Kevin’s Top 10 of 2025
2025 was a phenomenal year for gaming. It felt like every month brought something fresh, bold, and unforgettable. Narrowing down my favorites wasn’t easy—there were so many standout experiences—but these ten games rose above the rest for me. They weren’t just fun; they left an impact, whether through storytelling, mechanics, or sheer creativity. Here’s why each one earned its spot on my list.
10. PEAK – PEAK is the kind of game that makes you sweat—literally. It’s a minimalist climbing survival game where every move feels like life or death. What hooked me was the tension: you’re constantly balancing stamina, grip, and weather conditions while coordinating with your team. I remember one climb where we were just meters from the summit, and a sudden storm forced us to improvise. We barely made it, and that rush was unforgettable. PEAK taught me patience and persistence, and few games capture the fragility of survival this well.
9. The Outer Worlds 2 – I’ve always loved RPGs that make me think, and The Outer Worlds 2 doubled down on that. The writing is sharp, full of wit and irony, and the choices feel meaningful. What really stood out was the commitment to your build—no respecs means you live with your decisions. I loved that sense of permanence; it made me role-play harder and think twice before investing in a skill. The world is vibrant, the companions are memorable, and the humor kept me smiling even during tense moments.
8. CloverPit – CloverPit was my guilty pleasure this year. A roguelike slot-machine game sounds bizarre, but it works. The thrill of spinning, the dread of debt, and the clever ways you can manipulate outcomes with charms and perks—it’s addictive. I’d tell myself “just one more run” and suddenly an hour was gone. The eerie, low-poly aesthetic adds to the tension, making every spin feel like a gamble with your life. It’s weird, it’s risky, and that’s why I couldn’t stop playing.
7. Arc Raiders – Arc Raiders gave me some of the most intense multiplayer sessions of the year. It’s an extraction shooter where you’re scavenging in a world full of hostile robots and rival squads. The unpredictability is what I loved most—one minute you’re looting in peace, the next you’re ambushed by both AI and players. The gunplay feels tight, and the social dynamics during raids—those moments of deciding whether to trust or betray—are pure adrenaline. It’s a game that thrives on chaos, and I was here for it.
6. REPO – If you want a game that turns horror into comedy, REPO is it. It’s a co-op horror title where you and your friends grab artifacts and escape deadly zones, but the physics-based tools and proximity chat make every session hilarious. I’ll never forget the time a teammate screamed because a door slammed shut, only to realize it was me messing with the physics. It’s chaotic, unpredictable, and endlessly fun. REPO reminded me that games don’t have to be serious to be memorable—they just need to create great stories with friends.
5. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach – Kojima’s sequel is everything I hoped for and more. The story is strange, emotional, and deeply human, and the traversal mechanics feel even more refined. I loved the sense of isolation mixed with connection—the idea that every bridge you build matters. The new environments, from sun-scorched deserts to lush coastlines, are stunning. And the narrative? It hit me harder than I expected. Few games make me stop and think about the meaning of connection, but this one did.
4. Two Point Museum – I’m a sucker for management sims, and Two Point Museum is pure joy. Designing exhibits, sending expeditions, and watching visitors react to your creations never gets old. I loved experimenting with layouts and seeing how small changes could boost engagement. There’s something satisfying about curating history and art, and this game nails that feeling. It’s creative, strategic, and full of personality—a perfect blend of fun and challenge.
3. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – This game floored me. It’s a surreal RPG with a haunting premise: a world slowly erased by the Paintress. The art direction is gorgeous, and the timing-based combat kept me engaged throughout. I loved how it blended turn-based strategy with real-time elements, making every battle feel alive. The story is unforgettable—melancholic yet hopeful—and the characters stayed with me long after the credits rolled. It’s rare for a game to feel like a piece of art, but this one does.
2. Blue Prince – Blue Prince is pure brilliance. It’s a roguelike puzzle game where every run feels like exploring a living, breathing mansion. The interconnected systems and clever design reminded me of Outer Wilds and Obra Dinn. I loved the sense of discovery—every room felt like a mystery waiting to be solved. It’s the kind of game that rewards curiosity, and I found myself jotting down notes like a detective. Few games make me feel that invested in unraveling their secrets.
1. Ghost of Yotei – My game of the year, hands down. Ghost of Yotei expands on everything I loved about Ghost of Tsushima. The setting—Hokkaido at the base of Mount Yotei—is breathtaking. The combat is deeper, the stealth more rewarding, and the story gripped me from start to finish. I felt like a true ninja, and the cinematic presentation made every moment unforgettable. There were times I’d just stop and take in the scenery because it was that beautiful. This game didn’t just entertain me—it transported me.
Article By Kevin Austin
