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

All right, so I just got back from the latest Summer Game Fest in LA. Yeah, another year, another whirlwind tour of what’s coming up in the gaming world. I mean, it’s like a chaotic buffet of games—some small indie gems and then those big AAA blockbusters that everyone’s hyped about.

### Honorable Mentions

Okay, kicking things off with some games that were hidden behind those secretive closed-door demos. Seriously, why can’t they just let us play everything? Anyway, I’ll say this: Resident Evil Requiem is looking like it’s gonna make your heart race. Capcom’s doing their thing with tension and fear—you get the point. Raccoon City returns and all that jazz. Then there’s Onimusha: Way of the Sword. So, even if you’ve never touched Onimusha, you probably wanna keep tabs on this. It’s got that cinematic vibe that just screams ‘watch me.’ And Directive 8020? Oh boy, Supermassive has cooked up something spooky for us again. Imagine trying not to freak out while a space monster lurks in the shadows.

### Bandit Trap

You ever play one of those games where you just mess with your friends? Bandit Trap is like slapstick meets Home Alone. It’s this wild heist game where three players are the bandits and one’s the trapper, setting up crazy stuff to stop them. I have a soft spot for games that make you think on your toes like that.

### Crimson Desert

I’ve got mixed feelings about this one… The name? Crimson Desert? Kinda eh. But, if you can get past that, you’ll find a sprawling RPG that’s got vibes of Witcher and Dragon’s Dogma. The combat may feel a bit like you’re juggling a dozen angry bees—or enemies—but it’s cool because you have options. Swords, magic, you name it. There’s a part of me wondering if it’ll get lost in the sea of similar-sounding titles though.

### Deadpool VR

Okay, let’s get this out of the way: Deadpool VR is a blast. It’s Twisted Pixel getting back to fun stuff, not like that forgettable game from years ago. Yes, it’s been that long! Anyway, it’s got all the Deadpool quirks you’d expect, and Neil Patrick Harris as Deadpool? Unexpected, but it works. Hopefully, it ends up on the PlayStation VR2 (fingers crossed).

### Dosa Divas

Here’s a twist—this one’s a game that combines cooking with RPG mechanics. Dosa Divas is like Paper Mario met your favorite food show. You’re making dosas, jamming to a soundtrack, and battling fast food evil. I’m all about food (obviously), and this game cooks up a story that’s rich in community and culture. It’s heartwarming in a way that’s pretty refreshing.

### FBC: Firebreak

Alright, shooters are everywhere, I know. But FBC: Firebreak does something interesting. Remedy’s going for that sweet spot—fun to play without the grindy chains. It lives in the same universe as Control, which is already cool. In the demo, we fought Sticky Ricky, a massive enemy made of sticky notes (not even kidding).

### Marvel Cosmic Invasion

Marvel Cosmic Invasion? Well, let’s just say it’s got potential. Can’t spill too many beans because of embargo stuff, but stay tuned.

### Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound

For those loving old-school hack-and-slash, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is your jam. You play as Kenji Mozu, running around and being all ninja-like while protecting the village. It’s a nostalgic nod back to arcades, perfect for speedrunners. And hey, there’s already a demo on Steam for PC folks.

### Pragmata

Capcom’s puzzle/shooter, Pragmata, is finally on the horizon. Yeah, there’s shooting futuristic robots, but the twist is real-time puzzle hacking. Imagine frantically solving puzzles while dodging enemy fire. It’s exactly the kind of chaos I’m here for.

### Ratatan

Did you miss out on Patapon back in the day? Ratatan picks up the torch and runs with it. It’s this rhythmic game where you lead adorable creatures into battles. It’s roguelike, too, giving you a fresh experience each time. I tried it, and let’s just say my timing could use some work. But those cute critters? Totally worth it.

### Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

I bravely (or stupidly) tackled Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, a Soulslike game, amidst chaos on the show floor. It’s brutal, yet once you get the dodging and timing down, it’s so addictive. There’s something unique about its magic and combat loop that kept me hooked, despite the initial beatdown.

And that’s a wrap on my tangled thoughts about the fest! Sometimes it makes sense, sometimes it doesn’t—but hey, that’s part of the fun, right?