If you’ve been following along with us all year, you’ve undoubtedly seen the wide variety of videogames our team has reviewed. From cozy sandboxes to standout indies, classic throwback titles, the hottest horror games, and more.
2025 has been a stellar year for videogames. But what titles stood apart from the noise, and what are we most looking forward to playing in 2026? Dive in for our team’s list of the best games of 2025 and most anticipated games of 2026.
Emily Provost
Game of the Year: Len’s Island
While 2025 wasn’t a huge year in gaming for me, I managed to find time to jump into Len’s Island, an indie game developed by Flow Studio. This game has been available in beta prior to 2025; however, it was released in alpha this summer with major additions to the gameplay, including an incredible co-op mode that really adds to the overall experience.
If you enjoy games where you can craft, explore, and conquer a few dungeon crawls, this one is for you.
Most Anticipated 2026 Release: LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight
LEGO games have no business being so good, and yet, they frequently are. I’ve been playing these games since I was young, and they’ve only gotten better, as shown by the recent release of LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga.
If the trailer is any indicator, this revamped LEGO Batman series will take all of the improved mechanics of The Skywalker Saga with the classic and well-loved antics that fans have come to expect from LEGO games.
Conor McCloud
Game of the Year: Anno 117: Pax Romana
2025 had a lot of games I was excited for and did not meet the mark, including Avowed and my most anticipated game from last year’s article, Sid Meier’s Civilization VII, which was a major step back from a great franchise. One game that did deliver on my expectations in a big way was Anno 117: Pax Romana.
It had everything I was hoping for and more, carrying over the best from its predecessor in Anno 1800 and adding a lot of new caveats and spins that made the game feel fresh and not like a DLC to that game. They really knocked it out of the park by building upon the success of an existing IP while still creating something new and unique, and launching the series to the next level. As we go into next year, I’m excited for the DLC’s and what the modding community has in store to make this great game even better.
Most Anticipated 2026 Release: Star Wars Zero Company
Next year has some big titles rumoured, like Grand Theft Auto VI, if they don’t push it again, but my pick is a little off the beaten path. Star Wars Zero Company is slated for release at some point next year, and looks to be a turn-based strategy game similar to XCOM. It takes place between Episode II and III of the movie’s storyline, which is a great time in the Star Wars universe. To me, these styles of games are fun, but oftentimes, I don’t feel much connection to the units or factions in them. I think the pairing of the turn-based strategy with the known and beloved characters of the Star Wars universe feels like a winning combination that may turn some heads and surprise people if they can stick the landing with this game.
Nash Moorer
Game of the Year: Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
As a day one fan of Warhorse Studios with the first title in the franchise, I am ecstatic with how this game turned out. My eyes had been on it since last year, and I was more than delighted to see those expectations shatter in application. Those who enjoyed the first installment will be more than pleased to hop into this sequel, which is now engrossed in an even more dynamic environment and fulfilling storylines. Don’t worry, either, as most of the systems in the game remain familiar with positive tweaks taken to perfect a near-perfect system.
Most Anticipated 2026 Release: Fable
This pick rings much from nostalgia. While the Fable franchise is deservedly well-loved, it has certainly had mixed reception across its audience across its three titles. For a long time, it was a flagship Microsoft title, and even as we approach an end to the console wars, I find it odd to see such a one-sided title remerge. I think Fable II is where most people found the most satisfaction in the franchise, while the third iteration was not bad, it fell short of a lot of its co-op promises, which ended up hurting its reputation. All that leaves me with a mixed bag of nostalgic anticipation and reasonable worry. Obviously, I think it can be an incredible title, but only time will tell if this Xbox/PC exclusive can reach juggernaut status or if those dreams are just fabled.
Will Tarashuk
Game of the Year: Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
My game of the year for 2025 is Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. Picture this: a AAA game sets a release date, and not only do they stick to it, but they release it a week early as a surprise. Not only that, but the game is released with zero bugs, zero crashes, and zero issues whatsoever. Wait, wait, it gets better. They promised three DLC expansion packs within the first year, and not only did they deliver, but they were also fun and released on time, without any bugs or crashes. That’s what Warhorse Studios pulled off with this game.
It’s a masterpiece with a learning curve, but after mastering the mechanics of the first game, it’s like riding a horse; you never truly forget. I poured 140 hours into this game and loved every second. You pick up right where you left off with Henry and Hans as they set out on their quest in a new realm. Chaos ensues, and you’re back at the bottom, making your way back up the hierarchy of society.
The story is well written. The characters are well-crafted. The gameplay is a welcome challenge. The story has many twists and turns with beautiful cinematic cutscenes that rival any AAA studio to date. If you’ve never played these games, proceed with caution. They aren’t for everyone, but once you’re in, you’re in forever.
Most Anticipated 2026 Release: Fable
The answer is obviously Grand Theft Auto VI, but since I’m a PC gamer and won’t be able to play it until God knows when, it will have to be put on the back burner.
I played all of the Fable games, and overall, they were a meh from me, but there was something there. There were glimpses of greatness, and I think a fresh reboot is exactly what this franchise needs. I’m willing to give it a shot and see what they can come up with.
What did you think of our list of best games of 2025 and most anticipated of 2026? What games are making your lists? Don’t forget to let us know in the comments.
We’ll be taking a break in January to work on new and exciting content for you in 2026. To make sure you don’t miss our comeback, be sure to subscribe for new articles straight to your inbox and follow along with us on Instagram and YouTube. We’ll see ya next year!
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