Topic: Non-2025 Game of the Year

I've been following the Game of the Year 2025 thread and noticed that some, like myself, have mostly played games from previous years. I figured I'd create a thread to share our favourites that we only discovered this year, even though they aren't 2025 releases. I'd love to hear what games you (finally) gave a shot and fell in love with and which are the best of the bunch!

@Tjuz yeah this is pretty much always my GotY thread tbh:

1. Lords of the Fallen (2023) - an incredible homage to the Dark Souls series that actually felt like playing its next instalment.
2. The Division - I remember really struggling to like The Division 2 back around 4 years ago… but even though my memories weren’t the best, I felt a strange pull for something similar. Had a blast with the original (and if I’m honest, would’ve probably enjoyed 2 too if I’d played that at the right time). Can’t wait for D3!
3. Aliens: Fireteam Elite - was actually really wary of taking this on given the various horror tales of broken trophy hunters strewn in its path… glad I decided to give it a go though. Unbelievably cheap in regards to how the game sets you up to fail sometimes but overall such good fun!
4. Zombie Army Trilogy - not quite as good as ZA4 but still great fun… and excellent in co-op.
5. Generation Zero - reviewed terribly at its release but it’s been patched now and runs pretty well. I love the Farcry series and this is like FC set in a post-robot invaded 80’s Scandinavia. Sounds bat-💩 crazy I know… but it’s great. Such a pleasant surprise.

The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom (2023) and Super Neptunia RPG (2019)

Good thread OP.
I too will list my top 5.
1. Hitman. I bought this because of the VR1 port, started playing it and a week later they announced VR2 port was on the way so I put it on ice till this year and wow what a game, so much content that I have to pace myself.
2. Aliens Fireteam elite. I had my arm twisted into playing this and had dismissed it as a poor attempt to cash in on the franchise and whilst it does had some suspect aspects it is lots of fun with friends...just be prepared to scream “game over” every so often.
3. GT7. GaaS done well, bravo.
4. God of war Ragnarok. Story was iffy compared to the first one but the combat and world building were top notch.
5. Synapse. Really enjoyed this but just wish there was more of it.

Alice Madness Returns (PS3/2011) was the best game i’ve played in years, that I’ve only decided to try this year.

Also tried Mass Effect 1 at the beginning of this year for the first time (only played 2 & 3 initially) & I like it better than 3.

I think I’d have to say my non-2025 GOTY is…..

Axiom Verge 2

Slay the Princess: The Pristine Cut.

That game well and truly blew me away.