Almost half of 2025 has passed, and I'd like to briefly summarize the games I've played this year. As usual, these are just my personal game recommendations, so feel free to take a look.
Monster Hunter Wilds, PS5 Digital Version
This was the first game I pre-ordered this year, Monster Hunter Wilds, on the PS5 platform. I directly bought the digital regular version for 499 Hong Kong dollars. I'm a bit ashamed to say that I've only reached HR level 40 so far, which is just at the level of the game's initial解禁 (unlock). My hunting progress is about the same as the game update speed of Capcom, which is rather slow like squeezing toothpaste.
Overall, Capcom's Wilds has made great progress this time. Besides having good optimization, the minor improvements in various aspects of the game make it very enjoyable for me to play. In terms of online play, cross-platform play is also relatively stable. The Monster Hunter costumes this time are really beautiful, and those who like to change the character's outfits will be truly delighted.
It's worth mentioning that when the PS5 Pro is set to the 60fps locked mode, the graphics quality and smoothness are simply amazing.
Civilization 7, Steam
I got the Steam Key for "Civilization 7" as a gift from an activity of @Zhihu Games. I played it on a Mac M2, and it runs fairly smoothly. Having been used to playing Civilization 6, to be honest, I don't really like Civilization 7. The mandatory end-of-era settlement makes each game feel very disjointed. Every time, I just log off after finishing one era. I don't have that feeling of being unable to stop and keep playing "the next turn" as before.
The gameplay of the game has also changed a lot. In addition to having specific values for diplomatic influence, there are all-new designs in various aspects of the game. I'm not sure if those who have played it like it, but I personally don't like it.
The Two Shadows Wonderland, PS5 Digital Version
I also got the Key as a gift Fortunately, I received the redemption code for the PS5 version and got to experience it right away. Overall, if you've played It Takes Two, you won't be unfamiliar with the design of The Two Shadows Wonderland. Since the theme of the game combines magic and science fiction, the overall graphics are very gorgeous.
The level design of the game is still excellent, and new gameplay elements such as shooting and platform jumping have been added, which is really surprising. Overall, the development team has performed stably, and it's definitely worth playing!
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, PS5 Physical Version
It's a first-person open-world medieval game. I bought the PS5 disc version. The game is in forced first-person mode, which gives a strong sense of immersion. The game strives to create the most realistic medieval experience for players. All operations basically require the players to do them step by step. For example, activities like eating, sleeping, sharpening knives, and forging iron all need to be carried out one step at a time, and the sense of realism is overwhelming.
The overall rhythm of the game is rather slow, and it's very suitable for those who can immerse themselves in playing games slowly. Many people who have completed the game say that this is the game of the year. I think it should have a good chance of being nominated.
The Prince of the Blue Path, PS5 Digital Version
It's a new game released in April, and it was included in the PSN second-tier game library at its launch. Seeing that its initial rating was high, I downloaded it to have a try. Firstly, the game doesn't have a Chinese version. I don't think it means the development team doesn't attach importance to the Chinese language. It's because many fonts and texts in the game are designed in English, and translating them into Chinese may pose some obstacles and also affect the gaming experience to some extent.
Overall, the game is relatively niche, and it's quite difficult. The roguelike gameplay is rather special, and it's not very friendly to Chinese players.
The Game of the Sultan, Steam
This is a domestic game that I strongly recommend. I've already played it for more than 20 hours, and its gameplay is very creative. The game is set in the absurd background of the Sultanate. You need to break the randomly drawn Sultan cards (there are four types: indulgence, killing, extravagance, and conquest) within the specified rounds.
In each game, you will have different followers. Combined with the concubines, ministers, and various NPCs in the Sultanate, you can trigger various different storylines. The game has a large number of endings, and the amount of text to read is quite substantial. The battles and searches in the game are all completed by comparing points, and it's a text-based tabletop role-playing game similar to "Baldur's Gate".
If you like tabletop role-playing, roguelike, and card games, you definitely shouldn't miss The Game of the Sultan.
As for the Switch platform, I haven't bought any Switch games this year. I'll consider it after the release of the Switch 2.
