(Image credit: Raw Fury)
As we delve into the thrilling gaming world of 2025, heavy hitters like Monster Hunter Wilds and Split Fiction were expected to dominate the game of the year discussions. However, an unexpected contender, a unique indie game, has swiftly captured the hearts of gamers, clinching the title of the year’s best-rated game.
Blue Prince didn’t emerge entirely from the, well, blue. The brilliance of this indie gem was heralded by the creators of Inscryption and Balatro, and it has even been spotlighted in various prestigious gaming showcases. Yet, it’s a delightful surprise how swiftly it ascended to the top as 2025’s highest-acclaimed title.
On Metacritic, this extraordinary puzzle game boasts an average score of 93 from 32 critic reviews, with all feedback being positive and mostly effusive. This impressive feat dethrones the co-op sensation Split Fiction and the intriguingly remastered The Talos Principle Reawakened, both with solid average ratings of 91. Meanwhile, Monster Hunter Wilds and Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 gracefully complete the leaderboard with metascores of 88.
If you’ve yet to encounter Blue Prince and are puzzled by the term ‘roguelike puzzler’, the game’s premise is refreshingly simple yet captivating. Players are tasked with claiming an inheritance within a sprawling manor. The intriguing twist? Discovering the elusive 46th room in what appears to be just 45. This quest demands players to uncover secrets and amass clues across multiple attempts, with the manor’s configuration evolving each run.
GamesRadar’s review of Blue Prince was equally enamored, commending the game for its dazzling originality. They noted, “It feels truly unique in how it takes a simple premise and fills it with multiple threads of mystery to pull at. This exploration roguelike is like nothing else I’ve played, becoming a puzzle obsession I couldn’t shake, with each run revealing new discoveries. Even post-credits, the enigmas of Mt. Holly keep surprising me.”
Blue Prince is now available for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Game Pass. Interested players can check out some indispensable starting tips for diving into the game.
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