Our individual Game of the Year articles allow our lovely team of writers and editors to share their own personal PS5 picks for 2025. Today, it's the turn of assistant editor Liam Croft.

5. Elden Ring Nightreign

Elden Ring Nightreign

Elden Ring Nightreign is the most I’ve been addicted to playing a game this year, with its run-based twist on the FromSoftware modern classic providing constant challenge and enjoyment. Its time limit cranks up the intensity while the variety of its Nightfarers allows for team experimentation.

I think you’ll see a number of the gameplay updates and improvements from Elden Ring Nightreign carry over into the developer’s next big game — this is a really strong variation on the FromSoftware formula that will benefit its single player efforts in the future.

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4. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

Metal Gear Solid Delta Snake Eater

Metal Gear Solid is one of my favourite game franchises, so this remake of one of the series’ best feels like Konami using a cheat code on me. Faithful to the point that it reuses all the cutscenes and voice acting of the 2004 original, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is an excellent recreation of a classic for the modern era.

It looks and plays so much better, and when the game at its core is still so incredible, that’s all you need. It’s good to have you back, Snake.

3. Ghost of Yotei

Ghost of Yotei

Some sequel don’t set out to rock the boat; rather, they refine and improve what was achieved the first time around. That’s exactly what Ghost of Yotei is: a PS5 title that impressively builds on Ghost of Tsushima, a game I found to be slightly overrated.

The follow-up is better in every way, with more freeing open world exploration, satisfying combat, stellar visuals, and another engaging story. Ghost of Yotei is excellent at all times, and one of my favourites for 2025.

2. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Death Stranding 2 On the Beach

Anyone familiar with my taste in video games will know a Hideo Kojima game is always one of my favourite experiences, and Death Stranding 2 didn’t disappoint. A more streamlined title compared to the original, the story, atmosphere, and music shine brightest as Sam ventures across Australia.

Even with the easier journeys across the country, the gameplay still offers of the most unique experiences in gaming. Combat is more viable, making the transition between trekking and fighting seamless. With more options for traversal, there’s rarely a situation you can’t overcome.

It all comes together to make Death Stranding 2 one of Kojima Productions’ greatest creations.

1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur Expedition 33

I know how amazing this game is, you know how amazing this game is, we all know how amazing this game is. It’s surreal to reflect on the pre-release review phase of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, knowing how great it is in a vacuum, unable to tell anyone else.

Half a year later and everyone’s in love with it.

Deservedly so, as the journey to take down the Paintress is one of the most unique and charming RPGs in years. Its turn-based combat shines with parries and stylish attacks, the world is vibrant and compelling, and the characters (and the voices bringing them to life) are some of the year’s most memorable.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one you don’t forget in a hurry. Having stuck with me all year, the Sandfall Interactive debut covers almost everything I look for in a video game — there’s little wonder why it’s my Game of the Year.

What do you think of Liam's personal Game of the Year picks? Feel free to agree wholeheartedly, or disagree politely, in the comments section below.