Best 2025 Games That Are Easily GOTY Contenders

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Summary

  • Clair Obscur is a standout game in 2025, offering amazing characters, setting, and combat.
  • The Alters provides a refreshing survival experience with balanced mechanics and compelling storytelling.
  • Mario Kart World delivers on its open-world promise with engaging gameplay and innovative mechanics.

In the eyes of many, the title “Game of the Year” might be a matter of personal preference. However, there are typically several outstanding contenders that gain widespread recognition due to the tremendous effort and resources poured into their creation, as well as their triumphant debuts in the marketplace.

By the midpoint of 2025, gamers have been impressed with a wealth of extraordinary video games that truly outshine their peers. Ranging from ambitious AA ventures to blockbuster hits, there’s an abundance of exciting titles for enthusiasts to immerse themselves in. Although not every game is deserving of awards, these exceptional games are strong contenders for the Game of the Year award in 2025.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

A Double-A Turn-Based RPG That Took The World By Storm

The game titled “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” garnered a fair amount of anticipation prior to its release, but what really took everyone by surprise was its exceptional popularity, becoming a top favorite among gamers and critics alike in 2025. This extraordinary game has been lauded for its compelling characters, thoughtful narrative, imaginative environment, and engaging combat, making it one of the year’s most outstanding gaming releases.

The aspirations of Sandfall Interactive’s founders, who were previously from Ubisoft, shine brightly in their work. Their innovative designs and fresh approaches to a genre long believed stagnant are truly noteworthy. In fact, many are already speculating that their game, Clair Obscur, could be the Game of the Year for 2025, with some even ranking it among the top games of this generation.

The Alters

Narrative And Gameplay Work In Tandem In This Survival Sci-Fi Game

11 Bit Studios’ critics who felt their previous games like Frostpunk and This War of Mine were overly challenging will find The Alters surprisingly accessible. The survival aspects and enjoyable exploration are not overpowering, allowing players to smoothly set up their base before the game’s time constraint becomes a stressful burden.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but rave about this game! What truly sets it apart is the captivating interaction between our protagonist, Jan, and his alternates – different versions of himself from alternate dimensions who took divergent life paths. The writing is simply phenomenal, delving deep into the complex origins of each alter, making every encounter thought-provoking and engaging. By the game’s climax, you find yourself deeply invested in the Jans’ stories, rooting for their well-being and a triumphant ending that brings them peace. It’s an emotional rollercoaster I highly recommend!

Donkey Kong Bananza

The Destruction Mechanics And Platforming Are In A League Of Their Own

Donkey Kong: Rampage is an outstanding 3D platformer that builds upon the legacy of Super Mario Odyssey, introducing innovative destruction features for players to explore. Players will have a blast demolishing the environment in this game, taking on the role of Nintendo’s well-known character who deserves more screen time.

It’s evident that this game, Donkey Kong Bananza, is something extraordinary, as even though it starts off strongly, many fans find the second half to be even more captivating than the first. The gameplay, which involves mastering DK’s movements and transforming the creatively designed levels, remains consistently engaging. As players delve deeper into the game, they encounter increasingly difficult yet rewarding challenges.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

An Impressive Sequel That Screams Kojima In The Best Ways

The follow-up to Death Stranding, titled Death Stranding 2, significantly surpasses its predecessor in terms of technical finesse and captivating gameplay. With players now familiar with the gameplay style established in the original, they have a clearer expectation for this sequel. It begins at a quicker tempo and modifies the challenge level to offer an even more engaging experience from the get-go.

In other words, Death Stranding 2 offers significantly broadened combat options, making it feel akin to Metal Gear Solid 5. The variety and ingenuity of Sam’s weaponry surpasses that of the original game. This enhancement is far from a drawback, as it empowers players to adopt any playstyle they prefer, setting Death Stranding 2 apart as an exceptional game in 2025.

Split Fiction

Another Excellent Co-Op Game From Hazelight Studios

Hazelight Studios once again delivers an outstanding cooperative adventure with the title Split Fiction. This time around, instead of a somber narrative about a divorcing couple, fans are introduced to a unique tale centered around two rival writers who eventually become friends. The game continues to captivate players with its creatively designed levels and impressive set-pieces, ensuring continued engagement.

The story might not be groundbreaking, but the other aspects of “Split Fiction” certainly compensate for any shortcomings. Two players are sure to enjoy this enchanting game together, finding excitement as they outdo each other in the numerous difficult mini-games within it.

Blue Prince

An Incredible Roguelike Puzzle Game That Makes Players Feel Smart

The game titled “Blue Prince” swiftly rose to become one of the top-notch puzzle games ever, thanks to its ingenious incorporation of roguelike elements which enhances the thrill of discovering solutions. While some puzzles rely on Random Number Generation (RNG), this can occasionally be irritating. However, the game’s captivating narrative and continuous sense of advancement keep players engaged and prevent prolonged boredom or frustration.

In simpler terms, the exciting gameplay is what keeps the game Blue Prince going strong. The journey to reach Room 46 is enjoyable, and it’s just a taste of what this indie game has in store. Although some attempts might not feel as climactic, especially during the endgame, players will eventually master Blue Prince’s mechanics, making each attempt something they eagerly anticipate. One of the best aspects of Blue Prince is that it doesn’t penalize mistakes, which makes dealing with occasional frustrations less daunting.

Deltarune

A Worthy Successor To Undertale, Which Is No Small Feat

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but feel the excitement building when it comes to Toby Fox’s follow-up to Undertale. And let me tell you, Deltarune didn’t disappoint! Though it might not be as novel an experience as Undertale was back then, the allure and enigma that this game wraps around itself make it a fitting successor for fans like myself to immerse ourselves in.

The characters are charming and make it likely that players will maintain a deep connection with them even after finishing all game levels. It might seem ambitious for major year-end honors, but _Deltarune_ undeniably merits consideration as one of the top games in 2025.

Mario Kart World

An Amazing Open-World Take On The Mario Kart Series

The promise of an open-world kart racing experience in Mario Kart World has certainly been fulfilled, as players rave about its distinct blend of gameplay reminiscent of the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series combined with Mario’s iconic appeal. Players never tire of grinding on rails and partaking in thrilling, visually stunning races that keep them hooked.

This unstructured journey transforms the series from a simple racer into a more advanced and contemporary version, promising fans an enjoyable experience with what Mario Kart World offers. The innovative aspects of this game, combined with the timeless kart racing mechanics, make Mario Kart World not only a fitting continuation of this cherished franchise but also a strong candidate for Game of the Year in 2025.

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2025-08-09 04:08