2025 Game of the Year Nominees Ranked by Their Review Scores

The competition for 2025 Game of the Year is already incredibly fierce. Both critics and players are raving about this year’s biggest games – both large and small – praising their originality, scope, and quality. We’ve seen a fantastic mix of innovative indie titles and polished AAA blockbusters, pushing the boundaries of what games can do. With consistently high review scores, this year’s race is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in a long time.

Now that the nominations are out, fans can start debating which game deserves the Game of the Year award. While all the nominated games are excellent, only one will ultimately win the 2025 title.

6) Kingdom Come: Deliverance II – 88

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II builds on the success of the first game, continuing Warhorse Studios’ dedication to realistic and historically accurate RPGs. With a Metacritic score of 88, the sequel improves on the features that made the original popular – including challenging combat, immersive role-playing, and a detailed medieval world based on real Bohemian history.

Unlike many RPGs filled with magic and mythical creatures, Deliverance II focuses on realism, setting it apart from the competition. The game challenges players to carefully manage things like their character’s energy, how they use weapons, their reputation, and relationships with other characters – details most games don’t bother with. Combined with a large, detailed open world, thoughtfully created quests, and a strong commitment to historical accuracy, Deliverance II offers a remarkably immersive experience.

5) Death Stranding 2: On the Beach – 89

Okay, so I’ve been playing Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and it’s seriously good. It’s getting an 89 on Metacritic, which is awesome, and honestly, it deserves it. This isn’t just more of the same – they didn’t just add stuff to the first game. They really reworked everything, making it feel even more epic and cinematic. The world is way more challenging, but it all feels connected to a really powerful story. You’re back as Sam Porter Bridges, and this time around, it’s a much more mature and emotional journey about loss, connection, and trying to piece things back together. It’s not a typical game, but if you liked the first one, or are looking for something truly unique, you need to check this out.

The sequel builds on the original with refined gameplay, making it a strong contender for Game of the Year. Getting around the world is more engaging thanks to new tools, changing environments, and better teamwork options. Enemies and challenging encounters are scarier and look fantastic, and the improved building features let players really shape the world. Everything feels more connected and intentional, and Death Stranding 2 continues to be one of the best-looking games available.

4) Donkey Kong Bananza – 91

With a fantastic score of 91 on Metacritic, Donkey Kong Bananza is being hailed as one of the best Nintendo platformers in recent years. It breathes new life into the Donkey Kong series by combining classic gameplay with exciting new features. Players can enjoy incredibly creative levels and smooth, refined controls. The game keeps the familiar Donkey Kong feel – think rhythmic running, satisfying jumps, and challenging platforming – while adding unique stage elements, beautiful scenery, and lively animations.

Bananza stands out as a potential Game of the Year winner thanks to its exceptional quality. The game features impressive levels, hidden details, and precise controls, all reflecting Nintendo’s dedication to great design. Adding to the experience is a fantastic soundtrack—one of the best in Donkey Kong history—that mixes jazz, percussion, and orchestral music. With a balanced difficulty, options for players of all abilities, and plenty of reasons to play again, Bananza appeals to a wide range of ages and skill levels.

3) Hollow Knight: Silksong – 91

After a long wait, Hollow Knight: Silksong has finally launched to widespread critical acclaim, earning a Metacritic score of 91 and quickly becoming a contender for Game of the Year. The game builds on the success of the original Hollow Knight, offering a refined experience with quicker, more dynamic combat and a larger, more intricate world. The new protagonist, Hornet, moves with incredible grace, making exploration feel fresh and different from the first game.

Silksong excels in its detailed world and carefully crafted levels. The game features a complex network of interconnected areas packed with unique enemies, stunning scenery, and hidden rewards for players who explore. Its boss battles are exceptional, and the evocative music and understated story add to the game’s atmosphere and sense of intrigue. Ultimately, Silksong lived up to the hype and was well worth the wait.

2)Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – 92

Critics are raving about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and for good reason – it’s earned a fantastic 92 on Metacritic and is a strong contender for Game of the Year. Created by Sandfall Interactive, the game uniquely combines strategic turn-based battles with moments that require quick reflexes, making combat feel dynamic and exciting. Plus, its beautiful, dreamlike world is visually striking and sets it apart from other games released this year.

Expedition 33 tells the story of explorers trying to break a never-ending cycle of destruction, exploring powerful themes of hope, selflessness, and the dread of history repeating itself. The game connects with players through its moving story, beautiful visuals, and well-developed characters, going beyond just looking good. Its adventure gameplay lets you be creative and try different approaches, keeping each challenge interesting. Ultimately, what makes Expedition 33 a strong contender for Game of the Year is how perfectly its style and gameplay work together.

1) Hades II – 95

With a Metacritic score of 95, Hades II is currently leading the pack for Game of the Year in 2026. Supergiant Games has created a sequel that builds on everything fans loved about the original Hades – its fast-paced, exciting combat and compelling story – while also adding new depth. Players now control Melinoë, offering a fresh experience with even more opportunities for complex character builds and strategic gameplay.

As a huge fan of the first Hades, I can tell you Hades II takes everything I loved and just makes it better! The way you progress through the game feels so much deeper now, with tons of new areas to explore, really interesting enemies, and so many different weapons and upgrades that make every run feel unique. But it’s not just the gameplay – Supergiant is amazing at storytelling, and this game is full of characters I genuinely care about. Your choices actually matter, and the story changes as you play. Honestly, the voice acting, music, and art are stunning – every attempt to escape feels like a real part of this epic mythological story. It’s the way everything – the gameplay, the story, the pacing, and the style – all comes together so perfectly that really makes Hades II a strong contender for Game of the Year.

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2025-11-17 20:43