After a year packed with Game Pass drops, sequels, surprises, and a few wild swings, it is time to settle it. This is our Game of the Year 2025 episode.

In this special episode of Game Pass or Pass, we break down every game that made our final nomination list and debate which one truly defined 2025 not just on paper but in how it felt to play.

Our Game of the Year 2025 nominees are
Balatro
Clair Obscur Expedition 33
PowerWash Simulator 2
Monster Train 2
Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 and 4
Lost in Random The Eternal Die
Avowed
Ball X Pit
Doom The Dark Ages
Atomfall
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black

We discuss
Why each of these games earned a nomination
Which titles surprised us the most
How Game Pass shaped our time with many of these games
The difference between most impressive and most unforgettable
And which game ultimately rose above the rest

This episode is not about consensus. It is about perspective. Whether you agree with our final pick or think we are completely wrong, this is our full breakdown of what made 2025 such a memorable year for gaming.

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This week we dive into PowerWash Simulator 2, the long-anticipated sequel that finally launched in October 2025 and arrived day-one on Xbox Game Pass. We explore whether this follow-up keeps the relaxing magic of the first game or if it leans too heavily on the formula.

In this episode, we break down:

How the core loop evolves across 38 full jobs throughout Caldera County, with multi-stage tasks and larger, more complex environments

The expanded toolset: adjustable nozzles, surface cleaners, scissor lifts, and abseiling gear that add depth without overcomplicating the “power wash zen” the series is known for

Major multiplayer upgrades, including cross-play co-op, shared campaign progress, and split-screen local options

The new customizable “home base” that lets you decorate, store gear, and personalize your space

Long-term support and whether the game feels built for regular content drops, DLC, and replay value

Then we ask the real question: does PowerWash Simulator 2 offer enough freshness to stand above the original, or is it simply a more polished version of what fans already love?

Tune in for our full breakdown — and whether we say play it or pass it.

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Sometimes Game Pass drops something serious, sometimes something cinematic… and sometimes it drops a game where you launch balls into a pit and cause absolute mayhem. This week, we’re talking about Ball X Pit, a deceptively simple arcade-style title that’s all about physics-driven chaos, fast scoring, and “one more try” addiction.

In this episode of Game Pass or Pass, we break down what makes Ball X Pit work—and what doesn’t:

The core gameplay loop and why it’s weirdly satisfying despite being so simple

How the game ramps difficulty and unlocks new ball types, hazards, and pit modifiers

Whether the physics feel tight and intentional or more on the unpredictable, goofy side

If the game has enough depth to keep you hooked, or if it runs out of steam fast

Is Ball X Pit the kind of score-chasing, dopamine-hit arcade fun that deserves a spot in your rotation? Or is it just another Game Pass curiosity you’ll play once and forget?

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