The Ringer-Verse

‘Death Stranding 2' and the First Half of 2025 in Games | Button Mash

Jun 27, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Justin Charity, a Senior Staff Writer and Kojima enthusiast, and Matt James, Ringer’s Deputy Art Lead, delve into 'Death Stranding 2's' unique narrative and innovative gameplay mechanics, including its whimsical themes. They also share insights on the challenges of adapting fighting games like 'Street Fighter' into films. The duo constructs their personal top-10 lists of the year's best games, reflecting on the rise of indie titles and the future of gaming, creating excitement for what 2025 has in store!
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ANECDOTE

Beyond Citadel: A Dark Horse

  • Justin Charity praises Beyond Citadel for its inventive mechanics and aesthetic, despite its off-putting style.
  • He finds the gunplay rewarding and the level design captivating, making it a standout experience.
INSIGHT

2025 Gaming Diverse and Healthy

  • The first half of 2025 in gaming shows health with diverse pricing and strong indie presence.
  • AAA games are no longer the only or main highlight, as smaller titles shine too.
ANECDOTE

South of Midnight's Strong Narrative

  • Both Matt James and Ben Lindbergh enjoyed South of Midnight for its storytelling and atmosphere.
  • Despite formulaic combat, the game's vibe and characters won them over.
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