September 2025 Delivers Top Video Games Amid High Expectations

September 2025 has emerged as a standout month for video game enthusiasts, showcasing a remarkable array of titles that have garnered critical acclaim. With several games achieving scores above 90, this month has set a high bar for the industry. Among these, three titles have distinguished themselves as the best of the month, while others have unfortunately underperformed.

Outstanding Releases This Month

The first highlight, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, is a comprehensive remaster of the iconic PlayStation 1 strategy RPG. This version offers two gameplay modes: an enhanced edition featuring quality of life updates and a classic version that stays true to the original experience. Additionally, it includes restored content from the Japanese PS1 release, previously unavailable in North America. A review noted that “Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles’ gameplay is the pinnacle of the strategy JRPG genre,” underscoring its significant impact on tactical gaming.

Next, Hollow Knight: Silksong marks the long-awaited sequel to the acclaimed Metroidvania title, Hollow Knight. Initially announced in 2021, it has become one of the most anticipated releases over the last several years. Our reviewer highlighted that it “carries the spirit of the original while introducing fresh mechanics that shape a remarkable adventure,” making it another worthy addition to the month’s best offerings.

The third title to receive accolades is Silent Hill f, the first Japanese-developed entry in the Silent Hill franchise since Silent Hill 4: The Room. Set in Japan, this installment features unique floral visuals and a narrative crafted by renowned writer Ryukishi07, known for his work on Higurashi When They Cry. Although some critiques have been directed at its combat mechanics, the game still managed to score an impressive 90/100, affirming its place among the top releases.

Disappointing Titles of the Month

In contrast to these standout titles, September 2025 also saw the release of several highly anticipated games that failed to meet expectations. Notably, Borderlands 4, despite its hype and a respectable score of 89/100, did not secure a spot in the positive rankings. The game, while enjoyable, fell short of the exceptional standards set by its predecessors.

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, these releases underscore both the potential for innovation and the challenges developers face in meeting the high expectations of players. The successes of Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Silent Hill f showcase the creativity and dedication of the industry, while the underwhelming performances of others serve as a reminder of the competitive nature of game development.

With many more titles set to release in the coming months, gamers will be eager to see if this trend of quality continues into the remainder of 2025.