Shenmue 3 Enhanced: Improved Graphics and Classic Camera Feature Added

**Reflecting on the exceptional games of 2025 in the future, it is often the characters that define them as much as their mechanics or level design. Whether through the heroes we’ve embodied, the villains we’ve confronted, or the fleeting side characters we’ve encountered, the standout games of 2025 introduced memorable newcomers alongside beloved characters with moments worthy of celebration.**

Here are our selections for the top video game characters of 2025.

### Garmond and Zaza – *Hollow Knight: Silksong*
*Hollow Knight: Silksong* features a host of quirky characters, with Garmond and Zaza being particularly unforgettable. This noble little creature and his airborne companion become allies to Hornet after she rescues them from captivity, and Garmond’s battle cry as he charges into one of *Silksong*’s formidable bosses is enough to motivate anyone for battle against the divine.

### Tenna – *Deltarune*
When curating the list of the best characters in gaming each year, it’s essential to include some truly zany personalities. Tenna, the television host with a TV head, stands out in 2025’s lineup. *Deltarune* is filled with vibrant and memorable figures, but few captivate quite like Tenna, whose 1950s variety show host persona is perfectly complemented by the game’s use of Word-Art-style text effects and a 3D model that allows for more lively expression than most characters. While Tenna may disrupt your group’s quest, his flamboyance and unique flair make it hard to be upset. His wild behavior leads to one of *Deltarune*’s most outrageous boss encounters, concealing a profound fear of obscurity that culminates in a heart-wrenching ending.

### Nate – *Baby Steps*
*Baby Steps*, combining the exasperating movement mechanics of *QWOP* with a climbing game akin to *Only Up*, could have easily resigned itself to being a $20 joke game devoid of character growth, yet its protagonist, Nate, showcases considerable depth as he proceeds barefoot up a mountain. Nate’s issues could easily be resolved if he embraced or sought assistance. The sharp humor in *Baby Steps*’ writing transforms moments highlighting Nate’s stubbornness into enjoyable experiences instead of frustrating ones. As the story unfolds, Nate’s profound social anxiety becomes evident, dwarfing any discomfort I’ve felt while placing an order at a restaurant.

### Swann – *Lost Records: Bloom & Rage*
Similar to *Baby Steps*, *Lost Records: Bloom & Rage* serves as a virtual social anxiety simulator, featuring Swann, a teenage introvert navigating her unfamiliar surroundings around a group of girls she’d like to connect with. From the creators of *Life Is Strange*, Don’t Nod, this narrative adventure allows you to shape the dynamics of the girls’ relationships. Regardless of the choices made with Swann, a poignant longing for love and belonging permeates her experience. She’s the type of person who could easily be overshadowed or invited to gatherings but remains excluded from engaging discussions.

### Dollman – *Death Stranding 2: On the Beach*
Dollman, the living puppet from *Death Stranding 2*, could have been a mere comedic figure, yet he evolves into one of the most sorrowful beings in a series filled with despair. You can toss him around for surveying purposes, and when nighttime comes, he shares chilling tales of his eerie doll experiences. Dollman embodies the contrast of serious political themes and absurd humor more vividly than most.

### Hazel – *South of Midnight*
*South of Midnight*’s southern gothic fantasy resonates with me as a former resident of the South. Hazel, the game’s sorceress protagonist, encapsulates many of the region’s finest qualities. She represents the best in humanity: a compassionate individual who aims to assist others while utilizing wit and not hesitating to stand firm against those who respond to her kindness with negativity.

### Pinky – *Promise Mascot Agency*
Pinky presents a charming exterior while harboring a sinister nature. As her name suggests, she’s a detached pinky finger designed to resemble the kind of mascot you might encounter at

## The Future of Tomb Raider: New Adventures and Remakes Unveiled

During the previous week’s Game Awards, Crystal Dynamics shared thrilling updates for enthusiasts of the legendary *Tomb Raider* series, revealing two forthcoming games. The first is named *Tomb Raider Catalyst*, which will advance the journeys of the cherished character, Lara Croft. The second announcement was regarding a remake of the original *Tomb Raider* game, now titled *Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis*. Both titles will be published by Amazon Game Studios, a strategic alliance aimed at elevating Lara Croft into a multimedia icon with several projects unified under a single vision.

### Tomb Raider Under Amazon

In a recent Q&A session, Scot Amos, studio head at Crystal Dynamics, along with game director Will Kerslake, talked about Amazon’s involvement in these upcoming ventures. The *Tomb Raider* franchise has a history of cross-media interpretations, particularly highlighted by the successful Angelina Jolie films. However, the partnership with Amazon aims to create an interconnected universe merging the live-action series with the two new games. Although precise links between *Catalyst* and the upcoming series have not yet been established, the desire to interweave these stories is apparent.

Amos commended the collaboration with Amazon, saying, “From the outset, they’ve grasped the concept of this vision we have for this cross-media franchise.” He stressed the cooperative essence of their relationship, comparing it to talking into a “mirror,” indicating a harmonious alignment of creative insights. Daily meetings and on-site visits from Amazon are crucial for ensuring that development efforts remain synchronized.

Kerslake also underscored the advantages of having a partnership that emphasizes quality and innovation, creating a nurturing environment for the development team to excel.

### Navigating the Past to Shape the Future

As the highly anticipated *Tomb Raider Catalyst* nears its intended release in 2027, it will signify nearly nine years since the last mainline release, *Shadow of the Tomb Raider*, which received mixed reviews but garnered notable sales figures. In the meantime, the franchise has experienced numerous re-releases and remastered versions of classic installments. The launch of *Legacy of Atlantis* prior to *Catalyst* will coincide with the 30th anniversary of the franchise, with Crystal Dynamics ensuring that both projects are managed by separate teams to enhance development.

Amos assured fans that the remake will not impede *Catalyst*, noting that both projects are advancing independently yet cohesively under a unified leadership to preserve the integrity of the *Tomb Raider* lore.

The collaboration with Amazon, initiated through the Fellowship Entertainment subsidiary of the Embracer Group, provides dedicated resources for both titles, cultivating an environment where both teams can prosper without resource competition.

### A New Era for Lara Croft

*Catalyst* is poised to be a crucial title for the franchise, as it progresses the narrative instead of revisiting Lara’s history for the umpteenth time. Crystal Dynamics has crafted the game to be welcoming for newcomers, suggesting a fresh beginning for players. Featuring a new voice actor, Alix Wilton Regan, *Catalyst* indicates a new evolution in Lara Croft’s character, while still honoring the beloved essence of Lara as fans recognize her.

Despite recent tumult at Crystal Dynamics, including layoffs after its acquisition by the Embracer Group, optimism persists that the upcoming games will herald a triumphant resurgence for Lara Croft and the *Tomb Raider* series. As the franchise embarks on this new path, it weaves together legacy and innovation, preparing for a future that promises to engage both long-term fans and new audiences alike.

Saturdays are for eagerly sitting beside the front door to the Treehouse ready to jump up and greet writers as they return home. Sure, most of the team aren’t due back until Monday, but this way I can get really good at saying ‘Here comes trouble’ in just the right intonation. ‘Here comes trouble.’ No, that’s not it. ‘Here comes trouble.’ Better, but it still needs work.

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