Dog Witch | Heckmouse | Nov 6 | PC (Mac, Win)
I didn’t expect to enjoy Dog Witch as much as I did, but this quirky little deckbuilder does so much right, and it didn’t take long for me to fall for its charms. Every decision matters in this stripped-down fusion of cards and dice, although that can also lead to frustrating defeats. Still, it’s a lovely game and one of my favourites of 2025.
Ball X Pit | Kenny Sun and Friends | Oct 15 | PC (Mac, Win), PS5, Switch, Xbox
This Devolver Digital-published roguelite reshuffle of Breakout has ended up being one of my favourite games of the year. There’s an engrossing town-building element, but the heart of the experience is the block-busting gameplay.
I love a game that encourages experimentation, and Ball X Pit does a great job of pushing you to try out all of its different toys. There are loads of playable characters, plus a range of passive abilities and ball types. Things get really interesting when you start to evolve your balls to give them powerful abilities, and it’s here that the longevity resides.
Absolum | Dotemu, Guard Crush Games, Supamonks | Oct 9 | PC (Win), PS4, PS5, Switch
The developers who gave us Streets of Rage 4 turned their attention to creating a new game, based on their own IP, and with roguish replayability built into the loop. Enter (from screen left) Absolum.
This brilliant beat ’em up doesn’t have proc-gen levels, but there is a huge number of ways through the game to mitigate this. There are also loads of upgrades to try out on the different playable characters, all of whom feel very distinct. Finally, it looks great, too.
CloverPit | Panik Arcade | Sep 26 | PC (Win), Xbox
Inspired by Buckshot Roulette, this slot machine roguelike delivers some of the most atmospheric gameplay since Inscryption. In this instance, you’re sat in a prison cell, and you must play a slot machine as if your life depends on it. Actually, your life does depend on it… Awkward.
I think it would also be harsh to mention CloverPit without also nodding to Slots & Daggers, which is also very good and worth checking out if you like Luck Be a Landlord.
Megabonk | Vedinad | Sep 18 | PC (Win)
This initially unassuming third-person auto-shooter is a wonderful example of the power of community. Developer Vedinad spent ages working with his fans to build a game that everyone was extremely happy with (including me). The final version left EA in fantastic shape, which explains why it got nominated at The Game Awards, even if the developer removed the game from consideration for ethical reasons.
FWIW, Megabonk is probably my favourite game this year that isn’t Hades 2. Also, if you’re wondering where it is, keep scrolling down…
