Best 2025 Nintendo Video Games for progression system

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#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: skill tree depth, dialogue quality

Cons: emotional impact, economy and resource balance

#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: world-building, frame rate stability

Cons: companion AI, upgrade system

#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: flying mechanics, exploration quality

Cons: AI behavior, boss design

#4 Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
4.5

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

Pros: animation quality, multiplayer design

Cons: save system reliability, companion AI

#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: gameplay mechanics, world interactivity

Cons: economy and resource balance, enemy variety

#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: crash stability, gameplay mechanics

Cons: AI behavior, monetization fairness

#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: animation quality, sound design

Cons: difficulty balance, AI behavior