I really got back into gaming this past year. Not only did I game more, but I got back into numerous podcasts as well. This helped fuel my urge to play more, and I definitely did. I also managed to finally uninstall some mobile games, which opened up a lot of time to get to my actual backlog. My list does contain a 2025 PC release that was console only last year, and some remakes/remasters. Since this is my list, they are perfectly fine being ranked below. Any purists who that might be bothered by their inclusions can kiss my ass and go make their own list.
As all the games I ranked on this list were played via Steam, I have included Steam links below.
*I do want to give a caveat to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. When I played through the game back in September/October I was unaware of reports that Gen AI placehold art had previously been found. While I truly loved the game after playing through it, I would not have purchased and played the game had I known. What’s done is done, and while I thought of removing the game from the list, I ultimately decided it will stay in. The AI disclosure did not affect where it ranked in the Top 10 either.
10. Love, Elections, and Chocolate
Ever since I first saw artwork for the game in a Japanese magazine I was subscribed to, I’ve been yearning to play this visual novel. NekoNyan did a great job translating this game. I really enjoyed the characters, even though the story was not as up to par. It has a lot of good moments, and some emotional ones, but the story didn’t click with me as much as I had hoped. Regardless it was still worth my time, and I’m truly glad this is now available to Western audiences.
9. HASTE
A game I can only describe as Sonic The Hedgehog meets Parkour. It is a super fast paced and thrilling game that I felt was great for short burst game sessions. The running, jumping and dodging is a blast for the most part. Some of the boss fights are why I put this lower on the list, as not only can they be a bit aggravating, but the bosses repeat through out the stages. Either way, I truly had fun with this one and think people should check it out.
8. Sonic Racing Crossworlds
After Team Sonic Racing was kind of a dull turd, I was hesitant about this next Sonic Racing entry. Thankfully Team Sega did a great job here in getting back on track. I didn’t get to put in enough time to consider this game for anywhere higher on the list, but what I played felt fantastic, and loved the variety of characters and tracks. I also really liked being able to choose a new section of the track when sitting in the lead. While this game isn’t Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed level of amazing, it’s the step in the right direction.
7. RV There Yet?
I only played through one run of this game with friends so far, so why is it on the list? Because that one run was so memorable that I can’t help but retell some of the moments that we got to experience. Whether running screaming from a bear, lighting up a cig, or getting tossed from the RV after a failed attempt at a jump, it’s just pure entertainment. What truly sold me on the game is one moment in which we needed to jump a gap in a broken bridge. You can check out that moment via my Review on Steam so I don’t regurgitate it all once again. Can’t recommend this game enough if you have the friends to play it with.
6. BALL x PIT
I’m a huge fan of the classic game Arkanoid, and so when I started hearing about this roguelike game where you are sending out balls to fight off hordes of enemies slowing coming down the screen at you, I immediately jumped on it. The base building and resource gathering part is the only reason this isn’t ranked higher, but it’s more tedious than bad in my opinion. I don’t know about you, but it might be time for one more run, or 2 or 10… It’s that addictive.
5. Lunar Remaster
As I write this I’m about halfway through Eternal Blue, but I know this is the correct spot for this game now. I had expected it to be in the top 3, but while I absolutely adored Silver Star Story, Eternal Blue’s story and characters just don’t live up to first game. Still the overall remaster is nicely done, even though it feels like more could have been done. Even so, this collection has finally helped clear out one of my biggest shames in my backlog.
4. Megabonk
Honestly I thought BALL x PIT would have been the one roguelike game on this list, but Megabonk took me by surprise and became my go to “one more run” game this year. The absurdity of the characters and powers in the 3D environment creates for some wild runs. At one point I was constantly floating over enemies while lighting them on fire from the ground in each space I passed through. I was laughing so hard during that run I didn’t pay attention enough and died from a dumb mistake. Yet I wasn’t mad, just ready to jump back in and try again. Megabonk is definitely going to have some staying power for me.
3. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*
AI stuff aside, this game was absolutely one of the best RPGs I’ve ever played. It is super deserving of much of the awards and praise it has gotten, but I have some issues with the game I believe too many overlook, and those problems kept it from being my #2 or #1 game of the year. I don’t want to use this space to complain about those parts yet again as this is a list to celebrate. So back to the good, and for me it was the characters, story and the overall aesthetic of the game. It just all meshed into an ending that truly emphasized the choice are left to make both suck, and either option will leave you with regret.
2. Suikoden I&II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars
For those who may not know, Suikoden II is my favorite J-RPG of all time. So when I saw the first two games getting a remaster I was jumping for joy. This remaster package for the most part is something any fan can appreciate. Similar to the Lunar remastered collection, there is definitely more they could have done. Still I think this was a great excuse to play through these two games, and they came out right around the time I had to take care of my dog post surgery. This let me marathon through both games, and the story and characters of both still manage to stir the same emotions from me as they did back in the 90’s.
1. Stellar Blade
Stellar Blade is the type of game that screams out to me as a must play, so when it hit PC, I did just that. This game was one of the best feeling action games I’ve played in years, and somehow managed to bring out some great jump scare horror moments at times. Surprisingly it never got old to me, and I found myself doing my best to explore and fight as much as possible to gather up the collectibles. The only real issue I had with the fights was one boss at the end, but by the time the end sequences wrapped up, I wasn’t even that mad. This is a game that I definitely plan to return to for a new game plus, and check out the other endings, and see what changes collectible wise. I’m so excited to for the eventual sequel to this one.