We live in a very weird time. The geopolitical powers are shifting every day to the point it seems we won’t recognize the world we are witnessing right now. CEOs of AAA gaming companies, as perpetually out of touch as they are, are sharing discouraging statements on the favorable use of generative AI, throwing creatives under the bus. Even I, on a personal level, am trying to help get Pixelbyte off the ground even in such an uncertain period in our history, knowing full well that it is a crazy endeavor. Who knows what will happen tomorrow?
The only constant that keeps me going, apart from friends and family, is undoubtedly video games. This year we saw many fascinating virtual worlds that not only help us escape from reality but, sometimes, put a mirror towards some ugly truths that we need to address. Every genre is operating to the best of its confines. From ingenious Metroidvanias to massive open worlds and one-of-a-kind roguelikes, every game shown here is a work of art. I have written about these games at length in the past, so I will give them a new spin as to why they left such a lasting impact on me.
Here are my top 10 games of 2025:
10. Lost Records: Bloom & Rage
The 90s were such a formative era not just for a whole generation of millennials but also for the iconic media created in that time. Twin Peaks, The Craft, and Stephen King’s timeless work all might look like they have little in common, but they are so expertly interwoven into Lost Records: Bloom & Rage’s narrative that you’d be forgiven for not appreciating it at first instance. A dual narrative from 1995 and 2022, Don’t Nod made the smart decision to not only have 4 angsty teenagers as main characters but also their more seasoned counterparts in the modern era.
This allows for more introspective storytelling overall. Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is a very heartfelt coming-of-age tale of love, loss, and friendship. There is a melancholic vibe to it all as soon as it starts, so I would understand why somebody who is not in the mood would not be on board with it. But for those hopeless romantics like me, it just feels right to take part in its story. As the music lover that I am, the licensed music and original songs created for the game simply elevate its emotional impact.
9. Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo
Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo is one of those games that prove nowadays the democratization of games lets developers make experiences just as good as the ones they were inspired by. Feeling like an unearthed Game Boy Advance game that never saw the light of day, the ingenious puzzles, sarcastic anticapitalist narrative, and rewarding Metroidvania aspects make it an adventure you cannot go wrong with.
8. Blue Prince
Ah, Blue Prince. A true challenge if there ever was one, this unique roguelike puzzler will not defy you in ways you’d expect. None of the puzzles are entirely difficult, but because its RNG can be quite punishing it can drive some players crazy. Tasked with getting to room 46 in a manor with 45 rooms, every day you must start from scratch to try to solve the intricate mysteries that the mansion has to offer. I have described Blue Prince as going to therapy because you make breakthroughs every so often, only to find new setbacks that will test your patience. But just like therapy, it feels great at the end of the day to have opened your mind to new possibilities. Good luck getting to the end and beyond. I am rooting for you.
7. Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream
All throughout the year, I am attentive to the many showcases covering the barrage of new video games releasing soon. It’s always a gamble to request a review code based simply on a few snippets of gameplay, cutscenes, and the developers speaking about their passionate vision. Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream was one of those cases where my intuition was right. Not only featuring state-of-the-art cinematography on a budget but also astute stealth puzzle mechanics that might prove tough to crack at first but immensely rewarding once everything flows. The riveting narrative and emotional acting are the cherry on top.
6. Constance
I am aware that I have a soft spot for stories about burnout. This subgenre of storytelling is admittedly a recent one that caught me by surprise, but there have been some nuanced portrayals this year more than any other. Perhaps a sign of the times. Constance is one impeccable Metroidvania that imbues its timely subject with one of the year’s most gorgeous hand-drawn artstyle. Protagonist “Connie” does not know how much overworking herself is affecting her, and only through a series of challenging trials and tribulations will she be able to attend to her needs. In the end, this is an emotionally charged cautionary tale not often seen in the genre that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
5. The Knightling
Earnest tales of pure, starry-eyed bravery are ones that speak to my soul. As a longtime fan of The Chronicles of Narnia, those campfire tales of young warriors taking up arms to prove themselves against a jaded world are endlessly charming to me. And reveal a sliver of hope. The Knightling is a third-person action adventure that shows some of the best implementations of open-world games to its benefit: meaningful exploration, fun traversal, well-thought-out biomes, and side content. To wrap it all up in a characteristically valiant soundtrack makes it all that more enticing.
4. Hades 2
My relationship with this series is a new one. I will admit, I was very late to the party with this one. Or with the roguelike genre in general. So it might have hit even harder when I finally bought Hades 2 on my shiny new Nintendo Switch 2. Yes, I did like Zagreus’ story, but new protagonist Melinoë’s deadly upbringing as a literal weapon to finish Chronos, no matter the cost, was a narrative that cut deeper for me. To show a bit of humanity and compassion alongside these masterfully crafted runs just helped me get closer to her plight. One that truly never ends.
3. Promise Mascot Agency
Creatively ambitious, I love Promise Mascot Agency because it’s a game that swings for the fences. Mixing sublime management sim elements just like a Yakuza minigame, it will keep you on your toes. Its rewarding exploration on a small kei truck in a haunted small town gives off a second-to-none vibe. But most importantly, its the relationship of Michi, an ex-yakuza, and Pinky, a literal severed pinky finger, that is the beating heart of it all. Tasked with reviving a mascot agency, they will encounter government corruption, lost ambitions, and a burning desire to keep going against the current. Props to one of the best soundtracks of the year.
2. Wanderstop
The effects of long-term stress are still being studied, but there are clear conclusions that everyone should keep an eye out for: impatience, irritability, and stubbornness. Wanderstop is one of those video games that I see as more than that. It’s a testament to the dangers of ignoring oneself, usually to our mental, physical, and psychological health. Telling the story of Alta, she must reconnect with what it means to do nothing, meeting a very peculiar set of characters while attending a tea shop along the way. There is no clear answer to solve this ongoing burnout crisis, but Wanderstop at least tackles it as humanely as can be.
1. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
2025 had been a year of extremes. On the one hand, we have a generational lineup of video games, rife with diversity and creativity. On the other, a world that does not cease to get worse everywhere you look. From generative AI poisoning the environment and art equally to the ongoing massive firings of incredibly talented developers by executives because numbers did not go slightly up, it has not been easy. Many are still struggling as I write this.
The moment that perfectly encapsulates 2025, I believe, is the Summer Games Fest in June, with people innocently celebrating games while ICE violently rounded up innocent civilians a couple of blocks from the event in Los Angeles. This is how it feels to celebrate gaming in 2025. We cannot ignore, but despite the darkness encroaching, we try our best to find the beauty in the world.
The sequel to one of the most recognized video game auteurs of our time, Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, feels like it is retreading the steps of the first game in its first couple of hours, only to reveal its hand soon after. A better game in every respect, its refined systems allow for an extremely satisfying gameplay loop that could make you easily lose hours building roads, clearing enemy camps, or delivering packages. The combat, now more in tune with the highs of Metal Gear Solid, shows Kojima still has a penchant for high-octane action.
That is all fine and dandy, but what ultimately resonated with me was the message that it was trying to send. I have already said how it feels like every day this past year has been decidedly trying, to say the least. To create a story where the question “Should we have connected?” is menacingly posed against us, only to respond with a defiant “Yes,” is something I did not expect to click as much as I thought I would. The future is not something that will be built while we look from the sidelines. No, the future is what we choose to make of it each day of our waking lives.
This is why Death Stranding 2 is my game of the year.
Going down memory lane does not only help define what made this year one of the best in gaming. Reaching new heights thanks to crowning achievements such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and showing the mastery developers big and small have over their work, it is clear that video games are bringing in audiences now more than ever. It is incredible that, considering what a friend of yours may like, there will always be a game that fits them like a glove.
Appealing to every possible taste, I am inspired by the creativity on display seen this year. Some games excelled at showing mature narratives, while others reveled in their unserious ingenuity. Whatever the case, it is now easier than ever to bring potential players to the fold. I appreciate everyone who has read Zach and my work on Pixelbyte, and rest assured we will continue our passionate gaming coverage now and into the future. Thank you for reading.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Remember to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Bluesky to keep up to date on everything we have going on!
