Alright, no mucking about from me. Here are ten great games that you should definitely go play, listed in ascending order, and I’m not having any arguments from anyone. My only rule is that there are no ports, remasters, or remakes on this list, as far too many amazing games released this year for me to be yapping on about something you’ve already played. Let’s crack on with it then, shall we?
This is my own personal list, and you will have seen similar pieces from the rest of TheGamer editorial team already this month. Keep an eye out for our full site ranking — made possible using the ancient art of maths — in the days to come.
Peak
Peak is a fairly simple game at its core — you climb a big mountain with your mates. You only begin to see the appeal when one of said mates steps on an exploding mushroom and sails into the abyss, their panicked voice echoing as they fall further and further into oblivion. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long, long time.
Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
Anyone who knows me knows a Like a Dragon game is guaranteed to make my list, and Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is no exception. You get to play as Goro Majima, sail around in a big ship, and summon a giant monkey with an electric guitar. You can’t really ask for much more than that.
Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist
Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist may not have been the biggest Metroidvania to release this year (that comes later), but it’s still one of the best in the genre and shouldn’t be overlooked. Its world is hauntingly beautiful, its art style is gorgeous, and its combat and boss fights are a massive step up from Ender Lillies, another metroidvania that you should absolutely go play.
PowerWash Simulator 2
I love soap. Everything must be covered in soap. If it is not covered in soap, then I have failed as a powerwasher.
Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo
Yes, I was very clearly in the mood for Metroidvanias this year, but Pipstrello is another that deserves your attention. Its almost open world structure is hugely impressive, with secrets and puzzles littered absolutely everywhere, and it’s pretty funny to boot.
Split Fiction
Split Fiction holds a very dear place in my heart, not because of its incredible storytelling or memorable characters, but because it’s games at their most simple. It’s unadulterated entertainment that you can share with a friend.
Hazelight constantly throws new ideas and fun mechanics at you, switching things up at the perfect time before the game gets stale. The friend I played with is sadly no longer with us, but the memory of playing it will stick with me forever.
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is pretty much everything I wanted in a sequel to Death Stranding. It has more interesting methods of hauling cargo, another incredible soundtrack, and a story that actually makes sense this time around.
However, it was the game’s ending that secured it a spot this high up my list, as Kojima fully embraced his sillier side to create a finale that you really have to experience to truly appreciate.
Elden Ring Nightreign
Elden Ring Nightreign isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but when has FromSoftware ever made something that was? I love that the studio is in such a good position that it can try its hand at experimental little side projects like Nightreign, and for the most part, it was an absolute triumph.
It was challenging, nailed the ‘one more run’ feel, and all without compromising on the classic souls formula that we know and love.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
If you’d have told me Hollow Knight: Silksong wouldn’t be my GOTY whenever it was released, I’d have laughed in your face. Unfortunately, I think Silksong suffers for its increased difficulty, especially in Part 3, with enemy gauntlets that will truly test your patience.
That being said, it’s still an absolutely brilliant Metroidvania, and one of the best in recent memory. It far exceeds the original Hollow Knight, giving Hornet a slew of new tools and abilities that make combat more intricate and engaging.
The world is still intriguing and full of mystery, with fun personalities waiting around every corner for you to loathe or fall in love with. It’s a terrific game, and one that would have easily nabbed top spot if not for a genre-defining JRPG you’re probably sick of hearing about.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Yes, while I usually pride myself on not sticking with the crowd, going for a more out there pick as my game of the year, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is far too good for me to not give its dues.
Turn-based gameplay is something I adore, and combining that with a satisfying parry system was always going to get massive brownie points from me. It’s like if Persona 5 and Sekiro had a child and raised it in France, and if that doesn’t sell you, then nothing will.
On top of that, it has a fantastic cast with talented voice actors, an absolutely incredible soundtrack that will go down as one of the best that gaming has ever produced, and Esquie. Everyone loves Esquie.
- Released
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April 24, 2025
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
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Sandfall Interactive
- Publisher(s)
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Kepler Interactive
