Okay, no fuss from me. Here are ten great games you should definitely play, listed 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 are just too many great games released this year for me to rant about something you've already played. Let's get on with it then, shall we?
This is my own personal list, and you'll have seen similar pieces from the rest of TheGamer editorial staff already this month. Keep an eye out for our full site ranking – made possible by the ancient mathematics – in the coming days.
Top
Peak is a pretty simple game at its core – you climb a big mountain with your buddies. You only start to see appeal when one of these buddies 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 so 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 be on my list, and Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is no exception. You get to play as Goro Majima, sailing around in a huge ship and summoning 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 released 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 absolutely play.
PowerWash Simulator 2
I love soap. Everything should be covered with soap. If it's not covered in soap, I've failed as a power washer.
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 hugely impressive, with secrets and puzzles scattered throughout, and it's pretty fun 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 simplest. It's pure entertainment that you can share with a friend.
Hazelight is constantly throwing 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 stay 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 methods of transporting 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 on my list, as Kojima fully embraced his sillier side to create a finale that you really have to experience to truly appreciate.
Fire Ring Nightreign
Elden Ring Nightreign isn't everyone's cup of tea, but when has FromSoftware ever done 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, nailed the 'one more run' feel, and all without compromising the classic souls formula we know and love.
Hollow Knight: Silk Song
If you had told me Hollow Knight: Silksong wouldn't be my GOTY when it was released, I would have laughed in your face. Unfortunately, I think Silksong suffers for its increased difficulty, especially in part 3, with enemy gauntlets that will really test your patience.
That said, it's still an absolutely brilliant Metroidvania, and one of the best in recent memory. It far surpasses the original Hollow Knight, giving the Hornet a host 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 great game, and one that would have easily taken the top spot if it hadn't been a genre-defining JRPG that you're probably sick of hearing about.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Yes, while I usually pride myself on not sticking to the crowd, but choosing one more out there as Game of the Year, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is just too good for me not to give its dues.
Turn-based gameplay is something I love, and combining that with a satisfying parry system was always going to get 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 an amazing cast of talented voice actors, an absolutely incredible soundtrack that will go down as one of the best gaming has ever produced, and Esquie. Everyone loves Esquie.
- Released
-
April 24, 2025
- ESRB
-
Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer
-
Sandfall Interactive
- Publisher
-
Kepler Interactive
