### Exploring the Indie Gems of 2025: A Look Back on Advent Calendar Votes

When reflecting on the gaming landscape of 2025, it’s intriguing to discover that many of my top votes for the year were for smaller, indie titles—especially in a year that hosted major releases like **Silent Hill** and **Doom**. This shift highlights an interesting trend driven by discovery algorithms that led me to explore wonderful indie gems rather than sticking solely to blockbuster games.

Despite the highly anticipated launches of **Doom: The Dark Ages** and **Silent Hill f**, my heart found the most joy in the delightful smaller titles. In compiling my final Advent Calendar votes, I was saddened that some favorites didn’t make the cut, including **Clover Pit**, **No, I’m Not A Human**, and **The Roottrees Are Dead**. Another favorite, **Routine**, was submitted too late for consideration. However, five standout games deserve their moment in the spotlight as we delve into the whimsical wintery fun they provided.

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**1. Easy Delivery Co.**

– **Developer:** Sam C
– **Publisher:** Oro Interactive
– **Available on:** [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3293010/Easy_Delivery_Co/)

As an ardent fan of delivery simulation games, **Easy Delivery Co.** captured my heart. Set in a snowy town, you play a cat that delivers packages in a pickup truck. With chaotic driving physics and an engaging narrative that unfolds through eccentric side plots and quirky characters, the game serves as both a stress reliever and a delightful exploration of community dynamics. Its vibrant storytelling combines elements of **Euro Truck Simulator**, **Animal Crossing**, and **Twin Peaks**, making it a unique experience.

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**2. Oblivion: Remastered**

– **Developer:** Bethesda Game Studios
– **Publisher:** Bethesda Softworks
– **Available on:** [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2623190) and [Xbox](https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/store/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion-remastered/9NQR437K7PQH/0010)

Returning to **Oblivion**, now remastered, felt nostalgic and inviting. The enhancements brought visual upgrades while maintaining the quirky charm of the original. Roaming through Cyrodiil, I enjoyed revisiting familiar locations and nostalgic moments despite some underlying glitches. The charm lies in its lovable messiness, making each interaction memorable, from absurd NPC dialogue to unpredictable immersion-breaking glitches.

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**3. Peak**

– **Developer:** Team Peak
– **Publisher:** Aggro Crab, Landfall
– **Available on:** [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3527290/PEAK/)

**Peak** arguably redefined my multiplayer gaming experience this year. It features a unique blend of survival mechanics and chaotic physics, where players scour a deserted island for resources while navigating hilarious mishaps. Each session leads to comical stories of accidental sabotage and delightful escapades with friends. The whimsical art style and engaging co-op gameplay solidified it as a fantastic addition to the “friend slop” genre.

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**4. Repo**

– **Developer:** Semiwork
– **Publisher:** Semiwork
– **Available on:** [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3241660/REPO/)

In **Repo**, you take on the role of quirky bailiff robots raiding haunted buildings. The gameplay intricately combines exploration and horror mechanics, creating thrilling moments as you navigate through spooky environments filled with bizarre creatures. The physics-based gameplay encourages teamwork and adds an engaging strategic layer to the chaos, where communication becomes critical amid the pandemonium.

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**5. Wanderstop**

– **Developer:** Ivy Road
– **Publisher:** Annapurna Interactive
– **Available on:** [Steam](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1299460/Wanderstop/) and [Xbox](https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/wanderstop/9p2195r38k3j)

**Wanderstop** tells a poignant story of self-discovery and personal growth as you navigate the life of Alta, a former prizefighter turned tea-maker in a mystical forest. Though it appears to be a standard farming simulator, the deeper themes of mental health and mindfulness resonate profoundly with players. The mundane farming gameplay serves therapeutic purposes, inviting players to reflect on their life journeys while engaging in simple yet rewarding mechanics.

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Through these games, it becomes evident that while large franchises capture much attention, the indie titles provide enriching experiences worth celebrating. Each game offers a unique adventure—truly deserving recognition as we reflect upon the gaming gems of 2025.