This is my Top 5 games I played for 2025 but many others could have made the list. I didn't get to play 5/6 Game of the Year nominees but they are in my backlog. I'll do a separate list for indies to spotlight them but might save that for later this week.

Here's to 2026! 🥂

5. DOOM: The Dark Ages 👿🔫

It really leant into the Doom Slayer as a character, which was hit and miss but made for some incredibly hype moments, especially toward the end. The Lovecraftian sections in the last 60% of the game, were incredible and were so immersive.

6/

4. Silent Hill f 🥀

I was shocked when Konami offered me a review key and I gladly accepted it as it was my most anticipated game of this year. It has a remarkable story and solidified a new era for a beloved franchise. Strong psychological horror if that's your thing.

5/

3. Skate Story 🛹

I closely followed the development of this game. It's visual style is so striking and unique that I became infatuated with it's strong art direction. It lived up to the hype from gameplay to story, I will remember this one for a long time yet.

4/

2. BALL X PIT ⚽️🖲️

I am a huge roguelike fan and this is one of the finest I've ever played. Trying it out one afternoon quickly escalated to 50 hours of obsession and I can't wait for it's free DLC coming in 2026. Please play this game.

3/

1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 🥖

To no one's great surprise, this game was my uncontested favourite. If I were to make a list of my favourite games of all time, this would more than likely crack my top 10. Story, gameplay, music - everything 10/10. Loved it.

2/

Congrats, incredibly well earned Sam. I finished the game over the weekend and I adored it from start to finish. Bravo.