2025 was one of the most memorable years of gaming I’ve had in a long time. It also marked my first year as a writer for Final Weapon and game journalism in general. This represented a major shift in how I normally play games and presented challenges, both expected and unexpected. Because of this, I didn’t get to play all the games I wished I could have throughout the year (looking at you, Death Stranding 2), but I still managed to experience some absolute gems that made a serious impact on me. So I wanted to shout out the games that made my first year in this industry a special one and set the bar high for the years to come.

10. Ball x Pit

Ball x Pit is one of the most addictive games I played all year. I can’t tell you how many times I found myself saying “Just one more run…” only to look over and realize it was almost 3 a.m., forcing myself away from my PC. It’s an ingenious little indie gem that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking for their next roguelike obsession.

9. Octopath Traveler 0

Anyone who has complained that they don’t make JRPGs like they used to anymore ate well this year with Octopath Traveler 0. The drastic shake-up to the series’ gameplay, expanding the battle party to eight and focusing on a singular story, bolstered an already fantastic formula and delivered the best Octopath title yet. There really isn’t another ongoing series that scratches the old-school JRPG itch quite like this one, and Square Enix hasn’t missed with it yet.

8. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

Metal Gear Solid 3 was the only mainline entry in the MGS series that I never beat. I couldn’t tell you why, but for some reason, I kept bouncing off it every time I tried to pick it up. Everything finally clicked for me with Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. There’s a reason this game is considered a classic, and many would argue it’s the best game in the series. Sure, it could have been a little more ambitious with its updates and changes, but sometimes all you need is a fresh coat of paint to make something truly shine again.

7. Blue Prince

One of my favorite gaming memories this year was coming home from work, grabbing our notebook full of notes, and diving into the mysteries of Blue Prince with my partner. Very few moments this year can top those where we’d be banging our heads against a puzzle or navigational dilemma until one of us had that glorious “A-ha” moment. We haven’t been this engrossed in a mystery or puzzle game since the spectacular Return of the Obra Dinn, and I’ll always cherish gaming experiences like these that other genres just can’t replicate.

6. Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time

Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time was my comfort game throughout the year. Anytime I found myself between reviews or work, I’d pop it in and grind away at my jobs while exploring Ginormosia. There’s something so joyful and heartfelt about Fantasy Life i that kept pulling me back, and I never grew tired of it. Now that Level-5 has shown a commitment to supporting the game, I’m hoping this is something I can continue returning to well into 2026.

5. Elden Ring: Nightreign

Oh, Nightreign. When it was first announced, I was fully against the idea of a co-op-exclusive Soulslike. Yet Nightreign won me over with its breakneck pace, clever and intense boss fights, and the most fun I had with my friends all year. I may not be as hot on the Depth of Night update or The Forsaken Hollows DLC as I’d hoped, but I can’t deny how much those first few months in the Lands Between meant to me and just how much of a blast it was.

4. The Midnight Walk

Every year, there’s at least one game that seems to come out of nowhere and hit me like a ton of bricks. The Midnight Walk took me on an emotional rollercoaster that kept me glued to my screen for its entire runtime. MoonHood showed more creativity and heart in a single game than some studios manage after decades of releases. I don’t know if I’ll ever forget my journey with Potboy and the incredible cast of characters I met along the way. The Midnight Walk is an absolute must-play and deserved far more praise than it received this year.

3. Ninja Gaiden 4

Ninja Gaiden 4 is the best character action game since Devil May Cry V. Full stop. It delivers some of the most fluid and rewarding combat in the genre while also offering, in my opinion, the best story the Ninja Gaiden series has ever had. It’s a bit of a shame that Ryu takes a backseat to a new protagonist for the series’ grand return, but Yakumo is such a fun character to play and such an unapologetic edgelord that he eventually became endearing to me. I can’t wait to see what Platinum Games and Team Ninja have in store with the DLC coming early next year.

2. Hollow Knight: Silksong

I wasn’t the biggest fan of the original Hollow Knight. I thought it was a good game, but it never clicked for me the way it did for so many others. So when Silksong landed in my lap for review this year, I expected more of the same. Instead, it shattered those expectations. Silksong takes everything that worked in the original and cranks it to eleven while delivering some of the most challenging and rewarding gameplay I experienced all year. It’s easily shot its way into my top 25 games of all time and, in any other year, would have been my Game of the Year… if not for one other title.

1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Yep, the most basic Game of the Year choice you can make. Even so, I can’t deny the impact Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 had on me. Its characters, world, combat system, and absolutely wonderful music all came together to create an experience that kept me captivated from beginning to end. I know it’s the obvious pick and that plenty of people are tired of hearing about it, but Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 deserves all the praise it’s received. It stands tall among the greats of the genre, and I can’t wait to see what Sandfall does next.