1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Okay, let’s talk about Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This game has seriously made waves, and honestly, it feels like a strong contender for Game of the Year. From what I’ve seen and heard, it really pulls you in from the get-go, kind of like how BioShock did, but maybe even more intense. The story seems to be a big deal, touching on some heavy stuff like loss, grief, and family. It’s pretty wild that a game with a smaller team and budget compared to typical AAA titles has managed to create something so impactful.
What really stands out is the sheer ambition and skill on display. The developers, Sandfall Interactive, have apparently put so much heart into this project, drawing inspiration from classic JRPGs while forging its own path. It’s not afraid to take big swings, and that’s part of what makes it so compelling. Even if it’s not perfect, those risks seem to pay off in a big way.
Here’s a quick look at why it’s getting so much buzz:
- Captivating Introduction: The game reportedly hooks players within the first hour with powerful moments and an unpredictable narrative.
- Deep Themes: Explores complex subjects like loss, trauma, and love that stick with you.
- Impressive Production: Achieved high-quality mocap and voice acting, creating naturalistic dialogue despite a smaller budget.
- Unique Tone: Blends dark fantasy with emotional storytelling to create a distinct atmosphere.
And the soundtrack? People are saying it’s a masterpiece on its own, adding another layer to an already rich experience. It’s a game that feels made by people who genuinely love gaming, and you can tell.
2. Hades II
Okay, so Hades II. It’s kind of a big deal, right? Supergiant Games really outdid themselves with the first one, and everyone was just waiting to see what they’d do next. This sequel feels like it took everything people loved about the original – the fast-paced combat, the cool story, the whole Greek mythology vibe – and just cranked it up a notch. The gameplay feels even tighter, and Melinoë, the new protagonist, brings a fresh perspective to the Underworld.
It’s not just more of the same, though. They’ve added new characters, new weapons, and a whole new layer to the narrative that keeps you hooked. You’re constantly discovering new things, even after dozens of hours. It’s that kind of game that makes you say, ‘just one more run,’ and then suddenly it’s 3 AM.
Here’s a quick rundown of what makes it stand out:
- Sharper Combat: The fighting mechanics are incredibly responsive, making every dodge, attack, and special move feel impactful.
- Deeper Story: The narrative expands on the original’s themes, exploring new relationships and ancient secrets.
- Endless Replayability: With its roguelike structure, no two runs through the Underworld are ever quite the same.
Honestly, it’s the kind of game that sticks with you long after you’ve put the controller down. It’s a masterclass in how to build upon a beloved formula without losing the magic.
3. Hollow Knight: Silksong
Okay, so Hollow Knight: Silksong. This one’s been a long time coming, right? Like, years and years of waiting for Team Cherry to drop the follow-up to their first big hit. And honestly, the hype was so huge, you’d think it would be impossible to live up to. But somehow, it mostly did.
This game is tough. Like, really tough. It doesn’t hold your hand, and sometimes it feels like it actively wants you to struggle. There were moments, I’m not gonna lie, where I wanted to throw my controller. But that’s kind of the point, I guess? When you finally beat that one boss that’s been kicking your butt for hours, the feeling is pretty amazing. It makes you feel like you actually earned it.
What really stands out, though, is the world itself. Pharloom is just packed with detail. You can tell Team Cherry spent ages just crafting every little corner, every character. It’s a dark, mysterious place, full of weird little bug creatures, and exploring it is a big part of the fun. It’s that feeling of discovery, of slowly figuring things out and getting better, that makes games like this so good.
Here’s a quick rundown of what makes Silksong special:
- Challenging Combat: Mastering Hornet’s moves and finding the right tools for each fight is super satisfying.
- Detailed World: The art and atmosphere of Pharloom are top-notch, making exploration a joy.
- Sense of Accomplishment: Overcoming the game’s difficulty provides a real feeling of achievement.
- Unique Character: The game’s refusal to coddle the player is part of its charm and identity.
4. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Hideo Kojima is back with the sequel to his unique 2019 game, and this time, it’s bigger. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach takes the original’s concept of traversing a strange, broken world and cranks it up. You’re still delivering packages, but the scale feels way larger, and the story seems to be just as wild and unpredictable as before. It’s a game that really tries to blend serious, cinematic moments with some truly bizarre, game-like fun. One minute you’re struggling across a tough landscape, and the next, something completely unexpected happens.
It’s a game that got a lot of award nominations, showing that many people really liked its art direction and sound.
- Best Art Direction
- Best Audio Design
- Best Game Direction
- Best Narrative
- Best Score & Music
- Best Action/Adventure Game
This game really pushes boundaries, and it’s definitely one of those titles that gets people talking, for better or worse. It’s ambitious, and you can tell a lot of thought went into making it feel like nothing else out there.
5. The Midnight Walk
Okay, so The Midnight Walk. This one’s got a bit of a unique vibe, right? It’s not your typical action-packed VR title. Instead, it leans into this really atmospheric, almost meditative experience. You’re essentially exploring these dreamlike environments, piecing together a story that’s told through environmental clues and subtle interactions. The real magic here is how it uses sound and visuals to pull you in; it feels less like playing a game and more like stepping into a living painting.
It’s the kind of game that makes you slow down and just be in the world. You’re not rushing from point A to point B. You’re looking at the way light hits a surface, listening to the ambient sounds, and trying to figure out what happened in this place before you arrived. It’s definitely for players who appreciate a slower pace and a good mystery.
Here’s what stood out:
- Atmospheric Exploration: The environments are stunning and packed with detail, making just wandering around a joy.
- Environmental Storytelling: You’re not spoon-fed the narrative; you have to discover it yourself, which is super rewarding.
- Unique Pacing: It’s a game that respects your time and doesn’t demand constant high-octane action.
It’s a bit of a departure from what we usually see, but that’s what makes it so interesting for a potential Game of the Year contender. It shows VR can be about more than just shooting or fighting.
6. Arken Age
Arken Age is shaping up to be a really interesting take on the extraction shooter genre. You know, those games where you go in, grab stuff, and try to get out before something bad happens? A lot of them can feel super punishing, like if you mess up even a little, you lose everything. But Arken Age seems to be trying to ease players into it.
One of the cool things they’re doing is offering some decent starting gear, so you’re not going in completely bare. Plus, there’s a system where you can collect basic materials automatically, which is a nice touch. It doesn’t make the core loop of fighting and potentially losing your loot any less tense, but it does mean you won’t feel like the game is constantly kicking you when you’re down. It feels like a good balance between challenge and accessibility.
Here’s what we’re looking forward to:
- Accessible Extraction: Less punishment for failure, more focus on the thrill of the run.
- Resource Management: Automated collection of basic materials to ease the grind.
- PvPvE Dynamics: The potential for tense player encounters mixed with cooperative AI threats.
- Exploration: Trekking across varied maps towards objectives, with the risk of losing it all.
The developers seem to be aiming for a sweet spot where the tension of extraction shooters is present, but without the overwhelming frustration that can turn players away. It’s the kind of game that could finally make people understand why this genre is so addictive, offering those heart-pounding moments of escape with valuable loot, or the quiet dread of being hunted as you make your way to the extraction point.
7. Alien: Rogue Incursion
Okay, so let’s talk about Alien: Rogue Incursion. This one’s been on a lot of VR fans’ radars, and for good reason. It’s not just another shooter; it feels like a genuine attempt to capture that classic Alien tension in a virtual space. You’re dropped into the shoes of a Colonial Marine, and trust me, it gets pretty hairy pretty fast. The developers have really leaned into the horror aspect, making you feel vulnerable and constantly on edge.
What sets it apart is how it uses VR to its advantage. The sound design is top-notch, making every little scuttling noise or distant roar send shivers down your spine. And the environments? They’re detailed and claustrophobic, just like you’d expect from an Alien game.
Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:
- Intense survival horror: You’re not a superhero here. Ammo is scarce, and the Xenomorphs are terrifyingly lethal.
- Immersive VR experience: The developers have put a lot of effort into making you feel like you’re actually there, facing down the galaxy’s deadliest creature.
- Co-op potential: While you can go solo, teaming up with other Marines might just be your best bet for survival. Coordinating your moves and watching each other’s backs is key.
This game really nails the feeling of being hunted. It’s a solid contender for VR Game of the Year, bringing a well-known franchise into the immersive world of virtual reality with impressive results.
8. Marvel’s Deadpool VR
Alright, let’s talk about Marvel’s Deadpool VR. This one’s got a lot of hype, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. Who wouldn’t want to jump into the Merc with a Mouth’s crazy world in virtual reality? The idea alone is pretty wild.
From what we’ve gathered, the game aims to capture that signature Deadpool chaos, complete with his sarcastic humor and over-the-top action. It’s not just about shooting and slicing, though; it’s about being Deadpool. Think fast-paced combat, maybe some fourth-wall breaks that really hit different in VR, and a story that’s probably as bonkers as you’d expect.
However, there’s a bit of a snag. Some chatter suggests this game dropped right after the award nominations were announced, which is a bit of a bummer for its chances. Plus, there’s this whole debate about whether VR games are still the hot ticket or if they’re becoming a bit of a niche thing. It’s a tough category, and while Deadpool VR has the brand power, it’s up against some serious contenders.
Here’s a quick look at how it stacks up against some of the other VR contenders:
- Alien: Rogue Incursion: Known for its intense atmosphere and survival horror vibes.
- Arken Age: Praised for its unique art style and engaging gameplay.
- Ghost Town: Offers a different kind of VR experience, often focusing on narrative or puzzle elements.
- The Midnight Walk: Stands out with its distinctive claymation look and critical acclaim.
Ultimately, Marvel’s Deadpool VR is a strong contender purely on its name and the promise of pure, unadulterated Deadpool fun in a way only VR can offer. Whether that’s enough to overcome its late arrival and the general VR market questions remains to be seen.
9. Ghost Town
Ghost Town is one of those VR games that really leans into the spooky atmosphere. It’s not about jump scares, though there are a few of those, but more about that creeping dread you get when you’re alone in a dark place. Think about that feeling you get when you turn off all the lights in your house and have to run back to your room – that’s kind of the vibe they’re going for here.
What makes Ghost Town stand out is its commitment to building tension. The sound design is top-notch, making every creak and whisper feel significant. You’re not just seeing a scary environment; you’re hearing it, and that really pulls you in. The developers have done a great job of making you feel vulnerable.
Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:
- Atmospheric Exploration: Wander through eerie locations, piecing together a story.
- Psychological Horror: The game plays on your mind, making you question what’s real.
- Limited Resources: You’ll need to manage what little you have to survive.
- Unsettling Encounters: Face off against things that go bump in the night, but not always in a direct fight.
10. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Alright, let’s talk about Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. If you played the first one, you know what you’re getting into, but like, way more of it. This game really leans into that super detailed, realistic medieval setting. It’s not just about swinging a sword around; there’s a lot of thought put into how things actually worked back then.
This sequel takes everything that made the original stand out and cranks it up to eleven. You’re still playing as Henry, and the world feels even bigger and more alive this time around. The developers at Warhorse Studios seem really committed to making this feel like a genuine historical RPG, which is pretty cool in a world where a lot of games play it safe.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Deeply Simulated World: From crafting and alchemy to combat, everything feels deliberate. You can’t just pause mid-fight to chug a potion; you have to plan ahead.
- Engaging Story and Quests: The writing is sharp, with side quests that are often as interesting as the main plot. Expect some genuinely funny moments and memorable characters.
- Uncompromising Realism: This isn’t a game that holds your hand. It expects you to learn its systems and immerse yourself in its world, which can be challenging but incredibly rewarding.
It’s the kind of game that medieval history buffs and RPG fans who appreciate a bit of grit will absolutely love. It feels like a true successor to those older, more complex RPGs that aren’t afraid to be a bit difficult.
Wrapping Up Our 2025 VR Game of the Year Thoughts
So, that’s a wrap on our look at the best VR games of 2025. It’s been a really interesting year, even if VR gaming still feels like it’s finding its footing. We saw some strong contenders, with games like The Midnight Walk really standing out for its unique style, and others like Arken Age and Alien: Rogue Incursion also getting a lot of love. It’s a shame that not everyone gets to experience these in VR, but that’s just how it is sometimes. We’re excited to see what comes next for VR gaming, and if it can really grab hold of the mainstream. For now, though, these are the games that made a mark.
