James' Bonus Games of 2025: It Has My Face, Jump Space
- Key Takeaways:
- Rock Paper Shotgun hardware editor James Archer shared a short list of 2025 "bonus" picks that missed the main Advent Calendar votes.
- It Has My Face (NightByte Games/Behaviour Interactive) gets singled out for its tense, player-vs-crowd stealth and oddball assassination hooks.
- Other honorable mentions include Jump Space and Lushfoil Photography Sim, recommended for players seeking offbeat, smaller releases.
Why these "bonus" picks matter
James Archer framed these selections as games he liked that didn’t score enough votes for RPS’s main list. As he put it, "RPS Advent Calendar voting remains an esoteric and mercurial process," which leaves room for a few overlooked gems.
The resulting mini-list is less about mainstream impact and more about unique ideas and experiences that caught one critic’s eye in 2025.
It Has My Face — tense small‑scale assassination
Developer NightByte Games, published on Steam by Behaviour Interactive, gets the most attention in Archer’s piece. It Has My Face invites comparisons to Hitman but flips the fantasy: you’re not a suave professional but an ordinary person armed with improvised weapons and fragile revolvers.
What sets it apart is the constant threat of being recognised. Targets and crowds actively hunt you back, turning crowded environments into chaotic cat‑and‑mouse arenas where every decision matters.
Why it stood out
Archer highlights how the game’s asymmetry — weak player loadouts versus hostile, informed crowds — makes each run feel precarious. For players tired of polished assassin fantasies, this rougher, panic‑driven approach can feel refreshing.
Jump Space — a pick for players who like odd ideas
Jump Space appears on Archer’s list as an indie that didn’t get wide voting traction but impressed him with its concept and execution. Details in the selection box piece are brief, but the title was included among the curator’s personal favourites for 2025.
Lushfoil Photography Sim — relaxed creativity
Lushfoil Photography Sim, available on Steam and the Epic Games Store, is another quieter pick. It’s presented as an antidote to high‑octane releases: a game about observation, composition, and the simple pleasures of virtual photography.
Where to try them
It Has My Face and Jump Space are listed on Steam; Lushfoil Photography Sim can be found on Steam and Epic. These picks are worth checking for players who enjoy offbeat experiences that didn’t dominate year‑end lists.
Archer’s bonus box is a reminder that year‑end coverage often leaves room for individual tastes — and that sometimes the best finds are the ones others overlooked.
