The shortlist has been announced for this year’s “Game of the Year” a prestigious award that recognises the game that delivered the best experience across creative and technical fields. The final 6 nominated games are one of the most diverse groups of titles we’ve seen in years and there is more than one surprise entry as well as some major AAA titles that have been left out including Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
This year’s Nominated titles are:
Astro Bot
Astro Bot is a 3D platformer developed by Team Asobi for the PlayStation 5. In the game, players control Astro, a small robot navigating through various galaxies after his mothership is attacked by an alien named Space Bully Nebulax, leading to a rescue mission to save his fellow bots scattered across multiple planets. The gameplay builds on the mechanics introduced in Astro’s Playroom, featuring new abilities that utilise the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, allowing for unique interactions and platforming experiences. With over 80 levels across six galaxies, players experience a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat against various boss characters while collecting “V.I.P. Bots” that reference iconic PlayStation characters celebrating 30 years of PlayStation.
Balatro
Balatro is a unique roguelike deckbuilding game that transforms poker into an addictive strategic experience. Players aim to beat increasingly difficult “blinds” by creating poker hands and leveraging powerful joker cards that dramatically modify scoring.
Unlike traditional poker, Balatro allows you to manipulate your deck, add enhancements, and create wildly overpowered combinations that can turn even the weakest hand into a massive point-scoring machine.
The game’s core mechanic involves calculating points through a combination of base chip values, multipliers, and special joker effects, with players progressing through eight challenging stages (antes) where each blind presents unique scoring challenges.
What makes Balatro compelling is its intentional design of allowing players to “break” the game, creating moments of incredible satisfaction when your carefully constructed deck strategy comes together. Whether you know poker or not, the game offers an approachable yet deeply strategic experience that has quickly become a fan favourite in the indie gaming scene
Black Myth: Wukong
Black Myth: Wukong is an action role-playing game developed by Game Science, inspired by the classic Chinese novel “Journey to the West.” Players control a monkey warrior known as the Destined One, who embarks on a quest to recover lost relics across six chapters filled with action and immersive world-building. The game features Soulslike gameplay mechanics, including challenging boss battles, parrying, dodging, and a variety of magical abilities based on Sun Wukong’s legendary powers. With stunning visuals, intricate level design, and a narrative that blends Chinese mythology with original storytelling, Black Myth: Wukong offers a unique gaming experience that celebrates East Asian culture while providing epic combat and exploration
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is the expansion for FromSoftware’s critically acclaimed action RPG, Elden Ring. Taking players deeper into the rich lore of the Lands Between, potentially exploring the origins and secrets of the Erdtree itself. The expansion’s title suggests a darker theme, focusing on the hidden aspects or consequences of the Erdtree’s influence. As with previous FromSoftware DLCs, Shadow of the Erdtree is offers a substantial amount of content, expanding on the already vast world of Elden Ring and providing players with new challenges and mysteries to unravel.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the second instalment to Square Enix’s reimagining of the classic 1997 RPG. Set after the events of Final Fantasy VII Remake, the game follows Cloud Strife and his companions as they venture beyond the city of Midgar in pursuit of the legendary SOLDIER Sephiroth. Rebirth expands on the hybrid combat system of its predecessor, blending real-time action with strategic elements while introducing new features like Synergy Skills and an open-world environment for players to explore.
Metaphor: Refantazio
Metaphor: ReFantazio is a fantasy RPG developed by Studio Zero and published by Atlus. The game takes place in the decaying kingdom of Euchronia, where players control a young protagonist from the marginalized Elda tribe on a quest to break a curse placed on the kingdom’s prince. The story explores themes of social inequality, political intrigue, and personal growth across a diverse world inhabited by eight unique tribes. Gameplay combines elements reminiscent of the Persona series, including a hybrid combat system, character bonds, and the awakening of magical “Archetype” powers. With its rich narrative, socio-political commentary, and strategic gameplay, Metaphor: ReFantazio is a deep and engaging RPG experience that blends fantasy with real-world issues
Who Will Win?
Well it’s a tough playing field this year with some quality RPGs in the mix, but my tip for who will win this year is that it’s a two-horse race between Astro Bot and Black Myth: Wukong. My heart says Astro Bot but my head says Black Myth, so really I’m going to lead with my heart on this prediction as Astro Bot was one of the best games I’ve played in years and a real throwback to the classic 3D adventures we grew up with. Astro Bot for the win for me, but we’ll find out the actual winner on December 12.
You can have a say though so VOTE HERE!
