Half of 2025 is already behind us, which means it's time to take stock and identify the best games of this period. This year has delighted us with many new releases—from both major studios and indie companies—and many have pleasantly surprised us. This made it quite challenging to rank some projects, as each deserved a higher position than we assigned.

Yet, a cool head and a touch of democracy helped us compile a ranking of the most worthy candidates and representatives of the gaming industry that truly captivated us. So, we present to you the top 10 best games of the first half of 2025 according to Bo3.gg.

10. Rematch

The game Rematch by Sloclap burst onto the scene with one of the most unexpected twists in sports gaming in recent times. Instead of a full team, you control just one player in a simplified, dynamic combat action game with elements of soccer: no offsides, no throw-ins—just pure momentum and team synergy. The best way we can describe it is Rocket League, but with people.

In the early hours of the game, there were issues: server connections, lack of crossplay support. It was frustrating, but even so, it was impossible not to admire the spectacular graphics when blasters exploded during battles.

Reaching the top of the game is hard without a coordinated team effort, but when you start collaborating and coordinating actions with friends, Rematch can offer some of the greatest pleasures a video game can provide. This gameplay might not be for everyone, but we appreciate this bold, creativity-filled experiment.

9. Schedule I

We didn't know what to expect from Schedule I before its release, but after launching on Steam on March 24, it quickly became one of the most captivating crime world simulators this year. Developed by TVGS, it immerses the player in the dirt and brutality of the fictional western city of Highland Point, where crime and corruption reign. Your role is a street drug dealer trying to make it to the top.

What sets Schedule I apart is its depth and systematization. You're not just "pushing product," but setting up mixes, managing logistics, organizing "dead drops," recruiting dealers, laundering money through businesses, and playing a dangerous game with the police and rival cartels. All systems are interconnected: transport, real estate, supply chains—all create a tense, reactive "sandbox world" where every decision you make matters.

8. Dune: Awakening

Dune: Awakening is steadily gaining momentum post-release. Set on the gigantic, ever-living Arrakis, the game combines survival elements with MMO world-building systems—all while respecting the player's time.

Despite the stunning landscapes, the game simultaneously evokes a sense of isolation. The graphics are indeed good, but resource gathering, survival, and construction in the endless deserts eventually become extremely tedious. However, for those willing to dive into the complex lore of the universe, the experience will be truly rewarding. The lore serves as the backbone of this "dry" world. It's not the most spectacular game of the year, but for those immersed in the franchise, it has its unique atmosphere.

7. Stellar Blade (on PC)

Stellar Blade brought a sea of enjoyment to consoles, and now, with its release on PC, we can relive those feelings. Good console-to-PC ports are rare, especially when it comes to an action game with advanced graphics, high FPS, and responsive controls. Stellar Blade on PC confirms this rarity: beautiful graphics and dynamic gameplay.

The game is loved for its unique combination of rhythm-style combat and polished mechanics. Now, PC players have access to one of the few games that combine deep immersion with excellent design. It has become more accessible—and that's wonderful. With fast, engaging gameplay and a visual style that maintains both complexity and charm.

6. Elden Ring: Nightreign

This game divided our team—and that's why it's in sixth place. Nightreign is not Elden Ring 2, nor does it try to be. Instead, it offers a roguelike cooperative variation on the FromSoftware world—chaotic, fast, and brutal in the best sense.

We liked the high stakes: multiple runs, random loot, increasingly powerful enemies, and constant ring narrowing. You die, learn, and try again. Some of us miss the solitary exploration of the original, but others are completely captivated by the team-based, time-limited tension of Nightreign. It's not a perfect game: the lack of crossplay and asset reuse are drawbacks, but when the gameplay "fires," it's unforgettable.

5. The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Remastered

Most modern players, especially among the younger generation, are familiar with The Elder Scrolls universe thanks to Skyrim. Many of them probably still think Skyrim is the only game in the series, having never heard of projects like Morrowind and Oblivion, let alone the older games in the series. But Oblivion became, perhaps not for everyone, but certainly for me, the franchise's pioneer.

The sudden release of The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Remastered (let's forget about the numerous rumors that prepared us for this) was a joyful shout of the inner child for many who wanted to play this nostalgic game or get to know it but avoided it due to outdated graphics—particularly character models and certain technical issues of the original that repelled picky players.

Oblivion Remastered received improved graphics, updated models, and effects that allowed players to dive into the game anew. Yes, let's not dismiss that many bugs and technical issues were deliberately carried over by the developers from the 2006 version to preserve its spirit and "memes," but there are those who expected the game to be fully polished and feel fresh. But what we got is essentially the old game—with better textures, some fixes, and improvements.

Is the game worth attention? Undoubtedly, yes—especially if you're a fan of the franchise or want to dive into nostalgia. The real pity in this story is for the developers of the fan version of the game Skyblivion, who are still working on their project. But even the release of the remaster did not become a hindrance for them, as they believe those who want to play their game will still find it.

4. Split Fiction

There are plenty of cooperative games these days, but perhaps not all have received such massive acclaim and hype as projects from Hazelight Studios, which take paired gameplay to a radically new and mind-blowing level that deserves applause. This was the case with A Way Out and It Takes Two. And Split Fiction received the same wave of ovations.

Each level in Split Fiction is simply an attraction of genres and a kaleidoscope of game mechanics that change depending on the locations: battles, motorcycle chases in a cyber world, puzzles, musical mini-games, platforming, and more... Probably no other game, except It Takes Two, could harmoniously combine such a collection of different gameplay approaches—and make it look effortless and harmonious.

And most importantly, all of this is wonderfully played out in the game's plot, which revolves around two young writers who, due to a certain incident, find themselves in their own works. To get out of this mess, they will have to collaborate, despite having drastically different characters—which in turn leads to certain disputes between the heroines.

If you're a fan of cooperative games, have a significant other, friend, or buddy with whom you'd like to spend an evening or two playing a story game, Split Fiction is exactly what you need. Unfortunately, it's impossible to place all good projects in the top positions of the ranking, so Split Fiction takes only fourth place in our ranking.

3. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Now it's time to reveal the top three games of the first half of 2025. Some may be disappointed to see Death Stranding 2 in third place, rather than second or first. However, we believe it is in its rightful place, and perhaps even a bit too high in the ranking.

Hideo Kojima, whom many call a "genius" of the modern industry, finally delighted players with the long-awaited sequel, which tells the further fate of Sam Porter—now in the territories of Mexico and Australia. Although the game, like its predecessor, became popular among Sony fans, it is quite a specific project that may not appeal to everyone due to the so-called "courier gameplay."

However, let's be honest: Death Stranding 2 has undergone certain changes and innovations that have made it stronger compared to its predecessor. The combat system, stealth, skills, and abilities development of the hero have improved, and the presence of interesting characters—both old and new—plays into the project's favor, making it a cinematic creation of modern video game art.

We are sure that fans of the franchise are satisfied with the new game, and those who didn't like the predecessor due to the large number of cutscenes, which take more time than the already "boring" gameplay, are unlikely to change their opinion. Can Death Stranding 2 be called revolutionary? Unlikely. Interesting? Perhaps—depending on how you look at it. However, we are sure that there are games that definitely deserve higher positions in our ranking of the best games of 2025.

2. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

The current year continues to surprise with an increasing number of games from European studios that don't have billions of dollars behind them. It was really hard to choose among the final favorites who would share first and second place, but as a result of democratic voting, the silver went to Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.

This is a historical game, albeit with many justifiably altered facts and details, from the Czech developers Warhorse Studios. The KCD sequel not only took everything best from the first part but also did it much better, setting a new standard among modern RPG projects.

Indro's story received an interesting and logical continuation that develops his journey on the path of revenge against wrongdoers, service, and friendship with his lord Ptacek—for the good and peace of his and neighboring lands.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 offers a set of interesting mechanics that can sometimes become tedious in other games—such as hunger, exhaustion, vulnerability to poisons, etc. But not here. You're always curious to see the result: what will happen to the hero if you experiment with alchemy potions, get into a brawl in a tavern with visitors, or rob a blacksmith's hut. After all, the world reacts to your actions, and NPCs' attitudes towards you depend on your behavior.

1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

The Eiffel Tower, croissants, baguettes, the Louvre, musketeers... All these may be stereotypical, but culturally inherited words that immediately indicate we're talking about France. But is there anything else that can secure, perhaps not eternal, but long-lasting association with this country? Yes!

And since we're talking about games, our answer won't keep you guessing for long... The gold in our ranking goes to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33—a game that quickly established itself as one of the best games, perhaps not only of the first half but of 2025 as a whole.

The game's plot unfolds in a fictional world inspired by France's "Belle Époque." A mysterious Artist is erasing people from reality, and you and your squad must break this cycle of deaths before it's their turn—the 33rd expedition.

The gameplay is based on perhaps not everyone's favorite turn-based combat. But that didn't prevent Expedition 33 from becoming a favorite even among those who usually dislike this genre, thanks to its intriguing plot, dialogues, visuals, music, and scene setting. It's a true ode to games of this genre and a very bold development by a French studio, which rightfully received recognition at the state level—from the President of France, Emmanuel Macron himself.

Honorable Mentions of Video Games Worth Attention

In addition to the main hits of the year, there were also games that didn't make the list but still caught the attention of both players and critics. Among them:

Doom: The Dark Age

A new chapter in the cult shooter series. The pace of combat has become slower and heavier compared to previous parts, which not all fans liked. Some found the gameplay too monotonous, but overall the game was well-received, especially for its atmosphere and graphic style.

In addition to the combat mechanics, the game's world design was significantly expanded—new regions were added, each with a unique aesthetic, as well as interactive elements that allow players to apply various tactics. The sound and music received high marks for their ability to emphasize emotions in key moments.

Overall, although the changes in pace and approach to combat didn't please all fans, the new game still became a worthy continuation of the series, offering an atmospheric and reflective experience for players seeking a deeper and strategically oriented shooter.

Blue Prince

A slow but deep puzzle-exploration game where players need to analyze, study patterns, and make thoughtful decisions. Progress depends on how well the player remembers the estate's layout and understands internal mechanics. In its genre, Blue Prince appears truly unique.

Moreover, the game's atmosphere and layout enhance the overall sense of mystery and exploration, making each new discovery in the estate feel unique. The graphic style and music enhance immersion, creating an emotional connection between the game and the player.

Finally, Blue Prince is not just a puzzle but an interactive game emphasizing observation, memory, and thinking, placing it in a special category and attracting both new players and long-time fans of complex puzzles.

Assassin's Creed Shadows

The game received mixed reviews. Although criticized for departing from the series' classic mechanics, it wasn't as bad as it initially seemed. The main problem with Shadows was the repetition of similar gameplay with excessive grinding, as in Origins and Odyssey.

There was potential for Shadows to become somewhat of a return to the series' roots—a game about classic stealth and assassin lore—but that didn't happen. The story turned out less engaging and thin, and the characters less charismatic. However, the game is not devoid of positive moments: an interesting visual style, memorable locations, and a few successful gameplay moments.

Video Games of 2025 That Disappointed Us

Even major franchises or long-awaited releases can't always meet players' expectations. At the same time, such games may be refined in the future through updates.

Mind’s Eye

One of the biggest failures of 2025. The game was positioned as a competitor to GTA by Leslie Benzies, former president of Rockstar North, but the result was far from expectations. Players and critics noted the empty world, weak graphics, repetitive gameplay, and numerous technical issues: crashes, bugs, frame drops. The average Metacritic score was only 43, and user ratings were even lower.

After the failed release, Build a Rocket Boy announced staff cuts, and Leslie Benzies claimed the game was allegedly attacked by bots and sabotaged. However, most players and analysts saw this as an attempt to deflect responsibility for the failed product. Mind’s Eye became an example that even big names in the industry don't guarantee quality results without careful work on the game.

Avowed

The game Avowed was presented as a future competitor to The Elder Scrolls, but in reality, it turned out to be a much less ambitious project. Its release was repeatedly delayed due to technical optimization issues: the game didn't run properly even on modern computers—freezes, frame drops, long load times.

Besides technical problems, most players noted the overall mediocrity of the story content. The main quests seemed banal and boring, lacking a sense of real adventure or important choices on which good role-playing games usually rely.

Monster Hunter Wilds

Another example of a game that started well but later disappointed fans. Crashes, bugs, poor optimization, and insufficient content severely marred the first months after release. Although developers are now releasing updates and new content, most technical issues remain unresolved.

Overall, 2025 brought many interesting projects that managed to capture the attention of players and critics with their uniqueness and ambitions. At the same time, it showed that even big names in the industry don't always guarantee success without proper attention to quality and technical stability. The failures of projects like Mind’s Eye, Avowed, and Monster Hunter Wilds served as a vivid reminder of the importance of balancing scale, ambition, and execution.