COGconnected GOTY 2025 – Best Indie Game
With major triple-A releases taking longer than ever to develop, players are increasingly looking to indie games to fill the gap. As attention to the sector has grown, indie teams have stepped up noticeably, blurring the line between independent projects and big-budget blockbusters. There were so many standout games this year that the COGconnected team cast their votes. Check out our top ten games to see which game is in the running for the title of best indie game of 2025.
10 – Bionic Bay
This visually vibrant platformer challenges you to overcome each level while dodging a variety of dangers. Incorporating fresh mechanics, it continually adds new challenges, making it a must-play for platformer fans.
9 – Ninja Gaiden: Rage Limit
This year marked the return of the franchise with two releases. While many were excited about PlatinumGames' return to 3D, the highlight was the 2D adventure Game Kitchen. With stunning pixel graphics and precise gameplay, this is a wonderful adventure.
8 – Deltarune: Chapters 3 + 4
With the first chapter released in 2018 and the second in 2021, fans have been left in the dark about the future of the game. Then, out of the blue, Fox released Chapters 3 and 4 this year, as well as laying out plans for the rest of the project. It's still a work in progress, but what's here is great and sets up an exciting future for the game.
7 – Neon Hell
Neon Inferno combines run and gun with arcade shooters to create one of the best arcade games to date. With massive sprites, stunning art, and fantastic level design, this game is a must-have for fans of retro shooters.
6 – Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rewind Rita
An ode to the '90s, this side-scrolling arcade beat 'em up captures the era perfectly with classic gameplay and bold, retro design. Featuring a cast of iconic characters, this is simply an amazing game and one of the best brawlers of the year.
5 – Absolutely
Absolum is a great game from the team behind Streets of Rage 4 that perfectly combines exciting side-scrolling combat with roguelike elements. This stylish game is great fun and will keep you on your toes for hours on end.
4 – Dispatch
Created by former Telltale developers, AdHoc Studio's debut is a fantasy superhero-themed narrative adventure that puts you in the role of a dispatcher. Filled with memorable characters, this fun story sets a new bar for the genre.
3 – Blue Prince
Blue Prince is a roguelike puzzle game that challenges you to navigate through an ever-changing mansion to reach room 46. While this may seem like a simple task, it's anything but. The rooms are interconnected, secrets are inside, making this game one of the best games of 2025.
2 – Hollow Knight: Silk Song
It's finally released! Nobody expected this, but it happened. With so much hype surrounding the game, many expected it to be a flop; however, it lived up to expectations and stands firmly alongside its predecessor as one of the best indie games ever.
1 – Hades 2
Hades became an instant classic, as did its sequel. Thanks to the drip story, you learn more about the world and its characters with each playthrough, making each journey through hell a real thrill. With a fantastic new protagonist and tons of combat options, Hades 2 wins the COGconnected award for Best Indie Game of 2025!
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