bungie and Sony
When Destiny 2 launched, it felt like the kind of forever-game that would print money indefinitely. A gorgeous sci-fi universe, punchy gunplay, a loyal player base stretching back a decade, it seemed unstoppable. But now? Sony just reported a $24 million impairment tied to Bungie’s assets after Destiny 2 fell short of expectations, and the situation is starting to look a lot more complicated.
Valve’s 2026 Hardware Play
Valve just dropped a hardware trifecta that could reshape the living-room landscape—the Steam Machine, the new Steam Controller, and the standalone Steam Frame VR headset, all set for a 2026 release. If you’ve ever wished your Steam library belonged on your couch instead of your desk, Valve appears ready to grant that wish.
Borderlands 4 Already on Sale?
Borderlands 4 has only been out for a month, but it’s already 20% off on Steam — and fans aren’t exactly celebrating. Just this past summer, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford confidently claimed it would take at least five years before the game saw a major discount. Fast-forward a few weeks, and that promise didn’t even last through the first DLC teaser.
Red Dead Redemption 2 Remaster: Do We Really Need It?
Rumors are once again swirling across the gaming frontier: Red Dead Redemption 2 might finally be galloping onto PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and even the rumored Switch 2. According to recent reports, the ports are real and in active development — a long-awaited upgrade for one of Rockstar’s most acclaimed titles.
PlayStation 5’s “Record-Breaking” Success: Smart Spin or Next-Gen Letdown?
Sony’s out here celebrating what it calls the most financially successful PlayStation generation ever — but gamers aren’t exactly popping champagne.
Has Xbox Lost the “Best Value in Gaming”?
For years, Xbox Game Pass was hailed as the best deal in gaming — an all-you-can-play buffet of first-party titles, indie gems, and third-party blockbusters. But those glory days may be behind us.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Remake: A Pirate’s Dream or an Identity Crisis?
If there’s one Assassin’s Creed entry that nearly every fan agrees deserves a comeback, it’s Black Flag. The golden age of piracy, a charismatic lead in Edward Kenway, and some of the best ship combat the series has ever seen—it’s no surprise people have been clamoring for Ubisoft to revisit it.
Silent Hill f: A Bold New Direction in 1960s Japan - Exclusive Interview
Konami brand manager Darnell Tucker joined the Good Playing With You crew on launch day to break down the series’ biggest pivots yet: a 1960s Japan setting rooted in folklore, a “beautiful-but-horrific” new aesthetic, tougher puzzle design, and a surprisingly robust melee system that rewards timing, counters, and smart retreats. Here’s what players should know before diving in.
6 MORE Games To Hook Non-Gamers
Convincing someone who “doesn’t play video games” to give one a try can feel like an uphill battle. You’ve probably heard the classics—Stardew Valley, Mario Kart, Animal Crossing—but sometimes you need fresh picks that prove games can be cozy, clever, and downright addictive without demanding a 40-hour time commitment.
8 Side Characters Who Deserve Their Own Video Game
One of the best parts of gaming is when a side character completely steals the show. You go in expecting to care about the protagonist, but then—bam!—some supporting cast member shows up, drops a few lines, or pulls off a memorable moment, and suddenly you’re wishing they were the star of the story.
6 Nintendo Franchises That Deserve a Donkey Kong Revival
If there’s one thing Donkey Kong Country Returns and Tropical Freeze taught us, it’s that with the right developer and a little Nintendo magic, even a dormant IP can become a modern classic. With the recent Donkey Kong buzz and a new entry finally on the horizon, it begs the question: what other classic Nintendo franchises are ripe for a next-gen revival?
6 Games That Weren’t Worth the Buy
Let’s be real—sometimes we drop full price on a game, only to realize later… yeah, this should’ve been a weekend rental at best. It’s the gamer’s version of buyer’s remorse. Whether it’s bloated open worlds, zero replay value, or just plain disappointment, some titles hit better when there’s an expiration date involved.
6 Story-Driven Games That Deserve More Credit for Their Narrative Brilliance
If you think great storytelling in games is reserved for a select few like The Last of Us or Red Dead Redemption 2, think again. Some of the most emotionally resonant, character-driven, or just plain wild narratives come from games you might’ve forgotten—or never thought of as narrative-first to begin with.
6 Popular Games We Wish We Loved (But Just Couldn’t Get Into)
Every gamer has that game—the one everyone raves about, the one critics give perfect scores, the one your friends insist will “click” if you just give it more time. But no matter how many second chances you give it, you just…don’t love it. Today, we’re diving into exactly those heartbreakers: the games we desperately wish we loved, but couldn’t.
Gamepass, Battlefield, and Ubisoft: The Evolving Video Game Industry
The video game industry is in the middle of a seismic shift. Between controversial subscription models and ballooning development budgets, players and developers alike are starting to feel the tension. This week, two major stories lit up the gaming world: the growing backlash against Xbox Game Pass, and Electronic Arts’ seemingly unrealistic expectations for Battlefield 6.