The Ringer-Verse 2025 Games of the Year Draft | Button Mash
Dec 23, 2025
In this lively discussion, Matt James, Ringer's deputy art lead known for his gaming insights, joins Steve Ahlman, a senior audio producer with a passion for indie trends, and Joshua Rivera, a thoughtful critic offering cultural context on games. They dive into the impressive volume and quality of 2025's releases, share their 'naughty and nice' industry observations, and passionately draft their favorite games across categories. Highlights include Joshua's critique of Xbox strategy, Matt's hopes for Steam Frame, and a nostalgic pick for Final Fantasy Tactics.
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Blueprints Provoked Notebook Obsession
- Steve picked Blueprints in indie and described obsessive puzzle play.
- He and others logged notebook work and intense engagement with its design.
Final Fantasy Tactics Earns A Rerun Slot
- Joshua picked Final Fantasy Tactics remaster as a rerun and praised its depth.
- He highlighted its strategic systems and Shakespearean-level storytelling.
Hades 2 Perfected Its Predecessor
- Ben selected Hades 2 as an indie pick and praised its refinement.
- He said Supergiant improved the original's formula without bloat and made more compelling content.