Video game readers won’t be able to stop working in 2025 | games

HHappy Holidays, Push Buttons readers! Once again, we’re approaching the cherished time of year between Christmas and New Year’s where we might have time to play some video games. I wish Santa had brought you something new to play, instead of taking one look at all the unplayed games in your Steam library and putting you straight into the annoying games list.

Over the past few weeks, you’ve been submitting your favorite games of the year. I assure you, readers, have excellent taste: there’s crossover with our list of Guardian games for this year, but there’s also a lot of stuff I haven’t played myself. Thanks to everyone who sent a recommendation, I hope you find another game to add to your pile of shame among the following suggestions. I’ll be back next week with a year-in-review version – in the meantime, enjoy!

“I absolutely devoured this gem of a game.”

“Claire Obscure: Expedition 33. I absolutely devoured this gem of a game; The story, setting, music, characters and visuals are all spot on. I was dying to get back into playing it, and at the same time I never wanted to finish the game. Great work from Sandfall Interactive’s debut [game] – I can’t wait to see what they do next! Jane Baker

“Death Stranding 2 It is a true masterpiece of the game. Sometimes silly, deeply emotional, and frightening, all with an absolutely stunning result. The characters are great. In particular, Rainy was absolutely fantastic, and Higgs, the guitar-shredding Paul Gilbert-like villain, was insanely cool. And blimey…the graphics. Just exciting stuff.” Simon White

“I confess. I’ve started Skyrim (or any of the Elder Scrolls games), or Starfield, or any of the Fallouts or Outer Worlds that I think fall into the same category, but never finished. But Avowed won me over with the great script and voice acting, and seeing the difference my choices made and perhaps the best first-person, non-shooter combat I’ve ever experienced. Matt Froggt

“Split imagination It’s the most fun co-op game I’ve played in ages, they copied every genre and all for the greater good of co-op! Plus, it’s not an expensive game and you don’t have to buy two copies. Note: The pig and sausage section was very funny! Simon Watson

“My favorite game this year has to be the triumphant return to He lies From P universe and DLC, introduction. It was brilliantly done, and the story was very sad and thoughtful. I liked how the prequel developed the main game’s lore and explained the characters’ backstories well. The boss battles were absolutely epic and I loved how stupidly difficult some of them were. Oh, and the new music was great too. Big fan.” Tara Cooper

“My favorite game of the year has been my favorite for years: Ute ghost. It looks amazing, the gameplay is smooth and the story is good. There are plenty of side quests but it never feels like a chore or repetitive due to the quality of the action. In short, it’s everything Assassin’s Creed hopes it will be. Gareth Jones

“Mechabellum. This game came into my online friend group seemingly out of nowhere, but we all love it. It’s a round-based 1v1 or 2v2 mecha combat game with lots of skill and strategy layers. The match is about 20 minutes 1v1. “It’s also not an RTS game, which is great for me and my buddies in their late 30s who often can’t spend long hours staying good at Dota (our old game for Friday night games).” Thomas Jones

“It should be the best VR game of 2025 ghost town By fireproof toys. It has an amazing story with a strong female lead set in the 1980s. Fireproof Games is best known for The Room series, so it’s no surprise that the visuals are stunning, the puzzles are challenging and innovative, and the characters are adorable. Absolute fun to play.” Martina Stander

“For me, it should be so A monster Train 2! The ultimate rogue-like card warrior who learned and applied everything he could from the other greats. It’s a combination of luck and strategy that never feels like it leaves you too high and dry, and challenge modes that help you find new ways to play the main game. It’s a great, fun and addictive way to spend an afternoon or late night! Neil Jay

“Maybe this is recency bias, however Sagittarius Raiders It came out of nowhere and completely took over my gaming life. The sound design, the high risk of death, but also the surprisingly friendly community — I’m using public voice chat for the first time in 360 days — have come together for an immersive experience unlike anything I’ve ever played. We’ll see how the community evolves over time, especially as the game grows in popularity, but for now, this represents a massive achievement that deserves recognition. Brett Betts

“One match I played this year will stay with me for life: Dandelion: A Colorful Talea game similar to the old Zelda game, where the gameplay depends on drawing each stage and interacting with the colors. It’s a fun game, never tiresome, a very well written story that addresses depression in a constructive and innovative way, great music by Lena Raine… [I] I cried a few times, had fun from beginning to end, and was never left with a black and white screen. Silvano Cardin

“absolute. I’ve been pretty excited about this game since playing the beta, so it wasn’t entirely unexpected that this would be my favorite release of the year. A rogue-like game where style and substance are dealt with in huge quantities; The mechanics and tight setting are so amazing that even after finishing the game 100%, I still come back for more. I’m really looking forward to hearing what the developers have to offer next, as they have promised more, and I can’t wait! Asher Alexander

“There were a lot of great games this year, and I spent a lot of time with Silksong and Clair Obscur Expedition 33. There was nothing that obsessed me like Blue PrinceHowever…it got to the point where I was constantly thinking about it, even when I wasn’t playing. “I’m completely done, and it makes me really sad.” Mary Jill Landry

“Kaizen game works.” mascot promise agency is a strangely useful game about a Yakuza hitman who rebuilds a small Japanese town through the use of incredibly strange brand mascots. Unique, and the perfect follow-up to the equally bizarre Paradise Killer. Paul Jones

“My favorite game of the year is, by far, send – And I can’t wait for the final episodes to air tonight. It’s as unique as I’ve seen, with a great blend of story and gameplay, with a compelling narrative that keeps you going through interesting decision points. The animation is great, and I’m sure I’ll replay it once I’m finished to see what differences the other choices make. And it was cheap – no need to pay £70-80 for it! Chris Cunliffe

“Kingdom Come Salvation 2 Outstanding in every respect. “It’s my game of the year – my favorite ever.” Bob Watkins

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We’ll skip the reader question this week – instead, why not drop us a line to tell us what you enjoyed in Pushing Buttons this year, what we can do better, and any games, themes or stories you’d like us to take a look at in 2026?

You know what to do: email us at pushbuttons@theguardian.com.