GOTY - Best Video Games of 2025

Monster Hunter Wilds positions itself as a strong contender for GOTY 2025 due to its ambitious open-world expansion and the promise of smoother, more connected gameplay. The evolution of the monster-hunting formula, coupled with anticipated technical innovations, shapes it into an immersive and groundbreaking experience.

What happens when you combine the best of Western role-playing with the essence of the classic Japanese JRPG, with its turn-based combat? The result is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and not only does it combine the best of both worlds, but despite being the debut of its creators, it's made from the same fabric as the great sagas.

Warhorse Studios once again took a gamble on historically realistic role-playing, adding much more ambition to the original formula. The result has not only delighted us and millions of players, but has also positioned it as one of the big surprises of 2025.

Hollow Knight: Silksong is almost like the tale of Peter and the Wolf. We don't just want to believe we'll play it this year, but that it will surpass the first game. Given the expectations generated, it should set a new standard for Metroidvanias.

Split Fiction is highly praised for its engaging co-op gameplay, exciting levels, and likable characters, earning it a rare perfect score from GameSpot. It follows in the footsteps of Hazelight's previous successes, such as It Takes Two, making it a standout title in 2025.

The most brutal game of the year, but also the return of a cult saga to its roots. Doom: The Dark Ages leaves science fiction aside to unapologetically embrace the barbarity of dark fantasy. So much so, that they've abandoned multiplayer to intensify the excitement and explosiveness of each game.

Blue Prince is a masterfully crafted roguelike puzzle game set in a mysterious, shapeshifting manor house. It offers a unique architectural adventure with intricate details and challenging gameplay.

The best game in the Metal Gear series is reborn with the power of the Unreal Engine. Konami is resurrecting its best games, and after making the 2024 Silent Hill 2 remake one of the must-haves of the year, the new beginning of the Solid Snake saga comes with all the extra advantages reserved for cult classics.

We have many games that explore the charm of feudal Japan. Perhaps too many. But what Ghost of Tsushima achieved was absolutely unprecedented. It is, for all intents and purposes, a very high bar that its sequel, set two centuries later, we are confident will match.

Achieving the ultimate karting game isn't about reinventing what already works, but rather making it much more fun: Mario Kart World takes place in a huge, interconnected open world brimming with content, with more multiplayer features and secrets than any other game.

At a time when first-person adventures are experiencing a real boom, the return of Samus Aran promises to make a difference. A transitional game between Switch and Switch 2, certainly, but also one of the most eagerly awaited games from the current Nintendo.

Assassin's Creed Shadows offers a refreshing take on the series by focusing on skillful combat and exploration in Sengoku-period Japan. The game features well-realized protagonists with unique playstyles, though it may not change the minds of those who never connected with the series before.

Cabernet provides a fascinating spin on vampire lore, set in 19th century Eastern Europe. It is praised for its narrative-driven approach and fulfilling character arcs.

South of Midnight excels with its authentic setting, imaginative visuals, and a fantastic story, despite playing it safe with its gameplay mechanics. It offers a compelling exploration of the American Deep South.

A new 3D platforming adventure that marks the return of the iconic ape to the genre since Donkey Kong 64. Set in vast underground sandbox environments, the game combines exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving as Donkey Kong attempts to recover the Golden Bananas stolen by the VoidCo corporation. Featuring innovative environment destruction mechanics, including digging, breaking walls, and manipulating terrain, this title aims to offer a fresh and dynamic experience on the new Switch.

Rare, very rare is the year in which FromSoftware isn't nominated for Game of the Year... If not win it! In this sense, Elden Ring Nightreign isn't a sequel, but rather a well-calculated experiment that seeks to bring what we liked most about its best game (to date) to a cooperative experience. A winning combination.

Hideo Kojima's return to his most personal game still retains the mystery and science fiction feel of the original. A game published by PlayStation Studios that, if it's anything like Sam Bridges Porter's previous journey, will leave us indifferent.

Hades II stands out as a GOTY 2025 contender due to its innovative roguelike gameplay, which expands upon its predecessor's successful formula with new mechanics and a deep progression system. Its captivating narrative and character development remain strong points, offering an emotionally resonant experience that hooks players.

Borderlands 4 is the next installment in the acclaimed first-person looter-shooter series developed by Gearbox Software. The game promises more frenetic action, the franchise's signature irreverent humor, and an even more exaggerated number of procedurally generated weapons. It is expected to expand the Borderlands universe with new playable characters, enemies, and planets to explore, in addition to graphical improvements and polished mechanics compared to previous titles.

Gran Turismo 7 redefines racing simulation with its stunning attention to graphical and physical detail, offering an immersive and accessible driving experience. Its deep progression and variety of game modes guarantee hundreds of hours of entertainment for motorsport enthusiasts.

Civilization VII redefines turn-based strategy with innovative mechanics and unprecedented depth, offering a gameplay experience that captivates both veterans and newcomers. Its ambition and execution position it as a strong contender for GOTY 2025.