As we hit the halfway mark of the decade, it's time to take stock of the amazing few years of video games we've all had the pleasure of playing.
Across all genres, studios have spoiled us with incredible stories, incredible gameplay, and incredible performances. Looking for something great to play? Well, below are just snippets of the magic the last few years have provided:
Astro Bot (PS5)
Winning Game of the Year in 2024, Astro Bot is a game of pure delight and has quickly risen in the ranks as one of the best platformers ever made. You'll have a permanent smile on your face from beginning to end as you guide the titular little robot across over 90 levels of fun and whimsy.
The magic of Astro is that each level you venture into is brimming with interactivity, prompting you to explore every crevice possible. Simple platforming gameplay is transformed by a variety of suit abilities, and the wall-to-wall nostalgia from PlayStation's back catalogue of hits across the galaxy makes this little gem an absolute blast to play, play, and play again.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, PC)
Released back in 1997, Final Fantasy VII is regarded as one (if not the) best games ever made. And so the decision to remake a masterpiece into an ambitious trilogy was always going to be met with equal levels of anticipation and anxiety. Could the magic survive a modern revamp?
The answer is absolutely. FFVII Rebirth is the second instalment of the series, taking all the magic, nostalgia, and emotional impact of the original, but with a distinct modern flair. This is the game of your childhood, with breathtaking visuals, high-octane combat, and a renewed focus. The game's only fault? That it makes the wait for the third and final instalment all the more agonising.
Returnal (PS5 & PC)
Released back in 2021, Returnal is a third-person shooter that is as challenging as it is utterly addictive. You play as Selene Vassos, a space pilot who crash-lands on the hostile planet Atropos ,following a signal that is calling to her. Unfortunately for players, everything that lives on the planet wants her dead. Great.
This game has roguelike elements, making death a central game mechanic. You will die repeatedly. Each time you fail, you'll restart your journey anew, equipped with only the knowledge of the dangers that lie before you. Throughout your play, your screen will be a constant sea of fluorescent bullets, as Selene dips, dives, and shoots everything and anything that dares move. It is an adrenaline-inducing tour de force.
Baldur's Gate 3 (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Mac)
Words can only do so much to describe how fun, how creative, and utterly engrossing Baldur's Gate 3 is. Winning Game of the Year in 2023, and no doubt Game of the Decade come 2030, it is a masterclass in high-fantasy, where every single second of your epic journey across Faerûn is of your own making.
From complex combat and levelling, to intricate branch narrative storytelling, this game is the perfect introduction to Dungeons and Dragons, where decisions you make seconds into the game can come back and help or haunt you hundreds of hours later. As such, every single quest you embark on can feel like its own epic adventure.
Stray (PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC)
Blending puzzle and adventure with…well…cat simulator, Stray is a beautiful game that will pull, tug and scratch at your heartstrings throughout with its dynamic storyline and captivating environment.
You play as a nameless cat who stumbles from a peaceful life above ground into a dark, dystopian underworld filled with dangerous monsters and adorable robots. True to feline form, you must approach all problems as if you were an actual cat.
This means climbing everything, scratching what you can, and making sure to knock over every single bucket and book off a shelf you come across. And at 4 to 5 hours long, Stray is the puuurfect reminder that indie games can deliver some of the best experiences in bite-sized form.
Ghost of Tsushima (PS4, PS5, PC)
Released in 2020, Ghost of Tsushima is one of the sharpest samurai games you can play, promising intricate combat, beautiful environments, and memorable characters galore. Set in the 13th century during the Mongol Empire's invasion, players take charge of Jin Sakai, the last remaining member of his clan.
With the impossible task of protecting his homeland, Jin faces a dilemma: does he fight honourably with his last breath? Or does he walk the path of 'The Ghost', using deceit and deception to defend his people? With the sequel Ghost of Yōtei releasing later this year, fans will be eager to see if gaming magic can strike twice.
The Last of Us Part 2: Remastered (PS4, PS5, PC)
Now that season 2 of the TV adaptation is behind us, the outside world can finally appreciate just how impactful (and controversial) The Last of Us Part 2 was when it released back in 2020. The continued story of a world under attack from a parasitic fungus proved one thing: the surviving humans are just as diabolical.
Playing as both Ellie and Abby, you will become torn between seeking redemption and revenge. Trust that this is the definitive way to experience the grit and magic of the story. By playing it now, you get a heads up of all the horrifying surprises in store for actress Kaitlyn Dever for season 3.
Elden Ring (PS4/5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC)
Selling over 30 million copies and winning too many awards to count, Elden Ring is an action role-playing game that has revolutionised the gaming landscape since its release in 2022. It is colossal in size, brutal in its difficulty, and promises endless lore for any player to get lost in.
The game is set in the desolate place known as The Lands Between, where you play as the Tarnished, an exile brought back to help restore order. But in truth, the map is your oyster, and where you go and what you do with your time is ultimately up to you. Expect ferocious challenges and never-ending exploration before you.
It Takes Two (PS4/5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC)
It Takes Two is a puzzle adventure game that has revolutionised the genre of co-operative gaming. Winner of Game of the Year in 2021, it takes you and a friend on a magical adventure that will have you both laughing, arguing and brainstorming in quick succession throughout.
You play as one half of an unhappy couple on the verge of divorce. Transformed into magical puppets by their daughter, they must work together across a range of magical levels to return to their human forms. Hallmark plot aside, It Takes Two defies expectation. Trust that you'll look back on all the zany levels, brainteasers and minigames with only the fondest of memories.
Resident Evil Village (PS4/5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, mobile devices, PC)
The litmus test for any horror game is how often you play with your eyes closed. Suffice it to say, Resident Evil Village has plenty of these moments. Playing as Ethan Winters, players must cross a horrifying remote village to rescue their daughter Rose. But in true Resident Evil fashion, expect plenty of jump scares, intense moments, and a criminally short supply of ammo.
Released back in 2021, the game has since catapulted many of its villains to international stardom. From a 9ft 6' vengeful vampire to sadistic puppets and macabre mermaids, Village has no shortage of nightmares you can't help but become obsessed with.
God of War Ragnarök (PS4, PS5, PC)
Released back in 2022, God of War Ragnarök sold over 5.1 million copies in its opening week alone. As the ninth instalment in the series, the game continues the epic, fierce, and complicated story of the father-son pairing, as they battle the elements and ferocity of Fimbulwinter. Neither seems capable of escaping whatever prophecies and drama the old Norse Gods have cooked up, either.
Equipped with his trusty Leviathan Axe and Blades of Chaos, the ferocity of Kratos is realised like never before. Include life-like visuals, and a haunting soundtrack into the mix, and you have a gritty, vengeful and utterly unmissable reimagining of mythology to experience.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Nintendo Switch, Switch 2)
Tears of the Kingdom is a landmark game in the Zelda franchise. Building on the magic of its predecessor, Breath of the Wild, it promises an expanded world to explore, brand new abilities, and a compelling story of immense scale. What more could you want?
Playing as the stoic Link, the sprawling lands of Hyrule, complete with sky islands and caves, are now yours to explore. All the while, you'll learn abilities that exude creativity, where the only limit to gameplay is your own imagination. And with a recently released Switch 2 edition, players looking to jump into the game now can expect even more gaming magic ahead of them.
Death Stranding 2 (PS5)
Released only a few weeks ago, Death Stranding 2 has already amassed critical acclaim from legions of gamers worldwide, blending action and adventure, with a sprinkling of chaos for good measure.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, players take on the role of deliveryman Sam Porter Bridges, who must reconnect pockets of civilisation back to a communal network. But the world is a harsh place, with environmental hazards and dangerous monsters everywhere to be seen.
Every step you take is carefully considered. Every weapon you discharge is measured. All the while, you're trying to make sense of an engrossing story that asks more questions than it ever answers.
Clair Obscur Expedition 33 (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)
I've already talked at length about the absolute magic that is Clair Obscur Expedition 33, but it warrants mentioning one last time (promise!) The game is the very definition of a masterpiece and continues to be the hotly favoured contender for Game of the Year 2025.
Released earlier in the year, Clair takes a modern approach to traditional gameplay mechanics and delivers an emotional story that lingers with you long after the closing credits. With a mesmerising soundtrack, a star-studded voice cast, and wearing its French roots with pride, the game will no doubt continue to inspire and dominate the industry for years to come. Play it now.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 (PS5 & PC)
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is proof, in my view, that the future of superhero entertainment lies in video games. It has everything a fan could ask for, balancing an enthralling narrative with picture-perfect exploration and interactive combat. Prepare to get lost in the finest recreation of New York City to date.
The story features both Peter Parker and Miles Morales, who try earnestly to live everyday lives in New York City. Thankfully for players, life has other plans, as both Spideys undertake daring rescues to protect super-powered people from the sudden appearance of Kraven The Hunter.
But Kraven pales in comparison to the game's main event, Venom. And it's through his long-awaited appearance that the game tackles hefty plot lines and pushes the boundaries of what we can expect from the superhero genre.
Cyberpunk 2077 (PS4/5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC)
Despite a disastrous launch with poor optimisation, Cyberpunk 2077 is proof that with the proper support, care and attention, wrongs can be made right. And in its present form, it remains one of the most captivating action-roleplaying games you can play this decade.
Set in the dystopian megacity known as Night City, the lines between humanity, technology and body modification are at a crossroads. From fashion to combat, the game gives players immense freedom to craft their own hero and their own world around them. Seemingly endless content throws you into the crosshairs of the city's power struggle, paving the way for one of gaming's most ambitious and well-deserved comebacks.
Honourable mentions...
In truth, this list could easily go on and on until the end of time, such has been the calibre of games made. Honourable mentions go to the following titles, each of which has also contributed to the magic of the last couple of years:
-Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
-Metaphor: ReFantazio
-Final Fantasy XVI
-Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin
-Senua's Saga: Hellblade II
-Horizon Forbidden West
-Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time
-Super Mario Bros. Wonder
-Mario Kart World
-Pokémon Legends: Arceus
-Tekken 8
-Street Fighter 6
-Split Fiction
-Dredge
-Unpacking
-Hades
-Alan Wake 2
-Dave The Diver
-Helldivers 2
-Animal Well
-Blue Prince
-Balatro
Take a deeper dive into our gaming section here
