Logan Skrzypek ‘27, Copy Editor
The Game Awards 2025 has unveiled its Game of the Year nominees, and this year’s lineup is a kaleidoscope of creative ambition, genre-defying mechanics, and emotional storytelling. From a surrealist role-playing game (RPG) painted like a dream to a long-awaited indie sequel that redefines the rogue-like genre, the six contenders reflect a medium in full artistic bloom. Here is a closer look at each nominee—their gameplay, development, reception, and the moments that made them unforgettable titles.
🏹 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
A debut title from French studio Sandfall Interactive, “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” is a turn-based RPG that plays like a fever dream. Set in a world ruled by a mysterious entity known only as the Painter, every year one number is “painted away”—erasing every person born in that year from existence. The game begins as the 33rd expedition sets out to confront the Painter and end the cycle of annihilation. Players embody a group of survivors whose birth years are next in line, driven by desperation, grief, and the hope of rewriting fate.
The game’s combat system is a standout: a hybrid of turn-based strategy, real-time dodging, and rhythm-based inputs. Players must time their attacks and defenses with precision, creating a flow-state experience that feels more like a dance than a duel between enemies. Visually, “Clair Obscur” is unlike anything else released this year. Its oil-painted aesthetic, inspired by French surrealism and classical art, turns every frame into a canvas. Critics on IGN have called it “a masterpiece in motion,” and it leads the awards with 12 nominations, including Best Art Direction and Best Narrative. Senior Evan Reinwand, a fan of the title, said, “In my opinion, it was beautiful. The game’s mechanics were amazing, the difficulties were well balanced, and it felt really interactive. I would recommend it to others.”
⚔️ Hollow Knight: Silksong
After years of anticipation, “Hollow Knight: Silksong” finally emerged from the shadows—and it was worth the wait. The game begins with Hornet, the agile and vocal warrior-princess of Hallownest, captured and transported to the haunted kingdom of Pharloom. Unlike the silent Knight of the original game, Hornet’s journey is one of ascension—both literal and emotional—as she climbs through a labyrinth tower filled with cursed creatures, forgotten civilizations, and cryptic lore.
The game builds on Metroidvania, its predecessor, with a faster traversal, new tools, and a more aggressive combat style. Its hand-drawn visuals and atmospheric score create a world that feels both alien and intimate. Critics lauded its intricate level design and challenging boss fights. “Silksong doesn’t just live up to the hype—it redefines it,” one outlet declared. Senior Tegan Wusthoff said, “‘Hollow Knight Silksong’ is a beautiful game that improves upon the first game in the franchise! Really fun and highly recommended!”
👶 Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Hideo Kojima’s sequel to his 2019 “strand-type” game is easily as enigmatic and polarizing as its predecessor, “Death Stranding.” Released exclusively for the PS5, “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach” continues the story of Sam Porter Bridges in a fractured post-apocalyptic America, where the boundaries between life and death have grown even thinner. The beach—a liminal space between worlds—is now central to a new existential threat, and Sam must reconnect isolated communities while unraveling the mysteries of timefall, extinction entities, and his own haunted past.
The game features photorealistic visuals and a cast that includes Norman Reedus, Léa Seydoux, and Elle Fanning. The gameplay expands on the original’s traversal mechanics with new vehicles, dynamic weather systems, and a deeper social strand system that allows players to collaborate across instances in the vast world. While some critics found the pacing of the game uneven, others hailed it as a bold experiment in interactive storytelling.
😈 Hades II
Very few sequels carry the weight of expectation like “Hades II,” and Supergiant Games delivered. This time, players step into the sandals of Melinoë, daughter of Persephone and sister to Zagreus, as she battles through the Underworld to confront Chronos, the Titan of Time. The premise is steeped in myth and rebellion: Chronos has seized control of the Underworld, and Melinoë must forge alliances with gods, spirits, and witches to reclaim her home and rewrite destiny.
The roguelike formula returns with expanded weapon sets, deeper god relationships, and a more intricate narrative structure. Combat is faster and more fluid, while the game’s signature art style—all hand-drawn and richly animated—remains as striking as ever.
“Hades II” was praised for its polish, replayability, and emotional storytelling. Critics highlighted its voice acting, branching dialogue and the way it builds on the original’s strengths without losing its soul.
🍌 Donkey Kong Bananza
Nintendo’s iconic ape returned in “Donkey Kong Bananza,” a vibrant 3D platformer released exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 that reimagines the franchise’s roots with a modern flair. The game’s premise is as playful as its presentation: Donkey Kong and his crew discover a mysterious fruit—the Bananza—that causes wild environmental shifts across the jungle. As rival tribes and ancient guardians awaken, players must swing, stomp, and barrel-blast through elemental biomes to restore balance and uncover the fruit’s origin.
This game introduces new co-op mechanics, dynamic weather effects, and a rhythm-based barrel system that adds a musical twist to traversal. Critics praised its tight controls and inventive level design, calling it “a masterclass in platforming joy.” “Bananza” also marked a return to form for Nintendo’s family-friendly design philosophy, offering accessibility without sacrificing challenge. It is a game that invites players of all ages to swing, stomp, and laugh collectively.
⚜️ Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
“Kingdom Come: Deliverance II” continues the story of Henry, a blacksmith’s son caught in the political and religious upheaval of 15th-century Bohemia. Picking up after the fall of Sir Radzig’s fortress, the sequel plunges players into a kingdom on the brink of collapse. Henry must navigate a world of shifting loyalties, religious conflict, and dynastic intrigue, where every decision carries weight and survival depends on wit, skill, and diplomacy.
The game doubles down on realism, offering historically accurate armor, branching dialogue, and a revamped combat system that rewards patience and precision. The open world is dense with detail—from bustling medieval towns to war-torn countrysides—all rendered in photorealistic fidelity.
While some players found the learning curve of the controls and plot steep, others praised its commitment to authenticity. “It’s like living in a history book—but with swords,” one reviewer said.
The Game Awards 2025 will be held on Dec. 11 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Winners will be determined by a global jury of more than 100 media outlets and public fan voting. With such a varied field—from myth to modernity, from platforming joy to philosophical dread—the race for Game of the Year is wide open.
Lyon Life 