My 2025 PS5 summary. Man, I just love 11 Bit Studios - The Alters and The Thaumaturge were absolutely stunning. With Indika and The Invincible in their portfolio too, they're fast becoming one of my favourite developers/publishers.
December 19, 2025 at 8:10 AM
My 2025 PS5 summary. Man, I just love 11 Bit Studios - The Alters and The Thaumaturge were absolutely stunning. With Indika and The Invincible in their portfolio too, they're fast becoming one of my favourite developers/publishers.
133. I Am Your Beast / STEAM
Exceptional voice acting - truly top-tier stuff; a thumping soundtrack that hauls you through each frantic stage on a torrent of bass; addictive, dynamic just-one-more-go gameplay; gritty story. All good...but I hate that stages are locked behind arbitrary challenges.
Exceptional voice acting - truly top-tier stuff; a thumping soundtrack that hauls you through each frantic stage on a torrent of bass; addictive, dynamic just-one-more-go gameplay; gritty story. All good...but I hate that stages are locked behind arbitrary challenges.
December 6, 2025 at 1:42 PM
133. I Am Your Beast / STEAM
Exceptional voice acting - truly top-tier stuff; a thumping soundtrack that hauls you through each frantic stage on a torrent of bass; addictive, dynamic just-one-more-go gameplay; gritty story. All good...but I hate that stages are locked behind arbitrary challenges.
Exceptional voice acting - truly top-tier stuff; a thumping soundtrack that hauls you through each frantic stage on a torrent of bass; addictive, dynamic just-one-more-go gameplay; gritty story. All good...but I hate that stages are locked behind arbitrary challenges.
132. Hail to the Rainbow / STEAM
I love Sergey Noskov's games. Even so, this blows them all out of the water. It's absolutely fantastic. Yes, the combat and survival mechanics can be gruelling (on normal), but the atmospheric narrative is so, so worth it. And that soundtrack...just bliss. Brilliant.
I love Sergey Noskov's games. Even so, this blows them all out of the water. It's absolutely fantastic. Yes, the combat and survival mechanics can be gruelling (on normal), but the atmospheric narrative is so, so worth it. And that soundtrack...just bliss. Brilliant.
December 6, 2025 at 1:37 PM
132. Hail to the Rainbow / STEAM
I love Sergey Noskov's games. Even so, this blows them all out of the water. It's absolutely fantastic. Yes, the combat and survival mechanics can be gruelling (on normal), but the atmospheric narrative is so, so worth it. And that soundtrack...just bliss. Brilliant.
I love Sergey Noskov's games. Even so, this blows them all out of the water. It's absolutely fantastic. Yes, the combat and survival mechanics can be gruelling (on normal), but the atmospheric narrative is so, so worth it. And that soundtrack...just bliss. Brilliant.
131. The Gretlow Tapes / STEAM
Enjoyable little haunted house walking sim. Dev's done a great job of choreographing the events, and the camera for photographing evidence is a nice touch. I wish there'd been more ghostly stuff in photos, but I still had a good time with it.
Enjoyable little haunted house walking sim. Dev's done a great job of choreographing the events, and the camera for photographing evidence is a nice touch. I wish there'd been more ghostly stuff in photos, but I still had a good time with it.
December 6, 2025 at 1:31 PM
131. The Gretlow Tapes / STEAM
Enjoyable little haunted house walking sim. Dev's done a great job of choreographing the events, and the camera for photographing evidence is a nice touch. I wish there'd been more ghostly stuff in photos, but I still had a good time with it.
Enjoyable little haunted house walking sim. Dev's done a great job of choreographing the events, and the camera for photographing evidence is a nice touch. I wish there'd been more ghostly stuff in photos, but I still had a good time with it.
130. Horses / GOG
Like Surrealist cinema of the 1920s, Horses is a disorienting, disturbing, and psychologically-challenging experience - and it's meant to be. It delves deep into constructs of humanity with surgical precision, shocking the player in impactful, thought-provoking ways. Unique art.
Like Surrealist cinema of the 1920s, Horses is a disorienting, disturbing, and psychologically-challenging experience - and it's meant to be. It delves deep into constructs of humanity with surgical precision, shocking the player in impactful, thought-provoking ways. Unique art.
December 3, 2025 at 2:06 AM
130. Horses / GOG
Like Surrealist cinema of the 1920s, Horses is a disorienting, disturbing, and psychologically-challenging experience - and it's meant to be. It delves deep into constructs of humanity with surgical precision, shocking the player in impactful, thought-provoking ways. Unique art.
Like Surrealist cinema of the 1920s, Horses is a disorienting, disturbing, and psychologically-challenging experience - and it's meant to be. It delves deep into constructs of humanity with surgical precision, shocking the player in impactful, thought-provoking ways. Unique art.
129. Burggeist / STEAM
Games like Burggeist don't come along very often. An esoteric sandbox world that rarely explains anything, yet feels completely intuitive; an ethereal ICO-esque atmosphere drawing you into its world; rewarding tactical defense mechanisms. Beautiful, if occasionally clunky.
Games like Burggeist don't come along very often. An esoteric sandbox world that rarely explains anything, yet feels completely intuitive; an ethereal ICO-esque atmosphere drawing you into its world; rewarding tactical defense mechanisms. Beautiful, if occasionally clunky.
December 3, 2025 at 1:41 AM
129. Burggeist / STEAM
Games like Burggeist don't come along very often. An esoteric sandbox world that rarely explains anything, yet feels completely intuitive; an ethereal ICO-esque atmosphere drawing you into its world; rewarding tactical defense mechanisms. Beautiful, if occasionally clunky.
Games like Burggeist don't come along very often. An esoteric sandbox world that rarely explains anything, yet feels completely intuitive; an ethereal ICO-esque atmosphere drawing you into its world; rewarding tactical defense mechanisms. Beautiful, if occasionally clunky.
128. Man I Just Wanna Go Home / STEAM
Captivatingly gorgeous MS Paint-style visual novel about a young man who just wants to get home after missing the last train...and all the stuff that happens to prevent him. Short, simple, but utterly compelling, with lots of endings and gruesome deaths to find.
Captivatingly gorgeous MS Paint-style visual novel about a young man who just wants to get home after missing the last train...and all the stuff that happens to prevent him. Short, simple, but utterly compelling, with lots of endings and gruesome deaths to find.
November 26, 2025 at 11:35 PM
128. Man I Just Wanna Go Home / STEAM
Captivatingly gorgeous MS Paint-style visual novel about a young man who just wants to get home after missing the last train...and all the stuff that happens to prevent him. Short, simple, but utterly compelling, with lots of endings and gruesome deaths to find.
Captivatingly gorgeous MS Paint-style visual novel about a young man who just wants to get home after missing the last train...and all the stuff that happens to prevent him. Short, simple, but utterly compelling, with lots of endings and gruesome deaths to find.
127. Terminal 81R / STEAM
T81 but bigger, badder, and with a new story following on from the first game. Explore the grotty suburb on your motorbike, work a myriad fun jobs and side-hustles, decorate your gaff...oh, and try to find your missing sister at some point. Horror immersive sim goodness.
T81 but bigger, badder, and with a new story following on from the first game. Explore the grotty suburb on your motorbike, work a myriad fun jobs and side-hustles, decorate your gaff...oh, and try to find your missing sister at some point. Horror immersive sim goodness.
November 26, 2025 at 11:29 PM
127. Terminal 81R / STEAM
T81 but bigger, badder, and with a new story following on from the first game. Explore the grotty suburb on your motorbike, work a myriad fun jobs and side-hustles, decorate your gaff...oh, and try to find your missing sister at some point. Horror immersive sim goodness.
T81 but bigger, badder, and with a new story following on from the first game. Explore the grotty suburb on your motorbike, work a myriad fun jobs and side-hustles, decorate your gaff...oh, and try to find your missing sister at some point. Horror immersive sim goodness.
126. Look Outside / STEAM
Gobsmackingly deep gameplay for an RPG maker title, with heaps of secrets, mysteries, endings, and recruitable characters. Never obvious. Never predictable. Always hideously graphic and wickedly funny. There's HOURS of gameplay to be had here. 100% deserves all its praise.
Gobsmackingly deep gameplay for an RPG maker title, with heaps of secrets, mysteries, endings, and recruitable characters. Never obvious. Never predictable. Always hideously graphic and wickedly funny. There's HOURS of gameplay to be had here. 100% deserves all its praise.
November 26, 2025 at 11:24 PM
126. Look Outside / STEAM
Gobsmackingly deep gameplay for an RPG maker title, with heaps of secrets, mysteries, endings, and recruitable characters. Never obvious. Never predictable. Always hideously graphic and wickedly funny. There's HOURS of gameplay to be had here. 100% deserves all its praise.
Gobsmackingly deep gameplay for an RPG maker title, with heaps of secrets, mysteries, endings, and recruitable characters. Never obvious. Never predictable. Always hideously graphic and wickedly funny. There's HOURS of gameplay to be had here. 100% deserves all its praise.
125. Serra De Deus / STEAM
Awesome little psychological horror walking sim from the creator of Terminal 81. You play a hotdog vendor, living in a dingy favela plagued by a spate of murders. Fun work-sim blended with exploration and mild horror, and an entertaining story.
Awesome little psychological horror walking sim from the creator of Terminal 81. You play a hotdog vendor, living in a dingy favela plagued by a spate of murders. Fun work-sim blended with exploration and mild horror, and an entertaining story.
November 26, 2025 at 11:18 PM
125. Serra De Deus / STEAM
Awesome little psychological horror walking sim from the creator of Terminal 81. You play a hotdog vendor, living in a dingy favela plagued by a spate of murders. Fun work-sim blended with exploration and mild horror, and an entertaining story.
Awesome little psychological horror walking sim from the creator of Terminal 81. You play a hotdog vendor, living in a dingy favela plagued by a spate of murders. Fun work-sim blended with exploration and mild horror, and an entertaining story.
124. Silly Polly Beast / PS5
Almost too hard for me prior to the recent patch, but now much more enjoyable. A mix of (mostly) top-down stage-clearing combat and psychological horror, where Polly is caught between a demonic realm and real-life horrors. Beautifully harrowing, ala JJ Macfield etc.
Almost too hard for me prior to the recent patch, but now much more enjoyable. A mix of (mostly) top-down stage-clearing combat and psychological horror, where Polly is caught between a demonic realm and real-life horrors. Beautifully harrowing, ala JJ Macfield etc.
November 18, 2025 at 4:26 PM
124. Silly Polly Beast / PS5
Almost too hard for me prior to the recent patch, but now much more enjoyable. A mix of (mostly) top-down stage-clearing combat and psychological horror, where Polly is caught between a demonic realm and real-life horrors. Beautifully harrowing, ala JJ Macfield etc.
Almost too hard for me prior to the recent patch, but now much more enjoyable. A mix of (mostly) top-down stage-clearing combat and psychological horror, where Polly is caught between a demonic realm and real-life horrors. Beautifully harrowing, ala JJ Macfield etc.
123. Possessor(s) / PS5
I've been looking forward to this for aaages, and it didn't disappoint! Meaty, dynamic combat, and wonderful protagonists who unwittingly help each other to deal with the challenging relationships holding them back. Gorgeous art, wonderful soundtrack...just a lovely play.
I've been looking forward to this for aaages, and it didn't disappoint! Meaty, dynamic combat, and wonderful protagonists who unwittingly help each other to deal with the challenging relationships holding them back. Gorgeous art, wonderful soundtrack...just a lovely play.
November 18, 2025 at 4:21 PM
123. Possessor(s) / PS5
I've been looking forward to this for aaages, and it didn't disappoint! Meaty, dynamic combat, and wonderful protagonists who unwittingly help each other to deal with the challenging relationships holding them back. Gorgeous art, wonderful soundtrack...just a lovely play.
I've been looking forward to this for aaages, and it didn't disappoint! Meaty, dynamic combat, and wonderful protagonists who unwittingly help each other to deal with the challenging relationships holding them back. Gorgeous art, wonderful soundtrack...just a lovely play.
122. Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army / NSW
I'm not a huge SMT fan, but I loooved Raidou! It has such goofy swagger and conviction, and all of the mechanisms are beautifully polished in this remake...plus it runs well on NSW. A really entertaining, unusual and not overly-long RPG.
I'm not a huge SMT fan, but I loooved Raidou! It has such goofy swagger and conviction, and all of the mechanisms are beautifully polished in this remake...plus it runs well on NSW. A really entertaining, unusual and not overly-long RPG.
November 18, 2025 at 4:15 PM
122. Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army / NSW
I'm not a huge SMT fan, but I loooved Raidou! It has such goofy swagger and conviction, and all of the mechanisms are beautifully polished in this remake...plus it runs well on NSW. A really entertaining, unusual and not overly-long RPG.
I'm not a huge SMT fan, but I loooved Raidou! It has such goofy swagger and conviction, and all of the mechanisms are beautifully polished in this remake...plus it runs well on NSW. A really entertaining, unusual and not overly-long RPG.
121. NetherWorld / NSW
NetherWorld's content warnings aren't for show - it's crammed with gratuitous crudity that players will either like or loathe. I have to admit, it was a bit much for me - but the boss encounters were interesting, and I did enjoy the humorous pixel sprites and world design
NetherWorld's content warnings aren't for show - it's crammed with gratuitous crudity that players will either like or loathe. I have to admit, it was a bit much for me - but the boss encounters were interesting, and I did enjoy the humorous pixel sprites and world design
November 18, 2025 at 4:09 PM
121. NetherWorld / NSW
NetherWorld's content warnings aren't for show - it's crammed with gratuitous crudity that players will either like or loathe. I have to admit, it was a bit much for me - but the boss encounters were interesting, and I did enjoy the humorous pixel sprites and world design
NetherWorld's content warnings aren't for show - it's crammed with gratuitous crudity that players will either like or loathe. I have to admit, it was a bit much for me - but the boss encounters were interesting, and I did enjoy the humorous pixel sprites and world design
Everything I've completed in 2025, listed in order of personal preference. Really chuffed to have ticked several RPGs and big 360 titles off the backlog - Lost Odyssey, The Last Story, F.E.A.R., Prey, The Darkness 1 & 2, etc etc. What I have learned is: game preservation is important. So important.
November 4, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Everything I've completed in 2025, listed in order of personal preference. Really chuffed to have ticked several RPGs and big 360 titles off the backlog - Lost Odyssey, The Last Story, F.E.A.R., Prey, The Darkness 1 & 2, etc etc. What I have learned is: game preservation is important. So important.
120. Loop//Error / STEAM
A beautifully written, beautifully unsettling little text adventure, whose four endings gradually paint a picture of an individual struggling to cope with mental ill-health. Really interesting play, and only takes about an hour to see it all through.
A beautifully written, beautifully unsettling little text adventure, whose four endings gradually paint a picture of an individual struggling to cope with mental ill-health. Really interesting play, and only takes about an hour to see it all through.
October 31, 2025 at 4:49 PM
120. Loop//Error / STEAM
A beautifully written, beautifully unsettling little text adventure, whose four endings gradually paint a picture of an individual struggling to cope with mental ill-health. Really interesting play, and only takes about an hour to see it all through.
A beautifully written, beautifully unsettling little text adventure, whose four endings gradually paint a picture of an individual struggling to cope with mental ill-health. Really interesting play, and only takes about an hour to see it all through.
119. Hell is Us / PS5
Such a rewarding play: I loved exploring the world, stumbling across and solving its myriad random quests and mysteries. The lack of map and quest log mean you really have to pay attention...and that you notice all the little lore details tying into its deeply-topical story.
Such a rewarding play: I loved exploring the world, stumbling across and solving its myriad random quests and mysteries. The lack of map and quest log mean you really have to pay attention...and that you notice all the little lore details tying into its deeply-topical story.
October 25, 2025 at 10:57 PM
119. Hell is Us / PS5
Such a rewarding play: I loved exploring the world, stumbling across and solving its myriad random quests and mysteries. The lack of map and quest log mean you really have to pay attention...and that you notice all the little lore details tying into its deeply-topical story.
Such a rewarding play: I loved exploring the world, stumbling across and solving its myriad random quests and mysteries. The lack of map and quest log mean you really have to pay attention...and that you notice all the little lore details tying into its deeply-topical story.
118. Bye Sweet Carole / NSW
A truly unique take on horror. Beautiful animation that evokes early Disney/Don Bluth, and some really interesting mechanisms and ideas. I found some of the stealth and lengthy puzzles a bit wearing, but I'm glad to have played something so original.
A truly unique take on horror. Beautiful animation that evokes early Disney/Don Bluth, and some really interesting mechanisms and ideas. I found some of the stealth and lengthy puzzles a bit wearing, but I'm glad to have played something so original.
October 24, 2025 at 12:29 AM
118. Bye Sweet Carole / NSW
A truly unique take on horror. Beautiful animation that evokes early Disney/Don Bluth, and some really interesting mechanisms and ideas. I found some of the stealth and lengthy puzzles a bit wearing, but I'm glad to have played something so original.
A truly unique take on horror. Beautiful animation that evokes early Disney/Don Bluth, and some really interesting mechanisms and ideas. I found some of the stealth and lengthy puzzles a bit wearing, but I'm glad to have played something so original.
117. Sopa: Tale of the Stolen Potato / PS5
I LOVED this game. It gives me 90s Lucasarts vibes, with its zany characters, South American folksy soundtrack and obscure P&C logic. The humour is on point too, bringing feel-good moments by the barrelful. A quality release - hope we get the teased sequel!
I LOVED this game. It gives me 90s Lucasarts vibes, with its zany characters, South American folksy soundtrack and obscure P&C logic. The humour is on point too, bringing feel-good moments by the barrelful. A quality release - hope we get the teased sequel!
October 24, 2025 at 12:22 AM
117. Sopa: Tale of the Stolen Potato / PS5
I LOVED this game. It gives me 90s Lucasarts vibes, with its zany characters, South American folksy soundtrack and obscure P&C logic. The humour is on point too, bringing feel-good moments by the barrelful. A quality release - hope we get the teased sequel!
I LOVED this game. It gives me 90s Lucasarts vibes, with its zany characters, South American folksy soundtrack and obscure P&C logic. The humour is on point too, bringing feel-good moments by the barrelful. A quality release - hope we get the teased sequel!
116. Carimara: Beneath the Forlorn Limbs / STEAM
One of the most stylish games I've played all year. You're a Carimara, a mute little creature that communes with spirits using word cards. There's a lot of secrets and discoveries crammed into this unique little package, making it a delight to unravel
One of the most stylish games I've played all year. You're a Carimara, a mute little creature that communes with spirits using word cards. There's a lot of secrets and discoveries crammed into this unique little package, making it a delight to unravel
October 23, 2025 at 11:22 AM
116. Carimara: Beneath the Forlorn Limbs / STEAM
One of the most stylish games I've played all year. You're a Carimara, a mute little creature that communes with spirits using word cards. There's a lot of secrets and discoveries crammed into this unique little package, making it a delight to unravel
One of the most stylish games I've played all year. You're a Carimara, a mute little creature that communes with spirits using word cards. There's a lot of secrets and discoveries crammed into this unique little package, making it a delight to unravel
115. The Third Pig / STEAM
What a vibe! You play the pig that built his house out of bricks - only he's been taken hostage by a sadistic butcher and the Big Bad Wolf, and they've turned his gaff into a giant escape room. Striking visuals, such a cool premise, and classic tanky controls/fixed cams.
What a vibe! You play the pig that built his house out of bricks - only he's been taken hostage by a sadistic butcher and the Big Bad Wolf, and they've turned his gaff into a giant escape room. Striking visuals, such a cool premise, and classic tanky controls/fixed cams.
October 23, 2025 at 11:14 AM
115. The Third Pig / STEAM
What a vibe! You play the pig that built his house out of bricks - only he's been taken hostage by a sadistic butcher and the Big Bad Wolf, and they've turned his gaff into a giant escape room. Striking visuals, such a cool premise, and classic tanky controls/fixed cams.
What a vibe! You play the pig that built his house out of bricks - only he's been taken hostage by a sadistic butcher and the Big Bad Wolf, and they've turned his gaff into a giant escape room. Striking visuals, such a cool premise, and classic tanky controls/fixed cams.
114. OFF Remake / NSW
I didn't "get" this the first time I played it. I liked the unsettling yet quirky events and characters, and the aesthetics (that swing battle music - bliss). But after completing it twice more...I (think I) get it now. It's incredible: melancholy, tragic, hauntingly beautiful.
I didn't "get" this the first time I played it. I liked the unsettling yet quirky events and characters, and the aesthetics (that swing battle music - bliss). But after completing it twice more...I (think I) get it now. It's incredible: melancholy, tragic, hauntingly beautiful.
October 19, 2025 at 9:39 PM
114. OFF Remake / NSW
I didn't "get" this the first time I played it. I liked the unsettling yet quirky events and characters, and the aesthetics (that swing battle music - bliss). But after completing it twice more...I (think I) get it now. It's incredible: melancholy, tragic, hauntingly beautiful.
I didn't "get" this the first time I played it. I liked the unsettling yet quirky events and characters, and the aesthetics (that swing battle music - bliss). But after completing it twice more...I (think I) get it now. It's incredible: melancholy, tragic, hauntingly beautiful.
113. Albatroz / PS5
One of the most beautiful, heart-filled games I've ever had the pleasure of playing. It's a story about being lost - both literally and figuratively - set against a unique backdrop of the South American wilderness. Just gorgeous, despite the PS5 bugs and performance quibbles.
One of the most beautiful, heart-filled games I've ever had the pleasure of playing. It's a story about being lost - both literally and figuratively - set against a unique backdrop of the South American wilderness. Just gorgeous, despite the PS5 bugs and performance quibbles.
October 19, 2025 at 9:35 PM
113. Albatroz / PS5
One of the most beautiful, heart-filled games I've ever had the pleasure of playing. It's a story about being lost - both literally and figuratively - set against a unique backdrop of the South American wilderness. Just gorgeous, despite the PS5 bugs and performance quibbles.
One of the most beautiful, heart-filled games I've ever had the pleasure of playing. It's a story about being lost - both literally and figuratively - set against a unique backdrop of the South American wilderness. Just gorgeous, despite the PS5 bugs and performance quibbles.
112. Universe for Sale / NSW
Mind-meltingly gorgeous illustrations from Zeno Colangelo, and an utterly captivating world set on colonised Jupiter. The story is moving and beautifully choreographed, too. Alas, the NSW control system isn't optimal, and it pulls the experience down. Very unique tho.
Mind-meltingly gorgeous illustrations from Zeno Colangelo, and an utterly captivating world set on colonised Jupiter. The story is moving and beautifully choreographed, too. Alas, the NSW control system isn't optimal, and it pulls the experience down. Very unique tho.
October 18, 2025 at 12:37 PM
112. Universe for Sale / NSW
Mind-meltingly gorgeous illustrations from Zeno Colangelo, and an utterly captivating world set on colonised Jupiter. The story is moving and beautifully choreographed, too. Alas, the NSW control system isn't optimal, and it pulls the experience down. Very unique tho.
Mind-meltingly gorgeous illustrations from Zeno Colangelo, and an utterly captivating world set on colonised Jupiter. The story is moving and beautifully choreographed, too. Alas, the NSW control system isn't optimal, and it pulls the experience down. Very unique tho.
111. Silent Hill: The Short Message / PS5
I don't want to harp on about how much I detested this, so...I'll just leave it there.
A moving ending, though (if you can bear to get there).
I don't want to harp on about how much I detested this, so...I'll just leave it there.
A moving ending, though (if you can bear to get there).
October 18, 2025 at 12:30 PM
111. Silent Hill: The Short Message / PS5
I don't want to harp on about how much I detested this, so...I'll just leave it there.
A moving ending, though (if you can bear to get there).
I don't want to harp on about how much I detested this, so...I'll just leave it there.
A moving ending, though (if you can bear to get there).