Game of the Year: Robert’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, assistant editor Robert Ramsey is sharing his picks for 2025.

5. Dynasty Warriors: Origins

I’ve been a fan of the Dynasty Warriors series since the PlayStation 2, and while it’s had its share of good and bad games – I was particularly unhappy with Dynasty Warriors 9, as many know – Dynasty Warriors: Origins feels like a real improvement.

Simply put, Origins successfully captures and highlights what I love most about this game series. The massive battlefields are still incredibly impressive, and the combat has been improved to make every boss fight genuinely challenging and exciting.

This game is a fantastic new take on the classic Dynasty Warriors style, and I’m really excited to play the Visions of Four Heroes expansion when it comes out next year.

4. Ghost of Yotei

To be honest, I was really impressed with Ghost of Tsushima for the first 40 hours – I thought it might be my favorite game of the year. However, I feel the story unfortunately falls apart towards the very end.

I won’t give away any spoilers, but the ending of the story felt a little underwhelming after such a captivating and intense experience exploring a beautiful, expansive world.

Like the saying goes, it’s not just about the destination, but the journey itself, and Atsu’s adventure is really well done. I particularly enjoyed playing as a bounty hunter, and the boss battles are still very memorable.

At times, I do think it’s Sucker Punch’s best work to date.

3. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Even though I previously called Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 excessively extravagant, I still feel it deserves a place on this list.

I’ve loved turn-based RPGs for years, and while Expedition 33 might not be one of my all-time favorites, it’s a truly special game. It combines story, gameplay, art, and music in a way that’s both unique and unforgettable – it’s a real masterpiece.

“Memorable” really captures what Sandfall’s debut gave me. When I look back on all the games I played this year, it’s the specific moments from Sandfall that stand out – and that’s usually how I know a game is truly great.

It’s a truly striking adventure, and I look forward to replaying it one day.

2. Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter

It’s hard to picture making a Game of the Year list without including a Trails game! I mostly blame the developers, Falcom, for releasing so many fantastic titles.

Trails in the Sky: First Chapter is truly one of the highlights of the whole series. It takes the classic RPG formula and updates it perfectly, making it one of the best remakes I’ve experienced.

Honestly, when it comes to classic JRPGs, the story of Estelle and Joshua is just top-tier. It’s that classic underdog journey where you travel around, meet a bunch of amazing characters, and build real friendships with them. It’s seriously the best of the Trails series, and I’m a huge fan, so that’s saying something!

I hope you’re looking forward to seeing Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter on next year’s list!

1. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

None of us at Push Square predicted this, and honestly, I didn’t either. But I truly believe Death Stranding 2 is my top game of 2025.

I initially tried playing Death Stranding a while back, but I stopped around the 75% mark. The constant, slow journey across landscapes, especially snowy mountains, combined with lengthy, dramatic monologues from famous actors, just became too frustrating and I lost interest.

With Death Stranding 2, everything finally fell into place. I think the quicker start – getting you into the action much faster – was a big part of it. The sequel doesn’t explain things as much, which really let me get lost in its incredible world.

I quickly became hooked on delivering packages—it was almost relaxing. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed how silly the sequel’s plot and characters were, and I was genuinely shocked by a lot of it.

Death Stranding 2 is like a captivating work of art, filled with moments you won’t soon forget. It’s easily one of the most memorable games I’ve played on the PlayStation 5.

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

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2025-12-24 14:07