As the year draws to a close, players are reflecting on the titles that defined their 2025. From long-awaited blockbusters to surprising indie gems, the consensus highlights a diverse and memorable year for interactive entertainment.
Many pointed to major sequels that delivered on lofty expectations. Death Stranding 2 was repeatedly praised as an artistic triumph, blending bizarre narrative moments with profound emotion and technical spectacle. Similarly, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 was hailed as an outstanding historical role-playing experience, while Ghost of Yōtei was celebrated for refining the open-world action formula with exceptional polish and engaging side content.
The role-playing genre saw strong entries beyond the AAA space. Avowed captivated players with its compelling writing and impactful player choices, proving accessible even to those who typically bounce off sprawling RPGs. The acclaimed Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 emerged as a standout debut, enchanting players with its story, characters, and world.
Smaller titles also left a significant mark. The cooperative chaos of Split Fiction, the strategic depth of the autobattler Mechabellum, and the addictive card-based roguelike Monster Train 2 were highlighted as perfect picks for shared fun or solo challenge. Narrative-driven experiences resonated deeply, with Chicory: A Colorful Tale receiving particular acclaim for its heartfelt and original approach to its themes.
Several games were noted for their captivating hooks. Arc Raiders was described as a surprisingly immersive and communal shooter, Blue Prince as an obsession-inducing puzzle adventure, and Absolum as a stylish beat-’em-up with immense replay value. The unique premise of Promise Mascot Agency—tasking a former hitman with revitalizing a town via bizarre mascots—showcased the industry’s continued creativity.
In the realm of downloadable content, the Lies of P expansion Overture was celebrated for enriching the base game’s lore with epic challenges. For virtual reality, Ghost Town set a new narrative benchmark with its 1980s mystery and intricate puzzles.
This collection of player endorsements paints a picture of a year rich with variety, where groundbreaking sequels stood alongside innovative new ideas, ensuring every type of gamer found something to captivate them until the very end.