If we're being honest, you're probably here to judge my choices, and I can't really blame you. I've done the same with every other writer on TheGamer who has published a list like this. So, I'm grateful for this opportunity to help you discover the best game you've missed this year.
Like every year, many of us will publish a list with our own personal picks, and once they've all been shared, our lovely editor-in-chief, Stacey Henley, will collate all of our rankings and present the official TheGamer GOTY picks. So be sure to check out all the other listings to see what has a shot at making it!
10
Alters
Alters was one of those games that just came out of nowhere. I'm not usually very good at survival games because I'm terrible at managing supplies and don't like being limited, but Alter's story was so interesting that I couldn't help but stick around.
We've all had those moments where we wonder what life would have been like if we'd made slightly different choices, and so it was fascinating to see how they played out to go. And I mean, come on, it even had a musical number!
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9
Kirby Air Riders
Unfortunately, Kirby Air Riders was released so late in the year that it wasn't even eligible for a Game Awards nomination, but that doesn't mean it can't still make my list.
This game came after decades of waiting and did not remotely disappoint. A number of other notable racing games were released this year, such as Mario Kart World and Sonic Crossworlds, but none of them held a candle to Kirby Air Riders for me. It shines like a chaotic star.
8
Dispatch
Dispatch might be low on this list, but I need to keep in mind that this list is basically ten games that I like almost equally in 2025. This is the only one where it is because I wish the actual gameplay itself offered a bit more. Bt the story is incredible, and the voice actors are exceptional.
You can feel the passion behind this game in every inch of it, from the stunning animations to the incredible voice acting. It's hard not to fall in love with a game that radiates the joy of its creators.
7
A small bookstore
I knew the second I had to watch this game. I'm an avid reader and have been since I was young, so running my own little bookstore is basically a dream come true. The Tiny Bookshop is the perfect way to relax when I need something to de-stress the day, and I mean, you're recommending actual books.
Not only has it given me a cathartic way to pitch my recommendations to people on, ahem, the Fourth Wing (insert eye emoji), but it's also helped me discover books I'd never heard of. If you like to read, I can't recommend it enough.
6
All dates!
I'm not always one for dating games, but I couldn't be more impressed with everything to date. The lineup of voice actors, including everyone from Matt Mercer to Damian Haas, means I'll be buying this regardless of the gameplay. Thankfully, it's a great game anyway.
Walking past a piece of furniture in your home and thinking, “Surely not, right?” Only to find out that you actually, date your roof was something else. My friend and I spent hours excitedly scanning things, only to be met with an incredibly clever design for a human version of an inanimate object, and yet another with a recognizable voice.
And yes, I will tell you some of my favorites. Thanks for asking. They are Desuke, Sophia, Betty, Chance, Jerry, Dirk, Dorian, Volt and Eddie. Don't analyze it.
5
Blue Prince
Absolutely infuriating nonsense, and I loved every second of it. Puzzle games are always something I like in theory, but hate in practice, but not Blue Prince. After pages of notes and tons of screenshots, I couldn't let this game go until I fixed it.
Honorable mention
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Donkey Kong Banana
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Hades 2
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Mario Kart World
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Metroid Prime 4
4
Pokemon Legends: ZA
There's no way a new Pokemon game comes out and doesn't make this list, but I have to say, I enjoyed Legends: ZA a lot more than I expected. I know some felt limited by being completely stuck in Lumiose, but I loved it.
Plus, the real-time battles were incredibly fun. They changed the way threats and AoE moves worked, and because of that Pokemon battles were fascinating to relearn. I hope the series continues to experiment with new mechanics in the future.
3
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is exciting in more ways than one, and I'm thrilled at the spotlight its 2025 GOTY win is putting on indie games. That said, personal gripes with aspects of the story keep it from my number one spot.
Still, this remarkable thing from an indie developer is proof that indies aren't just low-quality games. If anything, they have more heart and creativity behind them than most Triple-A titles.
2
Split Fiction
Hazelight doesn't remember. Split Fiction, which had the unfortunate fate of launching around Claire Obscur, was a mind-blowing gaming experience. I played it with my partner, who also played It Take Two, and the jump in quality to an already incredible game is amazing.
Split Fiction paid homage to many classics in its clever level designs and really had something for everyone. If the sense of pride in gaming history generated by The Game Awards can be translated into one game, it's Split Fiction. I can't remember the last time I had this much fun playing a co-op game.
1
Silent Hill f
I'm a major scaredy cat, so despite loving horror games, they're incredibly time-consuming for me to get through. Which is why the fact that I was immediately willing to dive into Silent Hill F's NG+ is pretty impressive in itself.
The constant questions surrounding Hinako's life and Fox Mask made me need to watch the whole story, and it just kept getting better. It's an exceptionally scary game, from the acting to the story, and so, while I was a little disappointed that it didn't take home Best Narrative, that doesn't mean you can't still check it out!
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