As we pass the midpoint of 2025, the RPG title “Light and Shadow: Expedition 33” developed by Sandfall Interactive has garnered exceptional praise. It currently holds the top user rating among 2025 new releases on Metacritic, making it a leading contender for Game of the Year according to many players and critics.
Recently, The Game Awards (TGA) official Twitter conducted a poll asking, “If you voted today, what would be your Game of the Year?” The comments overwhelmingly favored “Light and Shadow: Expedition 33,” with the title repeatedly mentioned and dominating the nominations. While there were occasional mentions of “Death Stranding 2” and “Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2,” the former’s full version has yet to be released, making its nomination premature, and the latter, though anticipated, did not receive as many nominations as “Light and Shadow: Expedition 33.”
Enthusiastic fans have even claimed that the quality of “Light and Shadow: Expedition 33” is worthy of competing for “Best Game of the Decade,” not just the annual award. Players praised its thrilling boss battles, atmospheric soundtrack, captivating storyline, well-developed characters, and unique world-building, asserting that its overall excellence deserves the highest accolades.
Although several highly anticipated titles are scheduled for release in the latter half of 2025, “Light and Shadow: Expedition 33” has already established a significant lead in the Game of the Year race due to its high level of polish and positive player reception. Many players and analysts believe that surpassing “Light and Shadow: Expedition 33” in overall experience will be a formidable challenge for any upcoming releases.
What are your thoughts? Which game do you think will be the Game of the Year? Feel free to join the discussion in the comments section.
