00:00Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we'll be counting down our picks for the top 10 games
00:12that surpassed all of our expectations.
00:14Number 10 Returnal
00:27Chaos Marquis Returnal crash-landed onto the PlayStation 5, bringing an addictive roguelike
00:31loop combined with stunning visuals.
00:34What started as a niche sci-fi shooter quickly became a flagship title for Sony.
00:38Its haunting atmosphere and intense bullet-hell combat kept players glued to their DualSense
00:43controllers or, in some cases, sent them flying across the room in frustration.
00:52Selene's tragic journey through Atropos is both captivating and brutal, blending procedural
00:57level design with a deep emotional narrative.
00:59Not to mention, its use of the PS5's haptic feedback was an absolute game-changer.
01:04Chaos Marquis went from indie darling to AAA powerhouse, proving that sometimes, getting
01:09stuck in a time loop pays off.
01:15Number 9 Hi-Fi Rush
01:24This rhythm-action game from Tango Gameworks dropped with zero marketing and all the vibes.
01:29Hi-Fi Rush had no right to be as polished and charming as it was, but it hit all the right
01:34notes.
01:35Having rock-solid combat with a soundtrack that can make even the most rhythmically-challenged
01:39gamer feel like a rock star, it's a testament to why shadow drops can work.
01:48Protagonist Chai's quippy personality and the vibrant comic book aesthetic made this one
01:52a sleeper hit.
01:53For a studio known for horror titles like The Evil Within, this light-hearted beat-based
01:58game was the last thing anyone expected.
02:00Who knew fighting robots with a guitar could feel this good?
02:08Number 8 Hades
02:14Supergiant Games Hades gave roguelikes a fresh twist and became a standout indie hit.
02:19Set in the world of Greek mythology, it combined sharp gameplay with a story that unfolded naturally
02:24as you made your way through countless attempts to escape the underworld.
02:31Zagreus's mission to escape the underworld was as much about the relationships he built
02:36with gods and allies as it was about the journey itself.
02:39The dialogue stayed dynamic, the art style was breathtaking, and the voice acting kept
02:43players deeply engaged.
02:45Somehow, Hades made dying over and over again feel both satisfying and meaningful.
02:55Number 7 Grounded
03:00What if Honey, I Shrunk the Kids was a survival game?
03:03Obsidian Entertainment answered that question with Grounded, a title that shrank expectations
03:08and then blew them up.
03:09Set in a backyard filled with oversized bugs and hidden dangers, this co-op survival game
03:14proved that small-scale innovation can make a big impact.
03:21The crafting system, exploration, and sheer terror of facing a spider twice your size turned
03:27what could've been a gimmick into a genuine contender.
03:30Whether you're building a base out of grass or screaming as a ladybug charges at you, Grounded
03:34is proof that, sometimes, the best ideas are right under your nose.
03:42Literally.
03:45Number 6 Resident Evil 4 Remake
03:55Capcom faced a monumental challenge, remaking one of gaming's most beloved titles without
04:00alienating its devoted fanbase.
04:02With the Resident Evil 4 remake, they achieved more than just a faithful recreation.
04:06They delivered a revitalized experience.
04:08Leon's enhanced moveset, paired with stunning visuals and an intensified atmosphere, preserved
04:14the essence of the original while keeping it exciting and modern.
04:21Ashley, who was previously seen as a simple escort mission, was transformed into a well-rounded
04:29and engaging character.
04:30Whether you were revisiting a classic or experiencing it for the first time, this remake reminded players
04:36why Resident Evil 4 remains a cornerstone of gaming, chainsaw-wielding maniacs included.
04:41Cyberpunk 2077 had one of the rockiest launches in gaming history, but Phantom Liberty marked
05:00a massive redemption arc.
05:01CD Projekt Red doubled down on its strengths, delivering a gripping spy thriller expansion that
05:07fixed many of the base game's issues.
05:09Idris Elba's performance as Solomon Reed added star power, and the new Dogtown district gave
05:14Night City even more depth.
05:21The gameplay overhaul made the experience smoother and more immersive, turning skeptics into believers.
05:27Phantom Liberty was the phoenix rising from the ashes of overhyped marketing, a reminder
05:31that sometimes second chances are worth taking.
05:41Number 4.
05:42The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom
05:49How do you follow up a masterpiece like Breath of the Wild?
05:53By defying gravity, literally.
05:55Tears of the Kingdom expanded on its predecessor with new abilities, a massive sky realm, and
06:00deeper lore.
06:01Link's journey through Hyrule felt both familiar and brand new, proving Nintendo's
06:06unmatched ability to innovate within a beloved formula.
06:16The Ultra Hand mechanic turned every player into a part-time engineer, and the sheer creativity
06:21it encouraged was a marvel.
06:23Who knew you could build a flying death machine out of Zonai parts?
06:27Nintendo didn't just give us a sequel.
06:28They gave us a playground of endless possibilities.
06:31Sorry Ganondorf, but Link's got a sky base now.
06:35Alone.
06:36Link.
06:37Number 3.
06:41Black Myth Wukong
06:48Chinese developer GameScience set a bold new standard with Black Myth Wukong.
06:53Applying inspiration from the classic tale Journey to the West, this action RPG showcased a seamless
06:58blend of breathtaking visuals and demanding combat.
07:01Each gameplay reveal left fans in awe, questioning if what they were seeing could truly be achieved.
07:07And it certainly could.
07:10The game's rich connection to Chinese mythology offered a fresh perspective in a market often dominated by Western narratives.
07:21With fluid animations, stunning environments, and a protagonist embodying the legendary Monkey King, Black Myth Wukong demonstrated that innovation and ambition can rival even the largest AAA productions.
07:33Number 2.
07:40Baldur's Gate 3.
07:42Larian Studios delivered the ultimate Dungeons & Dragons experience with Baldur's Gate 3, creating a CRPG that felt limitless.
07:58The level of freedom and player choice was absolutely staggering.
08:01You could befriend a bear, romance a vampire, or accidentally set an entire village on fire.
08:07The characters, story, and turn-based combat were a chef's kiss, making this a must-play for RPG fans.
08:18With its intricate design and jaw-dropping attention to detail, Baldur's Gate 3 blurred the line between tabletop and video game.
08:25Also, pro tip, save often, because your party member's questionable decisions might lead to some hilariously tragic consequences.
08:32Or, um, was that just my playthrough?
08:40Number 1.
08:41Elden Ring.
08:42A game born from the collaboration between FromSoftware and George RR Martin delivered an unforgettable open-world experience.
08:53Stepping into the lands between, players found themselves in a hauntingly beautiful realm filled with secrets, rich lore, and formidable challenges.
09:01The game offered unparalleled freedom to explore and discover at every turn.
09:05It's combat system was a finely tuned masterpiece that elevated the experience, from conquering tower bosses to uncovering hidden dungeons.
09:16With a captivating blend of wonder and dread, Elden Ring kept players engaged for countless hours.
09:21And, unlike Martin's literary epics, this journey had a definitive and satisfying conclusion.
09:27Were there any games on this list that went above and beyond your expectations?
09:36Let us know in the comments!
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