Game of the Year

(This article is one of 16 parts in our Tech Awards 2025: Editor's Choice content series.)

Between April 2024 and April 2025, we saw an awful lot of awesome games released for PC and consoles put together. This makes our task of picking our best game of the year an incredibly difficult task. There are so many titles to consider for the different genres and platforms – and most turn out to be great in their own ways. But after going through and re-evaluating them on every possible criteria – gameplay, visual fidelity, audio design and most importantly, the fun factor, we have narrowed down three of our favourite nominees. While we had to force ourselves to pick one winner, in truth all of these games are deserving winners in our hearts.

Nominees:

1. Astro Bot (Team Asobi / Sony Interactive Entertainment)
2. Metaphor: ReFantazio (Studio Zero / Sega)
3. Monster Hunter Wilds (Capcom)

And the winner is…

Astro Bot - Game of the Year

Astro Bot isn’t the longest game around, and this could deter some gamers from buying it. But for my money, those hours for this PlayStation 5 exclusive title are well spent. It’s a game that doesn’t overstay its welcome; it gets in, has its fun, and gets out. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you want. I know it’s what I wanted.

Ultimately, Astro Bot isn’t here to reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t have to. It’s a charming, light-hearted romp that knows how to play to its strengths through its variety and its celebration of all things PlayStation. It may not have the legacy of Mario or the attitude of Sonic, but Astro has proven he deserves a spot in the platformer pantheon. It’s a joyful ride while it lasts, and if this is any indication, Astro has plenty of bright adventures ahead. Just maybe don’t expect it to be the next great gaming epic, and you’ll have a blast.

Check out our full review here.

Astro Bot for PS5 is available at Amazon, Lazada and Shopee

For more details on how we rated our nominees and to learn about our experience with each title, check out the full reviews and articles listed in the References section below. Please also note that the ratings compiled have been adjusted based on how the game titles fare against each other at this juncture, as opposed to how we rated the game at the point of review. 

Here’s how the rest of our nominees fared.

Metaphor: ReFantazio

Metaphor: ReFantazio is a deeply ambitious game, and it shows. It’s not perfect, as some of its pacing issues, especially with the dungeons, can make the grind feel tedious. But there’s so much to love here, from the thought-provoking (if occasionally blunt) narrative to the engaging archetype system and the sublime soundtrack. Atlus has crafted something that feels familiar yet fresh, a blend of the best parts of its previous titles and some genuinely bold new ideas.

If you’re a fan of Atlus’ games, you’ll find a lot of what you love here – twisted enemies, complex relationships, and a philosophical core that’ll keep you thinking long after the credits roll. And if you’re new to this style of JRPG, Metaphor might just be the gateway that pulls you into Atlus’ sprawling library of wonderful games. It’s worth the time investment, and if this marks the start of a new franchise, I’ll be more than happy to see where Atlus takes us next.

Check out our full review here.

Metaphor: ReFantazio for PS5 is available at Amazon and Shopee

Monster Hunter Wilds

Monster Hunter Wilds is undeniably the most beginner-friendly entry yet. The removal of more arcane, menu-heavy traditions opens the franchise to a broader audience. Capcom appears to be actively balancing the tightrope walk between satisfying dedicated fans and attracting newcomers here. Veterans might grumble at the streamlined simplicity, but few will deny the sheer joy derived from seamless, intense battles against meticulously crafted creatures within these stunning biomes. It is an ambitious, commendably executed evolution, one which may divide some die-hard fans yet has undoubtedly broadened the appeal of Capcom’s flagship series. Monster Hunter Wilds represents not just a fine-tuning of beloved mechanics, but a thoughtful reimagining of how Monster Hunter games could – and perhaps should – feel in an era where accessibility and approachability are as critical as complexity and challenge.

Check out our full review here.

Monster Hunter Wilds for PS5 is available at Amazon (physical), Shopee (physical) and PlayStation (digital)

(This article is one of 16 parts in our Tech Awards 2025: Editor's Choice content series.)

References

Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.