It’s been a great year for video games, and we’ve already had a few Holiday Gift Guide entries featuring recommendations for titles the gamers in your life would love. Allow me to drive into the fray now, with a few choice selections.
WWE 2K25
The log line: An immersive, WWE-themed world filled with epic arenas, challenges, and live events. Fight to join the Bloodline with “The Original Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns
The all-new Showcase, hosted by “The Wiseman” Paul Heyman, celebrates one of the most historic family dynasties in wrestling. Relive legendary showdowns or dream matches between The Bloodline and WWE Superstars and Legends
Features intergender wrestling, the return of chain wrestling, Underground and Bloodline Rules match types, barricade diving, and more
Take your show on the road with MyGM, now featuring online multiplayer. Draft WWE Superstars and Legends to your show’s roster and lead your brand through multi-week seasons
New upgrades give greater control over your Universe experience featuring commentary-driven promos with new cutscenes, branching choices, and multiple outcomes
Who it’s for: Fans of sports entertainment or professional wrestling or both; I’ve played WWE 2K25 on both PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2, and it shines on both consoles; it goes without saying that, in my book, it’s the best wrestling game available on either console and is a must-have for any WWE fans.
You can order WWE 2K25 here.
Mafia: The Old Country
The log line: Uncover a Merciless world of Organized Crime – The rough-hewn beauty of Sicily’s rugged countryside is a stark contrast to the grime of urban alleyways—but the treachery and violence of this gangland run just as deep. Rival families and their ruthless leaders wage unending turf wars in the shadows, hidden from the public eye. Trust is a fleeting rarity, and loyalties are worth killing for.
Play a Classic Mob Movie – You’re the antihero of this thrilling 1900s story, living out every tense moment of Enzo’s descent into Sicily’s clandestine criminal underworld. Come face-to-face with a cast of unpredictable allies and cutthroat enemies in this classic crime drama, rich in period-authentic details that will immerse you in this treacherous Mediterranean setting.
Fight to Survive – Engage in life-or-death combat, be it up close with a blade or from afar with a variety of firearms. Ambush enemies for vicious stealth takedowns or slice them up in close-quarters duels. If you prefer firearms, wield period-authentic handguns, rifles, and shotguns to overcome any odds and doggedly eliminate the Don’s enemies.
Travel in Authentic Style – Traverse a wide range of Sicilian environments, from underground crypts and crumbling ruins to bountiful vineyards and ornate opera houses. To reach your next target or make a hurried getaway, you’ll need to gallop on horseback across cobbled streets and open fields, or speed down dirt roads in authentic turn-of-the-century automobiles.
Who it’s for: Anybody who loves classic mob films like Goodfellas and The Godfather Trilogy; Scorsese and Coppola acolytes; fans of 2K’s Mafia series of games.
You can order Mafia: The Old Country here.
Marvel Cosmic Invasion
The log line: Tribute Games and Dotemu are teaming up again, in collaboration with Marvel Games, to craft an original, fresh beat ’em up. Featuring dynamic combat combos and dazzling pixel art, this planet-hopping adventure stands as a love letter to the Marvel Universe.
Spider-Man, Wolverine, She-Hulk, Captain America, Phoenix, Black Panther, Storm and Iron Man, some of the most powerful earth-born Marvel Super Heroes, are ready to face the threat.
But they won’t be alone! Galactic Super Heroes Rocket Raccoon, Beta Ray Bill, Venom, Cosmic Ghost Rider, Nova, Phyla-Vell and the Silver Surfer enter the battle as well to complete the relentless line-up. All will join forces in a star-spanning brawling adventure against the deadly Annihilation Wave.
Who it’s for: Currently available digitally across various platforms, this is for anyone who grew up on Marvel beat-em-up games and is looking for a new, good looking and fun adventure.
You can order Marvel Cosmic Invasion for PlayStation 5, XBOX, and Nintendo Switch 2.
Ghost of Yōtei
The log line: Stunning graphics and gameplay, explore the wild and striking lands around Mount Yotei on foot or horseback. Travel picturesque parts of northern Japan through grasslands, snowy ridges, fields of wildflowers, and more.
Discover renegade combat, engage in lawless katana combat and battles with adversaires. Train with various sensei as you find and learn to use each new weapon.
An unconventional story and journey, take in the cultural beauty of Japan, bathe in an onsen, visit shrines to pray, try Sumi-e painting, and so much more.
Choose your weapon, battle Atsu’s opponents as you see fit, with levelled-up dual katanas, odachi, kusarigama and other new weapons.
Take a cinematic, emotional journey, Atsu’s story goes deeper than defeating her enemies.
Who it’s for: Fans of classic Japanese culture, Akira Kurosawa, and Sony’s highly regarded game, Ghost of Tsushima.
You can order Ghost of Yōtei here.
