If I Could Only Play 1 Game This Holiday Season, It Would Be This Gem

by

As the holidays approach and fewer new games come out, it’s a great time to finally play those titles you’ve been meaning to get to – especially the ones you got on sale! There are many games I’d suggest, like the Game of the Year nominee Clair Obscur and the incredibly fun Ball x Pit, but if I could only play one game this holiday season, it would definitely be The Roottrees are Dead.

Many of you are probably curious about what The Roottrees are Dead actually is. If you’re already familiar with the game, please help me share it with others – it’s a real hidden gem! And if you’ve enjoyed Roottrees, I’ve added some game recommendations at the end of this post. These are titles I’ve become passionate about throughout the year, and they’re a little different from the usual popular choices like Hollow Knight or ARC Raiders.

What is The Roottrees are Dead?

In the puzzle game The Roottrees are Dead, you investigate the history of a family by reconstructing their family tree. After the last Roottree family members pass away, you’ll use photos, letters, and other clues to identify everyone and understand their relationships. What starts as a simple task of matching names to faces soon reveals deeper secrets, as you discover the Roottree family’s wealth and power are starting to crumble.

This game is challenging and makes you think, but it’s also really good at giving you just enough help when you get stuck. It has a hint system that gently guides you towards the solution before revealing it completely.

Why The Roottrees are Dead is a Great Holiday Catch-Up Game

Let me explain why The Roottrees are Dead is perfect for the holidays. It’s not necessarily my favorite game of 2025, but it offers a little something for everyone. It’s fantastic for playing with family when they’re visiting or just spending time together. You can easily pick it up for a short session, make some progress, and then return to holiday activities like cooking or spending time with loved ones. Plus, it’s substantial enough to keep you engaged for hours if you want to experience the complete story.

I absolutely adored playing The Roottrees are Dead with my wife. It was the perfect way to relax after a long day – the gameplay wasn’t complicated, so we could both enjoy it without stress. She’s fantastic at solving puzzles and offering ideas, and I happily took care of all the fiddly bits with the menus. It’s so rare to find a game we can play together since she’s not usually into gaming, but The Roottrees are Dead was just right – it really hit the spot!

I think The Roottrees are Dead would be really fun to play with a group. More people brainstorming together to solve the mystery would definitely make the experience even better. It’s not a difficult game, but the clues aren’t always obvious. It often helps to have someone else look at things from a fresh angle and point out what might be important.

I absolutely loved playing The Roottrees are Dead! It was a really fun experience to share with my partner, and it stands out from other games because it does things in a fresh and interesting way. If you’re looking for a captivating game to play during the holidays, I wholeheartedly recommend The Roottrees are Dead.

Other Game Recommendations for the Holiday Season

If you’re already a fan of The Roottrees are Dead, or even if it wasn’t your cup of tea, I’ve got a few other games I think are worth checking out this holiday season.

  • Absolum: There have been a lot of great roguelites this year, and Absolum puts a really fun beat-em-up twist on the sub genre.
  • Gigasword: A metroidvania throwback to the retro gaming era that plays with the idea of carrying around a big sword that’s too heavy to easily maneuver.
  • Time Flies: How many tasks can you accomplish in the incredibly short lifespan of a common fly.
  • Shotgun Cop Man: Such a funny platformer that’s fast-paced and uses the momentum of weapons to traverse the levels and eliminate baddies.
  • Wanderstop: A meditation on one’s place in the world that also has you making tea for strangers.

I really enjoyed many of the major game releases from 2025, and several will likely be among my favorites this year. However, I always enjoy discovering games that try something unique. Games can tell all kinds of stories in interesting ways, offering both familiar and fresh experiences. The Roottrees are Dead shares similarities with other puzzle and mystery games, but it presents those ideas in a creative new package. I recommend giving it a try this holiday season, and if you enjoy it, sharing it with others.

Read More

2025-11-30 00:37