The Gamerheads Select: Our Top Reviewed Games of 2025 | The Gamerheads Podcast
- Roger Reichardt
- 6 days ago
- 9 min read
Over the last year, we reviewed quite a few games, but there are a few that really stood out for us. These are the games that earned a score of an A - or higher, officially making them part of our Gamerheads Select category.
Below are the games that earned a place in our 2025 Gamerheads Select category. They are in order of when we reviewed them.
Antonblast
Reviewed by Mike Ryan
Antonblast is a delightful and silly platformer that successfully captures the spirit of those retro Wario-style games while still introducing some modern and fun twists. The fluid gameplay, vibrant visuals, and engaging mechanics make it a great pick for anyone who loves a good 2D challenge. The game can get pretty brutal and visually confusing, but its strengths far outweigh these minor issues, making Antonblast a fun and rewarding adventure.
Spirit Swap: Lofi Beats to Match-3 To
Review by Roger Reichardt
Spirit Swap: Lofi Beats to Match-3 To fully embraces its chill vibe. From its inviting artwork and vibrant color palette to its relaxed yet engaging match-3 gameplay, every element reinforces the game’s cozy atmosphere. The music enhances this further, setting the perfect mood, while the narrative beautifully captures the essence of friendship and mutual care. By the time I finished my playthrough, I was left wanting more as I felt like I was just beginning to connect with the characters. Spirit Swap is a perfect example of thoughtful, well-executed game design. If you’re looking for a cozy, feel-good experience, this one’s a must-play.
Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist
Review by Roger Reichardt
Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist is a dream come true for Metroidvania fans. Its world is brought to life with vibrant art and a beautifully crafted soundtrack. I love how every boss, each one uniquely designed, becomes an ally, forming the foundation of my attacks. The story is deep and intriguing, though it can get complex at times. For fans of the Metroidvania genre, this is a must-play!
Keep Driving
Review by Zeb
YCJY Games found a perfect balance of challenging gameplay mixed with the beauty and calmness of road trips. The soundtrack immerses me in the game, giving me that sense of wonder. Keep Driving is a perfect unique blend of gameplay and nostalgia for anyone that has no plans but hitting the open road.
Promise Mascot Agency
Review by Roger Reichardt
I love Promise Mascot Agency. It’s exactly what I look for in a game: quirky, memorable, and totally unique, while still incorporating familiar mechanics that feel right at home. In many ways, it’s a cozy experience, letting me explore and engage with the world at my own pace. The full Japanese voice acting was an unexpected but welcome touch that really adds to the immersion. If you’re looking for an open-world business management game that’s delightfully weird and doesn’t take itself too seriously, I highly recommend Promise Mascot Agency.
Sorry We’re Closed
Review by Roger Reichardt
Any horror game that gets me to play it, and actually enjoy it, is worth checking out. Sorry We’re Closed weaves a heartfelt narrative of heartbreak and loneliness through a cast of charming, memorable characters. The ability to switch between isometric and first-person perspectives is well-executed, and the third-eye power adds a clever twist to both puzzles and combat. I didn’t know what to expect when I first booted it up, but I found myself deeply connected to the characters and their stories. Don’t sleep on this game; Sorry We’re Closed is doing things I haven’t seen in many other games.
Wizordum
Review by Roger Reichardt
Wizordum brings back the classic charm of first-person shooters, something I didn’t realize I missed until I jumped into this game. It rewards exploration, with plenty of secrets to uncover and treasure to find, and the end-of-level score system gives it a satisfying arcade feel that encourages replaying levels. I did experience some motion sickness while playing on my PC and Steam Deck, which eased up when I switched to playing on a TV, so that might be something to keep in mind if you’re prone to motion sickness. That aside, Wizordum scratched a nostalgic itch I didn’t even know I had, and I’m glad I got to experience this game.
Into the Restless Ruins
Review by Roger Reichardt
What makes Into the Restless Ruins work is that I’m in total control of my destiny. Sure, I’m at the mercy of the draw when it comes to what cards I get to build my labyrinth, but ultimately, it’s up to me to decide how I lay out each run. The game loop just clicks. There are six dungeons to explore, each one more challenging than the last. If you’re a fan of Vampire Survivors or Blue Prince, this should absolutely be on your radar.
StarVaders
Review by Roger Reichardt
StarVaders is the epitome of a well-crafted deckbuilder, full of customization, packed with replay value, and infused with the spirit of a tactical board game. The art is fantastic, and the variety in classes and characters kept me up late, run after run, discovering new strategies and refining my playstyle. Every session felt fresh. If you’re a fan of board games, deckbuilders, or just smart, satisfying design, StarVaders absolutely deserves a spot in your collection.
Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
Review by Roger Reichardt
Bravely Default is the perfect launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2. Its story and gameplay remain some of the best the RPG genre has to offer, and the addition of new minigames does a great job showcasing the Joy-Con’s mouse controls. If you’ve never played Bravely Default before, you’re in for a treat. And if you have? Returning to this world on the Switch 2 feels just as rewarding, if not better, than the first time around.
Ruffy and the Riverside
Review by Jake
Ruffy and the Riverside is a love letter to platforming games that have come before, and I feel like we don’t get these types of creative and charming platformers as much these days. I am hoping that Zockrates Laboratories, the developers of Ruffy and Riverside, as well as other indie developers, keep the platforming genre alive for years to come.
Cat Detective Albert Wilde
Review by Trina
Cat Detective Albert Wilde stands out in the “animal detective” game category by taking a spin on the cute and cozy vibes. This game absolutely dives head first into the crude comedic narrative where I could never guess what Albert is going to say next. I enjoy the blend of interrogations and puzzles that make me truly feel like a detective. If you are looking for a detective game with tons of comedy and a little bit of science fiction, Albert Wilde is ready to pounce on his next mystery with you!
Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping
Review by Trina
Outside of the small puzzle that still seems impossible - if someone knows how the correct order is found please tell me, I’m dying to know - the overall game was very enjoyable. The depth of the story never fails to surprise me with all the twists and turns. Duck Detective always knows how to turn anything into a mystery to solve. It’s amazing how Happy Broccoli Games has mastered the science of enjoyable cozy short games that are fun for all ages. I hope that they continue to create more Duck Detective stories. Especially because of that crazy cliffhanger at the end I don't know how they could stop now! If you’re looking for a short, playful, cozy detective game check out the Duck Detective series to help Eugene quack his next case.
Everdeep Aurora
Review by Stephanie
Everdeep Aurora is a 2D exploration game set during a devastating meteor shower that is forcing the entire world to evacuate into the safety of the depths below. Its charming graphics gave me a nostalgic feeling as I, Shell the kitten, drilled my way through the rocks on my own personal quest for protection. Through text based dialogue, each enchanting character I encountered told me their stories and uncovered the secrets of Everdeep and the location of Shell’s mother. If you’re looking for your next indie adventure, look no further than this delightful gem from Nautilus Games!
And Roger
Review by Roger Reichardt
Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster with And Roger. This game made me feel everything the protagonist felt: fear, frustration, sadness, even moments of joy. It only takes about an hour to finish, but like any great piece of art, I found myself processing and reflecting on it well after I completed the game.
The Wandering Village
Review by Zeb
The Wandering Village is the perfect game to add to your city sim collection, with its random biomes and sizable research tree, it offers its own twist to the genre. The added story was well told and never felt forced on my villagers or me. If you like city builders, then this is a must play.
Rogue Labyrinth
Review by Roger Reichardt
Rogue Labyrinth is a hidden gem in the crowded roguelike genre. It is one of the most accessible roguelikes I have played, with progress after each run feeling meaningful and gameplay that is easy to pick up. That accessibility does not eliminate the need for skill, but the challenge never feels unfair, which I appreciate. The boss battles are the true highlight, providing moments where my abilities were put to the test. If anything holds the game back, it is the abundance of currencies, which could have been streamlined without losing depth. However, they still offer plenty of ways to strengthen my character between runs. If you’re into Hades or Smash TV, Rogue Labyrinth will be right up your alley.
The Rogue Prince of Persia
Review by Jake
The Rogue Prince of Persia is a welcome addition to the rogue-like family, mixing amazing fluid animations and satisfying combat. It provides an enjoyable progression without the feeling of having to start over every time I would die. I am excited to continue playing this game and finding all the secrets and ability combinations that come with each run.
Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles
Review by Roger Reichardt
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is the definitive edition of a classic. I would even go so far as to call it the gold standard for strategy RPGs. The story is riveting, the voice acting superb, the artwork stunning, and the job system lets me create virtually any type of character I want. Some battles are tough, but with the new difficulty settings they are challenging without becoming overwhelming. For anyone curious about trying a tactical RPG, there is no better place to start. And for veterans, the addition of voice acting adds so much depth that it makes the story feel fresh, new, and absolutely worth experiencing again.
Golden Gloves VR
Review by Steve Martin
Overall, Golden Gloves VR earns a strong A- from me. It’s immersive, physically challenging, and well-built. The mix of realism and accessibility makes it a great experience for anyone, whether you’re a boxing fan or just looking for an intense workout that’s actually fun.
Hell Clock
Review by Roger Reichardt
Hell Clock is a fantastic roguelike, featuring beautiful art, engaging gameplay, a rewarding leveling system, and an intriguing story. If you’re looking for a roguelike that feels like a love letter to Diablo, this is one you shouldn’t miss.
Demonschool
Review by Roger Reichardt
Demonschool has been on my list of most anticipated games since I first saw it at PAX East a few years ago. The game didn’t disappoint. The battle mechanic is definitely the strongest aspect of the game, with this strategy-like implementation that feels like playing chess. But one doesn’t have to be an expert in strategy games to enjoy Demonschool, as the rewind ability allows me to think through my moves before committing to them. Pair this mechanic with a fun story and an interesting progression system, and it’s the making of a stellar game.
Aluna Rift
Review by Roger Reichardt
Aluna Rift takes the arcade classic Asteroids and successfully modernizes the experience. The most interesting feature is the Survival mode, where players must decide whether to spend points that make up their score on upgrades. This risk and reward system is not something I have seen in many other arcade-style games, and its inclusion makes for a really fun and challenging experience. Aluna Rift is probably the most challenging arcade game I have played, so landing on the high score board genuinely feels like an accomplishment. If you are a fan of Asteroids and want a more modern version that you can enjoy with friends, this is a perfect game to check out.
GIGASWORD
Review by Jake
GIGASWORD is an amalgamation of many games that have come before, but allows itself to be its own thing in new and creative ways. Albeit some frustrating areas that caused me to have to circle back a few times to get to where I need to be or allow myself to upgrade my sword, these frustrations were small and can’t overshadow the complexity and attention to detail when it comes to creating a successful puzzle action game like GIGASWORD.
And that's a wrap! Did you play any of these games? Let us know by sending us a comment on Bluesky or send us an email info@gamerheadspodcast.com
Thank you so much for your support over the last year! We look forward to bringing you even more coverage in 2026!
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