by Michael Murphy
I loved some games this year, so check them out below.
The year has brought some of the best and brightest games from all walks of life, from high-end AAAs to astounding indies. New franchises, returning favorites, and just straight-up fun ruled the roost, no matter the genre.
Having played dozens of titles in 2025, I can say that the year brought some fantastic games. However, there are 10 that went above and beyond my expectations and provided some incredible moments. So, I welcome you to peruse my picks for the Top 10 Games of 2025.
Unfortunately, there were some titles that didn’t make my list but are fantastic in their own right. Those honorable mentions are Ninja Gaiden 4, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, The Midnight Walk, Tales of Xillia Remastered, and Dying Light: The Beast. Now, let’s get onto what I believe to be the best 2025 had to offer.
10. South of Midnight – Xbox Series X|S, PC
Many games avoid taking risks to play it safe. South of Midnight, however, went all in on chances, exploring Deep South mythology, having a stop-motion artstyle, and putting emphasis on story and its themes rather than gameplay and combat. While it did need work on combat, what Compulsion was able to do and at the level it did is incredible. Everything from the environments to the phenomenal music feels hand-woven and rooted in the Deep South, acting as a perfect love letter. It’s a shame many haven’t gotten to experience it yet, but when you do, you’ll fall in love with the world of South of Midnight and the characters that live within it.
9. Dynasty Warriors: Origins – PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
A good hack-and-slash is hard to come by. A great one can be even rarer. Dynasty Warriors: Origins is one of those greats, excelling in the scope, scale, and thrill the series has been striving for. Mixing the story of Romance of the Three Kingdoms with epic, large-scale fights filled with thunderous music, Origins steers the series in the right direction. While it’s not perfect and can get a bit overwhelming (and iffy-looking) at times, it’s a title I want to return to again and again, especially with the enormous amount of content available.
8. Blue Prince – PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
I love puzzle games, and none have — and may never — do it as well as Blue Prince does. Dogubomb absolutely nails what it wants to be: a roguelike puzzle title with endless possibilities. Every run was a new experience, and finding clues was one of the most rewarding moments I’ve had this year. Its addictive gameplay is captivating and is one of the most unique games I’ve ever played. From the gorgeous stylized graphics to the rewarding secrets, Blue Prince is a title I wholeheartedly recommend everyone try.
7. Silent Hill f – PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
The Silent Hill franchise was rough for a good bit of years. Last year’s Silent Hill 2 Remake brought eyes to the series, but it still was an easy shot, given the source material. Silent Hill f proves there’s a ton more juice in the tank, and man, is it phenomenal. The intricate narrative and environmental storytelling are top-notch, keeping you on your toes the whole ride. While combat is OK, the scares and gore are all around, making even repeat plays (which is a must) a new and terrifying experience. Incredible performances, especially from lead actress Konatsu Kato, solidify it among the best of the franchise and the best horror game of 2025 — perhaps of the decade so far.
6. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach – PS5
When Hideo Kojima has a vision, he does good by it. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach truly feels like a sequel, expanding on the first’s concepts and making things bigger and better. Story-wise, the adventures of Sam and company continue to impress and delight, and the new companions like Tomorrow and Dollman are exceptional. Kojima’s unique storytelling and Strand gameplay can be a bit much, but it’s worth the effort to continue and see some incredible performances, especially Troy Baker’s Higgs, and some fantastic scenery.
5. Dispatch – PS5, PC
Telltale was on top of the world with The Walking Dead, The Wolf Among Us, and Tales from the Borderlands. AdHoc Studio, made by former employees, continues the acclaimed legacy with one of 2025’s must-play titles, Dispatch. The redemption story of Robert Robertson and his crew of “ex-criminals” is a ton of fun and balanced perfectly. The dispatching gameplay grew on me over time, but it was its interactive storytelling, hilarious script, and fantastic characters that work beautifully. With an awesome soundtrack and top-notch voice acting, Dispatch shows that the superhero genre still has some spark.
4. Hades II – Switch 2, PC
Hades remains a beacon for roguelike titles. The fact that Hades II manages to be better than its predecessor is the work of Hecate herself. The ideal mix of Greek mythology, addicting gameplay, and utter charm is some of Supergiant’s best. Melinoe’s journey to save her family is one you chart yourself and the experiences you create. Growing every run, and the satisfaction of getting farther is unreal. The fact that it took what made the original good and doubled it, then making it as good, still feels mind-boggling. We didn’t seem to need a sequel Hades, but after playing its sequel, I’m glad it’s here.
3. Ghost of Yotei – PS5
Ghost of Tsushima is one of my favorite games of the decade, so Ghost of Yotei had a lot to live up to. While it didn’t reach my lofty expectations, it’s a marvel that it came close. Atsu’s tale of revenge is one that, while a touch trite, worked perfectly. The excellent swordplay and world exploration are the best on the market. Every detail of Ezo feels hand-crafted, and you’ll find yourself lost in its wonders. It’s no doubt the best-looking game of 2025, as the graphics and cinematography are spectacular. Add to that Erika Iishi’s phenomenal performance as Atsu, and you’ve got one of PlayStation 5’s best titles.
2. Split Fiction – Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Being a twin, I’m always on the lookout for co-op games. Hazelight Studios has fueled much of that search, with amazing titles like A Way Out and my 2021 GOTY, It Takes Two. So, when I say Split Fiction outdoes those and more, it’s a big sign. The stellar gameplay and emphasis on collaboration are top-notch. I have so many fond memories of certain levels, especially the finale (which remains the best moment of 2025). Above all else, it’s pure fun and a title my brother and I still reminisce about, and likely still will.
1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
I got the chance to review Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 during my time at ComicBook. Experiencing its story before many and the twists and turns it took was incredible. As a fan of RPGs, what Sandfall Interactive achieves on its first go is nothing short of a miracle. It’s intuitive, engaging, and just about perfect. Graphically, it’s a visual masterpiece fit for a museum, delivering spectacle after spectacle.
Incredible performances from Jennifer English and the entire cast are the cherry on top of this love letter to the genre. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a masterclass of storytelling and turn-based combat, and my pick for Game of the Year 2025.
While 2026 looks to have some great titles, 2025 was filled to the brim with some amazing ones. I hope I’m able to play as much as I did this year next year. For now, I’m grateful for the games I got to play. If 2026 becomes anything like this year, we’re in for another spectacular trip through gaming.