What an incredible year 2025 is shaping up to be, and we’ve still got another half to go!

Even with GTA VI slipping into 2026, the gaming release calendar has already been packed and we’ve still got a bunch of heavy hitters to come.

But what’s been our favourites so far? Here’s what we think…

Keep in mind, some games we’ve yet to play – a good example of this is Death Stranding 2 which does not appear in this list. So if they’re missing from this list, that doesn’t mean they’ll be absent from our year-end roundup. Likewise, if they’re here now, doesn’t mean they’ll make our end of year roundup either. Let’s go…

#20 Two Point Museum

Let’s kick off with a fantastic new instalment in the Two Point series. The fact this isn’t higher shows you how good 2025 has been so far! In our review, we said Two Point Museum is without question the best Two Point game to date, but is also one of the finest strategy games in recent memory. Its approachable design has easy to learn mechanics and many intriguing layers to delve into. This is a fantastic video game that we heartily recommend. [Sam]

#19 Lost Records Bloom & Rage

In a bit of a Life is Strange lull, this new IP from Don’t Nod ended up being a fantastic throwback to the glory days. With great storytelling and some smart mechanics, this one is definitely worth playing. In our review we said, Lost Records has good character and story build-up across two periods in history, with world-class acting to make these characters feel truly three-dimensional, and it has compelling writing that keeps you hooked. [Sam]

#18 Xenoblade Chronicles X : Definitive Edition

Switch 1 got a wonderful send-off this year with a remaster of Xenoblade Chronicles X, a fantastic Wii U original and probably one of the last games from the platform to be ported. This is easily one of the best instalments in the franchise and a great, fulfilling RPG to boot. In our review we said, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is one of the most ambitious titles Nintendo have ever made with its huge online options, scales and systems, and it’s better than ever on Switch. This is a fantastic, exciting departure from Nintendo norms and remains one of the finest RPGs on the market, now better than ever before and able to fulfil its true potential! [Laurie]

#17 South of Midnight

This is a very special and original game that really left an impression on us this year. From Compulsion Games and Microsoft, it has energy, style and substance and is beautifully crafted from top to bottom. In our review, we said the world is stunning, the characters and the story they drive are memorable, and there’s a lovely mix of puzzles to keep you invested. This world is a must visit. [Sam]

#16 Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4

The summer is all about skateboarding as Tony Hawks Pro Skater makes a triumphant return, remastering 3 and 4. We absolutely loved getting back into these classics and the gameplay is as good as it’s ever been. In our review, we said this game is a delight that continues to thrill with a kick ass soundtrack, fun-filled objectives and fantastic environmental variety. [Sam]

#15 The Alters

What an unexpected, interesting game this one has turned out to be. The Alters is all about cloning, determining choices and trying to find a way back home. In our review, we said The Alters is a sensational video game that beautifully blends a multitude of genres, mashing them up expertly into a compelling core loop that feels both stressful with a constant timer and threat of peril at your back, but also a philosophically smart and intriguing narrative that really grips and holds onto you throughout. An absolute must-play! [Brad]

#14 Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

Just recently released but a very worthy addition to this lineup. An excellent souls-like and we feel the best outside of a From Software game we’ve seen to date. We said its approach to the traditional style offers some neat tweaks and adjustments to keep it fresh, while still maintaining what makes these games enjoyable, engaging and difficult to put down.[Tom]

#13 Civilization VII

Seven games in and the latest Civ is doing things differently while still maintaining the series’ vintage charm. It still remains a fantastic game and definitely one of our easiest picks for best games this year. And while it’s undoubtedly more divisive than previous games, it offers some broad, bold strokes with the age system, while it still remains the Civ you know and love. [Sam]

#12 DOOM: The Dark Ages

DOOM came back with a vengeance a few months back, serving as more of a prequel of the previous games and taking things medievil. The game is a rip-roarer and as you’d expect from the series, a thrilling new addition that wonderfully dovetails the classic original with a new-age formula and keeps things fresh. A certified banger, no doubt! [Sam]

#11 The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

This one really came out of nowhere in April and brought back one of the most beloved RPGs of all time, while also giving us another Elder Scrolls game that isn’t Skyrim or Online for the first time over a decade. This remaster really is something special and brings a bonafide classic to a whole new audience. It’s an absolute must-play and only didn’t make the top ten because of another hit from the bank of Microsoft…

#10 Avowed

Avowed is an absolutely brilliant new RPG set in the Pillars of Eternity universe that we simply adore and thoroughly deserves its place in our Top 10. This game is a must-play and is the first of three massive games from Obsidian this year! It feels like Skyrim’s true successor and we desperately need more of this world. Like, yesterday! One of the best new IPs we’ve seen in a long time! [Laurie]

#9 Monster Hunter Wilds

It’s been just about time for a new Monster Hunter and this one is fantastic! Monster Hunter Wilds has a great base and has long term potential that we can’t wait to see how it develops before the year is out. It hits the highs of the series, for sure, and Monster Hunter Wilds is the definitive open-world Monster Hunter experience, building on the success of World with grand battles and surprising story. Capcom have done it again! [Laurie]

#8 Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Speaking of a series returning to form, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the comeback both Ubisoft and the series has desperately needed, finally giving us the setting we’ve waited years for. Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the finest addition to the series in years and adds just the right balance of content, pacing and progression to keep you invested. It’s an incredible open world offering with captivating environments and compelling missions. It’s the Creed we’ve all waited for and we’re glad it finally happened. [Sam]

#7 Elden Ring Nightreign

This is not a game we were expecting to play this year, least of all one we expected to love so much, but this is one of the most refreshing multiplayer experiences out there and works brilliantly with its fresh ideas and addictive core loop. It’s really unlike anything else out there, blending various game types but maintaining the core essence of what makes these games so great. We fell head over heels for this one and can’t wait for the duos-update next week! [Brad]

#6 Split Fiction

Our time with multiplayer gaming definitely doesn’t end here, though, because this year we also got what we believe is the finest couch co-op game ever made. Bold claim but Split Fiction truly is something very special indeed. It just falls outside our Top 5 but it really was a close run thing. Local co-op is seamless, its online system is bold and generous and its creativity is really in abundance. This is one we’ll be talking about for years to come and will be the standard bearer of what a co-operative adventure with friends and family should look like.

#5 Mario Kart World

And here comes our top five! Frankly, there was no way a brand new Mario Kart wasn’t going to factor in here somewhere! Not only will this go down as one of the greatest console launch titles of all time, it’s the best Mario Kart ever for us and considering how legendary the franchise is, that sets it up for a very exciting future hopefully. It’s essential Switch 2 only, the Knockout Tour is a fantastic new addition, the courses are brilliant, with Rainbow Road being a euphoric, emotional experience. And it’s just a delight to play. We adore it! [Sam]

#4 Kingdom: Come Deliverance II

So what beats an all-time Mario Kart game? Well, interestingly enough 2025 has had even more bangers in its vault, including an absolutely stunning open world RPG and sequel in KCD 2. It takes everything good about the original and enhances it in every way. Bigger, bolder and better story with characterisation and a world brimming with original systems and mecahnics. This is a herculean effort that’s absolutely astounding in scope and scale and truly does deserve to be commended and recognised for what has been achieved. Incredible. [Sam]

#3 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

This placement might surprise some people as it’s tracking as many people’s Game of the Year so far. Deservedly so, it’s a proper throwback to vintage RPGs with some great voice acting, storytelling and a great feeling loop. There’s a reason its in our Top 3, for sure! Expedition 33 just came out in a crowded year of AAA and despite stiff competition, is a game that evokes joy and satisfaction as well pulls at the heart strings and really hooks you into its world before you’ve even realised you’re invested. This is going to be up at the top of most people’s lists this year and for good reason. It’s truly special. [Expansive]

#2 Blue Prince

But speaking of games that are special and unique, Blue Prince. Hand on hearts, can say we’ve never seen anything quite like this. A puzzle game that despite ‘completing it’ opens up in a way few would expect and will double your playtime even when you think the credits are rolled. It’s massive, expansive, encourages you to write reams of notes and sucks you in with its subtle storytelling and constant environmental cues. We’ve never played anything like Blue Prince and while Expedition 33 seems to have claimed a lot of the headlines in recent months, it’s this game we keep thinking about and coming back to. What an accomplishment, what a video game! [Sally]

#1 Donkey Kong Bananza

This just came out and so maybe one could argue its place at the top is a bit premature. Are we just getting swept up in the fresh feeling? Is it actually that good? The answer is unequivocably, yes! Bananza manages to take a 3D platformer, something Nintendo are masters at, and make it feel like something extraordinary. There’s a reason the Super Mario Odyssey team have been cooking for so long, they’ve been preparing to drop the Kong on us in a way we can scarcely believe. This game is just pure satisfying, smashing joy, essentially taking the LEGO formula and amping it up to eleven. It’s epic and firmly puts Switch 2 on the must-own map with Mario Kart World! And while there certainly feels like other games this year that could stand firm competition to its placement by the time December 31 rolls around, one thing we’ve learned from Bananza – Never bet against Kong! Or Nintendo. [Expansive]

Honourable Mentions

It was hard enough deciding between the games mentioned above, and as we mentioned, the year is just getting started and we haven’t got around to everything yet. So yes, there’s already some big omissions. And probably massive changes to that Top 20 list before the year is out.

Here’s some other games we’ve loved playing this year (so far) that didn’t quite make our Top 20.

And when you see what’s still left to come this year – Mafia: The Old Country, Metroid Prime 4, Borderlands 4, Battlefield 6, Pokémon Legends: ZA, Silent Hill: f, Metal Gear and so much more – you feel like this list could still change a lot!

What’s your Game of the Year so far? Something we missed? Disagree with our choices? Have at it below…