Hi, Linda Holmes here. Somehow we are almost at the end of 2025. And I'm going to be honest with you,

it's been a pretty challenging year for NPR and local stations. But here's the thing. Despite

losing federal funding for public media and despite all the attacks we've seen on the free press,

we're still here for you. We are still independent, a critical right

guaranteed by the First Amendment. And with your support, NPR will not be silent. Here at

Pop Culture Happy Hour, we will continue keeping you company with thoughtful, engaging conversations

about all the movies, TV, music, and more 2026 has in store.

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We see you, and we're so grateful for you.

If not, please join the community of public radio supporters right now before the end of the year at plus.npr.org.

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Visit plus.npr.org today. Thanks. Thank you. Visit plus.npr.org today. Thanks.

We spend a lot of time at the end of the year going over the best in movies, music, and television. But if you're anything like us, you also spend a fair amount of your screen time playing games. And whether you like combat, horror,

or peacefully going over archival research, we've got some games to share with you. I'm Linda Holmes,

and today we're talking about some of the best video games of the year on Pop Culture Happy Hour from NPR.

Joining me today is James Mastro Marino.

He is a producer for NPR's here and now and edits NPR's gaming coverage.

Hi, James.

Hello, Linda.

And also with us is Vincent Acovino.

...