Gamescom 2025 Awards: Our Top Picks from the Show
▼ Summary
– TechRadar Gaming presented its first-ever Best of Gamescom awards, celebrating standout games and hardware from the 2025 event without specific categories.
– 007 First Light impressed with its action-packed James Bond gameplay, blending stealth, gadgets, and film-inspired elements into a potential classic.
– Kirby Air Riders offers accessible and chaotic racing fun on the Switch 2, featuring new riders, an enhanced City Trial mode, and online play for up to 16 players.
– The Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQWP-W monitor stood out with dual-mode resolutions up to 720Hz, advanced OLED tech, and a unique design for enhanced gaming performance.
– Other notable winners included Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight for its fun open-world adaptation, Dying Light: The Beast for detailed zombie combat, and Silent Hill f for its immersive horror experience.
TechRadar Gaming proudly presents its inaugural Best of Gamescom awards, spotlighting the most impressive games and hardware that defined the 2025 event in Cologne. From breathtaking blockbusters to innovative hardware breakthroughs, this year’s selections represent the pinnacle of creativity and technical excellence showcased on the global stage.
007 First Light immediately captivated with its thrilling gameplay demo. IO Interactive’s globe-trotting James Bond adventure blends explosive car chases, gripping gunfights, and refined stealth mechanics into what feels like an instant classic. The game masterfully channels the spirit of iconic films while introducing slick HUD elements and a rich gadget arsenal, making it a clear standout.
Kirby Air Riders delivers exactly what fans expect from a Masahiro Sakurai project: effortless fun with broad appeal. The Switch 2 successor revitalizes the beloved GameCube original with a expanded roster of riders and a delightfully chaotic City Trial mode. With support for up to 16 players online, this is poised to become a staple for racing enthusiasts.
Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight charmed with its playful tone and polished mechanics. The bricky adaptation of Gotham City invites exploration via grappling hooks, gliding, and Batmobile joyrides. Excellent voice acting, satisfying combat, and that unmistakable Lego charm make this an unforgettable open-world experience.
Asus unveiled the ROG Swift OLED PG27AQWP-W, a monitor that redefines high-performance gaming displays. Offering dual-mode resolutions with a staggering 720Hz refresh rate at 1080p, it combines blistering speed with Tandem OLED technology and a TrueBlack Glossy panel for exceptional color and contrast. Its bold, half-exposed design only adds to its appeal.
Dying Light: The Beast surprised with its visceral detail and engaging side quests. Directional gore effects and well-crafted narrative moments highlight the extra development time, building considerable anticipation for its upcoming release.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword stood out among Capcom’s offerings with its charismatic protagonist and tactile combat. Sword clashes feel weighty and satisfying, cementing this title as a must-play for action fans.
The Turtle Beach Racer offers an accessible entry into wireless racing wheels. With 30 hours of battery life and responsive performance in arcade-style titles, it’s ideal for casual players and newcomers.
The Outer Worlds 2 impressed with its deepened immersive sim elements and player agency. Secret pathways, bribable guards, and the return of time dilation create a rich, reactive world that feels both expansive and personal.
Silent Hill f revitalizes the iconic horror franchise with a chilling new setting and unnerving atmosphere. Playing as Hinako in a mist-shrouded Japanese landscape, players navigate cryptic puzzles and limited resources while evading otherworldly threats. The demo’s suffocating silence and deliberate pacing mark a compelling return to form.
Two additional winners remain under wraps for now, with reveals coming soon. Each selection represents the very best of Gamescom 2025, reflecting a year of bold innovation and unforgettable experiences.
(Source: TechRadar)
