One of the strong trends for PlayStation games in recent years (particularly 2025) https://bravompo.net/ is the co‑existence of remastered classics and bold new titles. Many gamers want nostalgia, but they also expect modern polish; they want new experiences, but also the reassurance that what they once loved has received careful, respectful updates. This mix is shaping what people include when they talk about the “best games.”
On the remaster side, The Last of Us Part I & II Remastered continues to be a benchmark. The Guardian and other outlets call them among the best on PS5 because they combine the emotional storytelling originally delivered on older hardware with improved visual fidelity, smoother performance, enhanced textures, and modern control schemes. The Guardian Likewise, older survival horror, action‑adventure, puzzle and RPG titles that once were hardware limited are being refreshed or reissued. Players increasingly expect not only graphics improvements, but quality‑of‑life updates—save points, UI tweaks, load times, etc.
On the new titles front, Ghost of Yōtei stands out among 2025’s best PS5 exclusives. Its narrative of vengeance, stunning visuals, environmental storytelling, and PS5 specific tech like ray tracing and haptic feedback are frequently cited in recent reviews. TechRadar Also, Astro Bot dominates many “best game of the year” conversations—not just for its visuals, but for how well its design captures both challenge and joy. Wikipedia+1
The balance between old and new helps establish what counts as “timeless” or “best.” For example, a remastered older game has to compete not only on legacy, but also on whether its updated version feels smooth, relevant, and able to stand up to modern design expectations. Meanwhile, new games are measured not only by how novel they are, but by whether they feel polished, coherent, and emotionally engaging.
Another factor is genre variety. 2025’s best games lists include action‑adventure, RPGs, survival games, puzzle/data adventure titles, and experimental indie games. Players aren’t just looking for big AAA spectacle, but also narrative depth, strong art direction, music, and creative mechanics. As The Guardian’s lists show, games like Cocoon and Blue Prince (with puzzle and mystery elements) are gaining attention even among classics and blockbusters. The Guardian+1
Finally, what makes many PlayStation games “best” in 2025 is community reception and legacy building. Critical reviews matter, yes; but player sentiment, ongoing updates, mods or expansions, and how long a game stays talked about also play a huge role. Titles that are polished, well‑supported