COGconnected GOTY 2025 – Best Indie Game
With major triple-A releases taking longer than ever to develop, players are increasingly looking to indie titles to fill the gap. As attention on this sector grows, indie teams have stepped up in remarkable ways, blurring the line between independent projects and big-budget blockbusters. With so many standout games this year, the COGconnected team has cast its votes. Check out our Top 10 to see which title claims the coveted Best Indie Game of 2025.
10 – Bionic Bay
This visually striking platformer pushes you to blaze through each level while dodging a wide range of hazards. With fresh mechanics introduced throughout, it constantly layers new challenges, making it a must-play for platforming fans.
9 – Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
This year marked the return of the franchise with two releases. While many were excited by PlatinumGames’ return to the 3D iteration, it was Game Kitchen’s 2D adventure that was the highlight. With its stunning pixel art and precision-based gameplay, this is a remarkable adventure.
8 – Deltarune: Chapters 3 + 4
With Chapter 1 arriving in 2018 and Chapter 2 following in 2021, fans were left in the dark about the game’s future. Then, in a surprise move, Fox released Chapters 3 and 4 this year while also outlining plans for the remainder of the project. It’s still incomplete, but what’s here is brilliant, and it sets up an exciting future for the game.
7 – Neon Inferno
Neon Inferno blends run and gun with gallery shooters to create one of the best arcade titles to date. With its chunky sprite work, slick design and fantastic level design, this is a must for fans of retro shooters.
6 – Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind
An ode to the ’90s, this side-scrolling arcade beat ’em up perfectly captures the era with its classic gameplay and bold, retro design. Featuring a roster of iconic characters, it’s an absolute blast and one of the year’s best brawlers.
5 – Absolum
From the team that worked on Streets of Rage 4, Absolum is a wonderful game that perfectly blends over-the-top, side-scrolling combat with roguelike elements. Dripping with style, the game is an absolute joy that will keep you hooked for hours on end.
4 – Dispatch
Spawned from former Telltale developers, AdHoc Studio’s debut is a fantastic superhero-themed narrative adventure that casts you as a dispatcher. Packed with memorable characters, this hilarious story sets a new bar for the genre.
3 – Blue Prince
A roguelike puzzler, Blue Prince sets the task of avigating an ever-changing mansion to reach Room 46. While it may seem like a simple task, it is anything but. Rooms interlink, secrets are within, making this one of the best games of 2025.
2 – Hollow Knight: Silksong
It finally released! No one expected it, but it happened. With so much hype surrounding the game, many expected it to fall short; however, it met expectations and stands firmly next to its previous entry as one of the best indie titles ever.
1 – Hades 2
Hades was an instant classic and so is the sequel. With its drip-fed story, you learn more about the world and its characters with every run, making each trip through hell an absolute thrill. With its fantastic new protagonist and plethora of combat options, Hades 2 gets COGconnected’s 2025 Best Indie Game award!
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