Are you eager to dive into the Most Anticipated Games Of 2025? At polarservicecenter.net, we understand your excitement and desire for the latest gaming adventures. Let’s explore the top titles set to release, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve and enjoy seamless gaming experiences, along with providing helpful resources on maintaining your Polar devices, offering firmware updates, product support, and troubleshooting tips. Get ready for an epic year of gaming with immersive gameplay, stunning graphics, and innovative features in sports technology.
1. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Release date: February 4, 2025
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is an upcoming historical drama video game developed by Warhorse Studios. It’s scheduled to be released on February 4, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. A direct sequel to the original Kingdom Come: Deliverance, the game continues the story of Henry, the son of a blacksmith, as he becomes involved in the political turmoil of 15th-century Bohemia. Will I enjoy Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2?
Absolutely, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is poised to be a captivating historical drama set in 15th-century Bohemia. Warhorse Studios is building upon the original’s success, offering a larger map, more quests, and a deeper story. According to historical records, Bohemia in the 1400s was indeed a region rife with political unrest, adding authenticity to the game’s narrative. If you enjoyed the first game’s intricate plot and emotional side stories, like the challenge of creating a healing potion without literacy, you’ll find even more to love in this expanded sequel.
Henry, the orphaned son of a blacksmith, once again finds himself embroiled in Bohemia’s civil war and fighting to bring down Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund. Like its predecessor, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is as much about the bizarre and often emotional stories that take place between major plot points. Warhorse’s commitment to historical accuracy is evident in the game’s depiction of Bohemia, with meticulous attention to detail in the architecture, clothing, and social customs of the time.
2. Civilization VII
Release date: February 11, 2025
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
Civilization VII is an upcoming turn-based strategy video game and the seventh main installment in the Civilization series. Developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K Games, it is set to be released on February 11, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. The game involves building and managing a civilization from ancient times to the future, focusing on strategy, resource management, and diplomacy. What makes Civilization VII stand out?
Civilization VII is set to offer an inventive approach with new features such as towns, navigable rivers, and new military units. The revamped age structure includes catastrophes that reshape the global landscape, adding a dynamic layer to gameplay. According to Firaxis Games, leaders can come from diverse societal backgrounds, allowing for unique gameplay strategies. Players can even select leaders unrelated to their chosen civilization, providing unprecedented customization options.
Firaxis generally ascribes to the philosophy of not fixing what isn’t broken, but the studio is taking a more inventive approach to Civilization VII. A host of new features, including towns, navigable rivers, and new military units, sit alongside a revamped age structure where each major period ends in some kind of catastrophe that reshapes the global landscape for the age to come.
Leaders can come from anywhere in a society — think Benjamin Franklin and Harriet Tubman instead of George Washington and Franklin Roosevelt — and players can even choose a leader who isn’t tied to the civilization they’re playing.
3. The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak 2
Release date: February 14, 2025
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak 2 is a role-playing video game developed by Nihon Falcom. It is the latest entry in the Trails series and is set to be released on February 14, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. As a direct sequel to Trails through Daybreak, it continues the story with the same cast and themes, focusing on modern societal issues and innovative turn-based combat. What can I expect from The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak 2?
You can expect a direct continuation of the engaging narrative from Trails through Daybreak, enriched with modern societal themes like anti-immigration sentiment and political corruption. Nihon Falcom’s dedication to evolving turn-based combat shines with seamless transitions, complex combo chains, and extensive character customization. This approach to blending deep storytelling with innovative gameplay makes Trails through Daybreak 2 a standout title in the RPG genre.
Nihon Falcom’s Trails series is the longest continuous story in the RPG genre, spanning 21 years and 11 games released outside Japan. Trails through Daybreak 2 makes it a dozen. It’s a direct sequel to 2024’s Trails through Daybreak and follows the same cast and similar themes as its predecessor.
Unlike earlier Trails games, which Falcom loosely based on European history and political theory, Trails through Daybreak and its sequel concern themselves with modern society and its problems — anti-immigration sentiment, loss of opportunity for young people, injustice, and political corruption. It helps that they quietly introduced some of the most promising innovations on turn-based combat in years, with seamless transitions in and out of combat, complex combo chains, and extensive character customization.
4. Avowed
Release date: February 18, 2025
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S
Avowed is an upcoming first-person fantasy RPG developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios. Set to release on February 18, 2025, for PC and Xbox Series X|S, the game takes place in the world of Eora, the same setting as Obsidian’s Pillars of Eternity series. Avowed focuses on choice-driven stories and offers players complete freedom in combat, allowing specialization in magic or melee with dual-wielding options. What sets Avowed apart from other RPGs?
Avowed distinguishes itself with complete combat freedom, allowing you to specialize in magic or melee and dual-wield weapons, creating unique character classes and battle styles. Obsidian Entertainment’s expertise in RPGs ensures a rich, choice-driven story set in the Pillars of Eternity universe. This combination of flexible combat and deep narrative makes Avowed a compelling addition to the RPG landscape.
Obsidian Entertainment’s take on first-person fantasy RPGs comes at an interesting time. In an environment where Baldur’s Gate 3 set a new standard for choice-driven stories and where Skyrim remains culturally relevant, it’s easy to wonder what Avowed can offer. Obsidian has one advantage most other RPGs lack, though: complete freedom in combat. Players are free to specialize in magic or melee and can dual-wield weapons, essentially creating their own character classes and battle styles on the go.
5. Lost Records: Bloom and Rage
Release date: February 18, 2025
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Lost Records: Bloom and Rage is an upcoming narrative drama developed by the creators of Life Is Strange. Scheduled for release on February 18, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, the game follows a group of friends in the 2020s as they revisit their last summer together in the mid-1990s. Players will uncover the truth behind dark events that changed their lives, with relationship choices influencing the narrative and the secrets revealed. How does Lost Records: Bloom and Rage engage players?
Lost Records: Bloom and Rage engages players through its narrative drama, where choices in past relationships directly influence the present-day narrative and the uncovering of teenage secrets. The game explores the impact of past events on present relationships, creating a deeply personal and engaging experience. This focus on narrative choice and consequence is a hallmark of the developers, promising an emotionally resonant journey.
The makers of Life Is Strange are branching out with a new narrative drama, Lost Records: Bloom and Rage. Lost Records follows a group of friends in the 2020s as they relive their last summer together from the mid-1990s and try to uncover the truth behind a dark series of events that changed their lives forever.
How players navigate relationships in the past will influence the narrative the friends remember in the present and whether they uncover the secrets of their teenage years or keep them buried forever.
6. Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
Release date: February 20, 2025
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5
Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is an upcoming action-adventure game developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. Set to release on February 20, 2025, for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5, this side story expands on the Like A Dragon series. The game follows Goro Majima as he washes up on a Hawaiian beach with amnesia and becomes a pirate, adopting an over-the-top fighting style amidst a pirate war. What makes Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii unique?
Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii offers a unique and humorous side story, with Goro Majima embracing a new identity as a pirate in Hawaii. The game’s over-the-top fighting style and engaging pirate war narrative provide a fresh and entertaining experience. This lateral expansion of the Like A Dragon universe showcases Ryu Ga Gotoku’s creativity and willingness to experiment.
Releasing a new game every year seems like the perfect way to lose creativity fast, but Ryu Ga Gotoku is handling its demanding release schedule in a rather different way. Instead of launching a full sequel to 2024’s Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, RGG is expanding horizontally by telling side stories.
Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii follows loose cannon and sometimes-hero Goro Majima after he washes up on a Hawaiian beach with no memories. After saving a local kid from some thugs, Majima decides to set sail and become a pirate, as you do, and he finds himself an over-the-top new fighting style in the middle of a pirate war.
7. Monster Hunter Wilds
Release date: February 28, 2025
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Monster Hunter Wilds is an upcoming action role-playing game developed and published by Capcom. It is scheduled to be released on February 28, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The game returns to an open-world setting, emphasizing weather events, diverse monster behaviors, new gadgets, and cinematic storytelling. A beta test will be available for players interested in trying the game before launch. What innovations does Monster Hunter Wilds bring to the series?
Monster Hunter Wilds innovates with weather events that influence hunts, herds of monsters with unique behaviors, and a stronger emphasis on cinematic storytelling. Capcom’s return to an open-world setting enhances the sense of exploration and immersion. These features, combined with new gadgets and striking monster designs, promise an engaging and dynamic hunting experience.
Following a brief return to closed zones in Monster Hunter Rise, Capcom is bringing its monster-mashing game back to an open-world setting with Monster Hunter Wilds — and what a world it looks to be. Weather events that influence the course of a hunt, herds of monsters tame and feral with unique behaviors, snazzy new gadgets, a stronger emphasis on cinematic storytelling with a ragged band of hunters at its center, and a striking selection of new monsters to get to grips with.
Capcom is hosting a Monster Hunter Wilds beta test for anyone interested in trying the game before its launch.
8. Football Manager 2025
Release date: March 2025
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Football Manager 2025 is an upcoming sports management simulation game developed by Sports Interactive and published by Sega. Set to release in March 2025 for PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5, this edition introduces women’s football and the ability to create custom Premier Leagues with licensed assets. What new features will Football Manager 2025 offer?
Football Manager 2025 will offer the inclusion of women’s football and the ability to create custom Premier Leagues with licensed kits and logos. These additions provide new dimensions to the game, expanding the player base and offering greater customization options. Fans can look forward to a more comprehensive and immersive management experience.
Women’s football finally joins Sega and Sports Interactive’s Football Manager this year, along with the chance to make your own Premier League using a full set of licensed assets, including kits and logos. Hopefully, it’ll give us enough reason to stop playing the excellent Football Manager 2023.
9. Split Fiction
Release date: March 6, 2025
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Split Fiction is an upcoming co-op adventure game developed by Hazelight Studios, the creators of It Takes Two. Scheduled for release on March 6, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, the game follows two aspiring writers who are absorbed into their own worlds. Players must navigate each other’s mental landscapes to return to reality. Split Fiction includes a Friend Pass, allowing players to gift the game to a friend after purchase. What makes Split Fiction a compelling co-op game?
Split Fiction stands out with its unique co-op premise, where two players must collaborate across sci-fi and fantasy worlds to help the protagonists return to reality. The Friend Pass feature enhances accessibility, making it easier for friends to experience the game together. Hazelight’s track record with co-op games suggests a well-designed and engaging experience.
Hazelight, the studio behind the award-winning It Takes Two, is back with a new co-op game called Split Fiction. It shares It Takes Two’s fundamental idea of two people working together — or against each other — to get through a series of levels, but on a much grander scale. Mio and Zoe, the protagonists, are two aspiring writers who get literally absorbed in their worlds — one sci-fi, the other fantasy — and have to navigate each other’s mental landscapes to find a way back to reality. Split Fiction features a Friend Pass, which lets you gift the game to a friend after you buy your copy.
10. Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Release date: March 20, 2025
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is an upcoming action-adventure game developed by Ubisoft. Set to release on March 20, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, the game takes a focused approach with two protagonists: Naoe, a ninja skilled in stealth, and Yasuke, a samurai who prefers direct combat. The game revives the two-protagonist format from Syndicate, emphasizing stealth and combat in feudal Japan. How does Assassin’s Creed Shadows differ from previous entries?
Assassin’s Creed Shadows differentiates itself by reviving the two-protagonist format, allowing players to experience the game through the eyes of a ninja and a samurai. This dual perspective, combined with a focus on stealth and combat, provides a more immersive experience in feudal Japan. Ubisoft’s shift towards a more focused approach aims to deliver a compelling narrative and refined gameplay.
After nearly a decade of making Assassin’s Creed games with increasingly large maps full of busywork and light on stealth, Ubisoft is taking a more focused approach for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Shadows revives the two-protagonist format from Syndicate, with Naoe, a ninja who excels at stealth, and Yasuke, a samurai who prefers a more straightforward approach to combat, similar to Eivor in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
11. Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition
Release date: March 20, 2025
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is an upcoming action role-playing game developed by Monolith Soft and published by Nintendo. Scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, for Nintendo Switch, this edition brings the Wii U exclusive to a new audience with refreshed graphics and new story elements. The game follows explorers trying to settle a dangerous planet after Earth’s destruction, emphasizing sci-fi elements. What enhancements does the Definitive Edition offer?
The Definitive Edition offers refreshed graphics and new story elements exclusive to this version. Monolith Soft’s commitment to enhancing the game for the Switch ensures a visually appealing and narratively enriched experience. Players can look forward to exploring a vast, sci-fi world with improved performance and additional content.
Despite Nintendo’s earlier claims to the contrary, Monolith Soft is bringing Xenoblade Chronicles X, formerly a Wii U exclusive, to Nintendo Switch. Xenoblade Chronicles X leans heavily on sci-fi elements and follows a group of explorers trying to settle a dangerous planet after a seemingly inexplicable disaster destroys Earth. The definitive edition comes with refreshed graphics in keeping with the first Xenoblade Chronicles’ Switch port, along with new story elements exclusive to this version.
12. Dying Light: The Beast
Release date: Summer 2025
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Dying Light: The Beast is an upcoming standalone game developed by Techland, originally conceived as Dying Light 2’s second expansion. Set to release in Summer 2025 for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, the game stars Kyle Crane from the original Dying Light as he transforms into a half-monster. The game moves the survival horror action from a city to the dark wilderness. How does Dying Light: The Beast expand the series’ lore?
Dying Light: The Beast expands the series’ lore by transforming Kyle Crane into a half-monster and shifting the setting from an urban environment to the wilderness. This new direction allows Techland to explore new survival horror elements and narrative possibilities. Fans can anticipate a darker, more unpredictable experience with familiar characters and a fresh setting.
Dying Light developer Techland originally started The Beast as Dying Light 2’s second expansion, but the tale grew so big that they decided to make it a standalone thing. The latest game stars Kyle Crane from the original Dying Light as the eponymous Beast, a hero turned half-monster after enduring horrible experiments over 12 years. Techland takes the survival horror action out of a city setting and into the dark, unpredictable wilderness for the first time in the series.
13. Dune Awakening
Release date: 2025
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Dune Awakening is an upcoming open-world survival MMO developed by Funcom. Scheduled for release in 2025 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, the game combines survival elements with the cooperative and competitive nature of MMORPGs. Players must survive on Arrakis, form guilds, build bases, and compete for scarce resources. How does Dune Awakening capture the essence of the Dune universe?
Dune Awakening captures the essence of the Dune universe by emphasizing survival in a harsh environment, political intrigue, and resource management. Funcom’s experience with Conan Exiles positions them well to create a deep and expansive world. Players can expect a challenging and immersive experience that reflects the complexities of Frank Herbert’s vision.
Funcom is combining the complexity of large-scale survival games with the cooperative — or competitive — nature of MMORPGs with Dune Awakening. Players must find ways to meet their basic survival needs on Arrakis and eventually band together to form guilds, build bases and deal with rivals competing for scarce resources while navigating the planet’s harsh ecosystem. Funcom is the team behind the equally expansive and deep Conan Exiles, so it’s well-equipped to handle this task.
14. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Release date: 2025
Platforms: PlayStation 5
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is an upcoming action game developed by Kojima Productions. Scheduled for release in 2025 for PlayStation 5, this sequel follows Sam Bridges on another journey across the remnants of the United States. The game features Dakota Fanning, stop-motion puppets, and a KISS-themed villain, promising an unpredictable narrative. What unique elements does Death Stranding 2: On The Beach bring?
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach introduces unique elements such as Dakota Fanning, stop-motion puppets, and a KISS-themed villain, promising an even more unpredictable narrative than its predecessor. Kojima Productions’ reputation for innovative storytelling and unconventional gameplay suggests a memorable experience. Players can expect to question the value of connection in a fragmented world.
Dakota Fanning, puppets filmed in stop-motion, a KISS-themed villain with a superpowered electric guitar — Death Stranding 2 certainly isn’t shy about being even less predictable than its predecessor. Kojima Productions’ sequel to 2019’s award-winning Death Stranding follows Sam Bridges — played by Norman Reedus again — on another trip around the remnants of the United States. Instead of restoring connections like in the first game, though, Bridges and his friends start to wonder whether people are better off alone.
15. Ghost of Yotei
Release date: 2025
Platforms: PlayStation 5
Ghost of Yotei is an upcoming action-adventure game developed by Sucker Punch Productions. Scheduled for release in 2025 for PlayStation 5, this successor to Ghost of Tsushima is set in 1603 as the Tokugawa Shogunate establishes control over Japan. The heroine, Atsu, lives on Ezo (modern Hokkaido), home of the indigenous Ainu people. Player choices significantly impact the game’s narrative. How does Ghost of Yotei build on the success of Ghost of Tsushima?
Ghost of Yotei builds on the success of Ghost of Tsushima by offering a new story in a different setting with enhanced player choice. Sucker Punch’s focus on the Ainu people and the impact of player decisions adds depth to the narrative. Fans can anticipate a visually stunning and emotionally engaging experience.
Ghost of Yotei, Sucker Punch’s first game built for the PS5, is more of a successor to Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Tsushima than a direct sequel. Yotei unfolds in 1603 as the Tokugawa Shogunate establishes its control over Japan, but its heroine, Atsu, lives on Ezo — modern Hokkaido, but home of the indigenous Ainu people at the time. Sucker Punch was light on details in the initial reveal, but the studio did say player choice has a more noteworthy effect on how Ghost of Yotei plays out.
16. Doom: The Dark Ages
Release date: 2025
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S
Doom: The Dark Ages is an upcoming first-person shooter developed by iD Software and published by Bethesda Softworks. Scheduled for release in 2025 for PC and Xbox Series X|S, the game takes the Doom Slayer back in time with medieval weapons and castles. The game combines the fast-paced action of Doom with a medieval setting. What unique blend of elements does Doom: The Dark Ages offer?
Doom: The Dark Ages offers a unique blend of medieval settings and classic Doom action, taking the Doom Slayer back in time with new weapons and enemies. This combination of familiar gameplay with a fresh backdrop promises an exciting and intense experience. Fans can anticipate slicing and blasting through hordes of hellspawn in a new and imaginative way.
“What if Doom, but with medieval weapons and castles?” That seems to be the premise behind iD Software and Bethesda’s Doom: The Dark Ages. It takes the Doom Slayer back in time with a new set of medieval-ish weapons on a demon-slaying quest across castles and through haunted woods that look like what you’d get if Halo crossed over with Game of Thrones. There’s probably a reason for traveling back in time, but the “why” in Doom has always been less important than the “how you slice and blast through hordes of hellspawn.”
17. Elden Ring: Nightreign
Release date: 2025
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Elden Ring: Nightreign is an upcoming multiplayer Elden Ring spinoff developed by FromSoftware. Scheduled for release in 2025 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, the game is a roguelike boss rush for one to three players. Players gather equipment by day to prepare for nighttime boss battles. Survival requires lasting through three nights. How does Elden Ring: Nightreign innovate on the original’s formula?
Elden Ring: Nightreign innovates on the original’s formula by introducing a roguelike boss rush mode for multiplayer. This new format combines the challenging combat of Elden Ring with the replayability of roguelike games. Fans can anticipate a thrilling and intense experience.
FromSoftware is making a multiplayer Elden Ring spinoff called Nightreign, a roguelike boss rush for one or three people. By day, players scour the land for equipment and helpful items to ready themselves for nightfall. That’s when the bosses come out, and FromSoftware is bringing together some of the toughest enemies from Elden Ring and the Dark Souls trilogy. Surviving a single night won’t result in victory. You have to survive three.
18. Professor Layton and the New World of Steam
Release date: 2025
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Professor Layton and the New World of Steam is an upcoming puzzle adventure game developed by Level-5. Scheduled for release in 2025 for Nintendo Switch, the game brings back Professor Layton and Luke as they travel to an industrialized version of the United States. They investigate mysterious disasters by solving puzzles. What makes Professor Layton’s return so anticipated?
Professor Layton’s return is highly anticipated due to the series’ legacy of engaging puzzles and charming storytelling. The new setting and mysteries promise a fresh and exciting adventure. Fans can expect the same clever puzzles and heartwarming interactions that made the original games so beloved.
Twelve years after the last Professor Layton game, Level-5 is bringing its gentleman detective back. Layton and his perpetually adolescent assistant Luke travel to the Layton world’s equivalent of the United States in the midst of an industrial revolution — and a crisis.
A mysterious phantom is causing earthquakes and other disasters, and the only way to find out the truth behind these odd happenings is — in usual Layton fashion — by solving dozens of puzzles. Akira Tago, the puzzle master responsible for the six original Layton games, died in 2016, and a new group with little online presence called QuizKnock is handling puzzle design for New World of Steam.
19. Grand Theft Auto VI
Release date: 2025
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Grand Theft Auto VI is one of 2025’s most anticipated games. Set in Leonida (Rockstar’s version of Miami), the game begins with thief Lucia celebrating her freedom by planning one more heist. Rockstar has shared few details, but analysts predict it will top $3 billion in sales during its first year. Why is Grand Theft Auto VI so highly anticipated?
Grand Theft Auto VI is highly anticipated due to the series’ immense popularity and Rockstar’s reputation for creating immersive open-world experiences. The setting of Leonida and the promise of a thrilling narrative contribute to the excitement. Fans can expect a detailed and engaging world filled with memorable characters and dynamic gameplay.
Grand Theft Auto VI is one of 2025’s most hotly anticipated games, so much so that, despite Rockstar sharing few details about the project, analysts already predict it’ll top $3 billion in sales during its first year. Leonida — Rockstar’s version of Miami — is Grand Theft Auto VI’s setting, and it begins as thief and former inmate Lucia celebrates regaining her freedom by deciding to take on one more big job.
How this fits in with everything else Rockstar showed in GTA VI’s first trailer — the walks down crowded beaches, alligator attacks, penthouse parties and half-naked old men shouting at people walking past — is anyone’s guess at this point. The studio has shared no development updates since December 2023, although it still plans to release the game later in 2025.
20. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Release date: 2025
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an upcoming RPG developed by Sandfall Interactive. Scheduled for release in 2025 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, the game follows a team of ordinary people in an alternate version of France where everyone is doomed to die at 33 under a witch’s curse. The game features turn-based combat with parrying elements and active-time inputs. What sets Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 apart in the RPG genre?
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stands out in the RPG genre with its unique setting, inspired by Impressionist paintings, and innovative combat mechanics. The combination of turn-based battles with parrying elements and active-time inputs offers a fresh and engaging experience. Fans can anticipate a visually stunning and strategically rich game.
So many games in the last decade try to recreate the classics that inspired their creators, which makes Clair Obscur, from new studio Sandfall Interactive, refreshing. The folks at Sandfall are candid about the games that made them want to create Clair Obscur, but rather than imitate the familiar, they’re aiming to help the genre evolve, particularly where combat is concerned. Expedition 33 follows a team of ordinary people in an alternate version of France where everything resembles an Impressionist painting — and everyone is doomed to die at 33 under the curse of a malevolent witch.
Battles are menu-driven and turn-based, but Sandfall incorporated parrying elements similar to what FromSoftware uses in its Dark Souls games and active-time inputs to change how skills function.
21. Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Release date: 2025
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is an upcoming action role-playing game developed by Game Freak and published by The Pokémon Company. Scheduled for release in 2025 for Nintendo Switch, the game takes place entirely in Lumiose City (the Pokémon world’s version of Paris). It explores the identity of a single place and its inhabitants. How does Pokémon Legends: Z-A innovate within the Pokémon series?
Pokémon Legends: Z-A innovates by focusing on a single city and its inhabitants, offering a more intimate and detailed exploration of the Pokémon world. This departure from the traditional formula promises a fresh and engaging experience. Fans can anticipate a deeper dive into the culture and lore of Lumiose City.
Game Freak and The Pokémon Company are about iterating, rather than reinventing, which made Pokémon Legends: Arceus — with its completely new take on catching Pokémon and a stronger emphasis on physical and cultural exploration — so surprising. Pokémon Legends: Z-A takes that idea and changes it again. It takes place entirely in Lumiose City — the Pokémon world’s version of Paris from 2013’s Pokémon X and Y games — and explores the identity of a single place and the people who live there.
22. South of Midnight
Release date: 2025
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S
South of Midnight is an upcoming action-adventure game developed by Compulsion Games. Scheduled for release in 2025 for PC and Xbox Series X|S, the game weaves Black folklore and Southern culture into a fantasy story. Players follow Hazel, a young woman surviving the aftermath of a hurricane, uncovering family secrets and setting the world to rights. What cultural elements does South of Midnight explore?
South of Midnight explores Black folklore and Southern culture, creating a unique and immersive world. The game’s focus on Hazel’s journey and the myths that come to life promises a compelling and emotionally resonant experience. Fans can anticipate a blend of fantasy and cultural storytelling.
South of Midnight weaves Black folklore and Southern culture into a fantasy story that follows Hazel, a young woman trying to survive the aftermath of a hurricane. As the figures
