Honorable mention: Dead Finger Dice by @rocketadrift.bsky.social

This short but stellar game killed it on art, gameplay and above all soundtrack. Plus you get to chop off the fingers of billionaires. Satisfying in all the right ways. Quality work from a Canadian studio with a great track record.

Easy Delivery Co was a total surprise. I didn't expect a chill spooky lo-fi delivery game to sweep me off my feet, but it did. It's charming, it's creepy, and it pulls you into mysterious weird cozy 2000s era console gaming in the best way possible. I couldn't put it down from start to finish.

I loved Hades I and I loved Hades II. They took the first game, and instead of fixing something that wasn't broken just amped up an already stellar system. Amazing art, crispy mechanics, fantastic voice acting. There's nothing not to like here.

Cruel was instantly a favourite for me - retro FPS is already my jam and the chaotic shooter in close quarters with procedural elements hits all the right notes to be totally addicting.

Strange Antiquities was super cozy, spooky, and had some really well designed puzzles. It filled a hole in my librarian heart for cozy occult cataloguing.

Promise Mascot Agency just blew me away with how weird it was, but also how well it captured the PS2 vibe and leaned into just being a fun whimsical time. I think we need more games that prioritize whimsy instead of roguelike elements.

God, that one is so good

The thing I always think of is getting to pick a name for the dog in Kentucky Route Zero. Does it affect the plot or gameplay in any way? Of course not. But it changes what the dog is called.

It's not just one of the best Ghiblis imo but it's a top tier anti-fascist text adults and kids should both watch.