Is the 2025 GOTY Race Already Over?
As we cruise past the midpoint of 2025, a compelling argument emerges: the Game of the Year (GOTY) contest might already be decided. While we traditionally wait for the fall releases before assessing the year’s best titles, three exceptional games have already made a significant claim on the GOTY crown. The remaining months hold promise, yet the existing front-runners have captured imaginations and garnered critical acclaim, making it a tough act to follow.
So, let’s take a look at these dominating contenders and analyze how they managed to grab everyone’s attention, and whether they can sustain their momentum as the year progresses. Will there be any upsets in the months to come?
The Front-Runners
A consensus is forming among critics and players alike: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and Donkey Kong Bananza lead the GOTY pack. Each game received widespread praise and sparked excitement for unique reasons. Furthermore, these titles are associated with the gaming industry’s powerhouses, with Death Stranding 2 and Donkey Kong Bananza as PlayStation and Nintendo exclusives.Expedition 33 debuted on Xbox Game Pass to quickly become a popular game.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Emerges From Obscurity
The unexpected success story of 2025 is undoubtedly Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Developed by Sandfall Interactive, a small team of roughly 30 people, this brand-new IP has taken the industry by storm, swiftly selling millions of copies. Its success story resonates with many gamers.
- This game combines turn-based combat with real-time dodges and parries.
- The emotional story is delivered by a cast of stellar voice actors.
The game tells the tale of an exploration team striving to stop the Paintress, a deity that threatens the city of Lumiere with the Gommage, which makes citizens dissapear.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Returns Kojima to His Best
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach signifies a return to peak form for the renowned Hideo Kojima. While the original Death Stranding had its merits, the sequel surpasses it in nearly every aspect. This new installment captivates with its refined gameplay mechanics and captivating narrative.
- The traversal is improved with an expanded set of tools.
- The combat is enhanced with weapons and skills.
Death Stranding 2 continues the journey of Sam Porter Bridges, traversing Mexico and Australia to reconnect the world after the Death Stranding. He encounters new characters such as Tarman, Rainy, Tomorrow, Dollman, and Fragile.
Donkey Kong Bananza Is the Switch 2’s Super Mario Odyssey AND Breath of the Wild
While Donkey Kong holds a prominent place in Nintendo’s history, the announcement of a new 3D title was met with both excitement and caution. Donkey Kong Bananza is the first 3D platformer in the series in decades and needed to prove itself as a major title. Luckily, it delivers!
- DK has to find Banandium Gems.
- DK and his crew are swallowed up by a sinkhole and he has to find a way back to the surface along with Pauline.
- This title is one of the first killer apps for the Switch 2.
Donkey Kong Bananza places players in the role of a mining Donkey Kong. He finds crystals to eat, and eventually goes on an adventure with a new friend named Pauline.
Possible Contenders
While the aforementioned titles have dominated GOTY discussions, there are still upcoming games slated for 2025 that might make a splash.
- Ghost of Yotei has exciting gameplay improvements.
- Borderlands 4 promises a much better experience than the last game.
Other anticipated releases like The Outer Worlds 2, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and Silent Hill f could also emerge as contenders, depending on their quality and reception. It remains to be seen if these late-year arrivals can challenge the established front-runners and shake up the GOTY race.
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