Hey there, fellow gamers and curious onlookers! Picture this: a year like 2025 that might have been packed with straight A's for the kids and wild costume parties for the adults on social media, or perhaps a chaotic mess with just a few scattered moments of joy. But deep down, are we even real anymore, or are we all just glitchy AI constructs sporting Sydney Sweeney's perfect smile? That's the wild ride we're on, and it makes you wonder—what truly anchors us in the chaos? Well, I've rounded up my family (whether they liked it or not) to dive into the one thing that matters above all in any wild year: the video games that brought us the most joy. Buckle up, because this isn't just a list—it's a heartfelt journey through our gaming highs and lows. But here's where it gets controversial: are we secretly addicted to these digital escapes, or are they the best therapy money can't buy?
First off, let's talk about the game our eldest daughter played the most: Just Dance 2024, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Pikmin. 'Why can't you just pick one?' I asked, poking fun. 'This isn't my column,' she shot back, deadpan. On her phone, she's been engrossed in Cityscapes, all while hunting for decent healthcare. 'In the game?' I queried. 'Nope, in real life,' she replied, highlighting how gaming can mirror our everyday struggles. It's a reminder that even fluffy dance titles like Just Dance can be a break from the grind, teaching rhythm and fun in ways that build confidence for beginners.
For our middle son, the game he played the most was Overwatch. 'I don't touch phone games,' he said, almost offended by my question. 'I respect that,' I nodded, appreciating his focus on console experiences that demand strategy and team play. This shooter emphasizes coordination and quick thinking, perfect for teens honing their reflexes—though it can spark debates on whether competitive games foster healthy competition or just frustration.
Our youngest daughter dove deepest into Resident Evil Biohazard. Aspiring to theater school, she balanced singing with intense zombie-slaying sessions. She also raved about her triumphs in The Sims, where her shark-inhabited utopia boasts superior healthcare compared to what her sister deals with in reality. Resident Evil, a horror adventure series, tests bravery and puzzle-solving, making it a thrilling escape that beginners might find approachable with its cinematic storytelling. And the Sims? It's a life simulation game where you build worlds—ideal for creative minds exploring 'what if' scenarios.
My wife logged the most time with Crash Bandicoot: It's About Time. She kicked off the year at 60% completion and wrapped up at 82%, treating it like a leisurely marathon rather than a race. On her phone, she's hooked on Woodle, a puzzle app where you unscrew virtual pins to progress. Crash Bandicoot is a classic platformer with retro charm and new twists, great for casual players who enjoy light-hearted challenges without the pressure of hardcore gaming.
Now, the game I teased my kids for still loving: Minecraft. Spotting my 21-year-old son playing it, I'd launch into a comedy routine, channeling Steve Martin or Joe Pesci to 'toughen him up' for 'grown-up' games. It's that classic Scottish dad-son banter, poking fun at timeless creativity. Minecraft, a sandbox world-building game, encourages imagination and problem-solving—perfect for all ages, and this is the part most people miss: it never loses its magic, even as we 'grow up.'
The most impressive gamer in the family for 2025? Hands down, our eldest daughter on Just Dance 2024. She's unstoppable, outshining my own glory days grooving to The Cure's Lovecats on Dancing Stage MegaMix. Dance games like this blend fitness and fun, proving rhythm isn't just for kids.
For me, the game I played the most was Marvel Snap. I poured countless hours into this masterful deck-building card game, like a wizard's poker showdown with ever-shifting cards and modes. For newcomers, it's like building superhero teams in a fast-paced battle, evolving constantly to keep things fresh.
But then, the game I wish I'd played less: Marvel Snap. Here's where it gets controversial—the constant updates and FOMO-driven microtransactions turn love into loathing, making you feel like you're endlessly chasing the next shiny thing. Is this genius design or clever manipulation? You tell me in the comments!
On the flip side, the game I wish I'd played more: Doom: The Dark Ages. This stunning revival of a classic cranks up the immersion from the start, letting you blast demons with visceral satisfaction. If only real-life woes evaporated that easily—gore aside, it's a testament to how shooters can be cathartic escapes.
And for a more cerebral pick, the game I wish I'd devoted more time to: Blue Prince. I won't rush this gem; it's unique and deserves patience. With my mom visiting over the holidays, I'll sneak in sessions after a few proseccos. Think of it as a thoughtful adventure game that rewards deep engagement, not quick plays.
The game that rescued my soul when I needed it most: Balatro. Though it exploded in 2024, I discovered it late, and wow—it's flawless. Crazy Poker meets imaginative Joker powers, plus witty card art, creating a gripping experience I'd play anytime, even in a stuck elevator. For beginners, it's a roguelike deck-builder that's accessible yet endlessly replayable.
The game I faced the most backlash for critiquing: Outer Worlds 2. After a mini-drama over the Paintress boss bug ruining Clair Obscur for me, I still admire its epic scale in art, sound, acting, and battles. A reader emailed me (via my site) calling my review 'bitter, confused resentment' and my son an idiot—presented verbatim for the passion! It raises questions: do bugs define a game, or does ambition outweigh flaws? And this is the part most people miss: even criticisms can highlight hidden strengths.
The game everyone adored that I just didn't connect with: Hollow Knight: Silksong. Give me a tough, exploratory Metroidvania-style adventure with vague hints, and I'm out. It looks stunning and is peak for fans, but in my mid-fifties, I'd rather avoid polyester-level nostalgia. Is old-school difficulty a rite of passage, or just outdated? Debate below!
The biggest gaming scandal of 2025? A tie between EA's cozy ties with Jared Kushner and the Saudis (check this Vanity Fair link for the full story), and Outer Worlds 2's steep £70 price. Both scream ethical nightmares—corporate greed over creativity?
Games I'd name future kids after (if I were crazy enough): Clair Obscur, Despelote, and Bananza—fun to shout at dinnertime!
The body part aching most from gaming: My right thumb joint. Blame it on controllers or endless scrolling, but it stings like sulfur mines. Moral of the story: insure those thumbs!
The game I'm most hyped for in 2026: GTA 6. It'll drop in 2026, universe be damned!
And for 2036, the one I can't wait for: The Witcher 4. Dreams of epic tales await.
What about you? Did 2025's games mirror your family's chaos, or were they pure escape? Agree with my picks, or think I'm missing out on Silksong's charm? Share your thoughts and controversies in the comments—let's discuss!
