Bought it recently when it was on sale for $20. It’s a really good game! Why does Ubisoft release games in a where no one wants to play them, then updates them to be really good? I swear, they need a whole department to focus on why they do such things.
I’ve been doing my resolution since November: Buy no game for more than $30. Last game I bought is TMNT: Splintered Fate for $11.99. Gaming is just too damn expensive nowadays.
@MrPeanutbutterz hmm. That sucks. I’m happy I didn’t have to rebuild. Hell, I started a new game fully powered and built. “Death March” was anything but. Hopefully this works the same with the rumored upcoming DLC.
@Odium have the most fun with Outlaws! That lunch really did a number on the game. If it had launched in the state it’s in today, it’s a GOTY contender.
@MrPeanutbutterz nothing really changed that much. I played the PS5 version and the only significant change was the way Signs were cast. I was still able to use my PS4 build just fine.
PS: Hopefully this new DLC will release with the rest of the game and there’ll be another platinum. Would love to platinum this game for a 6th time.
@MrStark I agree with him being overrated. Never really got that deep to hate his writing. Just his games a too boring for me to delve that deeply into them.
"Yo, Need For Speed, I'm really happy for you, l'ma let you finish, but Midnight Club is one of the best racers of all time!"
Need Midnight Club in my life! Will still download this one though. I’ll also not begin 2026 complaining about “free” stuff I don’t really want or need.
This list is arguable. And it’s the only arguable list I’ve ever seen. No other list I’ve ever seen is arguable. They’re all someone’s opinion that’s a fact!
@Steeleye25 @16BitHero my favorite haunting case was the slave owner who fell in love with her slave. I was torn if she was truly evil because she kept him in bondage because she didn’t want him to flee and maybe be treated cruelly by another slaver. But, in his head, she couldn’t truly love him if she’d keep him enslaved. What a decision to make! On the ascension play through that’s a tough one.
@BAMozzy you’re not “forced” to do anything. You’re given a choice and the choice is yours to make. I’m not a Sony fan. But I’m a fan of Uncharted, God of War, Horizon, etc. if PlayStation ceased to exist today and those games moved to Nintendo, I’d buy a Nintendo. The choice is mine to make.
Exclusivity is what companies use to draw people to their particular product. And, as I said, this happens in every facet of entertainment. You think Netflix should share Stranger Things with Apple TV because it’s “consumer friendly”? Nah! They made their thing and want it on their platform. If Apple wants to draw people to their platform, they make something comparable or better.
Best story of the year is Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden. Yes it’s a 2024 game. But I played it this year and it’s the most original, well put together game I’ve played in years.
Exclusivity gives consoles an identity. We can equate games like Mario and Zelda with Nintendo and games like Uncharted and God of War with PlayStation. We still equate Gears and Halo with Xbox but now you can play those anywhere.
Loss of exclusivity would give you no reason to choose one console over another. This notion rings true in every facet of entertainment. And why would any company not want you to have reason to choose them over their competitors?
TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora . The Avatar game is really good. Story runs parallel to the first film. With mentions of Sully and his heroics.
@Dyomun nah. I’m good. I’ve played some really great games this year. Can’t play every great game. So I try to not get FOMO when I’ve not played the ones everyone’s raving about.
@EfYI LOVE LOVE LOVE the love for Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden (BGONE as it’s so aptly abbreviated to). It’s my game of the year as well! The originality and creativity that went into it is top notch.
And let’s not forget the voice work. Top tier and ranked up there with the likes of GOW and Uncharted. I only wish it had been put out by a bigger studio. This way, it would’ve likely gotten the recognition it deserves from the gaming community at large. A truly phenomenal game!
Generative AI is what AI should be used for. The outcry over this is so dumb and will just lead to increased costs for no reason. It’s like people who hate Speedtree because it’s AI. Yes, because having AI generate tress in games is the end of all gaming. 🙄
I’ve played Ghost of Tsushima, Horizon: Forbidden West, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, Thymesia, Immortals: Fenix Rising, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Streets Of Rage 4, Kena, etc. all from having Premium (later downgraded). It’s been well worth the money. Especially since my son plays basically every game they release each month. It’s been a net positive for me.
I haven’t played many games that released this year, but I have played a few that I really liked. I loved Echoes of the End and Arc Raiders. But my favorite game I played this year is Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden. Released in 2024.
I’m not even sure what “Indy” is. But when I look at E33, I know what “Indy” isn’t. And it isn’t E33. At this point I just chalk it up to a lesser known studio that hasn’t previously released a game that’s divided the gaming community.
I was majorly upset thinking I’d have to get an Xbox just to play this single game. Then Xbox folded like a good tent (because they’re supposed to fold) and all was well in the world.
I’m a huge Star Wars fan. But also a huge gamer. I know what’s coming out before then: The Witcher 4, Intergalactic, Crimson Desert, etc. So yeah, drop it in 2030 so I have time to play all that’s already on the table. I can wait.
I started playing Lords of the Fallen and couldn’t get into it. Suffers from the same muddled storytelling that Souls games suffer from. Just feels directionless. Add that to the maddening difficulty and there’s absolutely no appeal.
I’ve not looked at mine yet. But I’m sure Elder Scrolls Online will be all over it. Sadly, this will be the final year it shows up in my list. It’s been a good 9-year run.
@Dan12836666 I used to think the whole “backlog” thing is ridiculous. Now, I find myself playing older games I’ve not played and waiting for price drops on newer games (Yōtei in particular). The last 2 games I’ve played are both over a year and a half old.
Comments 2,604
Re: Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora - From the Ashes (PS5) - Streamlined But Still Fantastic Sci-Fi Fun
Bought it recently when it was on sale for $20. It’s a really good game! Why does Ubisoft release games in a where no one wants to play them, then updates them to be really good? I swear, they need a whole department to focus on why they do such things.
Re: Talking Point: What Are Your PS5 New Year's Resolutions?
I’ve been doing my resolution since November: Buy no game for more than $30. Last game I bought is TMNT: Splintered Fate for $11.99. Gaming is just too damn expensive nowadays.
Re: The Witcher 3 Really Could Be Getting a New Expansion on PS5 in 2026
@MrPeanutbutterz hmm. That sucks. I’m happy I didn’t have to rebuild. Hell, I started a new game fully powered and built. “Death March” was anything but. Hopefully this works the same with the rumored upcoming DLC.
Re: The Witcher 3 Really Could Be Getting a New Expansion on PS5 in 2026
@MrPeanutbutterz I mean, I loaded my game save from the PS4 version and didn’t have to change my build at all. Maybe that’s the difference?
My build was a 100% burn build using the Gryphon set. Worked perfectly!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 614
@Odium have the most fun with Outlaws! That lunch really did a number on the game. If it had launched in the state it’s in today, it’s a GOTY contender.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 614
Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Both really fun games that I thought I’d hate.
Re: The Witcher 3 Really Could Be Getting a New Expansion on PS5 in 2026
@MrPeanutbutterz nothing really changed that much. I played the PS5 version and the only significant change was the way Signs were cast. I was still able to use my PS4 build just fine.
PS: Hopefully this new DLC will release with the rest of the game and there’ll be another platinum. Would love to platinum this game for a 6th time.
Re: 40+ PS5 Games to Play in 2026
You guys see the videos for Code Violet? It’s pure darkness. Like, there’s gotta be better footage out there to showcase the game.
Also. Seeing all these. How much you wanna bet there’ll be a bevy of “There’s no games to play!” comments.
Re: Game of the Year: Push Square Readers' Top 20 PS5 Games of 2025
This year broke the Sony cycle. But I’m a hater because a turn-based game did it. GG anyway E33.
Re: Game of the Year: #2 - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
@MrStark I agree with him being overrated. Never really got that deep to hate his writing. Just his games a too boring for me to delve that deeply into them.
Re: Game of the Year: #2 - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
@orvisbean101 that would be a great way to end the year lol. However, they’d not bring any credibility into 2026.
Re: Game of the Year: #2 - Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
It’s clearly obscure what the #1 game of the year is going to be. 😊
Re: First PS Plus Essential Game for January 2026 Leaked Early
"Yo, Need For Speed, I'm really happy for you, l'ma let you finish, but Midnight Club is one of the best racers of all time!"
Need Midnight Club in my life! Will still download this one though. I’ll also not begin 2026 complaining about “free” stuff I don’t really want or need.
Re: Game of the Year: #4 - Ghost of Yotei
@JayJ lemme guess? The ones you don’t agree with are the “fanboys”?
Re: Game of the Year: #3 - Split Fiction
Been sitting in this one waiting for a discount. This and Astro Bot. Whichever comes first.
Re: Game of the Year: Liam's Top 5 PS5 Games of 2025
This list is arguable. And it’s the only arguable list I’ve ever seen. No other list I’ve ever seen is arguable. They’re all someone’s opinion that’s a fact!
Re: Game of the Year: Best PS5 Story Game of 2025
@Steeleye25 @16BitHero my favorite haunting case was the slave owner who fell in love with her slave. I was torn if she was truly evil because she kept him in bondage because she didn’t want him to flee and maybe be treated cruelly by another slaver. But, in his head, she couldn’t truly love him if she’d keep him enslaved. What a decision to make! On the ascension play through that’s a tough one.
Re: Ex-PlayStation Boss Believes Exclusives Make Consoles 'Sing'
@BAMozzy you’re not “forced” to do anything. You’re given a choice and the choice is yours to make. I’m not a Sony fan. But I’m a fan of Uncharted, God of War, Horizon, etc. if PlayStation ceased to exist today and those games moved to Nintendo, I’d buy a Nintendo. The choice is mine to make.
Exclusivity is what companies use to draw people to their particular product. And, as I said, this happens in every facet of entertainment. You think Netflix should share Stranger Things with Apple TV because it’s “consumer friendly”? Nah! They made their thing and want it on their platform. If Apple wants to draw people
to their platform, they make something comparable or better.
Re: Game of the Year: Best PS5 Story Game of 2025
Best story of the year is Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden. Yes it’s a 2024 game. But I played it this year and it’s the most original, well put together game I’ve played in years.
Re: Ex-PlayStation Boss Believes Exclusives Make Consoles 'Sing'
Exclusivity gives consoles an identity. We can equate games like Mario and Zelda with Nintendo and games like Uncharted and God of War with PlayStation. We still equate Gears and Halo with Xbox but now you can play those anywhere.
Loss of exclusivity would give you no reason to choose one console over another. This notion rings true in every facet of entertainment. And why would any company not want you to have reason to choose them over their competitors?
Re: Game of the Year: #6 - ARC Raiders
Loved it at first. Then, the fact that I’d stack all kinds of goodies and get killed by people saying “Don’t shoot!” just turned me off of it.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 613
TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora . The Avatar game is really good. Story runs parallel to the first film. With mentions of Sully and his heroics.
Re: Game of the Year: Best PS5 RPG of 2025
@Dyomun nah. I’m good. I’ve played some really great games this year. Can’t play every great game. So I try to not get FOMO when I’ve not played the ones everyone’s raving about.
Re: Game of the Year: Best PS5 RPG of 2025
As an RPG fan, not really my year in the genre. Nothing on this list is something I wanna play.
Re: Game of the Year: Stephen's Top 5 PS5 Games of 2025
@EfYI LOVE LOVE LOVE the love for Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden (BGONE as it’s so aptly abbreviated to). It’s my game of the year as well! The originality and creativity that went into it is top notch.
And let’s not forget the voice work. Top tier and ranked up there with the likes of GOW and Uncharted. I only wish it had been put out by a bigger studio. This way, it would’ve likely gotten the recognition it deserves from the gaming community at large. A truly phenomenal game!
Re: Game of the Year: Best PS5 Art Direction of 2025
@Duck_Farmer lol I was thinking this same thing. Also, every time I see the game it’s grey or brown. I dunno…
Re: We Wish You a Very Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas PS (double entendre) squad! What did you all get?
I got a Portal and PSVR2. My I’m gonna try real hard to not make my wife regret it lol.
Re: Game of the Year: Best PS5 Open World Game of 2025
@DarianStarfrog is it that good? I have it downloaded but have never played it.
Re: 'Everything Will Be Made by Humans': Expedition 33 Dev Says No More AI After Post-Awards Heat
Generative AI is what AI should be used for. The outcry over this is so dumb and will just lead to increased costs for no reason. It’s like people who hate Speedtree because it’s AI. Yes, because having AI generate tress in games is the end of all gaming. 🙄
Re: Your PS Plus Essential Sub Netted You $1,500+ in PS5, PS4 Games This Year
I’ve played Ghost of Tsushima, Horizon: Forbidden West, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, Thymesia, Immortals: Fenix Rising, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Streets Of Rage 4, Kena, etc. all from having Premium (later downgraded). It’s been well worth the money. Especially since my son plays basically every game they release each month. It’s been a net positive for me.
Re: Reminder: Astro Bot Has the Best Christmas Level on PS5 and It Isn't Close
@rjejr I guess I need to look at other places than PSN. However, I have a digital console so not sure how that’ll work.
Re: Reminder: Astro Bot Has the Best Christmas Level on PS5 and It Isn't Close
Desperately waiting for this one to come down in price. This one and Ghost of Yōtei.
Re: Game of the Year: Aaron's Top 5 PS5 Games of 2025
I haven’t played many games that released this year, but I have played a few that I really liked. I loved Echoes of the End and Arc Raiders. But my favorite game I played this year is Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden. Released in 2024.
Re: 'Sony's Never Experienced This Phenomenon Before': PS5 Smash Hit Gran Turismo 7 Getting Stronger Over Time
Off topic here. But is anyone else not seeing the comments section on the “What are you playing this weekend” thread?
Re: PS5 Enjoys a Decent November in the UK, Even Excluding Black Friday
@Number09 is there a new Division game? Please tell me there is!
Re: PS5 Enjoys a Decent November in the UK, Even Excluding Black Friday
**walks in to read and post***
**reads preceding comments***
**walks out in ‘murican!***
Re: 2016's The Division Now Runs Smoother Than Ever on PS5
Give me part 3, please! I adore this series!
Re: Talking Point: With Expedition 33 Winning Best Indie Game, What Does 'Indie' Mean to You?
I’m not even sure what “Indy” is. But when I look at E33, I know what “Indy” isn’t. And it isn’t E33. At this point I just chalk it up to a lesser known studio that hasn’t previously released a game that’s divided the gaming community.
Re: 'The Majority of the Studio's on It': Bethesda Gives an Update on The Elder Scrolls 6
I was majorly upset thinking I’d have to get an Xbox just to play this single game. Then Xbox folded like a good tent (because they’re supposed to fold) and all was well in the world.
Re: Capcom Wants You to Design a Mega Man: Dual Override Boss Who Sucks
Also, absolutely NO AI art will be accepted!!!
Re: Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic Director Rubbishes 2030 Release Date Claims
I’m a huge Star Wars fan. But also a huge gamer. I know what’s coming out before then: The Witcher 4, Intergalactic, Crimson Desert, etc. So yeah, drop it in 2030 so I have time to play all that’s already on the table. I can wait.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 611
Eternal Strands. Fun game. Feels old school in its presentation. Boss fights are epic and strategic.
Re: PS4 Will Still Get New Games in 2027
@LifeGirl the only way people won’t buy PS6 when it releases is if we’re in another COVID-19 scenario.
Re: Poll: Vote for Your PS5 Game of the Year 2025
I’ve played video games probably all but 10 days this year. And oddly enough, I’ve not played a single one of the games on this list.
Edit: I stand corrected. Missed ARC Raiders on the list. Since it’s the only one I’ve played, and it’s great, it gets my vote.
Re: Action RPG Lords of the Fallen 2 Absolved of Sin with Brutal PS5 Gameplay Trailer
I started playing Lords of the Fallen and couldn’t get into it. Suffers from the same muddled storytelling that Souls games suffer from. Just feels directionless. Add that to the maddening difficulty and there’s absolutely no appeal.
Re: PS5's Phantom Blade Zero Poised to Be the Next Big Thing from 9th September
lol I love the parity of the first 2 comments. Just proves that no game is ever universally accepted.
Re: All The Game Awards 2025 Winners
Damn, Clair cleared it out! No Yōtei prize? Maybe I’ll skip it… 🤔
Re: PlayStation Wrap-Up 2025 Live Now, Get Your Gaming Stats for the Year
I’ve not looked at mine yet. But I’m sure Elder Scrolls Online will be all over it. Sadly, this will be the final year it shows up in my list. It’s been a good 9-year run.
Re: PlayStation Confirmed for the Game Awards with a New Look at PS5 Exclusive Saros
Looks interesting. However, I thought the same about Returnal and I didn’t like that one.
Re: Promising PS5 Console Exclusive Phantom Blade Zero Will Get a Release Date at The Game Awards
@Dan12836666 I used to think the whole “backlog” thing is ridiculous. Now, I find myself playing older games I’ve not played and waiting for price drops on newer games (Yōtei in particular). The last 2 games I’ve played are both over a year and a half old.