### RPS Advent Calendar 2025: Celebrating the Best Games of the Year

The RPS Advent Calendar 2025 has officially kicked off, showcasing a daily reveal of the best games of the year as voted by the Rock, Paper, Shotgun team. This year, as per tradition, the selections are not ranked from least to most impressive; rather, each game holds its unique place in the hearts of the reviewers. Special attention is given to the ultimate favorite, which will be revealed on December 24th.

This year’s top choice, determined by a close voting process, is **Hades 2**, developed by Supergiant Games. This title garnered significant attention and enthusiasm, making it a standout in the competitive landscape of gaming for 2025.

#### Why Hades 2 Stands Out

Hades 2 continues the legacy of its predecessor, **Hades**, known for its exhilarating roguelite mechanics and rich narrative design. According to the team at RPS, although there were discussions regarding the game’s merits and the coveted “Bestest Best” sticker, it was ultimately a close race among several games. The excitement surrounding Hades 2 is not just in its gameplay but also in the character development and storytelling that have defined Supergiant’s titles.

Mark, a reviewer from RPS, candidly shared his initial hesitation regarding awarding the Bestest Best sticker to Hades 2. Although he acknowledged the game’s exceptional qualities—such as engaging combat, a blend of humor and drama in character interactions, and outstanding visuals—he humorously admitted that logistical mishaps led to the sticker oversight. He mentioned that the nuanced ending did not quite match the rest of the game’s polish, which contributed to the conversation around its ranking.

Ollie, another reviewer, emphasized Supergiant Games’ consistent high-quality output and noted that while Hades 2 may not be his top personal favorite, it could very well be their finest work yet. He praised the game for its compelling metaprogression system, which goes beyond simple power enhancement to include deep character interactions and evolving storylines. The abundance of content and the ability to immediately want to play again after each session are factors that contribute to making Hades 2 a must-experience title.

### Conclusion

As the RPS Advent Calendar progresses, readers and gamers alike will have the opportunity to discover and celebrate a variety of excellent games released throughout the year. Hades 2 exemplifies the level of creativity and engagement that the gaming community appreciates, setting a high bar for future titles. As the countdown continues, anticipation builds for the ultimate reveal on December 24th, showcasing not only a game, but a passion for the medium that captivates players around the world. For a complete list of the choices leading up to the finale, visitors are encouraged to check the main Calendar post on the RPS website.