August 2025 delivered some of the year’s most exciting releases, including Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater, Gears of War: Reloaded, and Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. With Metacritic scores ranging from 74 to 88, this compact but stellar lineup proved that remakes, reboots, and indies can all shine. From Cold War stealth missions to gritty cover shooters and meditative desert surfing, here are the top five games that defined August 2025, based on reviews, critical acclaim, and player buzz.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
| PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Konami’s remake of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is a faithful yet modernized take on the 2004 classic. Set in 1960s Russia, you play as Naked Snake on a Cold War stealth mission, complete with Unreal Engine 5 visuals, revamped audio, and updated controls. The iconic story, quirky bosses, and new camouflage system shine here more than ever.
IGN called it “a faithful, visually impressive remake of the 2004 classic” (8/10), while GameSpot praised its “timeless tale” (9/10). With a Metacritic score of 85/100, it’s already being recognized as a must-play for both stealth veterans and newcomers.
Related: Check our Games of the Week | Aug 24–30, 2025 for more on Snake Eater’s launch window.
Gears of War: Reloaded
| PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
This remaster of the original Gears of War brings Marcus Fenix’s Locust-battling saga to PlayStation for the first time. With 4K visuals, 120 FPS multiplayer, and all post-launch content included, it’s the definitive version. Cross-play and cross-progression further enhance its gritty cover-shooter action.
Tom’s Guide declared it a “truly beautiful remaster” (8/10), while Dexerto states “retains all of the bloody magic that made it special in the first place” (8/10). Metacritic averages 79/100, making it a nostalgic hit for veterans and a fresh start for PS5 players.
Mafia: The Old Country
| PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Hangar 13’s prequel takes the Mafia series to 1900s Sicily, following Enzo Favara’s rise in the mob. This linear, story-driven shooter prioritizes narrative depth, period authenticity, and intense gunplay over open-world sprawl, delivering a tight 15–20 hour campaign.
IGN praised its “wonderful eye and ear for detail” approach (8/10). With a Metacritic average of 74/100, it’s a cinematic gem for fans of The Godfather or anyone craving a story-rich shooter.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance
| PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Switch
Dotemu and Tribute Games revive Shinobi with a 2D action-platformer blending retro ninja combat and modern polish. As Joe Musashi, you slice through feudal Japan with stylish combos and precise platforming. Crisp pixel-art visuals and a soundtrack from Yuzo Koshiro elevate the experience.
COGconnected called it “fast, fluid, and fiercely fun” (9/10). A Metacritic score of 87/100 makes it a standout for fans of Streets of Rage 4 or anyone craving a modern retro throwback.
Sword of the Sea
| PS5, PC
Giant Squid’s latest is a meditative adventure where you surf a “Hoversword” across wave-like deserts to revive a buried ocean. Inspired by Journey, it blends fluid movement, light puzzles, and stunning visuals for a poetic 6–8 hour experience.
Game Informer proclaimed “the ease and speed of movement is Sword of the Sea’s primary highlight” (8.5/10), and PC Gamer said its style “left me open-mouthed in terms of spectacle and beauty” (7.8/10). With a Metacritic score of 88/100, it’s a serene standout in August’s otherwise action-heavy lineup.
Wrapping Up August 2025
August may have been light on quantity but massive on quality, with remakes like Snake Eater standing shoulder-to-shoulder with stylish indies such as Sword of the Sea. These five releases show the variety and strength of today’s gaming landscape, blending nostalgia with fresh ideas.
September is already shaping up to be even bigger, with Hollow Knight: Silksong and Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion leading the charge. We’ll continue tracking September’s biggest launches in our weekly coverage, so check back every Thursday for the latest Games of the Week. For a full look at what’s coming this week, check out our Games of the Week | Sept 1–7, 2025.