Our Top 10 Picks from Summer Game Fest 2025 (Plus 3 Honorable Mentions)

Sure thing. Here’s a reimagined take:

Ah, Summer Game Fest, there you are again, just like clockwork. So, imagine me, jet-lagged and probably running on pure caffeine in LA, trying to navigate through a sea of flashy games. Can’t remember if I was more excited or just plain overwhelmed. Anyway—no wait—let’s dive into the nitty-gritty.

Honorable Mentions? What’s That Even Mean?

Sometimes you get to see a game, but not play it. Frustrating, right? You watch these demos, all cinematic flair, zero gameplay. Still cool though! Like, Resident Evil Requiem—man, the vibes were unreal, with that familiar addictive fear twist. Oh, and Onimusha: Way of the Sword? Feels like diving into folktale magic and samurai action. Man, I’m wishing for more gameplay sneak peeks here.

Directive 8020 gave me a tiny gameplay taste, like a spoonful of horror stew. Shapeshifting monsters in space? Didn’t think I’d need a fresh shirt at an expo, but there you go.

Game Spotlight — Or Sidepath?

Now, Bandit Trap sparked my interest, ‘cause I’m a sucker for those quirky asymmetric games. Three bandits versus one hilariously clever trapper. I mean, who doesn’t love a slapstick heist with a Home Alone spin? It’s both a mess and a joy, and I’m here for it.

And Crimson Desert—can we talk about naming? It feels like it’s been recycled more times than, well, something in my junk drawer. But under the meh title, it’s a sprawling RPG that swings between Witcher-esque swordplay and Zelda-inspired gliding. Honestly, I can’t even keep up.

VR Worlds & Comedic Heroes

Seeing Deadpool VR in action was like sugary cereal for my eyeballs. Remember the old Deadpool games? Yeah, me neither. But this version shines with humor that pops out of the virtual space. Neil Patrick Harris doing Deadpool? Wild, right? Not sure what system it’ll land on, but crossing fingers for a PlayStation VR2 appearance.

But hold up, let’s not gloss over Dosa Divas—a cultural mash-up RPG that’s strangely addictive. Cooking dosas while battling evil fast-food giants? Sign me up. And hey, if you’re a sucker for food and nostalgia, this is your jam.

Then you have FBC: Firebreak, another shooter in a sea of shooters, but with a remedy, or actual Remedy attached. Feels like Control’s universe just unfolded a chapter, one filled with sticky notes and bosses named—what was it—Sticky Ricky? Classy.

Sneaky Previews & Game Jeopardies

Marvel Cosmic Invasion loomed large yet hush-hush, no spoilers allowed. But stay tuned, I guess. Same goes for Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound—it’s old-school, with a twist or few. PC folks can hit a demo, but the rest might be left twiddling thumbs. Oh, and Pragmata? A puzzle-shooter cocktail that’s got me oddly hooked, channeling my inner pipe-puzzle geek.

Then rolled up with Ratatan, which—confession—I missed back in my PSP-less days. It’s rhythmic chaos, cute armies marching to beat. Make a mistake, but who cares, the adorableness just takes over.

Soulslikes & My Constant Failures

And wow, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers—who thought diving into another game like Elden Ring at a busy expo was a good idea? Yeah, not me. But there I was, getting repeatedly schooled by clever attack patterns and magic. It’s the kind of reckless fun that sucks you in deep when you finally—somehow—beat that impossible enemy.

There it is, folks. A whirlwind of games, confusion, and moments where I should’ve had more sleep. But hey, what’s gaming, if not a slightly chaotic joyride?