I’ve always enjoyed the annual “Games We Played” videos from My Life in Gaming. This opportunity to close out the year, looking back at the pair’s play history, has always entertained and often prompted me to think, “I should play that”.
While 2025 may not be over just yet, I wanted to air my thoughts on the games I’ve played so far this year. Spoilers: a good chunk of titles feature Mario and Batman.
Here’s everything I’ve played and bought between the start of 2025 and the release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A!
Games Beaten
Donkey Kong Country Returns
Nintendo Switch
When Donkey Kong Country Returns returned (again) in January 2025, it’d been over a decade since I last played Retro Studios’ Kong caper, so what better place to start? Within a week or so, I’d cleared the first seven worlds before life got in the way of things.
The truth is, that week in January aside, I didn’t game much for most of 2025. It wouldn’t be until August that I finally crossed off my first beat of the year.
From what I remember of my playthrough on 3DS in 2014, Returns had become a slog to the finish.
I had hoped after a decade I’d have renewed faith in this retro revival, but alas, no. While a solid platforming game, I found myself experiencing the same frustrations, and once again, this was another game to simply get off the list.
Retrospectively, I lament the fact that there is no definitive version of the game.
Yes, the Nintendo Switch release has all the extra content and control improvements from the Nintendo 3DS version while running at the highest resolution of the three releases, but only achieves half the frame rate of the buttery smooth Wii original and suffers from long loading times.
Developer Forever Entertainment has also failed to replicate the nuances of the original’s art style, resulting in an “almost there” facsimile of Retro Studios’ work.
It reminds me of when a family member showed me an AI-upscaled image of my late grandmother.
Sure, it’s technically higher resolution, but those idiosyncratic details I remember have been lost in translation. It’s not overly egregious, but for those who have the original still around, maybe show it some more love.
This is a title where I’ve cleared the final boss, but have left the post-game content and challenge modes alone.
Pokémon Snap
Nintendo Switch (Nintendo 64)
I first got into retro gaming during the Wii era, thanks to Virtual Console. The first game I beat on the service was Pokémon Snap. That game subsequently became the first Nintendo 64 cartridge I owned.
In the 15 years since that first playthrough, I’ve played this game a bunch: Nintendo 64 (PAL cartridge), Wii Virtual Console (PAL), Wii Virtual Console (NTSC), and Wii U Virtual Console (PAL). So when I first loaded up Pokémon Snap via Nintendo Classics a few years ago and got to Professor Oak’s Check, I was disappointed.
This is a game I know well, and the emulation isn’t perfect here.
There’s a counter that ticks up per photograph taken. On all those earlier releases, including prior emulations, the number of photographs taken shoots up, whereas under emulation on Nintendo Switch, the number seems to move at a pace not too dissimilar from the health bar in the Generation IV titles.
Originally, this soured my whole opinion of Nintendo 64 emulation on the service; however, the reality is this minor blip is not indicative of the overall experience and doesn’t actually impact gameplay in any meaningful way.
Taking my wannabe Digital Foundry glasses off and simply playing the game, I found myself enjoying the experience, re-capturing the experience of snapping the Pokémon of yesteryear. It reminded me that games don’t need to be overly complex, lengthy, or challenging to be enjoyable.
While a short experience, Pokémon Snap remains one of those easy-breezy Sunday afternoon start-and-beat titles and has (again) renewed my love of retro gaming.
Super Mario Land
Nintendo Switch (Game Boy)
Continuing the trend of retreading retro re-releases, I revisited the first 3DS Virtual Console title I ever picked up—Super Mario Land.
Truth be told, I absolutely hated this game when I did my only playthrough in 2011. Having grown up with its sequel, Super Mario Land felt like a prototype too far removed from the polished platforming experiences I’d come to expect from Nintendo’s plumber.
I can’t say my opinion has drastically changed.
I do now appreciate the technological achievement of this 1989 launch title, but I can’t say I’ll be rushing to relive the experience thrice over. The sequel, however, is another story.
Video Games Chronicles (VGC) recently ranked this title at number 12—above Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins—in their “The 40 best Super Mario games of all time”.
I guess you just had to be there.
Batman: Arkham Asylum (Batman: Return to Arkham)
PlayStation 4
Another title that lost character in the journey to new platforms is Batman: Arkham Asylum.
Originally developed by Rocksteady Studios and ported alongside 2011’s Arkham City by Virtuos, this 2016 remaster has become a comfort game of mine. Something I know I can burn through quickly.
Reprising their roles from Batman: The Animated Series, Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, and Arleen Sorkin return as Batman, Joker, and Harley Quinn for the first entry in the greatest superhero game franchise of its generation.
Set inside the confines of Arkham Asylum, this title has a far simpler progression than its open-world sequels and can be cleared in roughly 12 hours. The combat, while revolutionary at the time, pales in comparison to later titles.
If you’ve never played the Arkham series, I recommend you start here to avoid the frustration of Batman being significantly less skilled his supposed than earlier appearances—like Arkham Origins.
Batman: Arkham Knight
PlayStation 4
Naturally, I intended on replaying Arkham City next. However, my partner disclosed she believed she knew the ending to City but didn’t believe the developers had actually, well… spoilers.
I decided to boot up Arkham Knight, just to play through the introduction where we (spoiler) but quickly found myself embarking on a full playthrough.
Knight is a special game to me as it’s the first game I went to a midnight release for.
Rocksteady’s third and final entry in the Batman: Arkham series is teeming with quality art direction, genre-defining gameplay, excellent voice acting, and a well-executed, if not predictable, narrative. It’s wild to consider this 2015 game developed in Unreal Engine 3 still holds a candle visually to games released today.
While many chastise the Batmobile gameplay, I find it appropriate for the world’s scale and event taking place within it. Traversal may be one of my favourite aspects of Knight, with ample predator and combat challenges still present across the evacuated Gotham City.
Despite its flaws, this is one of my favourite video games of all time.
Like Asylum, I’ve only cleared the main story, deferring the challenge modes and all downloadable content for a later date.
Kirby’s Dream Land
Nintendo Switch (Game Boy)
Another Sunday, I felt the urge for a cosy replay, so I did my usual 35-minute run through Masahiro Sakurai’s directorial debut, Kirby’s Dream Land.
It feels like I’ve cleared this more times than I can count, but I was feeling particularly anxious, so this was precisely what I needed. Something familiar, comfortable, and self-affirming.
Kirby may not have the signature copy ability just yet, but unlike Mario’s handheld debut, Dream Land is still plenty comparable to the pink puffball’s modern titles and (by design) insanely accessible.
I anticipate, if I’m ever fortunate enough to have children, this will be among their first tastes of classic gaming.
One day, I’ll tackle hard mode.
Super Mario Bros.
Nintendo Switch (Nintendo Entertainment System)
Hot off the heels of three classic title re-plays, I felt compelled to play a retro title I hadn’t properly played before. None felt more apt than the original Super Mario Bros.
Having only cheated my way through the game with emulator features previously, I was keen to learn the mechanics and tricks of the titular plumber’s platformer.
While it took me far more attempts than I would like to admit, I finally nailed the 1-Up trick in World 3-1. From there, it was smooth sailing (through Warp Zones) to World 8.
That final world didn’t give me too much bother either, but the maze of World 8-4 had me stumped. It was only once I realised I needed to go down every warp pipe immediately following a lava pit that I cleared the game.
I’d finally done it. Mario 1, beaten. Legitimately.
I went to work the next day feeling a sense of achievement I had not expected, and when I returned home, I beat it again. This continued for the next five days. It’s taken me twenty years, but I finally understand and appreciate why this game remains beloved after four decades.
I intend on doing a playthrough without Warp Zones shortly.
Games Played
Super Mario Odyssey
Nintendo Switch
I actually opened the year with a replay of Super Mario Odyssey.
This game is incredible, both in scope and ideas. The only reason I haven’t finished my playthrough is due to the announcement of enhanced visuals on the Nintendo Switch 2.
As I’ve already beaten this before, it feels apt to save the rest for the shinier system.
Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3
Nintendo Switch (Game Boy Advance)
Once I cleared Super Mario Bros., I realised I’d been methodically scrutinising the quality of Nintendo Classics emulation.
Having previously owned this on Game Boy Advance, and recently cleared the aforementioned NES title, it felt appropriate to give this enhanced port of Super Mario Bros. 3 another shake.
While I’ve not finished it, I’m once again reminded why Super Mario Bros. 3 is so utterly beloved.
This feels like 2D Mario perfected. I’d say it’s better than Super Mario World, but I’ve actually never played that one. Yet.
Mario & Wario
Nintendo Switch (Super Famicom)
Having previously bounced off this when I owned it physically, alongside Hyperkin’s excellent (but terribly named) “Hyper Click Retro Style Mouse for Super NES”, I was keen to give the Nintendo Classics release a whirl.
While intended to be played on a Nintendo Switch 2 using the Joy-Con 2 mouse mode, you can also use a USB mouse with the original Nintendo Switch.
It took a few stages, but this has finally clicked (pun intended).
I’ve found myself screenshotting the levels and drawing my own routes to ensure I collect all the stars, which I guess is the modern equivalent of drawing Metroid maps on dot grid paper.
Developed by Game Freak (yes, that one) and featuring Nintendo’s mascot, I’m surprised this 1993 title never came to the West. If you haven’t already, grab a Joy-Con 2 or a mouse and give it a go!
Mario’s Picross
Nintendo Switch (Game Boy)
I’ve always enjoyed Picross, and missed having a puzzle to wind down with, so naturally this was an obvious choice. I’ll complete it eventually, and when I do I’ll move on to Mario’s Super Picross and the Japan-exclusive Mario’s Picross 2.
Super Mario Party Jamboree
Nintendo Switch
I bought this and (spoilers for later) more Joy-Con controllers as I hosted a games night with some friends.
I haven’t touched a Mario Party title since the GameCube, and (sadly) even then played the majority solo. Jamboree was a hoot, especially while drunk. Definitely a mainstay for winter nights with friends.
Whether we remain friends if I lose again is yet to be determined.
Spyro the Dragon (Spyro Reignited Trilogy)
PlayStation 4
I hadn’t intended on playing this; however, when my date (now girlfriend) mentioned it was one of her earliest gaming memories, I had to dig it out.
It’s really fun, albeit I’ve not played much. Growing up, I was always a Crash Bandicoot kid; however, experiencing a proper three-dimensional platformer from the same era (albeit remade) makes me want to check out the original PlayStation release.
Definitely one to pick back up soon!
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Nintendo Switch
I’d done the bulk of my replaying this in 2024, where I cleared the cups from the Wii U original and DLC, but never got around to the Booster Course Pass cups.
Unfortunately, it’s quite clear these new tracks were developed with Mario Kart Tour in mind and, in my opinion, lower the overall quality of the package. I have been enjoying local multiplayer with friends though!
I still plan on getting three-star ranking in all 150cc cups, at which time I’ll evaluate whether or not I want to do the same for Mirror and 200cc cups.
BioShock (BioShock: The Collection)
PlayStation 4
Another game my girlfriend wanted to play with me.
Sadly, I wasn’t really feeling this one and walked away with few thoughts. I know this is considered an all-time great, so I will definitely come back to it when the time feels right.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Nintendo Switch
Having grown fearful my consoles would soon be co-opted (not really), I bought my girlfriend a Nintendo Switch Lite and copies of Animal Crossing: New Horizons for us both.
While I quickly became a bell-ionaire through the stalk market, I’d effectively trained myself to just pick up the game, check the turnip price, and put the game down. As a result, I feel I’ve not yet sunk my teeth into the gameplay before turning it into a chore.
My island Cramond, named after the real-life Scottish island, will be graced with my presence again someday—after all, there’s a museum to fill!
Game Pickups
My Backloggery is a bit of a state in 2025.
Before the year started, I only listed my Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4 titles.
After moving into my new flat, I have added the titles I own for the following systems: Wii U, Wii, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Color, Game Boy, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, PlayStation, and PlayStation Vita.
There are a few other systems I own games for, but at the time of writing, I have not unpacked them.
Unfortunately, I discovered my copy of Yoshi’s Woolly World (Wii U) does not play. It’s likely I was sold a bad disc when I bought it used.
Nintendo Switch
- Pikmin 1 + 2
- Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!
- The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
- Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
- Super Mario Odyssey
- Metroid Prime Remastered
- Splatoon 2
- Super Mario Party Jamboree
- Persona 5 Royal
- Sayonara Wild Hearts
- Advance Wars: 1+2 Re-Boot Camp
- Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
As I do not own a Nintendo Switch 2, and the physical release is playable on both platforms, I have listed Pokémon Legends: Z-A for the Nintendo Switch on Backloggery.
When I buy a Nintendo Switch 2, I will update the platform accordingly.
PlayStation 4
- Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
- BioShock: The Collection
Hardware Pickups
I’ve bought surprisingly little in the way of video game hardware so far this year.
Aside from replacing my Nintendo Switch Pro Controller after it developed joystick drift, I have added the following to my collection:
- Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Pair (Neon Purple/Neon Orange)
Subscriptions
Like them or loathe them, subscriptions are sadly a reality when it comes to modern gaming.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack (Active)
Arguably my most used subscription, thanks to Nintendo Classics, I feel Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pass offers great value.
While I don’t often make use of online multiplayer or the included DLC, I do make frequent use of classic titles and the Nintendo Music app. I just wish the save data cloud was less restrictive — when it comes to Pokémon save files, I gotta save ‘em all.
Pokémon HOME Premium Plan (Active)
This is one of those safety net subscriptions.
I have over a decade of special Pokémon in Pokémon HOME, and right now that is all I used it for, though I plan on putting the service to more use in the coming months.
PlayStation Plus Premium (Cancelled)
I genuinely think it’s been a decade since I’ve played my PlayStation online, but I wanted to try out the PlayStation 3 cloud streaming library.
While I am impressed by the service, the inability to access downloadable content (even if you already own it) in PlayStation 3 titles is a major roadblock for me.
I had this for the month of September and then cancelled it. I haven’t missed it. Instead, I unpacked my PlayStation 3.
Unless I had a sudden interest in online multiplayer, the only thing that would make me reconsider subscribing is the collection of PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation Portable titles available on the service.
As it stands, I’m busy working through Nintendo’s library, and unimpressed with Sony only releasing three classic system titles so far in 2025.
For comparison, Nintendo has released 33 titles so far in 2025, with Luigi’s Mansion (Nintendo GameCube) scheduled to drop shortly after this post’s publication.
And there we have it! Given the year only got going in earnest in August, I feel like I’ve still put in the hours.
What will the rest of 2025 hold? I’ll report back in late December!
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