Top Notch Titles of 2024's Gaming Landscape
Another year has passed, so it's time to recap my top games of 2025. Here's a run-down of my personal favorites that I enjoyed playing in 2025, which were released in the same year.
Unfortunately, I didn't get enough time to delve into UFO 50, Animal Well, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2025, Gargle, Waking the Deep, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 or 1000xProtest. I also missed out on picking up Star Wars Rebellion after the significant update that seemed to enhance the gaming experience a lot.
I had plans to play Horizon Brick City, Raven Country, Fuzz: A Brief Journey, Pacific Radio, Monument Valley 4, My God, You're Holy, Dog Leashes - Ultraterrestrial Pups and A Quiet Place: Road Trip. Unfortunately, time constraints and the pressures of modern life made for formidable opponents.
I strive to play a variety of games, typically a mix of the latest releases and those that are trending. I usually try to check out every game that kind PR teams send me review codes for, but the sheer number of them is overwhelming. Some genres I rarely touch, but certain titles (like a specific roguelike strategy game) have managed to pique my interest.
Simogo's Farewell, Wild Souls is one of my all-time favorite games, so I had high hopes for the studio's latest, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes. The visual aesthetic was stunning, but I just couldn't sync with its challenging puzzles. On the other hand, I enjoyed the storyline of Ghostrunner but its fast-paced action didn't quite resonate with me.
I'm a big fan of the concept behind Time and Galaxies, though the central idea falls a bit short (you'll find out why somewhere else). I liked what I played of Sumerian Seven and The Curious Case of Frank Stone, but I found myself drifting away from the games after a couple of hours and never going back.
So, without further ado, here are the 20 best games of 2025:
20) Little Kitty Big Metropolis
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Developer/publisher: Two Cats Studio
A delightfully charming exploration adventure, just as advertised. Perfect for enjoying with younger gamers in your life.
19) Galaxy Mash
Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch
Developer: Rocket Games
Star Crystal was on my list last year, and now a mobile clone has made its way onto this year's list. What really drew me to Galaxy Mash was its compatibility with the Apple Watch.
The concept is that when two cosmic entities of identical shape collide, they merge into a larger entity (similar to the mechanics in Threes). Repeat this process until you either create a black hole or fill the container beyond capacity, like in Tetris.
I prefer the accuracy of using the watch dial to position items before dropping them compared to using a controller or touchscreen. Apart from Overwatch 2 and a certain card game, I think I spent more time with Galaxy Mash than any other game this year. In fact, I even started (but didn't finish) a piece about it back in March and am still playing it.
18) Turbo Kid 2
Platforms: Windows (Nintendo Switch release TBA)
Developer/publisher: Outerminds Inc.
I adore the original Turbo Kid, an unapologetically fun cult movie from 2015 that's a gory tribute to Saturday morning cartoons. It took nine years for this sequel to hit the shelves. The game successfully extends the universe with its own take on the traditional Metroidvania genre, and, like the movie, the soundtrack is incredible.
17) Oasis
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Developer: Oasis Games
Publisher: Oasis Games, PQube Limited
A somber, unsettling art project disguised as a walking simulator. Oasis is a compelling take on the confined, eerie atmosphere of the Backrooms trend, but one that is more thought-provoking than truly terrifying.
16) Struggle
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Developers: Ewoud van der Werf, Nils Slijkerman
Publishers: Extra Nice, Playism
I always enjoy a tight puzzle platformer with beautiful visuals and a compelling storyline, and Struggle is no exception.
Read my review of Struggle.
15 - Welcome to Paradise!
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5
Developer: Gremlin Farm
Publisher: Devolver Digital
A ludicrously funny adventure where the humor is almost ripped straight from Viz. Play as a goofy character who carries out odd jobs for the residents of a small town by slapping objects. I instantly fell in love with Welcome to Paradise! when I found out the supermarket is called "Priced to Pleasure."
The most unsettling game on the list I came across during lunchtime, a session that might not have been the wisest choice given its strange blend of endurance and deviant behavior. I can't help but recall it, regardless of my best efforts to forget. I'll admit, I enjoyed playing Clickolding, although it's unlikely I'll be revisiting it.
13) One-Button Bosses
Platform: Windows
Developer: Midnight Munchies
Publishers: Midnight Munchies, Outersloth
One-Button Bosses is a game that thrives on timing, just like comedy. You command an auto-firing ship on a fixed track, with your only control being a single button that reverses your direction while resetting damage output. As you advance, you unlock additional abilities and weapons, but the key to success is avoiding damage, unless leaderboard rankings matter to you.
Read my review of One-Button Bosses
12) Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
Platforms: Windows, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Developer: Don't Nod
Publisher: Focus Entertainment
One of the longer games that held my attention this year was Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden. It's an intriguing morality tale disguised as an action RPG. The touching, heart-wrenching love story overshadows the combat, but the multiple endings are worth exploring.
Read my review of Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
11) Trombone Champ: Unflattened
Platforms: Meta Quest, PS VR2, SteamVR
Developers: Flat2VR Studios, Holy Wow Studios
Publisher: Flat2VR Studios
My first true VR experience was an absolute blast. While other games touched me more deeply this year, nothing made me laugh as much as the absurdity of Trombone Champ: Unflattened.
Read my impressions of Trombone Champ: Unflattened
10) The Plucky Squire
Platforms: Windows, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Developer: All Possible Futures
Publisher: Devolver Digital
It's unfortunate that The Plucky Squire fell short of its potential and felt a bit drawn out, as I genuinely enjoyed the majority of it. It's bursting with inventive ideas and clever features. The game's premise is fantastic, and it's an impressive tribute to the importance of imagination and storytelling.
9) Minishoot Adventures
Platform: Windows
Developer: SoulGame Studio
Publisher: SoulGame Studio, IndieArk
This is a top-down shooter inspired by Galaga that transports you into an adventure akin to Zelda games. On some days, A Link to the Past remains my all-time favorite game, so Minishoot Adventures was irresistible to me.
The game is meticulously crafted and brimming with character. I'm still amazed at how well the two-person team behind it managed to humanize the ship. It's a true gem.
8) Helldivers 2
Platforms: Windows, PS5
Developer: Arrowhead Game Studios
Publisher: PlayStation Publishing
I've never had this much fun spreading authoritarian politics 🫡
7) Indiana Jones and The Great Circle
Platforms: Windows, Xbox Series X/S
Developer: MachineGames
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
I've never had this much fun thwarting authoritarian politics.
5) Été
Platform: Windows
Developer/publisher: Impossible
I'm a fan of Montreal, and this game beautifully captures the city's atmosphere and quirks. It transforms the metropolis into a large canvas for you to explore and appreciate. Été is my favorite cozy game of the year.
Read my review of Été
4) Balatro
Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Developer: LocalThunk
Publisher: Playstack
Almost a perfect game. Balatro may have contributed significantly to the global productivity decline this past year. It's incredibly engaging and hard to put down, appearing on my PC, laptop, Steam Deck, and phone. I can't seem to escape its grasp.
3) Another Crab's Treasure
Platforms: Windows, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Developer/publisher: Aggro Crab
A Soulslike for those like me that struggle with Soulslikes (total Elden Ring playtime: three hours). Now, I think I finally get it.
This is a vibrant, clever, satirical take on the genre that's actually darker than its peers due to its real-world context and environmental storyline. Despite its morbid backdrop, it's extremely enjoyable to play.
I spent around two hours deciphering the tactic of Another Crab's Treasure's exploration and combat. Once I got the hang of it, everything fell into place perfectly. And when I felt less inclined to battle a boss or certain adversaries, I could always swap Kril's shell for a massive pistol that instantly eliminated any opponent.
1) Neva
Categories: Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Creator: Nomada Studio
Distributor: Devolver Digital
Mesmerizing in every way, Nomada Studio's sequel to Gris is a profoundly moving puzzle platformer depicting love, loss, and decay. An absolute must-have.
2) Astro Bot
Gaming System: PS5
Creator: Team Asobi
Publishing Company: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Well, it's probably not a surprise. And honestly, I'm a bit taken aback by myself for naming a platformer as my Game of the Year for the third year in a row. But I have to follow my feelings, and the game that has brought me the most happiness over the past year is none other than Astro Bot.
It combines precise platforming, tosses in loads of personality, boasts smart level design, and sprinkles in just enough secrets. The result is a charming party for all ages to enjoy, even if it is a single-player game. Some of the challenge levels can be pretty tough (and often infuriating!) but could I ever truly be upset with this game? Astro Bot is simply extraordinary.
Just for the record, here are my favorite games of each year since 2019:
- 2019: Sayonara Wild Hearts
- 2020: Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout
- 2021: Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy
- 2022: Poinpy
- 2023: Super Mario Bros. Wonder
- 2024: Astro Bot
See you next year with a list that might or might not include GTA VI!
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- I was disappointed that I didn't get the chance to play the new version of Star Wars Rebellion, as it seemed like it would greatly enhance the gaming experience.
- Among the games I missed out on due to time constraints and modern life pressures were horizon Brick City, Raven Country, and Another Crabs Treasure.
- I often try out indie games, and one of my favorites is the Indiana Jones game, which has a captivating storyline and challenging puzzle elements.
- In 2024, I'm looking forward to playing the best games, including potential releases like Helldivers 2 and the goty 2024.
- I heard great reviews about the new Star Wars game, Star Wars Rebellion, and I'm hoping I'll get the chance to play it next year, which is on the best games 2024 list.
