Best 2025 Nintendo Video Games for progression system

#1 Hades II
4.9

Progression is widely praised for making failed and successful runs feel useful, with steady unlocks, resources, arcana, and new systems.

Pros: combat system, progression system

Cons: originality

#2 Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
4.7

Progression was praised when upgrades opened new routes and improved movement, though some disliked overly linear or lock-and-key usage.

Pros: boss design, graphics quality

Cons: open-world design, side character depth

#3 Kirby Air Riders
4.7

Reviewers strongly praised the checklist, achievements, unlocks, and constant rewards, though one negative review felt too many rewards were cosmetic.

Pros: battle mode quality, content variety

Cons: learning curve, competitive balance

#4 Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
4.5

Progression was praised for a rewarding map loop, meaningful unlocks, and steady character growth.

Pros: combat system, character roster

Cons: level design, mission design

#5 Donkey Kong Bananza
3.8

Progression received mixed-to-positive notes: skill points gave short-term goals, though some reviewers questioned whether the systems were necessary or evenly useful.

Pros: fun factor, world interactivity

Cons: frame rate stability, boss design

#6 Pokémon Legends: Z-A
3.2

Progression through the Z-A Royale was enjoyable for some, but rank skipping and façade-like structure disappointed several reviewers.

Pros: combat system, exploration quality

Cons: graphics quality, voice acting

#7 Mario Kart World Review
2.2

Progression was one of the clearest weak points, with stickers, RNG character unlocks, limited rewards, and confusing costume acquisition drawing complaints.

Pros: content variety, soundtrack quality

Cons: open-world design, exploration quality