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After the Game Awards, a wave of exciting new titles were teased and announced for release in 2025. It’s shaping up to be a year packed with unique worlds, exciting stories, and gameplay that’ll keep you hooked. But which upcoming titles have caught the attention of the Zatu Bloggers?
Here’s a rundown of the games we’re most excited about and think you should definitely have on your radar.
Mafia: The Old Country by Sophie Jones
I’ve played every Mafia game, and while I’ve loved the series, the first game will always be my favourite. It had the most frustrating driving mechanics, but somehow, that was part of its charm. The setting, the design, and the gripping story turned it into a classic, spawning not just a sequel but an entire empire. Even though Mafia 3 took a different direction, I’m still curious to see where this series is headed.
When Mafia: Old Country was announced, my excitement for the series reignited. This time, we’re going back in time to explore the origins of the mafia in 1900s Sicily. The Mediterranean setting offers a refreshing change, and I can’t wait to explore the vibrant towns, sun-soaked streets, and lush landscapes.
The gameplay footage teases horseback riding and vintage cars, yes, more old cars! These look amazing, and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel (though I’m hoping 2K has improved those driving mechanics). I’m also excited for the dynamic gameplay, which promises improved AI and more engaging combat, whether on foot or horseback.
What excites me most is the return to a more linear narrative. Old Country promises to capture the storytelling brilliance of the original Mafia, where every mission felt purposeful. The fictional town of San Celeste from Mafia 2 makes a return, bringing the series full circle.
While we don’t have a release date yet, Mafia: Old Country will be launching on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC. With next-gen power, I’m sure this game will be a visual and gameplay masterpiece.
I’m ready to dive back into the world of Mafia. Are you?
Civilisation VII by Pete Bartlem
The most exciting day of 2025 for me will be February 11th when we’ll see the arrival of the next generation of Sid Meier’s masterwork – Civilization VII – launched simultaneously on PC, Playstation, Xbox and even Nintendo Switch!
When I first encountered Space Invaders in the late ‘70’s (Yes I am that old!) I was immediately hooked and soon bought myself an Atari so I could play Pac-Man, F-1 and the like. Migrating from there to a PC playing Richard Garriott’s excellent series of Ultima RPG’s in the 80’s and then in 1990 I met Sid Meier (metaphorically). First it was Railroad Tycoon (which I won a comp reviewing for the Times) and in 1991 Civilization and life changed.
Now, I wanted those proper, thinky, turn-based strategy games like I played on the tabletop, but with a solid group of pretty competent opponents. At the time, I was traveling a lot and struggled to find people to play with, especially those who would commit the same amount of time I was putting in. Since Civilization V, time spent is recorded on Steam and between V and VI I’ve logged 7,944.4 hours! Just one more turn indeed.
Recently CIV VI crashes on my PC and I’ve reverted to CIV V. Not too bad as I reckon CIV V is the best from a wargames point of view. So I’m very keen to dive into a whole new world of systems and ideas. Some, as ever, are proving controversial and some seem to be lifted from other games, but I say bring it on.
I’m really looking forward to what CIV VII has to offer. I’m probably not keen enough to pay up to double the price just to get it a week early. There’s too much Yorkshire in my blood for that, but I’m definitely excited.
Split Fiction by Tim Evans
In 2021, Hazelight and EA took the gaming world by storm with the Game of the Year award winner, It Takes Two. Whilst a relatively short title compared to modern gaming giants, It Takes Two and Hazelight’s previous title A Way Out, presented a twist on classic split screen gaming. These were both completely cooperative titles, requiring two players to work together, either in person or online. It Takes Two, in particular, provided a story to pull on the heart strings whilst creatively challenging players with shifting level design throughout the playtime. Alongside this, it also introduced several replay-able competitive mini- games, all wrapped up in a charming story which wouldn’t be out of place in a Pixar blockbuster.
After much rumour and speculation, Hazelight returned to the Game Awards to announce their latest project, Split Fiction. Like previous titles, Split Fiction will be a cooperative game, requiring two players at all times. This will still only require one copy of the title supporting online play with a free “friends pass”, mirroring their own practice from previous games.
This time around we will be centred on two protagonists trapped in a virtual world of their own creation, however the two strangers and their worlds have been thrown together, which promises a mixture of sci-fi and fantasy locations. Similar to previous titles, each level promises different gameplay elements but always with a need to work together as players will have differing, but complementary skill sets in each case.
Having already loved their previous work, this game will be an easy pick up for me to start what promises to be an excellent 2025 of gaming, but if you love a narrative driven game, 3D platformers or adventure titles, or even if you have a non gamer friend to drag along for the ride, check out Split Fiction in March 2025.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A by Lauren Skinner
A new Legends Pokémon game? Sign me up!
As a longtime Pokémon fan, it’s always exciting to dive into old regions in innovative and exciting ways. Legends: Arceus was a thrilling update to the tried-and-true Pokémon formula, allowing us to explore ancient Sinnoh and learning more about how people and Pokémon learned to coexist. I can’t quite explain the excitement of finding a Pokémon in the overworld I hadn’t seen yet, bounding around in its environment, waiting to be caught.
I can only hope Legends: Z-A builds on this iteration.
Set in Lumiose City in the Kalos region from Pokémon X and Y, this game’s sure to be electric. It looks like the city is getting a modern makeover, complete with holographic Pokémon, but carefully keeping its token Parisian influence. The trailer suggests that an “urban redevelopment plan is underway to shape the city into a place that belongs to both people and Pokémon”, which suggests that, after the events of ancient Sinnoh, perhaps now people and Pokémon are ready to co-exist and live together as partners and friends.
It’s likely Mega Evolutions will return. It was a cool concept when X and Y debuted this temporary transformation, but often already powerful or popular Pokémon were given these buffs and slightly altered design, like Gyarados or Blaziken. I’m hoping this time that some weaker final evolutions will be allowed to Mega Evolve in Legends: Z-A, to really start evening out the playing field.
The Z can only mean one thing, right? Zygarde, the unique Dragon/Ground Legendary, will be centred. I think this is a fantastic choice—I’ve always loved Norse mythology, and this Pokémon based on DNA has three main forms that emulate Fenrir, Jörmungandr, and Hel. What a cool concept that I can only hope is explored thoroughly in Z-A.
Roll on the Switch 2!
Ghost of Yotei by Sophie Jones
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Ghost of Tsushima is hands down one of my favourite games of all time. The combat was dynamic, the story captivating, and the scenery…stunning. From writing haikus to slicing through bamboo, every side quest was steeped in history and culture. Sucker Punch created something truly magical, and I adored every second of it.
Fast forward to 2025, and we have Ghost of Yotei on the horizon. Set 300 years after the original, this sequel introduces a new protagonist, Atsu. While it might be bittersweet to say goodbye to Jin Sakai, I’m thrilled to explore a fresh era and location in Japan. The connecting thread between the two is the mysterious legacy of the Ghost, and I can’t wait to see how Atsu's story unfolds.
From the teaser trailer, it’s clear that Ghost of Yotei will be just as visually breathtaking, with vibrant landscapes and sprawling fields of flowers. Combat looks as sharp as ever, with hints at new stances and more strategic duels. Even more exciting is that this will be the first Sucker Punch game built specifically for the PlayStation 5. Given how smooth and innovative Ghost of Tsushima was, I can only imagine what they'll achieve with the new hardware.
What intrigues me most is the story’s setting: Ezo, during the 1600s. At this time, the region wasn’t under Japanese rule, which promises a stark contrast to the rigid samurai traditions of Jin's era. Without the samurai code to push against, how will the Ghost mechanic evolve?
With so many questions left unanswered and a world begging to be explored, Ghost of Yotei is shaping up to be one of my must-play games of 2025. I can't wait to step back into another Sucker Punch masterpiece.
2025 is shaping up to be an epic year for gamers, with a lineup that’s brimming with captivating worlds, gripping stories, and gameplay that promises to keep us hooked. And that’s not even the end of it, there’s a lot of buzz about the possible release of the Switch 2. If that happens, you can bet Nintendo will be serving up a whole new wave of exciting games for us to sink our teeth into.
Whether you’re a veteran player or just dipping your toes into the gaming scene, 2025 is looking like a year filled with unforgettable adventures. What games are you most excited to play? Let us know via the Zatu socials!
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