by Kurosh Jozavi
I loved some games this year, so check them out below.
What a year for unexpected games, huh? I don’t think I would have predicted my top 10 to include 80% of the games that actually made the list. I can safely safe this is one of my favorite years in gaming releases with such a varied list of games both on my list and how much everyone’s lists vary.
So without further ado, let’s get to my top 10 games of 2025:
10. Dispatch – PS5, PC
Dispatch stood out to me because of its restraint and focus on people over spectacle. It finds tension in conversation, timing, and perspective rather than big moments. I connected with how grounded and intimate it felt throughout. Despite its smaller scope, it left a lasting impression on me, which earned it a place on my list.
9. Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles – Multiplatform
Returning to Final Fantasy Tactics felt like reconnecting with a formative part of my gaming history. Its political storytelling and deliberate tactical combat remain just as compelling as I remembered. Every decision carries weight, both narratively and mechanically. It reminded me why this genre continues to matter so much to me.
8. Hades II – Nintendo Switch, PC
The first sequel from Supergiant Games is a statement in itself, and one they absolutely earn. Hades II cranks every dial up, from combat and build variety to presentation and pacing. It feels confident without losing the personality that made the original special. Few sequels land with this level of clarity and ambition.
7. Absolum – Multiplatform
Absolum was an immediate jam for me. The brawling feels weighty and expressive, and pulling off combos has the energy of a rock and roll concert. Playing with others only amplifies that momentum and chaos. It is loud, stylish, and endlessly fun.
6. Ball X Pit – Multiplatform
Ball x Pit hooked me almost immediately. It taps into the same addictive rhythm that games like Tetris mastered, where every run ends with the thought of just one more. The simplicity of its design makes it easy to pick up and hard to put down. It is pure, satisfying fun in the best way.
5. Blue Prince – PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Blue Prince spoke directly to my love of slow discovery and curiosity-driven design. It consistently asked me to question my assumptions and pay closer attention to its shifting spaces. I enjoyed how understanding felt more rewarding than simple progression. Every small realization felt earned, which made the experience deeply satisfying.
4. ARC Raiders – PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
ARC Raiders surprised me with how thoughtful it felt from moment to moment. I found myself thinking more about risk, cooperation, and restraint than chasing rewards. The tension often came from quiet decisions rather than action, and that stuck with me. It is one of the few multiplayer games this year that truly made me reflect on how I play.
3. Consume Me – PC
Consume Me resonated with me in a way few games ever have. It captures the constant juggling of priorities, stress, anxiety, and the pull of bad habits with an honesty that feels uncomfortably real. I was struck by how naturally those feelings were translated into game mechanics rather than just narrative. I loved every minute of it because it reflected struggles I recognized in myself.
2. Hollow Knight: Silksong – PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch
Silksong reminded me why I fell in love with Hollow Knight while also refusing to let me stay comfortable. Movement and combat demand confidence, precision, and a willingness to adapt. I appreciated that it trusted me to grow as a player rather than simply recreating familiar beats. That push forward is what made it feel essential to my year.
1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Expedition 33 hit me at exactly the right time. Its exploration of grief, hardship, and the choices we make in response resonated with me on a deeply personal level. Experiencing those themes through a beautiful fantasy world and a turn-based RPG structure I already love made the connection even stronger. It is a game that stayed with me long after I stopped playing, which is why it sits at the top of my list.
This list ended up looking very different from what I expected back in January when I was eagerly waiting for Monster Hunter Wilds, Switch 2 launch, and so much more. These games stayed with me not because they were the biggest or loudest releases, but because of how they connected on a personal level. If this year proved anything, it is that strong ideas, thoughtful design, and emotional honesty continue to define some of the most memorable experiences in gaming.