COGconnected GOTY 2025 – Game of the Year
2025 has been a remarkable year for games. Whether you’re into innovative indie gems or cinematic AAA adventures, there’s been something exceptional in every corner of the industry. The lineup was stacked with titles that pushed boundaries, refined genres, and showcased the incredible talent shaping games today. Of course, while many releases were worthy of COGconnected’s coveted Game of the Year title, only one can take the crown. So, which games made our top ten, and more importantly, who clinched the number-one spot? Read on to find out.
10 – Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
No one expected Indiana Jones and the Great Circle to live up to the legacy of the great archaeologist. However, MachineGames absolutely smashed it, capturing the atmosphere and spirit of the franchise. Throw in an impeccable performance from Troy Baker, and you’ve got one of the finest licensed games ever made.
9 – Hollow Knight: Silksong
After six long years, Silksong was finally released, shocking fans and even crashing major digital storefronts. With hype at an all-time high, Team Cherry needed something extraordinary to stand alongside their debut title, and Silksong delivers.
8 – Hades 2
Hades is one of the greatest roguelikes there is. With its addictive gameplay loop and drip-fed story, starting another run is an absolute thrill. In Hades 2, you play as the younger sister of Zagreus, who acts and plays completely differently, making this a fresh spin in a familiar world.
7 – Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
By placing historical realism at the forefront, the game creates a deep, immersive world that’s both tough and rewarding. Dynamic events breathe life into the landscape, turning even spontaneous encounters into memorable adventures.
6 – Donkey Kong Bananza
Although a key player for Nintendo, it had been 11 years since his last outing and 26 years since his last 3D adventure. Due to that, gamers were unsure what to expect with the environmental destruction-focused Donkey Kong Bananza. Created by the team behind Mario Odyssey, this truly is one of the greatest 3D platforms to date.
5 – Split Fiction
Josef Fares has been the catalyst for co-op-only experiences. Starting with A Way Out and perfecting the notion with It Takes Two, it was difficult to imagine how he could top his previous releases. Split Fiction manages to deliver an enthralling adventure that proudly stands shoulder to shoulder with his previous releases. Brimming with imagination, this is an instant classic.
4 – Arc Raiders
When all thought that extraction shooters were dead, Arc Raiders burst in to tear up the script. With its tight mechanics and incredible community, this game is likely to continue to grow throughout 2026.
3 – Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Kojima’s epic stretches from the USA to Mexico and Australia, charting a strange and wonderful journey. While the original offered a solemn, isolating trek, the sequel’s world feels far more alive, filled with new encounters and expanded ways to shape your traversal across its stunning landscapes.
2 – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Clair Obscur came out of nowhere and immediately captured the hearts of players worldwide. With its stunning art direction and bold reinvention of turn-based combat, it’s poised to influence how JRPGs approach the genre for years to come.
1- Ghost of Yotei
Possibly the most beautiful game I have ever seen, Ghost of Yotei takes the formula of Tsushima and refines it into a truly breathtaking adventure. Atsu is a fantastic protagonist, balancing strength and vulnerability in a way that makes it easy to form an immediate bond. Her quest for revenge is perfectly paced, firmly cementing Ghost of Yotei as COGconnected’s Game of the Year 2025.
Honourable mentions
There’ve been so many great games this year that a bunch just fell short of the top ten but are still worth a mention. So a special shout out to these absolute bangers too: Mario Kart World, Blue Prince, Silent Hill F, Trails In The Sky: 1st Chapter, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, Rogue Prince of Persia, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind, Ninja Gaiden 4, Lumines Arise, Metal Gear Delta and Absolum.
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