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# Contemplating the Top Games of 2025

As we wrap up another year, it’s the perfect moment to contemplate the top games of 2025 and the unique experiences they offered. While I previously discussed my preferred titles from 2024, this year’s lineup feels particularly vibrant and infused with fresh enthusiasm. My gaming journey has been rejuvenated, culminating in a selection of ten extraordinary games that distinguished themselves in 2025.

## 10. *Dead Take*

Surgent Studio’s escape room horror title, *Dead Take*, seized my attention in unexpected ways. While its reliance on jump scares is clear, the storyline delves into the murkier sides of creativity and rivalry within the industry. As players traverse an abandoned mansion, they uncover unsettling truths about ambition and betrayal that resonate deeply with individuals who’ve strived for acknowledgment in competitive arenas.

## 9. *Split Fiction*

Although it received a somewhat tepid response, *Split Fiction* remains a standout for its groundbreaking storytelling and team-based platforming mechanics. Hazelight Studios crafts an experience that embodies the spirit of cooperative gameplay, climaxing in an impressive level that weaves together various narrative strands into a harmonious experience. The adventure through imaginative realms encapsulates the creativity and hurdles faced by writers.

## 8. *Goodnight Universe*

Building upon the emotional richness of *Before Your Eyes*, *Goodnight Universe* undertook a formidable challenge and, while it might not completely rival its predecessor, it still strikes a chord. Utilizing eye-tracking technology to connect diverse narratives, it examines the intricacies of human relationships and the emotional journeys we navigate. The closing moments provide a poignant conclusion, establishing it as a significant contender.

## 7. *Lost Records: Bloom & Rage*

This title taps into the deep-rooted fears of public speaking and connection, designed for those who often feel marginalized. Don’t Nod’s narrative framework captures the subtleties of youthful recollections and adult contemplation, enabling players to introspect on their own connections. The interplay of nostalgia and trauma intertwines beautifully, serving as a reminder of the enduring marks left by our early years.

## 6. *Digimon Story: Time Stranger*

*Digimon Story: Time Stranger* evokes nostalgia alongside innovative gameplay. The ability to assemble a team of distinctive Digimon from the outset not only customizes the experience but also fosters an emotional bond throughout the gaming adventure. Revisiting beloved monsters in this RPG crafts a unique and profoundly personal narrative.

## 5. *Fretless – The Wrath of Riffson*

*Fretless* merges rhythm elements with tactical deck-building, offering a refreshingly captivating battle system that feels instinctive and rewarding. It’s a tribute to rhythm game aficionados, integrating musical components that enhance gameplay and stir memories of bygone musical experiences, rekindling aspects of myself I assumed were dormant.

## 4. *Shuten Order*

*Shuten Order* skillfully intertwines several narratives into a unified experience. With a protagonist compelled to disentangle her own murder mystery, each route reveals distinct mechanics and story arcs, highlighting Too Kyo Games’ ingenuity. The game effectively motivates players to explore every path to reveal the truth, ensuring each playthrough feels unique.

## 3. *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*

From its initial moments, *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* forges a deep emotional connection. Its engaging narrative and complex battle mechanics elevate it beyond conventional RPGs. The journey through grief and the human experience is compelling, offering a raw and unfiltered depiction of loss and resilience that lingers well after the game concludes.

## 2. *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*

This installment of the Pokémon series resonates on an emotional level with its story set against a vibrant city backdrop. Innovative real-time battles intertwined with community themes strike a chord with my personal experiences and relationships. As I explore Lumiose City with my cherished Pokémon, the notion of connection and safety within these familiar environments rings true.

## 1. *The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy*

Topping my list is *The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy*, an ambitious visual novel/RPG that enthralls with its richness and narrative intricacy. The choice-driven plot presents daunting possibilities, making the journey through its varied endings both exhilarating and intimidating. This game shines as a masterclass in storytelling, artfully merging emotional depth with an engaging gameplay experience.

Reflecting on these titles unveils a varied gaming landscape in 2025, highlighting innovation, emotional resonance, and creative narrative. Each game not only entertained but also provided profound insights into the human condition, making this year truly exceptional in the annals of gaming history.

### Discovering Affordable Quality: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Earbuds

Locating reliable in-ear headphones that offer excellent sound, a snug fit, and satisfactory battery life can often prove to be a challenge. Usually, when you finally find a trustworthy pair, the cost can be quite high. Luckily, there’s a fantastic choice available today.

The **2nd-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra wireless noise-canceling earbuds** are currently listed at **$249 on Amazon**, reflecting a price cut of **$50** from their standard price. This offer is further enhanced with a **60-day complimentary trial** to Audible included.

#### Various Listening Modes

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds excel with a customizable fit, providing **nine combinations of eartips and stability bands** to guarantee a flawless match for every user. The umbrella-shaped tips form a seal in the ear canal, effectively preventing external noise. Amplifying the listening experience is **CustomTune technology**, which assesses the shape of your ear and modifies the audio output accordingly.

The audio quality is outstanding, and users benefit from several listening modes:

– **Quiet Mode**: Active noise cancellation is activated, eliminating all background interruptions such as laughter, conversation, and traffic, perfect for concentrating or enjoying music without distractions.

– **Aware Mode**: This option permits some environmental sounds to come through while providing high-quality audio, allowing users to relish their music while remaining conscious of their surroundings.

– **Immersion Mode**: Merges noise cancellation with Bose Immersive Audio for a more lifelike sound journey.

– **Cinema Mode**: Balances surrounding sounds and audio effects, simulating a theater-like experience for video and movie content.

For telephone conversations, the **Bose SpeechClarity technology** employs noise-rejecting microphones to enhance voice clarity, which is especially beneficial in noisy settings such as cafes or busy public transportation.

#### Battery Life and Charging Options

The battery life is remarkable, offering about **6 hours of playback** in Quiet or Aware Mode and up to **4 hours** while utilizing Immersive Audio. The supplied charging case can recharge the earbuds up to three times, providing convenience for users on the move. Additionally, the earbuds support both wireless and wired charging via USB-C, allowing flexibility in charging methods. Users are encouraged to download the **Bose app** to keep their earbuds updated and gain access to new features as they are released.

#### Pricing and Availability

Typically retailing for around **$299**, this temporary **17% reduction** makes the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds an appealing buy. Available in different color variants like black, plum, gold, violet, and white, there’s an option to match anyone’s aesthetic tastes.

In conclusion, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra wireless noise-canceling earbuds notably enhance the user experience, delivering top-notch audio and versatile functionality at a more affordable price.

2025 had video games. 2026 will have video games. GTA 6 might be one of those video games. However, it’s currently only pencilled in for console next year. Not that I considered writing about it in this sort of article two years running, just for a laugh. That’d be hackish and beneath the level I hold myself to. Well, by about three millimeters.

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### The Significance of Gimbal Stabilizers in Videography

Have you ever encountered this situation? You’re documenting a significant event on your mobile device, perhaps your child preparing to score their first goal in a youth soccer match. You opt to sprint alongside them, phone in hand, attempting to seize the moment. However, when you review the recording later, you find it to be a jarring, unviewable disaster. The video jolts with every step, making it nearly impossible to discern what is happening.

That’s why anyone who is committed to videography, whether as a profession or a pastime, should think about incorporating a gimbal stabilizer into their equipment. Amazon currently has fantastic year-end promotions with significant discounts on DJI’s mobile stabilizers. For instance, the DJI Osmo Mobile 7P, typically sold for $129, is now available for just $109.

#### Specifications of the DJI Osmo Mobile 7P

Although the Osmo Mobile 7 and 7P have many similar attributes, the 7P comes with a few enhancements. One primary distinction is that the 7P features a retractable extension rod integrated into the handle, which adds extra flexibility, letting you use it as either a selfie stick or a tripod. It’s worth spending a bit more for that versatility in usage.

Securing your phone to the gimbal is effortless due to DJI’s magnetic connection system. This allows you to start recording right away with minimal complications.

#### Built-in Tracking

The Osmo Mobile 7P is equipped with smart tracking capabilities that significantly enhance your filming experience. They can automatically follow your subject, maintaining camera stability and eliminating any shaky movements. Even if your subject unexpectedly changes course, the gimbal adapts to keep them in focus. If the subject temporarily goes out of sight, like behind a tree, the gimbal will keep tracking, ensuring your footage remains smooth and consistent.

If you’re shooting alone and wish to utilize selfie mode, you’re all set. Just transform the handle into a tripod, allowing the gimbal to stand on its own. You can manage the shot remotely with simple hand gestures. For example, raising your palm will initiate or halt the tracking, while forming a “double-L” with your thumbs will enable you to modify the framing. A “V” or peace sign will command the camera to capture a photo or start/stop video recording.

The battery performance of this model is remarkable, lasting up to 10 hours on a single charge. Once you finish filming, the gimbal easily folds into a compact, portable size, making it convenient for transport.

With this DJI stabilizer for both iPhone and Android devices, you’ll no longer need to stress about shaky footage.

## Elevate Your Audio Experience with Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds

A quality pair of earbuds can greatly improve your enjoyment of your favorite tunes. If you’re thinking about an upgrade, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds are a superb selection. Boasting high-fidelity sound, cutting-edge noise cancellation, and effortless connectivity with Apple devices, these earbuds are currently on sale.

You can acquire them for **$199** (reduced from the original price of **$249**) directly from Amazon. [Seize this sale here.](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/6363/)

### Earbuds That Deliver Outstanding Sound

The AirPods Pro 3 are equipped with Active Noise Cancellation technology, crafted to eliminate background sounds, providing a clear audio experience whether you’re commuting in busy traffic or relaxing at home. This feature intelligently adjusts to your surroundings, ensuring maximum engagement.

For times you need to stay aware of your environment—like in crowded restaurants or while navigating airports—Transparency Mode allows outside sounds in, keeping you alert without needing to take out your earbuds.

Regarding audio quality, these earbuds shine with their balanced sound profile, delivering clear high frequencies and deep bass that brings music alive. The Adaptive Equalizer (Adaptive EQ) further personalizes your listening experience by adjusting sound to suit the unique contours of your ears, removing the necessity for manual EQ tuning.

### Comfort and Personalization

Comfort plays a vital role for extended use. The AirPods Pro 3 come with multiple ear tip sizes, enabling you to discover the ideal fit for maximum comfort. Once properly adjusted, the earbuds fit comfortably without being excessively tight, making them perfect for lengthy listening sessions or workouts.

Additionally, these earbuds are engineered to be water and sweat resistant, making them sturdy enough to withstand light rain or perspiration during vigorous activities.

### Remarkable Battery Life

Battery life is another aspect where the AirPods Pro 3 stand out. They offer several hours of audio playback on a single charge, and their compact charging case provides extra power for longer use. When it’s time to recharge, simply place the earbuds in the case to initiate charging right away. Once the case is low on power, recharge it and enjoy your music yet again.

### Final Thoughts

For only **$199**, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds represent a great investment for those looking for high-end audio, especially if you are already integrated into the Apple ecosystem. They not only enhance your music enjoyment but also merge cutting-edge technology with style and comfort.

[Shop now on Amazon and enjoy these headphones for yourself.](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/6363/)

Welcome to the third ever RPS 100: Readers Edition. This is the (nearly) annual tradition of you, RPS readers, telling us where we went wrong in our annual tradition of trying to fit all of our favourite games into a list of the 100 best PC games of all time.

The list below is your list, voted for by your fellow readers.

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Staying competitive in World of Warcraft with limited time

The post How To Keep Up in Modern World of Warcraft appeared first on Gamezebo.

We eight scribes from RPS are,
Bearing jokes, we wrote in the past,
Christmas crackers, god we’re knackered,
After twelve months of graft.

O, reader of wonder, loved the most,
Why not subscribe to Supporters posts?
January leading, still proceeding,
See you once we’ve munched our roasts.

But first, time to enjoy your lovely joke!

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**The Surprises and Joys in a Tumultuous Year for Gaming**

2025 has proven to be a contentious year for the gaming world, characterized by concerns over the increase of AI-generated content and corporate greed jeopardizing cherished franchises. Nevertheless, amid these difficulties, both gamers and developers have discovered numerous bright moments and reasons to celebrate. Here, we look back on ten of the most delightful surprises and positive developments that surfaced throughout the year, reminding us that there’s still ample reason for optimism as we look ahead.

### **1. Elden Ring Nightreign Flourishes**
The gaming community was initially wary when FromSoftware revealed their shift from single-player action RPGs to an online multiplayer experience, *Elden Ring Nightreign*. Contrary to what many thought, it offered a distinctive blend of genres that expanded the *Elden Ring* universe and encouraged social interactions among players. The game surpassed expectations, solidifying its position as a possible frontrunner in a new era of cooperative gaming adventures.

### **2. Star Wars: Fate of The Old Republic Unveiled**
A standout moment of 2025 was the unexpected announcement of *Star Wars: Fate of The Old Republic*, a new single-player RPG helmed by the beloved game developer Casey Hudson. While fans were thrilled, they tempered their enthusiasm as the project remains years from its release, but the excitement over a spiritual successor to *Knights of the Old Republic* had many buzzing with eagerness.

### **3. Digital Foundry and Giant Bomb Become Independent**
In a challenging landscape for digital media, *Digital Foundry* and *Giant Bomb* made significant strides by becoming fully independent. This transformation signaled the dawn of a new era for content creation in gaming media, promising a revival of thoughtful, detailed analysis free from corporate constraints, and rekindling the essence of authentic gaming journalism.

### **4. Nintendo Introduces Virtual Boy Emulation to the Switch Online Catalog**
In a surprising move, Nintendo revealed the inclusion of Virtual Boy games in the Switch Online service, accompanied by retro emulation accessories. This revival of a somewhat obscure piece of gaming history delighted fans and demonstrated Nintendo’s readiness to embrace its past, revitalizing a lesser-known aspect of its legacy.

### **5. Terminator 2D: No Fate Was Worth The Wait**
The debut of *Terminator 2D: No Fate* surpassed lofty expectations, presenting exhilarating arcade-style action paired with stunning pixel art. Despite facing several delays, the final product was praised for encapsulating the spirit of the classic film and positioning itself among the finest in its genre, bringing joy to fans who had been eagerly anticipating its release.

### **6. Helldivers 2 Launches on Xbox, Gears Of War Reaches PlayStation**
The walls of console exclusivity began to crumble in 2025, with *Gears of War: Reloaded* being released on PlayStation 5 and *Helldivers 2* making its way to Xbox. This groundbreaking occurrence symbolizes a potential future of cross-platform gaming that could simplify access for players, no matter what console they own.

### **7. Id Software, Bethesda, and Ubisoft Studios Form Unions**
As the gaming sector faced its share of challenges, labor movements gained momentum with unionization campaigns at prominent studios such as Id Software and Bethesda. This advancement marked a shift toward enhancing working conditions for game developers, a positive indicator for the industry’s future.

### **8. Fortnite’s Mini-Simpsons Season Was A Hit**
Epic Games surprised many with a brilliantly executed mini-season of *Fortnite* themed around *The Simpsons*. The incorporation of cherished characters and settings proved successful, leading to enjoyable gameplay and a nostalgic journey for fans, highlighting that crossover events can enhance rather than detract from the experience.

### **9. Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Unexpectedly Released**
Bethesda grabbed attention with the surprising shadow-drop of *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered*. This tactic of launching a significant title without prior promotional hype not only thrilled fans but also set a potential new precedent for how games could be unveiled in the future.

### **10. Hollow Knight: Silksong Finally Debuts After Extensive Anticipation**
Releasing at last after years of waiting, *Hollow Knight: Silksong* built on the success of its predecessor while retaining its beloved elements. The game has proven to be an exceptional sequel, illustrating that patience in game development can truly yield remarkable results.

As we contemplate 2025, it becomes evident that even amid adversity, the gaming industry continues to innovate, astonish, and delight its community. These moments foster hope that the future promises even greater excitement for both developers and gamers alike.

**Beats Studio Pro Headphones: Outstanding Audio at an Accessible Cost**

Are you on the hunt for a new set of headphones that deliver impressive sound without breaking the bank? You might be surprised, but you can grab a pair of Beats Studio Pro headphones at an excellent value. And they sound fantastic, too.

The Beats Studio Pro are just what you need, and they’re budget-friendly. You can snag them on Amazon for $179.95, reflecting a $170.05 (49%) reduction from their original price of $349.95. In our opinion, that’s a remarkable price reduction.

### Headphones with Deep Bass and Bright Treble in a Stylish Design

This model is ideal for anyone wanting to dive deep into whatever activity they’re engaged in (enjoying music, podcasts, etc.). Their ear cups are plush and incredibly comfortable, allowing for prolonged wear without discomfort. The adjustable headband enables you to customize the fit of the headphones, letting you tighten or loosen them according to your preference.

The Beats Studio Pro shine in delivering top-notch audio. These headphones render precise and intricate sound regardless of your music taste. The bass is rich and resonant without overshadowing the midrange and treble. Moreover, the clarity of vocals is sharp and distinct.

Another advantage of the Beats Studio Pro is the active noise cancellation feature that reduces surrounding noise so you can concentrate on your audio without interruptions. Wherever you find yourself (on a busy train, in a bustling office, etc.), the ANC feature can create a notable difference. Additionally, the Studio Pro headphones include a “Transparency Mode” feature that allows external sounds in so you’re aware of your surroundings even while wearing the headphones.

Regarding battery performance, the Beats Studio Pro can deliver hours of listening time on a single charge. Besides the impressive battery life, the headphones’ carrying case is designed to quickly recharge them, getting you back to enjoyment in no time. The headphones support fast charging, providing a significant battery boost in a brief period.

Overall, the Beats Studio Pro merge robust sound, comfort, and smart features in a product that not only looks appealing but also delivers outstanding performance. With the current discount, you won’t come across a better offer for a while, especially with the holiday gifting season coming to a close. So, you should secure yours while you have the chance.