First runner-up is an impressive accomplishment, even if the games in question didn't quite come out as our absolutely favorite video games of 2025. Why? Because they were so close, and that means they were still so very, very good. There's plenty to celebrate when you are talking about being among the best titles in a calendar year, and these video games did not disappoint.
Nick: Tainted Grail: Fall of Avalon
This game scratched my Elder Scrolls itch with a creepy atmosphere, fun progression systems and a dark fantasy story that branched depending on choices I made along the way. There were technical hiccups (crashing being at the forefront), but man… when this game hit, it hit hard. A massive spectral stag walking across the plains to the first time night falls and the world seems to change before your eyes and more kept me heavily invested and exploring the many nooks and crannies of this world. I gleefully sunk dozens of hours into beating this game for my review, and suspect I’ll give it a second go sometime in 2026.
PY: Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land
I really enjoy Gust’s Atelier Series and the latest mainline entry was no exception. In general, I’m not a fan of open worlds. They often feel empty and shallow with nothing between points A and B.
Atelier Yumia found a sweet spot as Yumia and her party explore a land long untouched by regular humans. Making the world feel rich with life between monsters, resources and landscapes, at times meaningful quests help push those boundaries as you trailblaze ahead. Go ahead and check out my review if you don't believe me.
Susan: Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault
Okay, I know that Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault is in Early Access right now, but I absolutely love the game. I may not be the best at it because I was unsuccessful in playing the first iteration all that much. The first game was a little too punishing and it frustrated me often. In Moonlighter 2, the devs have made certain aspects less punishing like not losing all your relics if you die in the dungeon. Although, that's not to say that the game is flawless, just the next favorite game that I played this year. It has some things to work on which I mentioned in my review of the game, but honestly I have been having a blast with the game. You have a bunch of customization options, three different dungeons with relics for you to collect, and an interesting hook that brings you into the game. Visually it's beautiful and I love the chance to pick out of a couple weapons. There's a few upgrades to get which allows you to make your journey a little easier and there's a ton of quality of life updates that make things much easier.
Die hard fans of the series might find this game isn't quite done yet, but that's fine. Your opinions are your own. Mine just happens to be that I absolutely love this game and can't wait to see what the Bloblet's do (which isn't fully completed in the Early Access version).
Richard: Blade Chimera
Now this title was a bit of a surprise as well for me. I had it on my watch list for a while and thought it would be decent but not amazing. Showed me wrong. Blade Chimera is a cool metroidvania title with some neat time-based mechanics and a surprisingly in-depth plotline as well. Good story, good gameplay, very fun.
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