I’ve seen some pretty incredible line-ups for game of the year in my time. However, it’s hard to think of a more stacked line-up than what is set to compete at the 2025 end-of-year awards.
There are indie darlings punching way above their weight, and there are blockbuster hits that have delivered on everything they promised, but at least in my humble opinion. Not a game released in 2025 even comes close to the excellence of Clair Obscur.
Clair Obscur is everything an RPG fan could ever want. Offering a deeply affecting narrative, gorgeous visuals, some of the finest music in gaming history, and turn-based meets real-time combat that feels amazing to master.
Yet, somehow, despite this game being an all-time great and a near-flawless debut outing for Sandfall, a handful of games have managed to achieve higher aggregate scores. So, if you’re wondering which games have one-upped Clair Obscur, we have the answers you seek.
6
Divinity 2: Original Sin
Walked So BG3 Could Run
When people think of revolutionary Larian-developed RPGs, Divinity isn’t usually the one that jumps to mind first. However, it’s an RPG that is a groundbreaking and awe-inspiring adventure in its own right, serving as a blueprint for a certain DND epic that would come later.
It’s a game that promotes creativity, allows players to lean fully into a particular playstyle, offers up a wealth of unique characters to bond with, and if you’re someone who likes to pair up with a pal, this game is fully co-op, which is a rarity within the RPG genre.
It’s the only game that is tied with Clair Obscur in terms of aggregate score on this list, and for me, that makes a lot of sense because trying to split these games feels like splitting hairs.
The takeaway is that both games are amazing, and if you’re at a loose end after finishing Clair Obscur, this could be a great way to fill the void.
5
Final Fantasy IX
Zidane’s The Man
If you gave most Final Fantasy fans one guess at which game holds the highest aggregate review score, I think that Final Fantasy IX would be one that few people would hang their hat on. But despite the popularity of FFVII, the brilliance of FFVIII, and the return to form that was FFXVI, this one stands alone.
When you think about it, it’s not that surprising, as FF9 was a real return to the magic and whimsy the series was known for after a more futuristic and brooding few entries.
Combined with memorable characters, combat that really forces you to get the most out of each party member, and perhaps the finest soundtrack Nobuo has ever produced, it’s easy to see why the critics ate this one up.
It’s my personal favorite FF game, and offers the perfect blend of whimsy and tradition while pushing the franchise forward. So, if you’re a FF7 Stan and still haven’t played this one, there’s no time like the present.
4
Chrono Cross
Redefining The Term ‘Sequel’
It’s always weird when I am confronted with the cold, hard fact that Chrono Trigger, at least in terms of an aggregate score, was one-upped by its successor, Chrono Cross. A game that incidentally also has a stronger score than Clair Obscur.
I think above all else, Chrono Cross is a game that shoots for the stars, offering an experience that is far removed from its predecessor in the most ambitious way imaginable.
The game boasts parallel worlds, nuanced storytelling, the omission of traditional XP and grinding, and a staggering number of playable characters. Does it all go off without a hitch? In my opinion, no. But enough of it knocks it out of the park, making this game an overall banger.
In terms of ambition, Chrono Cross and Clair Obscur honestly have a lot in common. But in terms of raw numbers, Chrono Cross has the edge.
I Just Can’t Wait To Be King
ATLUS has a number of well-respected JRPG Franchises under its umbrella, but it’s fair to say that only one of those Franchises has truly managed to break that glass ceiling and cement itself as an all-time great. That is, until very recently.
Metaphor ReFantazio is a series that uses the SMT and Persona blueprint and then tweaks things to offer something that feels like an ATLUS-coded Game of Thrones clone.
The medieval theme really works, the switch to the archetype system that mirrors Final Fantasy’s Job system is on point, and the narrative that unravels as you pursue the throne is gripping from start to finish.
In my opinion, it falls slightly short of Persona in terms of quality. But, considering how high a bar that series sets, falling a fraction short is still one hell of an achievement.
2
Persona 5
Steal Your Heart
We mentioned ATLUS’ holy grail, so it’s about time we gave Persona its earned spot on this list. However, we need to be a little more specific, as it’s the outing starring the Phantom Thieves that had the critics picking their jaw up from off the floor.
Fans and critics alike adored the super stylised art style, the incredible UI, and the gripping narrative, complete with a shocking plot twist.
But equally, loved the familiar creature-taming aspect of the turn-based combat, as well as the unique life-simulator elements that make time away from mind palaces just as engaging.
While I personally rate Persona 4 the highest of the bunch, it’s hard to deny the fact that Persona 5 is the objectively superior game, and a nailed-on Hall of Famer if I’ve ever seen one.
1
Baldur’s Gate 3
D&D Royalty
Considering that Larian’s monumental D&D RPG has an aggregate review score that beats just about every game ever produced, it was only a matter of time before we got to the top spot to inevitably crown this game the king of all turn-based RPGs.
It’s an accolade that is earned and rarely disputed, as Baldur’s Gate 3 is the full package. It’s a game that offers rich D&D systems that fuel one of the most engaging video game D&D campaigns ever concocted.
It’s a game that offers refined combat that rewards creativity. But above all, it’s a game that offers more content than just about any other game within the medium. Yet, somehow, the game is all killer, no filler.
You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who believes there is a better, more value-for-money RPG on the market today than BG3, and that’s why this one will likely hold the title of best-reviewed RPG for many years to come.
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