Despite the challenges in recent years, 2025 has proven to be a remarkable year for the gaming industry. We’ve welcomed standout titles, including the long-awaited Silksong, and I’ve recently purchased a Switch 2—although opinions on that may vary!
There’s a comforting feeling that comes from successful, high-profile game releases that meet the lofty expectations set by their developers. This year, however, has also been a time of significant layoffs and disappointing launches, making these celebrated releases all the more precious.
Yet, nothing brings more joy than unexpected triumphs. I’m talking about those hidden gems that emerge with innovative concepts from lesser-known developers, often without the typical fanfare. These surprises have the potential to captivate audiences and shatter preconceived notions about what a game can be.
Some titles may have had a secretive development phase, unnoticed until their release brought them into the spotlight. In this article, I aim to highlight several of the standout surprise hits of 2025 that overcame the odds and delighted players.
1 Hello Kitty Island Adventure
A Throwaway Joke Fully Realized
Fans of the long-running cartoon South Park might recall the 2006 episode “Make Love, Not Warcraft, ”where Butters hilariously reveals his time spent playing the fictional Hello Kitty Island Adventure. Fast forward nearly two decades, and this whimsical title has become a reality.
Although Hello Kitty Island Adventure originally launched in 2023 on Apple Arcade, its recent ports to PC and Switch in 2025 introduced it to a broader audience, making it the talk of the gaming community.
The game embodies its premise as a delightful town-building experience featuring beloved Sanrio characters, combined with exploration and puzzle-solving elements. Whether its popularity stems from the nostalgic South Park reference, the endearing nature of Sanrio, or its own gameplay charm is up for debate. Yet, one fact remains—this title has exceeded all expectations.
2 ENA: Dream BBQ
Short, Surreal, and Memorable
The ENA series has captivated audiences since 2020 with its quirky animated shorts on platforms like YouTube and Newgrounds. The surreal nature and unique interactive storytelling format left fans yearning for more.
This year, the wait ended with the release of ENA: Dream BBQ on Steam in March 2025, and it was met with overwhelming praise. The game captures the essence of the shorts, boasting extravagant animation styles and voice acting while providing a playable experience complete with multiple endings and puzzles.
Such acclaim is further enhanced by the fact that the game is entirely free to play—an enticing offer that promises to keep fans eagerly awaiting its next installment.
3 Date Everything!
I Will, Thank You
Date Everything captures my interest, even though dating sims are not usually my go-to genre. This game defies expectations with its absurd premise that invites players to engage in relationships with inanimate objects around their home—from furniture to spectral entities.
Its earnest approach to humor, combined with well-developed characters voiced by notable actors like Johnny Young Bosch and Dana Snyder, make this title a delightful experience. Notably, its considerate design includes in-game content warnings, allowing players to skip potentially triggering scenarios without losing progress.
4 The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy-
The Kodaka Madness Lives On
Game developer Kazutaka Kodaka, renowned for his work on Danganronpa, continues to intrigue fans with his unique storytelling. Following a less-than-stellar release of Master Detective Archives, the stakes were high for his latest title, The Hundred Line.
This intricate visual novel promises an astonishing number of endings, with gameplay density that encourages exploration over an extensive playtime. Early players have reported a captivating experience, further solidifying Kodaka’s influence in the industry and nurturing anticipation for the future of his projects.
5 The Alters
Me, Myself, and I
Initially, The Alters failed to capture my interest during its unveiling at the 2022 PC Gaming Show. However, following its release, this game emerged as one of the most innovative survival experiences of the year.
Players take on the role of a space miner, Jan Dolski, stranded on a foreign planet. Using various alternate versions of himself, you must manage your mobile base while navigating intriguing survival mechanics. This game stands out for its unique storytelling and intricate gameplay, emphasizing strategic problem-solving across multiple perspectives.
6 Blue Prince
This Game Is Smarter Than Me
Puzzle games often perplex me, yet I find myself drawn to them, as exemplified by Blue Prince. Though I struggle with its challenges, the game’s clever design and innovative mechanics make it a compelling choice.
Combining elements from roguelikes and escape room games, Blue Prince introduces randomly generated rooms filled with codes and puzzles that require critical thinking and creativity. The nonlinear progression forces players to adapt and strategize differently, ultimately rewarding persistence with a deeply immersive narrative.
7 Chiaroscuro: Expedition 33
A Work Of Art In The Truest Sense
When Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was showcased during the 2024 Xbox Games, it went largely unnoticed, but I sensed potential in its quiet brilliance. Once the game released in April 2025, my initial curiosity landed it among my top picks for Game of the Year.
This title exemplifies artistic excellence in every aspect, from breathtaking visuals and immersive storytelling to gameplay that pays homage to classic JRPGs while introducing unique elements. I entered with moderate expectations and soon found myself thoroughly engrossed.
It’s clear that if Clair Obscur isn’t nominated for Game of the Year at the upcoming awards, we need to reevaluate our standards in the industry. This game underscores the importance of creativity and dedication to gaming as a legitimate art form.
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