STACK #254 December 2025

GAMING FEATURE

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Silent Hill f FORMAT:

Wow, 2025 seems to have zoomed by just like that, and with it we got to play a cavalcade of great games. Once again, this meant that STACK ’s games team had to debate which were our favourites for the year – and here they are, listed alphabetically… Words Amy Flower, Dan Nicholson, Michael Caverzan

GENRE: Survival horror MULTIPLAYER: No What we said: “ It’s smart, tense, and terrifying, expressing beauty and horror in equal measure, and often at the same time. It’s clear that the ‘ f ’ stands for fantastic, and if this is a sign of what is yet to come then the future of this franchise is looking pretty darned good. ” MC GENRE: Racing MULTIPLAYER: Yes What we said: “ Yes, all we want is a karting game that feels great, and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds delivers. Having the Sonic crew, and a few ring-ins, to play against is a top bonus. Team Sonic and friends really have nailed this one. ” AF Split Fiction FORMAT: GENRE: Action adventure MULTIPLAYER: Yes What we said: “ The Hazelight people have knocked it out of the park yet again – Split Fiction is a masterful experience that’s not only a brilliant co-op game, but overall a superb adventure that everyone should get the chance to play. ” MC Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds FORMAT:

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 FORMAT: GENRE: RPG MULTIPLAYER: No What we said: “ To play Clair Obscur is to take a nosedive into an all-encompassing, leathery, pillow of satisfaction. It rides high on the shoulders of the gaming colossus that is Final Fantasy but sparkles with the freshness of a new and immersive universe. ” DN Death Stranding 2: On the Beach FORMAT: GENRE: Action adventure MULTIPLAYER: No What we said: “ A better paced, better populated, and generally smoother experience than the original, which takes an incredible foundation and builds upon it in sometimes surprising, always captivating ways. ” AF Doom: The Dark Ages FORMAT: GENRE: Shooter MULTIPLAYER: No What we said: “ Massive props to the people at id. Doom: The Dark Ages is their greatest achievement yet, with a captivating story and gripping gameplay all wrapped up in a package that’s super-slick and seriously satisfying. ” AF Ghost of Yōtei FORMAT: GENRE: Action adventure MULTIPLAYER: No What we said: “ As beautiful as it is bloody, there’s so much more beyond the 1200-plus words that we’ve gushed, inspired by our

60-hour emotional rollercoaster playthrough. We’ll leave you with these simple words: Ghost of Y ō tei is a masterpiece. Do not miss it. ” AF Hades II FORMAT: GENRE: Action RPG MULTIPLAYER: No What we said: “ It may have a new number in the title, but the look, feel, and gameplay of this sequel has changed very little from the original release. It’s more of the same high-quality game, coupled with infinite replayability, that makes Hades II a potent combination. ” DN Kingdom Come: Deliverance II FORMAT: GENRE: Action RPG MULTIPLAYER: No What we said: “ The team at Warhorse Studios have made something special, once again managing to deliver a unique experience that’s consistently engaging, entertaining, and exciting. It will no doubt stand with the other genre giants. ” MC Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater FORMAT: GENRE: Action adventure MULTIPLAYER: No What we said: “ Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is a great reminder of what made the original so brilliant, while modernising it and opening up the franchise to a whole new generation of players. A modern masterpiece. ” MC

HONOURABLE MENTIONS: Battlefield 6 Donkey Kong Bananza Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Kirby Air Riders LEGO Party! Monster Hunter Wilds Ninja Gaiden 4 Pokémon Legends: Z-A Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4

20 DECEMBER 2025

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