As the year draws to a close, it’s clear it’s been a significant one. We saw the release of many anticipated sequels, games that had been stuck in development for years finally came out, major announcements went viral, and a new gaming console hit the market.
2025 was an incredible year for gaming, with a huge number of high-quality titles – both big-budget and independent. With so many great games to choose from, deciding on the very best is tough! So, which game will we award Game of the Year?
Before that, let’s first delve into our ten honorable mentions.
Several games earned votes but didn’t quite make it into the top 25. This includes highly anticipated sequels like Assassin’s Creed Shadows and The Outer Worlds 2. Games in the beat ‘em up genre, such as Absolum and Marvel Cosmic Invasion, were popular with fans, and even lesser-known titles like Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter and Shinobi: Art of Vengeance gained a lot of positive attention. Cronos: The New Dawn, a surprisingly good horror game that flew under the radar, and The Alters, a unique sci-fi survival game, also received praise. Despite selling well, Elden Ring Nightreign and The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered didn’t receive enough votes to qualify.
These are all great games and worth playing, so let’s get right into GamingBolt’s list of the Top 25 Games of the Year, beginning with…
Just so you know, the rankings and selections here were determined by a vote of all the GamingBolt team members.
#25. DYING LIGHT: THE BEAST
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC | Developer: Techland | Read Our Review
Following a disappointing launch for Dying Light 2 Stay Human, the developers at Techland refocused on what made the series great. They brought back Kyle Crane, now more powerful and driven by his new ‘Beast’ abilities, and gave him a destructive playground to use them in. While not a complete sequel, The Beast refined everything fans loved about Dying Light – fluid parkour, intense hand-to-hand combat, and terrifying nighttime runs from the Volatiles – making for a polished and brutal experience.
#24. HELL IS US
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC | Developer: Rogue Factor | Read Our Review
While some players enjoy games that hold your hand and guide you step-by-step, Hell is Us offered something different. It took place in a dangerous, war-ravaged world where you had to figure things out for yourself. Finding documents felt important, and you really had to pay attention to your surroundings since there were no maps to help. Though the ending wasn’t perfect, the game delivered satisfying combat, clever puzzles, and some incredibly original dungeons.
#23. THE FIRST BERSERKER: KHAZAN
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC | Developer: Neople | Read Our Review
You wouldn’t think revenge stories were still so popular in games, but they totally are! Especially when they let you live out that powerful, ‘berserker’ fantasy, which is exactly what Khazan delivers. But The First Berserker does things a little differently – instead of just button-mashing, it’s got a really satisfying combat system, kind of like the Souls games. It’s all about timing your parries and dodges, then unleashing cool weapon combos and special moves. Plus, the way the game is structured – exploring levels and finding loot – reminds me a lot of Nioh, and the anime art style is just gorgeous, honestly. It really stands out.
#22. NINJA GAIDEN 4
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC | Developer: Team Ninja, PlatinumGames | Read Our Review
Wow, “Bloodbath” is the perfect way to describe this game! After a bit of a rough patch, the series really came back strong with this fourth installment. They introduced a new main character, totally revamped the gameplay, and finally wrapped up the Dark Dragon saga. Okay, so Ryu isn’t the star this time, but Ninja Gaiden 4 still delivers that insane, fast-paced combat we all love. You really have to think about your resources, but pulling off those super-violent Bloodraven moves? Absolutely worth it.
#21. BORDERLANDS 4
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC | Developer: Gearbox Entertainment | Read Our Review
Despite launch issues and the often-unpredictable behavior of Gearbox head Randy Pitchford, Borderlands 3 was a strong game in its own right. It featured a large and engaging open world with a compelling backstory and plenty of references for longtime fans. Players had more freedom in how they built their characters thanks to a revamped skill tree system (after some initial balancing issues). The way loot worked, with customizable parts, made finding new gear consistently exciting. Love it or hate it, Borderlands 3 is arguably the best entry in the series for years.
#20. METROID PRIME 4: BEYOND
Available on: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 | Developer: Retro Studios | Read Our Review
It’s unfortunate that the supporting characters got so much focus, because at its heart, this game is a true Metroid Prime experience. The genre has changed a lot since the last Prime game, and while it might feel a bit old-fashioned in places, Beyond perfectly captures what makes the series great – like discovering the world of Viewros through scanning and enjoying the consistently smooth, action-packed first-person combat. It might not be exactly the sequel fans have dreamed of for over ten years, but it’s still a strong addition to the series.
#19. DOOM: THE DARK AGES
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC | Developer: id Software | Read Our Review
With features like dragon riding, a controllable mech, and a shield that could also be used as a saw, The Dark Ages packed in amazing gameplay. But that was just the beginning! The game’s combat, centered around parrying, flail attacks, and shield throws, was incredibly engaging. The Slayer remains a powerful figure, and this installment, with its dark fantasy world and larger-scale battles – showcased in the game’s more open areas – proved to be one of his most impressive adventures yet.
#18. MONSTER HUNTER WILDS
Available on: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC | Read Our Review
I would have been shocked if someone told me the new Monster Hunter game would cause so much debate. Despite the controversy, the core gameplay is fantastic, with the best combat the series has ever offered – whether you prefer a classic sword and shield, fast-paced dual blades, or a heavily armored gunlance. With a huge and growing selection of monsters and plenty of challenges, Monster Hunter Wilds is really starting to find its footing. Even now, it’s one of the most fun action RPGs you can play.
#17. SILENT HILL F
Available on: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC | Developer: NeoBards Entertainment | Read Our Review
While Bloober Team successfully refreshed the Silent Hill series, NeoBards had a tougher job: honor the past while also innovating. Silent Hill f didn’t just meet expectations – it surpassed them. The game tells Hinako’s story, which isn’t simply about her trauma appearing in a nightmarish world, but a story filled with unsettling and confusing events. It also stands on its own as a fantastic survival horror game, featuring some of the most beautifully disturbing designs in the entire series. The Silent Hill 2 remake brought a new audience to the series’ best moments, but Silent Hill f demonstrated how to evolve it in a captivating and unsettling way.
#16. BATTLEFIELD 6
Available on: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC | Developer: Battlefield Studios | Read Our Review
Many were skeptical that Electronic Arts could deliver a realistic and enjoyable modern warfare game, but Battlefield 6 proved them wrong, quickly becoming a hit with players. It successfully brought back classic features like distinct classes, the intense energy of large-scale battles with vehicles and infantry, and the ability to rescue and revive fallen teammates – all while offering solid gunplay. The result was a fantastic multiplayer experience that, after a long wait, finally surpassed Call of Duty in popularity – a fitting achievement for a year where unexpected things happened.
#15. ARC RAIDERS
Available on: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC | Developer: Embark Studios | Read Our Review
It’s surprising how much excitement comes from just greeting other players and asking them not to shoot! Embark Studios’ new shooter runs incredibly smoothly and feels great to play. It doesn’t hold your hand, but it does give you enough resources and equipment to quickly jump back into the action after a tough loss. Each successful escape feels like a unique story, whether you’re teaming up with strangers, taking down a powerful enemy, or surviving a chaotic battle. No matter what happens, you’ll always want to play again.
#14. METAL GEAR SOLID DELTA: SNAKE EATER
Available on: Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC | Developer: Konami, Virtuos | Read Our Review
I honestly thought Metal Gear was gone for good, just like so many fans did with Silent Hill. But as Snake famously said, nothing ever truly lasts forever, and that includes the series being absent from gaming. Now, with Delta: Snake Eater, it feels like a real return! This remake is amazing – it’s clearly meant to bring the story to a new audience, and it does so beautifully. Even with the updated graphics, new camera angles, and helpful improvements, it still feels like the Naked Snake’s incredible journey through fear, pain, anger, sadness, and ultimately, triumph. It’s a fantastic remake, and I really hope this is just the beginning of a whole new chapter for the Metal Gear franchise.
#13. MARIO KART WORLD
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2 | Developer: Nintendo | Read Our Review
It’s been over ten years since the original Mario Kart 8, and a new installment feels like a major event. Nintendo didn’t just add a “9” – they completely revamped the experience with Mario Kart World. This new version features more racers, larger tracks, and an open world to explore. But it’s not just about racing; the “world” aspect introduces exciting breaks between races, creating a feeling of a real cross-country competition. With new power-ups, a huge roster of characters, innovative ways to get around the tracks, and fresh modes like Knockout Tour, Mario Kart World is a fantastic kart racer that will only improve over time.
#12. INAZUMA ELEVEN: VICTORY ROAD
You can play this game on Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 4. It was developed by LEVEL5 Inc. You can also find our full review here.
One player called this anime soccer game the “Avengers: Endgame” of its kind, and it’s hard to argue with that level of excitement! After being announced in 2016 and facing several delays, Victory Road is finally here, offering a brand new story with incredible animated cutscenes from the renowned studio MAPPA. The game boasts a massive roster of over 5,400 characters to collect and train, all in pursuit of becoming a soccer legend. With so many options, you’ll spend a lot of time finding the best team, but that’s part of what makes it enjoyable, along with the series’ signature determination and fighting spirit.
#11. WHERE WINDS MEET
Available on: PS5, PC, iOS, Android | Developer: Everstone Studio | Read Our Review
Most free-to-play action RPGs rely on anime-style graphics and systems that encourage spending money. Everstone Studio decided to do things differently. They focused on realistic visuals and drew inspiration from wuxia stories – tales of legendary heroes and grand adventures. Instead of making you buy characters, you create a single character and become more powerful by completing missions, gaining experience, or even learning from observing the natural world.
I’m so excited about this game! It’s a wuxia RPG where I can really be whoever I want. I can be a wandering martial arts master, learning to fight with swords, rope darts, or anything else, or I can focus on building and creating. If I’m into player-versus-player combat, I can become a stealthy assassin, or I can even become a trader and dominate the in-game economy. There’s a main story, sure, but it feels like the real point is to forge my own unique path and become a legend!
Where Winds Meet offers more than 100 hours of compelling solo gameplay, alongside plenty of social features and group activities. It’s a surprisingly enjoyable game that we anticipate playing for a long time.
#10. SPLIT FICTION
You can play this game on PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. It was developed by Hazelight Studios. You can find our full review here.
Hazelight Studios is known for creating amazing co-op games, and their latest, Split Fiction, is no exception. The story starts with a familiar setup: Zoe, a fantasy writer from a small town, meets Mio, a sci-fi author from the city. They don’t immediately hit it off. But things quickly get interesting when they’re pulled into a simulation where their stories come to life – and someone is trying to steal their ideas! That’s just the first of many surprises you can expect.
The two characters journey through a variety of imaginative, futuristic worlds, each with their own special powers. One moment you might be speeding through a sci-fi city with energy swords and grappling hooks, and the next you’re raising dragons that learn new abilities as they mature. The game also includes optional side quests, like exploring the vastness of space.
Like Hazelight’s other games, each level in Split Fiction offers a fresh experience with different gameplay styles – from shooting and jumping to solving puzzles – and feels really good to play. But what truly sets this game apart is its touching story, which will keep you invested until the very end.
#9. DISPATCH
Available on: PS5, PC | Developer: AdHoc Studio | Read Our Review
Telltale Games’ style of storytelling fell out of favor for a good reason – it wasn’t simply due to bad business decisions. Ultimately, players want a captivating story with characters they care about and gameplay that goes beyond just making choices. The game Dispatch delivers on all fronts, beginning with a clever concept: you play as the dispatcher for a team of former villains who are now superheroes, sending them to handle emergencies based on their unique abilities.
But Robert Robertson, once known as Mecha Man, is more than just his past. The story delves into what it means to be a hero, exploring his own history and the reasons behind the villains’ actions, which is why these kinds of stories resonate with us. The voice acting is also fantastic, with standout performances from Aaron Paul as Robert, Laura Bailey as Invisigal, and Travis Willingham as Phenomaman.
Dispatch is surprisingly excellent, especially considering how difficult it is for episodic games to succeed these days. It’s a good reminder that anyone can be a hero, and that people aren’t limited by their past – plus, it proves that Telltale’s storytelling style can still be really effective.
#8. KINGDOM COME: DELIVERANCE 2
Available on: PS5, PC, Xbox Series X/S | Read Our Review
Henry, who starts as an ordinary blacksmith’s son in a small village, has grown into a skilled knight fighting in battles. While it might seem difficult at first to rebuild his equipment and weapons, this challenge perfectly captures the spirit of Kingdom Come: Deliverance and what makes its gameplay so engaging. The game is realistic, often tough, but rewarding if you learn to play by its rules – allowing you to achieve anything you set your mind to.
For Henry, this approach goes beyond just living a certain lifestyle – be it as a hunter-gatherer or a skilled blacksmith. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 offers a wealth of compelling stories combined with deeply immersive gameplay. You can follow the main path, learn about and even understand the Cumans, or go off the beaten track to hunt for dragon bones – the choice is yours.
This game offers a compelling world that’s both dangerous and welcoming. Every choice you make, even something as simple as what your character wears or how they speak to others, has consequences. If you enjoy a challenging but rewarding experience, this is easily one of the best role-playing games released this year – and in recent years.
#7. HOLLOW KNIGHT: SILKSONG
I’m so excited to share that this game is available on pretty much everything! You can play it on PS5, PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and even the new Nintendo Switch 2. It’s developed by the amazing Team Cherry, and if you’re curious what we thought of it, you can read our review!
It’s amusing to think that while fans desperately wanted any news about the sequel, Team Cherry was quietly working on it, building on the success of their critically acclaimed game. When a release date was finally announced, other game releases were quickly rescheduled to avoid competing. The anticipation was immense, and it was strangely satisfying to see so many online stores struggle to handle the sudden surge in traffic.
Beyond the excitement, Silksong is a truly special game. It’s not just a beautifully animated side-scroller with smooth controls and exciting fights in a richly detailed world filled with both charming creatures and dangerous enemies. It excels at telling stories through its environments and features characters you genuinely root for. Plus, it’s a genuinely tough game, often very challenging.
The real challenge lies in overcoming obstacles, using your abilities to push beyond your limits—only to face a new, tougher enemy and start the cycle all over again. The game’s visuals, music, and levels are already clearly outstanding, but at its heart, Silksong is a brilliant example of game design and a victory for the genre.
#6. BLUE PRINCE
Available on: PS5, PC, Xbox Series X/S | Developer: Dogubomb | Read Our Review
I learned about the puzzle game Dogubomb from Jason Schreier at Bloomberg. Usually, I’d read several reviews before trying an unfamiliar game, but Schreier was adamant: this game is a unique and excellent experience.
I explored Mt. Holly’s manor, searching for the legendary Room 46, and soon discovered that Blue Prince is a remarkably clever and understated game.
I’ve played a lot of rogue-lites, but this one is really different! Instead of just running and gunning, you actually plan your path by choosing and connecting rooms. It’s like drawing a floor plan to get more stuff – extra turns, money for tools, that kind of thing. You can even try out different layouts to really explore the mansion and uncover all its secrets. Getting to Room 46 is cool, but trust me, that’s just the beginning – there’s so much more to discover!
Amidst a flood of big-budget, flashy movies, Blue Prince stands out as a quiet, carefully crafted film that’s truly memorable. It encourages you to explore deeper questions, and the real payoff is the satisfaction of discovering something new.
#5. HADES 2
Available on: PC, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 | Developer: Supergiant Games | Read Our Review
The original Hades was already considered by many to be a near-perfect game, so its sequel didn’t need to drastically change things. Hades 2 not only improved on the first game, but also added entirely new features like deeper relationships with characters, farming, collecting resources, and even pets. It revamped how you move and fight to allow for more diverse character builds. While some initially found the ending unsatisfying (which has since been addressed), the game’s rewarding cycle of improvement – learning which upgrades work best and mastering each weapon – combined with its stunning graphics, music, and voice acting, firmly establishes it as a standout title in the rogue-lite genre.
#4. GHOST OF YŌTEI
Available on: PS5 | Developer: Sucker Punch Productions | Read Our Review
Poet Nikita Gill beautifully described how someone can transform pain into strength, saying, “Instead of dying of the heat, the sadness, the heartache, she took all of her pain and from her own ashes became fire.” This perfectly captures Atsu’s story. Once a gentle person, she became a relentless force seeking revenge on those who destroyed her family, hunting them across the land of Ezo.
You could also see her transformation as a rebirth – like a phoenix rising from the ashes, gaining a fresh outlook on life. She finds purpose in embracing the land of Ezo and its culture, exploring its beauty, and fueling her quest for revenge. Through both joyful and painful memories, old and new, she begins to believe life might be worth living, even after everything she’s been through. This story is far more complex than simply being about the dangers of revenge, as some have suggested.
As a fan, I can honestly say Ghost of Yōtei is a huge step up from the first game, and honestly, it’s better than most games I’ve played in this genre. Exploring the world of Ezo feels so natural – you stumble upon interesting stories and unexpected events as you chart the land and hunt down the Yōtei Six. You get to learn different fighting styles, team up with cool characters, and really immerse yourself in the Ainu culture. It’s just a stunning game to look at and listen to, and you can totally lose yourself in it, even with all the intense battles!
#3. CLAIR OBSCUR
Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC | Developer: Sandfall Interactive | Read Our Review
A group of developers started working on an RPG years ago, simply experimenting in Unreal Engine. Like the world of Clair Obscur, the game gradually developed thanks to their passion and dedication. This year, after a long journey, it was finally released to widespread acclaim.
The main story, following the group’s quest to defeat the Paintress, always had a lighthearted feel, even though it started with a violent opening. Along the way, they met many cheerful characters like the Gestrals and Esquie, but also faced incredibly strong enemies called Nevrons. The plot was full of unexpected turns, emotionally impactful moments, and constantly kept you guessing.
It was an absolutely thrilling experience from start to finish, thanks to the amazing writing, beautiful art, strong performances, and unforgettable music. If you’re a fan of great turn-based RPGs, Clair Obscur is a must-play. But beyond that, it’s a truly special game that will stay with you long after you finish playing.
#2. DONKEY KONG BANANZA
Available on: Nintendo Switch 2 | Developer: Nintendo | Read Our Review
It’s amazing to think that the team behind Super Mario Odyssey was already working on something this ambitious! They were developing a new 3D platformer featuring Donkey Kong, and it turned out to be a key launch title for the Switch 2. Who saw that coming?
Despite its simplicity, Bananza is genuinely fun to play. While Mario cleverly overcame challenges, Bananza takes a more direct route – you simply destroy everything in your path. Surprisingly, this isn’t repetitive; breaking through the environment, gathering tons of gold, and even riding on pieces of rock quickly becomes incredibly addictive.
I absolutely love Bananza! It’s not just a great platformer with cool twists – like those wild Zebra and Ostrich Kong levels – and beautiful worlds that get more complex as you play. It’s also a fantastic tribute to the character and everything that came before. What’s really amazing is that it’s basically a collect-a-thon, but you can totally ignore all that and just play – and it’s so much fun when you do!
Despite strong competition from games like Mario Kart World and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Donkey Kong Bananza is establishing itself as a key exclusive for the Switch 2, and it’s a game you won’t want to miss.
And without further ado, our Game of the Year goes to:
GAMINGBOLT’S GAME OF THE YEAR 2025 – DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH
Available on: PS5 | Developer: Koijma Productions | Read Our Review
Despite having a fantastic cast and high-quality production, the original Death Stranding wasn’t universally loved, which was expected. However, its popularity increased over time, leaving fans curious about what Kojima Productions would do with a sequel. The answer is simple: more of everything.
The game now offers expanded options for stealth, combat, and exploration, with a greater focus on delivering packages efficiently. Regions like Australia and Mexico have been revitalized, offering dynamic environments with challenges like dust storms and floods. Ultimately, director Hideo Kojima aimed to create a truly engaging and rewarding experience for players.
Sam reunited with both old and new allies to face known dangers, and finally confront his past – on multiple levels. The story had a somber and enigmatic tone, but it strengthened the bonds between the characters. Director Hideo Kojima brought his unique, quirky style to the plot twists, and surprisingly, they fit perfectly – feeling both assured and deeply moving.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is our pick for Game of the Year 2025 because it delivers another amazing journey through a world after the apocalypse, brings beloved characters together, and offers a hopeful path toward the future.
Closing Thoughts
It’s been a challenging year, filled with difficulties like job losses, studio shutdowns, and cancelled games, as well as some upsetting news. But through it all, you’ve stuck with us, sharing in the excitement of amazing new games and discovering fresh franchises. We know there were probably a few disappointments along the way, but we appreciate you being here with us. This year has been quite a journey, and it wouldn’t have been nearly as fun without your support.
Thank you for being with us in 2025! We’re excited for another year filled with gaming and amazing moments.
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2025-12-17 16:50