Game of the Year: Sammy’s Top 5 PS5 Games of 2025

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Each year, our writers and editors share their favorite PS5 games in individual “Game of the Year” articles. Today, editor Sammy Barker is sharing their top pick for 2025.

5. Wuthering Waves

Honestly, I definitely didn’t need another gacha game, but here we are! I tried Wuthering Waves when it first came out on mobile, but I really got hooked when it launched on PS5 in January. It’s clear the developers, Kuro, really studied what makes Genshin Impact so good and built a super polished experience around those ideas.

To be honest, I haven’t dedicated as much time to this game as I wanted to this year, as I also enjoy and play other types of games. However, my experience with Rinascita was memorable enough to make me want to come back, and I’m excited about the new update – if I can find the time!

4. Needy Streamer Overload

I first stumbled across Needy Streamer Overload – it used to be called Needy Girl Overdose – when it came to the Switch in 2022. The whole thing looked super cute and the idea of managing a streamer really grabbed me. But honestly, it turned out to be way more… intense than I expected, especially considering how retro and innocent the Windows 95 style made it seem at first.

This visual novel isn’t afraid to explore difficult themes like mental health and unhealthy fan relationships. The main character, Ame-chan, who presents herself online as OMGkawaiiAngel, has become very popular across Asia and Japan, leading to manga adaptations and an upcoming anime series.

If you enjoy story-driven games, management simulations, or are simply looking for something unique, I definitely suggest trying this game.

3. Silent Hill F

I knew I’d enjoy Silent Hill F because of its 1960s style, but the game turned out to be even better than I expected. While it definitely has some flaws in how it’s built and played, it still impressed me.

I was hooked by Hinako and the town of Ebisugaoka right away. The art style is amazing, but what really got me were the themes – stuff like bullying, how society treats women, and the pressure they face. It’s surprisingly relatable, and it really makes you think about a lot of things.

Silent Hill has always excelled at combining psychological horror with relatable, real-world fears, and this installment – penned by the talented Ryukishi07 – truly captures that strength. It also surprised me with unexpected turns and a captivating, immersive story.

2. Dispatch

I was excited about Dispatch from the moment I first heard about it – a superhero management simulator sounded great! But the finished game exceeded all my hopes. The animation is fantastic, with a unique Western anime style that really shines, especially in the opening scene where the main character, Robert, and the Blonde Blazer soar over a beautiful cityscape.

I’ve always liked the ideas behind Telltale games, but they often seemed limited by their small budgets and simple gameplay. What’s really fun about this game, though, is how it keeps changing the rules and putting you in tough spots where you have to make difficult choices.

What really made this game special for me was its fantastic character designs, incredible voice acting, and amazing music. With so many games coming out, it’s unusual for me to immediately want more after finishing one, but I’m already eager for a second season of Dispatch.

1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

It’s tempting to choose something else, but Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was the most impressive game I played in 2025 – and possibly one of the best I’ve played in years. I know it sounds like a cliché, but it truly is exceptional.

I was completely hooked on this game after just the first hour. Everything about it captivated me – the incredible music, the beautifully broken setting of Paris, the heartfelt performances from the actors, and the stunning costumes. I absolutely loved it.

Even if you ignore everything else, as a traditional Japanese role-playing game, this title is excellent. It’s short and doesn’t overstay its welcome, but still delivers that satisfying feeling of character progression and becoming powerful, which is key to the genre, despite its length.

What I really love about this game is how it lets you discover and exploit its systems in unique ways, while simultaneously making you care deeply about its characters and the world they inhabit. It’s a truly impressive achievement and easily one of the best games on the PlayStation 5.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on Sammy’s Game of the Year choices! Share your agreement or disagreement in the comments below.

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2025-12-30 14:07