It’s that time of year again, when we start putting together epic lists, discussing the merits and shortcomings of our favorite media, and cementing spots for those titles that deserve a little extra attention. Every year, someone says it wasn’t a good time for the industry, that there just weren’t enough good games, the offerings don’t feel strong enough, but then we rarely ever have a problem filling in these spots and arguing for a few more that almost made it.

We won’t all agree on these entries and their order; not every genre appeals to each player, but it’s hard to argue that the games on this list aren’t worth checking out, or at least considering. Whether it’s the visuals, soundtrack, voice acting, or gameplay, each excels in multiple categories and received its praise. So, give us a chance to represent what we consider the best last year had to offer, in one final declaration of their importance.

10. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Some people tend to shy away from the big award winners, those who receive too much praise, but when a title is being held up this much, we have to stop and ask what it’s doing to garner so much attention. Clair Obscur is built on the foundation of the RPG greats and pairs those lessons with excellent turn-based combat. Opinions on that part may vary depending on how the player feels about parrying, of course, and whether the rhythm of the combat can be felt. Most have to agree that the party members all feel unique, and their mechanics are important. Playing within the game’s systems, performing a little trial and error, it’s all incredibly rewarding, watching our crew grow in battles and become more efficient.

The story has a wonderfully dour tone, tackling weighty themes within its own dark sense of humor while not taking the typical RPG length to say its piece. That does mean it pushes forward a smidge too fast at times, not letting some of the smaller plot elements breathe. It exists in a strange and mysterious world, an interesting place we want to explore without overflowing in exposition or bogging us down with detail. Everything is so stylistic and beautiful, impressing upon us its artistic values with character designs, backgrounds, and menu flourishes. The voice acting and motion capture are stunning, working hard at feeling natural in its own skin while not losing that surreal quality. The whole presentation is amazing, overdramatic at times and very French, but like a beautiful stage play based on an old painting, we can’t help but stare at it and wonder.

9. South of Midnight

Welcome to a fictional part of Louisiana, minus some of that usual hospitality while still having all the folksy accents. Hazel is on a journey to find her mother, but in the process she’ll learn a lot about history, the town she lives in, and herself while venturing into a world of wonder and magic overflowing with folklore. This is a story about the generational pain people hold on to, how rough it can be dealing with family and why everything can feel so tainted when people just can’t let go. The narrative is important even though it jumps around a bit but doesn’t lose much potency in doing this. Here we have a concise experience clocking in at 12-14 hours and each section feels like discovering a new corner of this wondrous place.

I’m not sure the combat will necessarily impress anyone but it feels solid and purposeful not popping up around every corner. There is a repetitive nature to this type of deep cleansing but as the story progresses we get new abilities that make things a tad more exciting and boss fights that almost scratch that itch. The music helps with this. It’s hard not to love a song that explains the story we’re playing and these tunes are very alive with many potential earworms. South of Midnight’s animation looks like a stop-motion masterpiece bringing out another element of the team’s incredible creativity. This is a game with a powerful vision an ocean of charm and something that was made out of love for a specific adventure and setting.

8. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4

After getting a chance to experience the first two Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater games again on new hardware fans were chomping on their boards for the chance to grind around 3+4. Not only would they have to wait a while but also see another developer Iron Galaxy step in and take over. Thankfully it was all extremely worth it as a majority of that original content has been beautifully recreated and plays exactly as most remember. The main mode sees players taking on multiple challenges with a time limit adding a motivational type of pressure to chaotic gameplay as we struggle to master expert tricks and extend combos reaching for the same status as the greats.

Some of the humor has been altered or removed but the game is still full of personality and charm that is easy to appreciate. The developers also added a few new maps which contribute to stage variety and show why the franchise feels appreciated in their hands. This remake gives players plenty to do and unlock also offering a decent level of challenge keeping those wheels burning until the routines are perfected. Bringing back beloved games like this is simply impressive giving so much to those who have been grinding out this series for so long. It’s a perfect example of why we still need more THPS in our lives.

7. Silent Hill f

For those who believe that Silent Hill is less a set place and more a state of being that haunts us all this is the game you’ve been waiting for. The horror series is revitalized with a new tale set in 1960s Japan tackling the struggles of a young girl who isn’t quite ready to face what awaits her in the fog. Wonderful visuals of this foreign land and haunting sounds accompany excellent tunes all setting the stage for a new constant state of dread as we melee our way through the small town of Ebisugaoka searching for answers. That first playthrough won’t satisfy most players when it comes to the story but this is a game that is meant to be played multiple times unlocking new scenes and more memories about what’s really plaguing these characters.

The SH series has never excelled with its combat but if we can get past the weapon durability debate encounters here feel more fluid and enjoyable at least one-on-one. We eventually unlock some special items that help with that and there are upgrades to make Hinako stronger. The puzzles in Silent Hill f are enjoyable for the most part (except for those damn scarecrows) and the tension around solving some makes them more engaging. There are a few frustrating elements but this is also one of the most interesting horror games we’ve seen in a long time even if it’s no Silent Hill: Downpour.

6. Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D

A treat for anyone who appreciates a good RPG two classics are brought back in that glorious HD-2D style. The art is gorgeous emphasizing colors and lighting without erasing influences from the original or disregarding the spritework. Fantastic visuals aren’t the only change as the story and characters have been tweaked slightly also fleshing them out to tell a more complete narrative along with new content. This isn’t just a re-release more of a complete package.

The Dragon Quest series is certainly one of the GOATs but it was also time for a few quality-of-life updates to help bring these original adventures into 2025. Some items now affect gameplay more; there is an extra playable character objective markers so players are less likely to get lost; and even an invincibility toggle for those who might struggle with certain fights. The release of this collection means that now the whole original trilogy is available for new and veteran fans alike to enjoy.

5. Marvel Cosmic Invasion

A good beat ‘em up should never go overlooked as the genre feels like it’s on a comeback tour over the last several years. After gracing us with an amazing TMNT title Shredder’s Revenge, Tribute Games and Dotemu set their sights on the Marvel universe and that is one pairing that fits like a real Infinity Gauntlet. They’re taking players on a jaunt through space featuring many of Marvel’s greatest worlds and personalities places we don’t usually get to go trapesing through outside the comic book pages. The stages and characters are gorgeous with bright colors as well as containing tons of references for fans.

Cosmic Invasion has wonderful couch and online co-op up to four players with everyone picking two characters out of fifteen after we do some unlocking. Everyone will have their favorites after some experimenting which can be leveled up fighting across the universe battling myriad iconic bosses (except for Beetle). Like most brawlers the game is easy to play—punch the bad guys—but everyone is different; there is some depth to controls helping make combat feel more involved especially when switching between heroes juggling unlucky henchmen. The game doesn’t take long to beat but it is ripe for replayability with challenges an Arcade Mode and vault full of various things to collect.

Some people argue that this is Hideo Kojima’s magnum opus—the best piece of video game art we’ll ever receive from one of the great auteurs of our time—so it should surprise no one that Snake Eater was given an incredibly faithful remake. It’s beautiful recreation even if it seems slightly overpolished at times; it rarely deviates from story leaving many mechanical quirks tricks even extreme camp while also updating twenty-one-year-old classic with quality-of-life improvements for new fans or those eager to experience it all over again.

A new camera control scheme makes for different more enjoyable playstyle while some familiar frustrations from original are still quite present. Players will need to mind their camouflage hunger injuries while attempting stealth around preparing for genuinely intriguing boss fights; original experience has been preserved here arguably improved upon in ways that should satisfy even hardcore fans since we don’t know if or when we’ll get new adventures with Snake this feels like an opportunity soldiers new old shouldn’t miss.

3. Death Stranding 2

Welcome back to post-apocalyptic world package delivery road construction; players once again step into shoes Sam Porter Bridges for ambitious adventure while running into notable cast characters. Whether people think Hideo Kojima is creative genius or floundering filmmaker very few will ever call his work boring; story quite intriguing this time around tackling deeper feelings pain grief struggles attempting rebuild society people; some themes too blunt times typical fashion many aspects can be considered confusing however all makes unique memorable experience.

There’s lot action excitement feels baked into world properly with new dangerous environments accented by nature; nothing like surprise sandstorm alter well-laid plan; Mexico Australia make strong new territories explore creating varied set environments most won’t expect; visuals gorgeous encouraging player stop take land which almost has own personality offering contrast intriguing enemy designs; this sequel huge step up another enthusiastic outing still flawed ordeal may linger us quite some time.

2. Donkey Kong Bananza

The Kong has returned—it was time Nintendo paid its tribute king; team behind exceptional Mario Odyssey has brought their creative energies together revitalize iconic ape hero his new adventure singing sidekick Pauline; Kong feels strong weighty while moving like dream across wonderful 3D platformer; roll leap climb transform unleashing Bananergy traversing beautiful environments begging wrecked; movement game feels tight DK’s abilities help express primate rage conquering everything sees; these mechanics polished engaging as hard not just demolish everything sight.

Sometimes gameplay asks us be more observant maybe even clever demolition derby if want find secrets reach certain goals; fights fun even if some bosses quite easy—all at least intriguing; game offers plenty challenge later features lot post-game content players aren’t ready stop breaking things exploring; finding collectibles made much enjoyable spectacularly handled map system; longtime fans appreciate references classic games simply awesome soundtrack—it was incredibly generous Nintendo bring back one best mascots such cool way give us our own virtual rage room same time.

1. Ghost of Yotei

Ghost of Yotei had some big shoes fill after impressive first outing series but much like skill main character shows dispatching enemies developer Sucker Punch took what worked polished finer elements demonstrating high degree excellence execution; still example classic Japanese cinema embracing Kurosawa others providing stunning visuals lush environments play flex talents photo mode; thrust role arguably interesting character Atsu passionate fighter cares less about honor remains focused tale revenge.

Players will fight through brutal large-scale battles violent one-on-one duels staining ground blood progress through story explore region; combat feels smooth tight controls appropriate tool every obstacle come across; Atsu weapons master wielding devastating arsenal deadly precise each instrument—just practice dodges parries feel badass battlefield; there simplistic stealth mechanics aren’t bad even if doesn’t work every conflict opportunity fun mechanics—this title fun engage less likely cause open-world burnout players seems perfectly tweaked first one provide perfect sword-wielding experience.