First place was awarded to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 by Sandfall Interactive.
The author explained why they singled out the French studio’s project:
Sandfall Interactive’s debut is a loving homage to the classic turn-based RPGs of the 1990s—think Final Fantasy—following a party of combatants who must confront a being that threatens the world. The experience is packed with startling twists; few games have made me flinch in either terror or amazement. Its visual design, musical score, and impeccable voice performances make the characters genuinely unforgettable. In short, an impressive achievement.
The Associated Press’s top 10 games of 2025:
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- The Outer Worlds 2
- Silent Hill f
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows
- Donkey Kong Bananza
- The Séance of Blake Manor
- Avowed
- Ghost of Yōtei
- South of Midnight
- The Alters
Interestingly, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II didn’t make the top ten. Perhaps the author was unfamiliar with the title or considered it unfit for the list.
Source: iXBT.games