COGconnected GOTY 2025 – Game of the Year
2025 was a great year for gaming. Whether you love innovative indie games or AAA cinematic adventures, there's something exceptional in every corner of the industry. The lineup was full of games that pushed boundaries, refined genres, and showcased the incredible games shaping the talent of today. Of course, while many releases have been 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 came in first place? Read on to find out.
10 – Indiana Jones and the Big Circle
Nobody expected Indiana Jones and the Big Circle to justify the legacy of the great archaeologist. However, MachineGames succeeded in capturing the atmosphere and spirit of the franchise. Add to this the impeccable performance of Troy Baker and you have one of the best licensed games ever made.
9 – Hollow Knight: Silk Song
After six long years, Shelksong was finally released, shocking fans and even bringing down major digital storefronts. With hype at an all-time high, Team Cherry needed something extraordinary to live up to their title debut, and Silksong delivered.
8 – Hades 2
Hades is one of the greatest roguelikes. With a compelling gameplay loop and drip-fed story, starting a new run is a real thrill. IN Hades 2you play as Zagreus' little sister, who acts and plays in a completely different way, putting a new twist on a familiar world.
7 – Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
By placing historical realism at the forefront, the game creates a deep, immersive world that is both challenging and rewarding. Dynamic events breathe life into the landscape, turning even spontaneous meetings into unforgettable adventures.
6 – Donkey Kong Bananza
Despite being a key player at Nintendo, it has been 11 years since his last appearance and 26 years since his last 3D adventure. Because of this, gamers didn't know what to expect from a game focused on environmental destruction. Donkey Kong Bananza. Created by the Mario Odyssey team, it is truly one of the greatest 3D platform games to date.
5 – Split fantasy
Joseph Fares became the catalyst for the cooperative regime. Having started with A Way Out and perfected the idea with It Takes Two, it was hard to imagine how he could top his previous releases. Split fiction he manages to create a thrilling adventure that stands shoulder to shoulder with his previous releases. Filled with fantasy, this is a true classic.
4 – Ark Raiders
When everyone thought the tow shooters were dead, Arc Raiders burst in and tore up the script. Thanks to its clever mechanics and incredible community, this game will likely continue to grow throughout 2026.
3 – Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Kojima's epic spans from the United States to Mexico to Australia in a strange and wonderful journey. While the original was a solemn, isolating march, continuation The world seems much more alive, filled with new encounters and increased opportunities to travel through its stunning landscapes.
2 – Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33
Chiaroscuro came out of nowhere and immediately captured the hearts of players around the world. With stunning art direction and a bold reimagining of turn-based combat, it has the potential to influence JRPGs' approach to the genre for years to come.
1- Ghost of Yotei
Possibly the most beautiful game I've ever seen. Ghost of Yothei takes the Tsushima formula and turns it into a truly thrilling adventure. Atsu is a fantastic protagonist, combining strength and vulnerability, making it easy to form an immediate connection. Her quest for revenge plays out perfectly, firmly cementing Ghost of Yotei as COGconnected's 2025 Game of the Year.
Honorable Mentions
There were so many great games this year that some of them just didn't make it to the top ten, but still deserve a mention. So special thanks to these absolute gangsters: 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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