12 standout titles from this year, including "Blue Prince," "Expedition 33," and "Death Stranding," named as finalists for the Golden Joystick Awards' Game of the Year.
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/785/G078534/20251104015/
Editorial Department: Hayashi Yosuke | 2025/11/04 04:49 (UTC)
The nominees for the “Ultimate Game of the Year” award at the Golden Joystick Awards—honoring the best game of the year—were announced on November 3, 2025. The awards have a history spanning over 40 years.
The 12 nominated titles are:
Blue Prince
A strategy puzzle adventure where players connect 45 rooms in a mansion to uncover the impossible 46th room. The game has drawn attention for its unique gameplay experience.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
A role-playing game featuring a “reactive turn-based battle” system that incorporates parries and timing for damage bonuses.
DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH
The sequel to the open-world action adventure directed by Hideo Kojima. The game’s distinct world and characters stand out even more, with an expanded cargo delivery system.
Donkey Kong Bananza
A completely new entry in the Donkey Kong series, featuring bold 3D action where nearly everything in view—walls, ceilings, floors, ground vegetation—can be destroyed.
Ghost of Yōtei
The sequel to “Ghost of Tsushima,” set in Ezo (present-day Hokkaido) during 1603, following the protagonist Dokku’s quest for revenge. The game is praised for its breathtaking landscapes and intense sword combat.
Hades II
A roguelike action game that officially launched after over 1 year and 5 months of early access. It follows Melinoe, sister of the protagonist Zagreus from the first game, as she seeks to defeat Chronos, god of time.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
The long-awaited sequel to the Metroidvania classic Hollow Knight, released after six years of anticipation. Its high difficulty and exhilarating sense of triumph are major draws.
Indiana Jones: The Great Circle
A first-person action adventure set in the world of the Indiana Jones film series. The character of Indy appears exactly as portrayed by Harrison Ford in the movies.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
The sequel to the action RPG that portrays a realistic knightly tale without magic or monsters. Drawing from historical facts, it offers no flashy spectacle but delivers a solid, substantial experience.
PEAK
A climbing action game set on mountains that are automatically generated every 24 hours. Cooperative gameplay against dangerous terrain has gained popularity among streamers.
SILENT HILL f
The latest installment in the Silent Hill series, set in Japan. The game has drawn attention for its protagonist, Fukami Hanako, a frail young woman who battles monsters.
Split Fiction
A two-player cooperative-only action game developed by Hazelight Studios, creators of “It Takes Two.” The story follows two writers, Mio and Zoe, trapped within the world of their own narrative.
The Golden Joystick Awards are distinctive in that winners are chosen through public voting. The deadline for voting on the “Ultimate Game of the Year” is November 7, UK time. If you have a favorite title, cast your vote via the link below.
Golden Joystick Awards 2025: Vote for Your Ultimate Game of the Year!