Halfway through the year already, and it’s been one full of surprises. From AAA franchises expanding their horizons to AA games knocking it out of the park. But as much as July is a time to reminisce about the past six months, it’s also an opportunity to take stock of what’s next. And while we would love to give you some financial advice for your dwindling bank balances or health tips for those heartburn and aching knees, since this happens to be a gaming magazine, we have something even better — some incredible games to look out for in the remainder of 2025.
Mafia: The Old Country
First came a sequel, then another one, then a remaster of the original, and now it’s time for a prequel. We are a quarter into the 21st Century and that’s how it goes. But beyond the cynicism, the upcoming Mafia game looks promising. Developed by Hangar 13 (the people behind the underwhelming Mafia III, but also the well-received remake of the 2002 original), the game looks (and feels) like a cross between Uncharted 4 and Red Dead Redemption 2, set in Sicily during the 1900s… and you see why it’s on our list.
Mafia: The Old Country is set to release on August 8.
METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER
In 2004, the original Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater took the world by storm, marrying stealth with survival elements in a suitably whacky Hideo Kojima package. Set in an alternate-history 1960s (during the Cold War), the game served as a prequel to the Metal Gear series. And with the long-awaited remake/remaster arriving in August with a clutch of modern conveniences, a whole new generation of players will get the opportunity to experience a classic in a contemporary format.
METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER is set to release on August 26.
Baby Steps
For the longest time, although the previews and teasers went a long way in demonstrating that this was a real game, it seemed like a joke that had spiralled out of control. But the realisation that it was being made by a team including Bennett Foddy of the infuriating Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy fame, made it all seem more tangible. Now, the walking simulator (in the very truest sense of the term) has a release date of September, and you can bet the farm it’s going to be every bit as frustrating, enraging and hilarious as Getting Over It.
Baby Steps is set to release on September 8.
Silent Hill f
After the recent success of the Silent Hill 2 remake, the question was always: where next for the beloved horror series? Publisher Konami increasingly felt it had become overly Westernised, and so the decision was made to bring the franchise home to Japan. And the results look spectacular, with its theme of “finding the terror in beauty” giving it a rather unique atmosphere. With Ryukishi07 writing the story and Akira Yamaoka back as composer, we can hardly wait to lose sleep over it.
Silent Hill f is set to release on September 23.
Ghost of Yōtei
The sequel to Sucker Punch Productions’ 2020 samurai open-world action RPG, this game will arrive in October under the weight of some extremely weighty expectations. You see, Ghost of Tsushima reimagined what open-world games could be like and depicted 13th Century Japan as a magnificent piece of art. Even while slaughtering enemies in blood-soaked battles, it all seemed balletic and elegant. Gameplay reveals and previews have demonstrated how Ghost of Yōtei distinguishes itself from its predecessor, and thus far, it seems to be quite an intriguing reinvention of the original formula. Expect another masterpiece.
Ghost of Yōtei is set to release on October 2.
Ninja Gaiden 4
Before the current era in which every single action game yearns to be a Soulsborne, there was Ninja Gaiden. And the super-gory hack-n-slash action-adventure franchise returns with its much-awaited fourth instalment. Set in a futuristic Tokyo, the events of the game chronologically follow those of the third outing (first released over 13 years ago). While the game puts you in the shoes of a new character called Yakumo, series protagonist Ryu Hayabusa will also be putting in an appearance. How their chemistry pans out in the larger scheme of things remains to be seen, but there isn’t long till we find out. October’s right around the corner.
Ninja Gaiden 4 is set to release on October 21.
The Outer Worlds 2
Due for an October release, this is the follow-up to Obsidian Entertainment’s 2019 space ARPG. Juxtaposing themes of colonisation and society being dominated by megacorporations, with competent first-person action, the original was a stellar outing for the studio. On the strength of the trailers and previews so far, the sequel looks set to improve on its predecessor in every possible way.
The Outer Worlds 2 is set to release on October 24.
Cairn
Much like Baby Steps, this is also an odd one. Revealed at one of last month’s major showcases, Cairn is a rock-climbing simulator. Weird, certainly. Unprecedented, sure. Would this even work? A demo that dropped swiftly after the reveal made everything a whole lot clearer. Marrying polished gameplay mechanics with a striking art style, this title sits at the peculiar intersection of focused simulation and cosy gaming. And if the demo is anything to go by, the formula clearly works quite well. We’ll see how it all fits together in November.
Cairn is set to release on November 5.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
For a minute, it looked like we’d lost it for good. But now it sure seems like Christmas will come just in time this year. The sequel to 2017’s critical and commercial phenomenon, Hollow Knight, Silksong has been one of the most anticipated releases of the year — for several years now. But with Team Cherry finally ready for the release, it just might be the perfect game to close the year with. (Or, you know, it might not end up happening at all.)
Hollow Knight: Silksong is set to release ‘sometime before December 25’.
