15 Best Games of 2025 with Review Scores Above 90
t years in gaming history. With advances in next-gen hardware, Unreal Engine 5, smarter AI-driven gameplay, and more refined storytelling, many titles released or updated in 2025 achieved exceptional critical acclaim. Earning a review score above 90 is no small feat, as it reflects near-universal praise from critics and players alike.
Below is a curated list of the 15 best games of 2025 that received review scores above 90, based on aggregated critic reviews, player reception, and overall impact on the gaming industry.
1. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Score: 96
FromSoftware’s massive expansion elevated Elden Ring to new heights. With refined combat balance, breathtaking new regions, and challenging bosses, this expansion feels like a full sequel and earned near-perfect scores.
2. Grand Theft Auto VI
Score: 97
Rockstar Games redefined open-world realism with GTA VI. Its living city, advanced NPC AI, cinematic storytelling, and unparalleled attention to detail make it the highest-rated game of 2025.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of the Past
Score: 95
Nintendo once again delivered excellence with this next evolution of the Zelda franchise. Innovative puzzles, emotional storytelling, and refined exploration mechanics earned widespread praise.
4. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Score: 94
The second part of the FFVII remake trilogy perfected action-based combat while expanding its narrative scope. Critics applauded its visuals, soundtrack, and emotional depth.
5. Baldur’s Gate III (Definitive Edition)
Score: 96
Already highly praised, the Definitive Edition further polished the RPG masterpiece with expanded content, performance improvements, and deeper character interactions.
6. Hades II
Score: 93
Supergiant Games delivered another triumph with Hades II. The refined roguelike mechanics, beautiful art style, and compelling new protagonist helped it score above 90 across the board.
7. Metaphor: ReFantazio
Score: 92
Atlus introduced a bold new IP that blends political fantasy, deep turn-based combat, and stunning art direction. Critics praised its originality and narrative ambition.
8. Monster Hunter Wilds
Score: 94
Capcom’s latest Monster Hunter title expanded the franchise with open environments, dynamic ecosystems, and smoother multiplayer integration, earning it universal acclaim.
9. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
Score: 91
Thanks to years of updates and the Phantom Liberty expansion, Cyberpunk 2077 finally reached its full potential in 2025, earning redemption and high review scores.
10. Persona 3 Reload
Score: 92
This modern remake delivered enhanced visuals, refined combat, and improved storytelling while staying faithful to the original. Fans and critics alike praised its emotional impact.
11. God of War: Valhalla (Standalone Expansion)
Score: 93
Santa Monica Studio’s expansion offered a powerful narrative conclusion with roguelike elements, earning praise for innovation and storytelling quality.
12. Dragon’s Dogma II
Score: 91
With improved AI companions, massive open-world exploration, and dynamic combat, Dragon’s Dogma II successfully modernized the cult classic formula.
13. Alan Wake II (Complete Edition)
Score: 94
The psychological horror masterpiece received additional content and performance upgrades in 2025, further solidifying its status as one of the best narrative-driven games ever made.
14. Helldivers II
Score: 90
This cooperative shooter surprised many with its intense teamwork-focused gameplay, satirical tone, and excellent live-service support, earning it strong critical praise.
15. Hollow Knight: Silksong
Score: 95
After years of anticipation, Silksong delivered a near-flawless Metroidvania experience with fluid combat, beautiful environments, and exceptional level design.
Why So Many Games Scored Above 90 in 2025
Several factors contributed to the unusually high number of top-rated games in 2025:
• Mature next-gen development tools like Unreal Engine 5
• Smarter AI systems for enemies and NPCs
• Stronger focus on polish at launch
• Expansions and definitive editions that refined already-great games
• Developers prioritizing player feedback and long-term support
These elements combined to raise the overall quality bar across the industry.
Conclusion
The best games of 2025 demonstrate how far the industry has come. With 15 titles scoring above 90, players experienced unforgettable adventures across RPGs, action games, horror, and open-world epics. Whether through groundbreaking technology, emotional storytelling, or refined gameplay systems, these games represent the gold standard of modern gaming.
For gamers seeking only the highest-quality experiences, these titles define what excellence looks like in 2025—and set an even higher bar for the future.
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