# Our Favorite Games of 2025 (That Didn't Make Our Top 10) Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATsZmEiF07c Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/ATsZmEiF07c Generated: 2025-12-24T17:34:22.93+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The GameSpot staff selected *South of Midnight*, *Ball X Pit*, *Metal Gear Solid \u0394: Snake Eater*, *And Roger*, *Avowed*, *The Rootrees are Dead*, and *Atomfall* as their favorite games of 2025 that did not make the main top 10 list, praising *South of Midnight*'s evocative narrative and *Atomfall*'s smart detective mechanics. **Key Points:** - Kurt Indovina praised *South of Midnight* for its incredible music, evocative vibes, and narrative that avoids feeling overtly moralistic. - Steve Watts highlighted *Ball X Pit* as an endlessly addictive Rogue-like/Arkanoid-like game where managing ball ricochets is key. - Jean-Luc Seipke selected *Rootree* (presumably *Root Tree*) because its narrative structure successfully integrates clues without forcing the player's hand, unlike some other detective games. - Jessica Cogswell championed *Cabernet*, a choice-driven visual novel, for its strong writing and emotional payoff derived from difficult moral choices, such as pacing blood consumption. - Jordan Ramee praised *Atomfall* for its unique blend of post-apocalyptic atmosphere and smart detective mechanics that reward thorough exploration. - Tom Caswell chose *Avowed* for its enjoyable, non-stale combat mechanics, particularly the mix-and-match system for dual-wielding weapons and spells. - Lucy James favored *And Roger*, an easy-to-play visual novel with a powerful story that sticks with the player long after finishing. ![Screenshot at 10:38: The protagonist of \*South of Midnight\* interacts with a glowing blue bottle, showcasing the game's unique, folk-inspired visual style and supernatural elements.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/ATsZmEiF07c/00-10-38.jpg) **Context:** This video presents a selection of 'Staff Picks' from GameSpot for games released in 2025 that were highly regarded but narrowly missed the official Top 10 list. Several staff members—Kurt Indovina, Jake Dekker, Tom Caswell, Steve Watts, Jordan Ramee, Jean-Luc Seipke, and Lucy Cogswell—each highlight one game they feel deserves special recognition for its unique qualities, ranging from narrative design to gameplay mechanics. ## Detailed Analysis The GameSpot staff revealed their favorite games of 2025 that did not secure a spot in the main Top 10, featuring a diverse selection of genres. Kurt Indovina chose *South of Midnight*, praising its evocative atmosphere, unique Southern Gothic/folklore influences, and excellent musical score, noting that the protagonist's journey avoids heavy-handed morality. Steve Watts loved *Ball X Pit*, a rogue-lite/Arkanoid hybrid, for its addictive gameplay revolving around managing ball bounces and character abilities. Tom Caswell highlighted *Avowed*, emphasizing its engaging combat system that allows for creative dual-wielding of weapons and magic. Jordan Ramee championed *Atomfall*, an FPS, for its excellent environmental storytelling and rewarding detective mechanics that encourage thorough exploration in its post-apocalyptic setting. Jean-Luc Seipke praised *Rootree* for its novel approach to clue-gathering in a detective/mystery game, which avoids forcing the player into specific conclusions. Lucy James strongly recommended *And Roger*, a choice-driven visual novel, noting its strong writing and the emotional weight of the decisions players must make, such as managing vampire urges. Jake Dekker's pick, *Mario Kart World Tour* (implied by footage), was considered over-rated by him, but he ultimately highlighted *Metal Gear Solid \u0394: Snake Eater* as a masterclass in bringing classic gameplay into a modern era without ruining its core appeal. ### Staff Picks - South of Midnight - Ball X Pit - Metal Gear Solid \u0394: Snake Eater - And Roger - Avowed - The Rootrees are Dead - Atomfall ### South of Midnight - Praised for evocative narrative, folklore themes, and incredible music - Features a protagonist dealing with complex moral choices regarding her vampiric tendencies. ### Ball X Pit - A rogue-lite/Arkanoid hybrid featuring varied ball types and complex ricochet mechanics that become deceptively simple over time. ### Avowed - Noted for its excellent combat system that allows mixing and matching weapons and spells for creative dual-wielding. ### Atomfall - Praised for its smart detective mechanics and rewarding exploration within a post-apocalyptic setting, featuring detailed environmental clues. ### Cabernet - A choice-driven visual novel where player decisions significantly impact character relationships and the protagonist's morality. ### Metal Gear Solid \u0394 - Snake Eater: Commended for successfully modernizing classic gameplay mechanics while retaining the original's soul. ![Screenshot at 00:27: Title card displaying "BEST OF 2025 GAMESPOT'S STAFF PICKS".](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/ATsZmEiF07c/00-00-27.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:36: Kirby using a boost ability in the game \*Kirby Air Riders\*.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/ATsZmEiF07c/00-00-36.jpg) ![Screenshot at 02:35: Gameplay footage from \*Avowed\* showing combat against a large enemy.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/ATsZmEiF07c/00-02-35.jpg) ![Screenshot at 05:01: Scene from the visual novel \*Cabernet\* showing characters interacting at a dinner table.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/ATsZmEiF07c/00-05-01.jpg) ![Screenshot at 06:19: Title card for \*Atomfall\* appearing over a scene featuring a large robot in a desolate landscape.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/ATsZmEiF07c/00-06-19.jpg)