Okay, no gossiping from me. Here are ten great games that you should definitely go play, ranked in ascending order, and I have no arguments from anyone. My only rule is that there are no ports, remasters, or remakes on this list because there have been too many amazing games released this year to rant about something you've already played. So let's get to it, shall we?
This is my personal list, and you've seen similar pieces from the rest of TheGamer editorial team already this month. In the coming days, watch for our full ranking of our sites – created using the ancient art of mathematics.
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At its core, Peak is a fairly simple game – you climb a big mountain with your friends. You only start to feel the appeal when one of said friends steps on an exploding mushroom and floats into the abyss, their panicked voice heard as they fall further and further into oblivion. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.
Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
Anyone who knows me knows Like a Dragon is guaranteed to be on my list, and Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is no exception. You can play as Goro Majima, sailing around on a big ship and summoning a giant monkey with an electric guitar. You can't really ask for more than that.
Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist
Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist may not have been the biggest Metroidvania to come out this year (that'll come 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 battles and boss fights are a huge step up from Ender Lillies, another metroidvania you should go play.
PowerWash 2 simulator
I love soap. Everything must be covered with soap. If it's not covered in soap, then I've failed as a dishwasher.
Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo
Yes, I was very clearly in the mood for Metroidvanias this year, but Pipstrello is another one that deserves your attention. Its almost open-world structure is extremely impressive, with secrets and puzzles sprinkled all over the place, and it's also quite funny.
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 gaming at its simplest. It's pure fun to share with a friend.
Hazelight keeps throwing new ideas and fun mechanics at you, changing things up at just the right time before the game gets stale. The friend I played with is unfortunately no longer with us, but the memory of playing with him will remain with me forever.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is pretty much everything I wanted in a Death Stranding sequel. It has more interesting cargo hauling methods, another incredible soundtrack, and a story that actually makes sense this time around.
However, it was the ending of the game that earned it a place so high on 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 made something that was? I love that the studio is in such a good position to try experimental little side projects like Nightreign, and for the most part it was an absolute triumph.
It was challenging, exuding a “just one more run” feeling, all without compromising the classic soul formula we know and love.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
If you told me Hollow Knight: Silksong wouldn't be my GOTY whenever it was released, I would have laughed in your face. Unfortunately, I think Silksong suffers from increased difficulty, especially in Part 3, with enemy gauntlets that really test your patience.
That being said, it's still an absolutely great Metroidvania and one of the best in recent memory. It far surpasses the original Hollow Knight and gives the Hornet a lot of new tools and abilities that make combat more complex and engaging.
The world is still fascinating and full of mystery, with fun personalities waiting around every corner for you to loathe or fall in love with. It's a great game, and one that would have easily made it to the top spot if it weren't for the genre-defining JRPG that you probably don't hear much about.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Yes, while I usually pride myself on not staying with the crowd and going for a more outdoorsy pick as my Game of the Year, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is just too good for me to pass up.
The turn-based gameplay is something I adore, and when you combine that with a satisfying parry system, it always gets huge brownie points from me. It's like Persona 5 and Sekiro had a baby and raised it in France, and if that doesn't sell you, 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 gaming has ever produced, and Esquie. Everyone likes Esquie.
- Released
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April 24, 2025
- ESRB
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Older 17+ / Blood and gore, violent language, obscene themes, violence
- Developers
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Sandfall Interactive
- Publishers
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Interactive Kepler
