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

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It’s that time of year again where everyone on the team gets to share their favorite PS5 games of 2025! I’m Stephen Tailby, an assistant editor here, and I’m excited to tell you about my personal Game of the Year pick.

5. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance

So many great games came out this year that some really good ones are likely to be overlooked. I’m worried that Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is one of them – it’s a fantastic side-scrolling action game that I found completely captivating when I played it earlier this year.

The best part of this game is definitely the combat. It’s incredibly satisfying – responsive and smooth, letting you pull off amazing combos. With a wide range of weapons and magical powers, you feel really powerful. Plus, the art and animation are top-notch, making the whole experience unique and visually stunning for 2025.

It isn’t without fault, but I loved it from start to finish.

4. Dispatch

I really enjoyed Dispatch. Working through it with a friend is always a yearly highlight. It feels like watching a fantastic cartoon, but with the added fun of a management game full of unexpected moments. The writing and acting are excellent, and the animation is top-notch. Even if it were simply a show, I’d be impressed, but the interactive elements – the choices you make, the quick action sequences, and the core dispatching mechanic – elevate it to something truly special.

Honestly, the characters are just amazing. I really got invested in all of them, and that’s down to the writing and how they all interact. It’s no surprise so many people are loving this – it just really clicks with you.

The fact that my partner wants to replay the game and try different options really speaks to how good it is. Honestly, that’s something they’ve never done before with any other game.

3. Split Fiction

I really enjoyed It Takes Two, but Split Fiction improves on that same team-based gameplay. The story is wonderfully wacky, which gives the developers, Hazelight, a lot of freedom to create incredibly inventive and fun experiences.

The gameplay is consistently outstanding. You and a friend will constantly discover new and creative mechanics, and what’s truly remarkable is how polished and well-executed everything is.

This game is incredibly polished and seamlessly brings together all its different elements. It’s packed with amazing moments that really make other games feel less exciting. From start to finish, it’s a thrilling adventure full of surprises and genuine enjoyment.

2. Lumines Arise

Hearing about Lumines Arise was a pleasant surprise! I’d completely forgotten how much I love Lumines, and the thought of it getting the same immersive, dynamic treatment as Tetris Effect really got me excited.

I’m really glad I decided to trust Enhance, because the game is fantastic. It’s vibrant and full of life, similar to Tetris Effect, but the music and gameplay feel even more connected due to the game’s unique features.

I keep coming back to this game again and again since it first came out. It’s packed with extras, has a really enjoyable competitive multiplayer mode, and tons of stages to play. It’s just a genuinely happy and relaxing experience, and I know I’ll be keeping it installed for a long time.

1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

I was reluctant to name this game my favorite, expecting many others would choose it too. But honestly, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was the biggest surprise of 2025 and has stayed with me more than any other game I played.

I don’t usually enjoy RPGs, but this game grabbed my attention with its unique style, engaging combat, and interesting story. I was immediately hooked and quickly became invested. I wasn’t expecting to connect with the characters, be surprised by the plot twists, or enjoy such a flexible and varied combat system. After playing for many hours, I ended up absolutely loving the experience.

While the game isn’t perfect and has some flaws, its unique personality and genuinely touching story more than make up for them. It might not be the very best game I’ve played this year, but it’s definitely the one that’s stuck with me the most, and I’m excited to see what comes next in the series.

We’re curious to hear your thoughts on Stephen’s Game of the Year choices! Share your opinions – whether you completely agree or respectfully disagree – in the comments below.

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2025-12-26 14:08