As 2025 winds down, it’s time to answer the big question: which games truly defined the year?
Our writers are ready to highlight their top picks from what they played on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. We couldn’t cover every release, but these are the games that stuck with us — the ones we kept thinking about long after the credits rolled.
Once you’ve checked out our favorites, we want to hear from you. What were your standout games of 2025? Share your list in the comments below!
This year delivered a wave of highly anticipated releases. As a turn-based RPG fan, I was spoiled: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 had everyone buzzing, and a handful of HD-2D titles, like Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake and Octopath Traveler 0, helped round out an already stacked lineup. Meanwhile, a few of my friends haven’t stopped talking about Arc Raiders since day one.
Of course, there’s no way to play everything that launched in 2025. So dive into the next section to see my personal picks and then let us know what your own top games of the year were in the comments below!
My Game of the Year: Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter
(PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2)
Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter isn’t just a fantastic RPG, it’s a near-perfect revival of one of Nihon Falcom‘s earliest and finest works. With a charming cast, a thoughtful story, and smart refinements that make returning to Liberl smoother than ever, it stands as the best way to begin the “Trails of” journey. For me, it felt like coming back home, and it left me eager to dive straight into Second Chapter once again.
Almost my Game of the Year: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
(PlayStation 5)
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an amazing title, and it’s easy to see why it has swept most of the awards this year. The game shines with its deeply engaging turn-based battle system, which gives each character a distinct and satisfying playstyle. Complemented by a compelling narrative, superb world-building, and an outstanding score (with “Alicia” being a personal highlight), it delivers on every front.
So, why isn’t it my game of the year? It’s a painfully close call. I genuinely appreciated its stylish and distinctive level design, which gives the world a strong identity and sense of atmosphere. That said, I found myself more consistently engaged with the level structure in Trails in the Sky, whose layouts felt more intuitive and better suited to long play sessions.
Honorable Mention: Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake
(PS5 and Nintendo Switch)
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is a standout JRPG package, brought to life with the now-iconic HD-2D style. This reimagining of the first two Dragon Quest classics shines thanks to its gorgeous presentation, excellent soundtrack, timeless gameplay loop, and the sheer value of getting two games in a single release.
If you loved these great adventures back in the day – or you’re a fan of HD-2D titles in general – this collection is an easy recommendation.
Honorable Mention (Indie): Nice Day for Fishing
(PS4/PS5 and Nintendo Switch)
Nice Day for Fishing is a deceptively deep and wonderfully quirky adventure. What starts as a laid-back fishing experience slowly unfolds into a full RPG, complete with spells, buffs, tactical boss encounters, and genuinely funny writing. The last stretch leans a bit too much on repetitive grinding, but that doesn’t diminish the game’s creativity, charm, or smart design choices. It’s a unique catch that’s absolutely worth reeling in.
Honorable Mention (Indie): Discounty
(PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch)
Discounty surprised me with just how immersive its cash-register mechanics and store-management loop became. It’s addictive, rewarding, and genuinely fun, even if the grind shows up from time to time. This indie gem grabbed my attention right from the start, and I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a look. With a free PlayStation Store demo, there’s really no reason not to try it.
Stay tuned! Our roundup of the best PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 games of the year will be going live soon!
In the meantime, we want to hear from you:
What were your best games of the year?
