2025 Gaming Highlights: A Year in Review

As 2025 comes to a close, we're reviving a cherished tradition: highlighting the most exceptional games that left a lasting impression on our team. With thousands of new releases, it's impossible to play them all, but these standouts have earned a special place in our gaming memories. Here's to another exciting year of gaming in 2026. One trend that caught my attention was the resurgence of classic mechanics, as seen in Ballionnaire and Ball X Pit, which breathed new life into traditional gameplay with contemporary twists and mobile-style unlock systems. Another highlight was uncovering the intricate family history in The Roottrees Are Dead, which introduced me to a unique concept that could potentially spawn a new genre. However, the standout title was ARC Raiders, a phenomenal PvE game that boasted outstanding visuals, audio, and NPC design, making for an incredibly compelling experience. The game's setting felt refreshingly new, and the balance of risk and reward in human encounters kept me engaged. I also had the pleasure of playing Ghost of Yōtei, which exceeded my expectations with its strong female lead, Atsu, and the beautifully crafted world of Ezo. The game's ability to evoke a sense of zen and appreciation for nature's beauty left a lasting impression on me. Other notable mentions include Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, which offered a thought-provoking evolution of its dice-rolling mechanics, and Donkey Kong Bananza, a vibrant and entertaining ride that piled on fantastic ideas at a breakneck pace. The Horror at Highrook, an eldritch horror-themed card-crafting RPG, also deserves a mention for its ability to generate a captivating atmosphere and story through its simple yet effective mechanics. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was another exceptional title that left a mark, with its haunting beauty and strong narrative. Blue Prince, a phenomenal puzzle game, was unfortunately overshadowed by Clair Obscur's release but is undoubtedly one of the best games of the year, with its intelligent, roguelike puzzles and deceptively deep storytelling. Every aspect of the game's design has been carefully crafted, making it a must-play experience. Lastly, Monster Hunter Wilds and Easy Delivery Co. are worth mentioning for their unique blend of gameplay and atmosphere, with the former offering a living, breathing ecosystem and the latter descending into surreal psychological horror.