Happy New Year! That's right, another year has already come and gone here at F5 Games. As always, that means it's time for the annual F5 recap post. We'll review the year for F5 Games and then hand out some awards to games that made an impact on us throughout 2025. So grab a coffee, or drink of your choice, and put your feet up. You've earned it!
F5 Games in 2025
2025 was a good year for F5 Games, but not as great as we had hoped. We had plans to release a new RPG game in 2025 and that unfortunately did not happen. While we are still working on new projects, we just didn't have the resources to handle all of the development challenges we encountered this year, and that made us have to adjust our plans.
We were able to release BlackHearts in early 2025 for the Infinity Game Table, and it has been great to see players enjoy it. BlackHearts is actually 3 card games in one package; you can play the classics, Pitch and Hearts as well a newly designed game, BlackHearts that combines the rules of both games into something exciting and new! If you're a fan of card games, and looking for something to play this New Year's Eve, give it a try!
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BlackHearts - Pitch X Hearts
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2025 F5 Game Awards
Before you run off and start playing BlackHearts, let's take a look at some of the best games to release this year. These are games that captured my playing time and stood out among the thousands of releases over the year. Here are my picks for the best games of 2025.
Best Action Game - SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance
In a year when we got a new entry in the DOOM franchise, it is saying a lot that a 2D ninja game is my pick for Best Action Game, but here we are!
Lizardcube's hand-drawn 2D platformer resurrected SEGA's ninja icon with precise katana combos, ninjutsu, and high octane action gameplay. Nominated for TGA Best Action Game, it excelled in nearly every aspect with flashy combat, great level design, excellent visuals and a standout soundtrack. It felt like the '2D Ninja Doom Eternal' that we didn't know we needed, and I loved every minute of it.
Best Indie Game - Ball x Pit
Keny Sun's roguelite brick-breaker stole my heart in 2025. In much the same way that Balatro consumed my gaming time in 2024, Ball x Pit sunk its talons into me early and never let go. The gameplay loop of diving into a run though the pit, which unlocks new buildings in the overworld, which improves your abilities in the pit just can't be beat.
It's the perfect game for Switch 2 or Steam Deck, and with 3 new content updates planned for 2026, I know it's a game I'll be playing for a long time to come.
Best Platforming Game - Donkey Kong Bananza
Donkey Kong made a triumphant return in this Switch 2 exclusive. It combined the joyful platforming of Super Mario Odyssey with amazing destruction physics that never got old. It also helps that no one knows how to build gameplay over the course of a game like Nintendo.
There is always something new coming DK's way as you delve deeper and deeper into the underworld. Pauline as the cute sidekick is just icing on the cake, and one more reason this is a must play.
F5 Game of the Year for 2025 - Hollow Knight: Silksong
Team Cherry's long-awaited sequel had crushing expectations to meet, and it could have been enough to doom this game before it was ever given a chance to shine. When your game release simultaneously crashes every digital storefront, you know expectations are running high. The fact that Silksong not only met the expectations heaped on it, but actually exceeded them, is a testament to the ability of Team Cherry.
Hollow Knight: Silksong was the best game of 2025, it tested us with difficult platforming and combat that gave no quarter, and made us better for it. If you made it to the end of Hornet's journey you will be a better game player, there is just no other way to accomplish the feat. Its art style and soundtrack are stellar, its world drips atmosphere from every area and enemy. It's a near-perfect game, with a world and story that you won't want to leave behind. Hollow Knight: Silksong cements Team Cherry as one of the greats, and we can't wait to see what comes next
Let's See What 2026 Has In Store
As this year comes to a close we want to say how thankful we are for all of our players. Your support allows us to continue doing something that we love, and we can't thank you enough for that opportunity. Thank you all so much for playing our games, reading our posts, and following us on social media. From everyone here at F5 Games, we wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year for 2026!
