Being a video game enthusiast is exhausting if you really take your role seriously, as there are so many new games that come out daily, and because of this, you’re bound to let afew promising projects slip between the cracks.
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It’s inevitable, and it can mean that you miss out on a sleeper hit that could happen to be your favorite game of the year or an all-time favorite.
But we aren’t here to ridicule you for not being diligent—far from it. We are here to ensure you get the chance to play these games by uncovering these gems and shining a spotlight on them.
2025 still has many great games in the pipeline, but we want to showcase the superb gems the year has served up so far.
10Die In The Dungeon
Come On, Snake Eyes!
As a rule I try not to getsucked in by deckbuilders, as they tend to make all my free time evaporate as I spend every waking moment strategizing. But if it’s dice, I’ll happily convince myself that it will be different this time.
Spoilers, it wasn’t. But that’s okay, as Die in the Dungeon is a quality deckbuilder that trades cards for dice and offers simple and accessible gameplay that ramps up accordingly to challenge even the most skilled deckbuilding veteran.
It’s effectively likeplaying Slay The Spire with dice, complete with relics to alter each run, and while it might start simple, it soon becomes a galaxy-brain endeavor where the positioning of each die becomes vital to survival.
Plus, it’s got cute-as-a-button pixel visuals, which only sweetens the deal. If you have actual responsibilities, this game is a bad idea, but if you have time to kill, there’s no better way than dying in the dungeon.
Feelin' Froggy? Jump!
I considered including the game made by Tony Hawk’s Underground alum Helskate. But due to its rather shoddy release, I decided to go with a different skateboarding indie gem.
Seafrog is a recent title that blends classic 2D mascot platforming ideals withthe arcade blissof retro THPS games. It allows you to explore the naval nuances of each level and perform sick tricks and combos as you go.
It’s very simple and straightforward, with a few fun upgrades to unlock to keep things fresh from one ship to the next. All in all, it’s a cute platformer that relies on the skateboarding gimmick to get by.
But it’s a wonderful gimmick that forces players to find the map’s flow and move around in style, makingthis 2D platformerwell worth checking out.
8Promise Mascot Agency
Weird Beyond Comprehension
Promise Mascot Agency
If you’re a fan of eclectic games, then you’ll probably be aware of Paradise Killer, one of those games that doesn’t look all that impressive at first glance. But, if given the chance, far exceeds your expectations as one of the finest detective games ever made.
Well, the same developers are at it again, and have created a new, eclectic gem in the form of Promise Mascot Agency. A game that boldly blends a wealth of established game genres to great effect.
The best way I can describe it is that it offers the silliness of a Yakuza title, the format of a visual novel mixed with a GTA game for the most part, and the surreal vibe of a nonsensical Japanese game show.
It’s definitely not for everyone, but it’s so unique and out there that I suggest giving it a go regardless. It might just be the breath of fresh air you need.
7Rift of the Necrodancer
Putting The ‘Hero’ In Guitar Hero
Rift of the NecroDancer
If you’re a savant when it comes to classic indie games, then you’ll be acutely aware of the brilliant rhythm game, Crypt of the Necrodancer. A game that flipped the script on what a dungeon crawler could be.
Well, the same characters of that beloved title are back in action, albeit in a more traditional rhythm game format similar to Guitar Hero and Rock Band.
However, this one sets itself apart by offering notes in the form of monsters that behave in unique ways based on the track before you and their typing, effectively meaning that you’ll need to do more than just hit the note as it comes.
To succeed, you’ll need to think multiple notes ahead and know your enemy. Plus, if that ever becomes stale, there is a wealth of amazing rhythm mini-games that allow you to jam out in a unique and interesting way.
It’s pretty challenging, just as the last title was, but if you’re up to the challenge, this unique sequel is ready and waiting for you.
6Momodora: Moonlit Farewell
A Metroidvania Mainstay
Momodora: Moonlit Farewell
There arelots of standout Metroidvaniasthat fans of the genre consistently wax lyrical about—games like Hollow Knight, Ori, or the classics like Metroid and Castlevania. However, a long-running Metroidvania series that never seems to get its flowers is Momodora.
Which is a dying shame, as the latest game in the series, Moonlit Farewell, is a staggeringly good game, offering classic Metroidvania design, tight platforming and accessible combat.
However, as the game progresses, combat evolves through the Sigil system and the intricately designed boss battles, making the game more than just a simple hack-and-slash affair.
It delivers on all fronts with a continuation of the series' story to date, vibrant pixel visuals, a brilliant score, and rewarding exploration. So, in short, it’s probably the best Metroidvania you’ve never heard of, so give it a try at your earliest convenience.
Man’s Best Friend
If you’re looking for a cute, cozy game where you may ‘pet the dog,’ few can compete with Koira this calendar year so far.
This title follows the unlikely pairing of a forest spirit and a little pup navigating the woods, searching for musical notes to solve puzzles, and exploring the gorgeous world set before you.
It’s not a challenging game by any stretch, with simple puzzles that keep things engaging as you drink in the score and visuals as you go, and partake in the fun side activities that strengthen the bond between you and your doggo.
Yet, despite this simplistic gameplay, the game still offers adeeply affecting silent narrativeworth its weight in gold. It’s a must-play for any animal lover, and one that will suit cozy gamers down to the ground.
4South of Midnight
Get Out Of My Swamp!
South of Midnight
South of Midnightis a stylized action-adventure set in the Deep South. You play as a Weaver named Hazel, who must right the wrongs of her family tree to clear the corruption of the land she explores throughout this gorgeous adventure.
In principle, the game is as straightforward as an action adventure, with linear level design, satisfying but simple platforming, and pretty one-dimensional combat. However, it’s the world and story the game weaves that keeps you on the hook.
The game is a visual treat, the story is abundant with rich southern charm and gothic folklore, and even if it doesn’t reinvent the wheel in terms of gameplay, it’s easily one of the most unique and enjoyable Xbox exclusives in recent memory.
3Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree
Look At The Size Of That Skill Tree!
Mandragora
I’d be the first to admit that I am a sucker for a Metroidvania, so perhaps I am a little biased here, but even still, Mandragora is a gripping metroidvania that deserves more plaudits than it has gotten to date.
The game offers an RPG meets Metroidvania experience, asking the player to complete quests, mindfully create strong builds for their character, and make use of one of the most jam-packed skill trees since Path of Exile blazed the trail.
Admittedly, the combat is a bit more clunky than other Metroidvanias that lead with this faux-Souls approach, and there are mild balancing issues.
However, there is definitely a lot more good that outweighs the bad here, culminating in a challenging, visually striking, and enjoyable Metroidvania worth checking out.
2Wanderstop
Slow Down, Stay A While
Wanderstop
I’ll concede that this game is perhaps one of those that threatened to gain enough traction to break out of the dreaded ‘hidden gem’ bracket. But, alas, I still feel like the majority of gamers gave this one a miss.
Which is a crime against cozy games, as Davy Wreden’s latest game is a truly masterful title that forces players to slow down, stay a while, and just do some busy work, not to grind XP or to gain skill points. But, just for the sake of doing so.
It’s a game thatsubverts all the traditional gaming tropesrelated to progression, achievements, and min-maxing. Instead, allowing players to unwind, drink in the calm atmosphere, and sip on some tea as they do so.
It’s not an exciting game, but it is a superb game that perhaps offers the most wholesome and cozy experience on the market today. So, if you want a game that will give you that warm, fuzzy feeling, then be sure to visit your old friend Boro.
1Bionic Bay
Bionic Bay
None of our reviewers work in a hive mind and, therefore, give scores unique to them and them alone when checking out each new game. However, one fact remains true throughout.We don’t give out a whole lot of perfect tens.
This is why Bionic Bay is perhaps the most worthy of a spotlight on this list. It warranted a perfect score for its brilliant array of side-scrolling excellence, rivaling stalwarts of the sub-genre like LIMBO and INSIDE.
It’s a game that dares to be challenging while also dropping you back into the action to avoid frustration. It’s a title that offers eye-candy in abundance, and it’s a game that hits the sweet spot when it comes to challenging but satisfying puzzle design.
In short, it’s all you could ask of a modern platformer, and if you are among the many yet to play this one, be sure to cross it off your wishlist real soon.
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