Halfway Through 2025: My 5 Favorite Completed Games and the Backlog Titles I Can’t Wait to Play
2025 has already proven to be a remarkable year for gaming, offering a diverse range of titles that have captured the attention and imaginations of players worldwide. As someone who not only plays games but also documents every detail—from completions to wishlists—it’s been an exciting time to explore what this year has to offer.
My Gaming Journey
I maintain an extensive Excel spreadsheet tracking my gaming progress, including completed titles, backlogs, and upcoming releases. So far, I’ve completed 195 unique games, with another 197 installed on my Xbox Series X, ready to be played. There are even more titles on my wishlist that either haven’t been released yet or are still waiting for me to pick them up.
Honorable Mentions
Before diving into my top picks, two games deserve recognition, even if they didn’t make the final list.
- Copycat – An indie gem that touched me emotionally despite its short playtime.
- South of Midnight – A visually stunning Xbox exclusive with compelling storytelling, though it fell short in gameplay depth.
Top Games of 2025 (So Far)
5. Avowed
The first entry on my list is Avowed, the latest title from Obsidian Entertainment. Despite launching with some technical issues, the game’s colorful fantasy world and dry humor stood out. While other titles offered deeper narratives or gameplay, Avowed remains a highlight of early 2025.
4. Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows defied expectations. Though the publisher has faced criticism in recent years, this game showcases their potential when done right. With a vast open world, engaging gameplay, and a captivating story, it kept me invested for over 100 hours.
3. Blue Prince
This roguelike-puzzle hybrid took me by surprise. The premise—finding the elusive 46th room in a shifting mansion—was both intriguing and addictive. While the randomness initially felt fresh, it eventually became repetitive after dozens of hours.
2. Citizen Sleeper: Starward Vector
A sequel to one of my favorite sci-fi RPGs, Citizen Sleeper 2 builds on its predecessor with rich storytelling and immersive mechanics. Gareth Damian Martin’s writing shines once again, making this a must-play for fans of narrative-driven games.
1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
My current Game of the Year contender is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This debut title from a smaller studio redefines turn-based RPGs with its exceptional worldbuilding, art direction, soundtrack, and gameplay. It’s hard to imagine any game surpassing this masterpiece in 2025.
My 2025 Backlog
Despite my passion for gaming, real life—work, family, and responsibilities—often limits how much I can play. Still, I’m currently immersed in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, which has brought back nostalgic memories of countless hours spent in Skyrim.
Up next on my list:
* The Alters
* Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine Master Crafted Edition
* Ruffy and the Riverside
* Eternal Strands
* DOOM: The Dark Ages
* Lost in Random: The Eternal Die
And that doesn’t include unreleased titles yet to come. 2025 is shaping up to be packed with unforgettable experiences, and I’m eager to see what the rest of the year holds.
