The GamingTrend 2026 Most Anticipated video game list!

There are so many video games coming out. Every year we think, "there's no way we top this one". While some years are certainly down ones, 2026 is looking packed. With Grand Theft Auto VI being the juggernaut of the bunch, there are still a ton of other great games we'll be enjoying this year. We've assembled some of the ones we're most excited for, check them out below and wishlist or pre-order your favorites! Maybe you'll even find a new game to follow.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon - January 15 [PS/PC/SWITCH]:

David Flynn - It’s strange to think that, after 20 years of a single, continuous story, the Trails series is almost done. We’ve just gone back to the beginning with Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter, and The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon looks to be the beginning of the end, as it was subtitled “Farewell, O Zemuria” in Japan iwhen it released last year. If you’re coming from that remake, you’d better catch up quick as there’s twelve 80 hour JRPGs to play between Sky and the third Daybreak game, but it’s a journey well worth your time. Beyond the Horizon brings together three memorable protagonists for one adventure with both action and turn-based combat.

Highguard - January 26 [XB/PS/PC]:

David Burdette - I know there were some bemoaning Highguard's "last thing" presence at The Game Awards, but color me intrigued by this game. This mash-up of hero shooter and bigger map with capturing elements sounds pretty neat. If the Wildlight Entertainment team can take these pieces and craft something unique, it could be something we'll be playing for a long time.

Code Vein 2 - January 30 [XB/PS/PC]:

Henry Viola - I’m probably one of the rare few that actually enjoyed the first Code Vein. I can't wait to dive back into the gothic post-apocalyptic world of Code Vein 2, where I'll get to customize my revenant with even more blood code abilities and face off against new bosses with a refined combat system. The promise of deeper character relationships and expanded co-op mechanics has me ready to uncover the dark mysteries that await in this anime-styled soulslike adventure. Oh, and there’s co-op too!

February

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined - February 5 [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:

David Flynn - I’ll be honest, Dragon Quest VII is my least favorite Dragon Quest game. It’s notoriously long, taking about 3 hours just to get to the first battle in the original PS1 version, and even playing the truncated 3DS remake I didn’t like any of the characters save for Maribel. I especially disliked the protagonist’s best friend, Prince Kiefer, as he just ditches the party after the first arc. With all that said though, I’m incredibly excited for Dragon Quest VII Reimagined. It’s certainly an odd choice for a remake after the Erdrick Trilogy, but it might just need the most tweaking out of any mainline title aside from VI. And tweaking they seem to be doing, with the story receiving some major streamlining such as cutting out several minor storylines. That might seem like a bad thing, but if it results in better pacing I’m all for it. This remake is also adding new storylines, including Kiefer returning to the party as an adult, at least temporarily, so it’ll be interesting to see how much that affects the plot and gameplay.

Anthony Pelone - Unlike David, Dragon Quest VII may well be one of my favorites in the series (per the 3DS remake, mind), so I’m quite looking forward to this, well, reimagining. The cut side-content and scenarios are a bummer, but I remain tickled by the ambition of a full-scale remake mere months after the fantastic Dragon Quest 1 & II HD Remake. The “puppet” motif is a perfect fit for the cast’s squatter proportions, the re-recorded orchestrata’s a welcome addition following the 3DS’s Western MIDI, and everything from the voice acting to a certain new scenario should enrich what may well be Dragon Quest’s most rewarding narrative. Really, it’s hard not to feel spoiled with all those remakes!

My Hero Academia: All's Justice - February 6 [XB/PS/PC]:

Jack Zustiak - After a lot of reflection and contemplation, I’ve come to the conclusion that My Hero Academia is my favorite manga of all time. I don’t say that lightly, I’ve been reading it regularly for over 20 years. MHA’s art, writing, themes, and message speak to all the triumphs and tribulations of the human condition that I find most compelling. MHA never took the easy way out, and surprisingly its games haven’t either. Yeah, they are bog standard arena fighters on the surface, but they’re actually pretty decent ones with a lot more care put into them than their contemporaries like Jujutsu Kaisen or One Punch Man got. All’s Justice seems to be further raising the bar with a massive roster, reworked fighting mechanics, and a weird open world mode that I’m excited to mess around in. With the anime wrapping up this month, I’m relying on All’s Justice to fill the void.

Nioh 3 - February 6 [PS/PC]:

Henry Viola - Nioh 2 is one of my favorite games of all time. Team Ninja knows exactly how to make combat feel absolutely visceral and rewarding. The stance system is one of my favorite mechanics in any action game, constantly making me think about whether to go high, mid, or low depending on the enemy, and I'm betting they'll add even more depth. They’re even adding a Ninja style this time around along with open field exploration. Plus, the loot grind is genuinely addictive in a way that keeps me coming back.

Mewgenics - February 10 [PC]:

Joey Caplan - After futzing with The Binding of Isaac for the past, oh, decade or so? Edmund McMillan is finally back with a brand new game (I know The End is Nigh and The Legend of Bum-bo exist, they just didn't interest me). He's been teasing Mewgenics for an eternity; it's hard to believe his deep cutesy-gory cat breeding tactics game is just around the corner. Will it live up to the hype? Will Edmund pack this one full of a million references to his other games? I can only guarantee a yes to one of those questions, but the game does look mighty promising.

Romeo is a Dead Man - February 11 [XB/PS/PC]:

Jack Zustiak - I’ll follow Suda to the ends of the earth. I don’t feel like I need to say much more than that, but the game looks cool too. Stylish, zany, and full of ideas, Romeo is a Dead Man will be well worth its budget price in my book.

Martin Du - Everything about Romeo is a Deadman seems up my alley. Flashy, bloody action wrapped in a sci-fi mystery dealing with space and time. Fortunately we don’t have to wait long to dive back into the crazy ideas from the mind of Suda51.

Mario Tennis Fever - February 12 [SWITCH]:

Adam Moreno - Mario Tennis on the N64 was one of the first games I 100% completed. Something just clicked for me that no other Mario Sports game could. With how sensitive the Switch 2 can be, I’m very excited to see how the motion controls feel for Tennis Fever and if the powerups will feel a little less overpowered and overwhelming as the last two entries have felt. I can’t wait to get my hands on the newest entry in the series.

Anthony Pelone - It’s funny – I haven’t touched a new Mario Tennis since 2004’s Power Tennis for GameCube, yet Mario Tennis Fever’s checking off all the right boxes with its boatload of features. A surplus of side modes? Always an appreciated cooldown from regular tennis. A 38-character roster? The highest count in series history, we’re told. Story Mode? The baby concept’s fun and it’s the first Mario Tennis story mode not just since the handheld games, but on home console. Whether it’ll match the cutthroat simplicity of Nintendo 64’s Mario Tennis

High on Life 2 - February 13 [XB/PS/PC]:

John Farrell - High on Life brought a surprisingly effective mixture of humor, exploration, and first person combat together. Reminiscent of the Rick and Morty influences that staff at Squanch Games also worked on, the game involved living guns with their own personalities and gameplay twists. Each helped you conquer a hostile, bizarre set of alien worlds, with tons of unique dialogue for the weapons and NPCs. With Justin Roiland…uh…no longer around, the sequel is going to add new mobility options to help you save humanity from the drug-dealing overlords seeking to harvest them.

Reanimal - February 13 [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:

Demon Tides - February 19 [PC]

David Flynn - Good 3D platformers are becoming rarer and rarer these days, with even indies trending more towards the 2D side of things or other genres. Thankfully, developer Fabraz has us covered with Demon Tides - a stylish, open world platformer and sequel to tough as nails Demon Turf. I played the Steam Next Fest demo earlier this year and, while I still haven’t finished Demon Turf, I knew I would be there day one. It feels amazing to control and there’s tons of secrets to uncover.

Ys X: Proud Nordics - February 20 [PS/PC/SWITCH]:

David Flynn - When Ys X: Proud Nordics was announced just two months after the western release, it stopped my initial playthrough dead in its tracks. It felt like I had just wasted $60 on something that would be outdated in a short amount of time. Well, given Falcom releases generally take a year or so to actually hit western shores, I finally picked it back up this past summer and it blew me away with incredibly tight action combat, a gripping, character focused story, stunning visuals, and what might just be Falcom’s best soundtrack to date. Which is saying something because their Sound Team literally never misses. I was honestly tempted to jump right back in for New Game Plus the moment the credits rolled, but since Proud Nordics adds what looks to be a ton of new content in the form of a parallel storyline on the new Öland Island and quality of life additions like additional wind currents to speed up sailing. The Switch 2 version also has a 120 fps mode, being one of the few games that actually utilizes the built-in screen’s full power. I’m still a bit sour about not having an upgrade path or save transfer, especially on PC, but I’m still very excited to return to Obelia Gulf.

Joe Morgan - After falling in love with Ys IX: Monstrum Nox, I picked up Ys X: Nordics at launch. Unfortunately, in the short span between my purchase and getting to play it, NIS and Falcom announced Proud Nordics, complete with added content. I desperately want to enjoy the whole experience, so I never even touched the original version of the game. That said, I’m still wildly excited to get my hands on Proud Nordics. Adol and friends never fail to offer a fun gameplay experience and, typically, an equally satisfying narrative. I just wish they’d made the Proud content available for players who owned Nordics instead of requiring the purchase of a whole new game.

Tales of Berseria Remastered - February 26 [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:

David Flynn - It’s been four years since the release of the latest Tales of game, Tales of Arise. It’s pretty disappointing that we’ve had to wait so long for a new entry, especially as someone who adored Arise, but I can’t complain too much. For the series’ 30th anniversary, Bandai Namco remastered not one, but two Tales of games in 2025: Tales of Graces f and Tales of Xillia. A third is just on the horizon, with Tales of Berseria Remastered. Berseria is the first game in the series to feature a sole female protagonist, and is one of the darker entries. It’s also considered one of the best story-wise, though the battle system can feel a bit lackluster. Berseria might not need the remaster treatment the most, given it’s still playable on PC and PlayStation, but it’s a great game I’m excited to revisit.

Resident Evil Requiem - February 27 [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:

Henry Viola - Capcom has been on a roll lately with the Resident Evil series. Resident Evil Requiem looks like it’s shaping up to be the perfect balance of horror and action the series does so well. The RE Engine continues to produce some of the most photorealistic and creepy environments in gaming. I can’t wait to play as new protagonist Grace Ashcroft, an FBI analyst investigating deaths at the Wrenwood Hotel where her mom died years ago. The fact that I can swap between first-person and third-person perspectives on the fly is also huge, giving me that claustrophobic horror when I want it or a tactical view for the action moments. This is my most anticipated game of 2026.

March

Slay the Spire 2 early access - March [PC]:

John Farrell - What more needs to be said, really? Slay the Spire set the mold for deck-building roguelikes, and despite years of people iterating off of this formula, none of them have been able to beat it at its own game. Surviving the excesses of Unity’s money-grab, the game is going to be more in all directions. Characters, cards, lore, CLAW! The time is ripe for Neow’s lament and the oncoming of aggressive, shameless savescumming.

Marathon - March [XB/PS/PC]:

Corvo Rohwer - We've been patiently waiting to see what Bungie has been cooking alongside Destiny, and their upcoming extraction shooter is now on the horizon. Taking inspiration from one of their earliest franchises, Marathon looks to be one of the most stylised games we've seen from the studio, and I can't wait to step foot on the mysterious colony on Tau Ceti IV.

Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake - March 12 [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:

Henry Viola - Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly is widely considered the scariest game in the series and Team Ninja is giving it a complete overhaul. Using the Camera Obscura to fight vengeful spirits in a cursed village already gave me nightmares back in 2003, and now with enhanced 3D audio, new Focus/Zoom/Filter mechanics, and that "Holding Hands with Mayu" feature to feel the sisters' bond, it's going to be even more terrifying.

John Carpenter's Toxic Commando - March 12 [XB/PS/PC]:

Ron Burke - We already went hands-on with this one and it became immediately obvious why John Carpenter’s name is on the game. This class-based game is more than just making zombie chow, featuring some awesome tech for mud and muck simulation borrowed from the likes of Mudrunner and Snowcraft. Managing the various vehicles you’ll need to survive makes them just as much a character as the four folks you bring out into the zones with you. There are nine maps at launch, with an open mission structure that reminds me of Left 4 Dead, leaving the player to puzzle out the best way to achieve the objective (or as much of it as they can) and then escaping with their skin still attached. Throw in the signature Carpenter one-liners and synth-heavy soundtrack and this one is Carpenter through and through.

REPLACED - March 12 [XB/PC]:

David Burdette - Cue the “It’s happening!” meme. I’ve been waiting for a long time to play REPLACED again. I keep bringing up Summer Game Fest sessions in my contributions to this list, but there have been a lot of games I’ve played there that have taken their time in coming out. This cyberpunk side-scroller is simply one of a kind, and I cannot wait to engage again with its precision combat and delve deeper into the lore behind what Sad Cat Studios is crafting.

Solasta II - March 12 [XB/PS/PC]:

Joe Morgan - Dungeons & Dragons has been around for years. With its recent increased burst of popularity thanks to things like Critical Role, Stranger Things, and Baldur’s Gate 3, the tabletop game has reached new heights. With that, it’s surprising that so few games actually follow suit with the 5th Edition ruleset. The most popular (and polished) of those had fans romancing Karlach and Astarion in Baldur’s Gate 3. The only other game of note that held to D&D’s 5E ruleset was Solasta: Crown of the Magister. While it is widely heralded as one of the best mechanical translations of the tabletop experience to video games, the visuals and storytelling were arguably wanting. With the upcoming release of Solasta 2, the team at Tactical Adventures has clearly been hard at work on updated visuals and, hopefully, a story to rival that of Larian’s offerings. When you add voice talent like Ben Starr and Devora Wild (Baldur’s Gate 3’s own Lae’zel), there’s a good reason to set our expectations high.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection - March 13 [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:

David Flynn - The Monster Hunter Stories series started life as a novel take on Monster Hunter on the 3DS, taking the action game franchise into the realm of turn-based RPGs complete with collectible monsters similar to Pokémon. It’s quickly become a second pillar, however, and that’s for good reason: these games are amazing. Stories 1 was some silly fun, Stories 2 upped the ante with a more serious story and deeper gameplay, and Stories 3: Twisted Reflection looks to be raising the bar once more. Alongside a special Rathalos (just like the other games) you’ll travel two countries, Azuria and Vermeil, as you try to prevent extinction and war from engulfing the land. No doubt you’ll engage in some stellar turn-based combat along the way, raise tons of monsters, and explore a gorgeous, vast world.

Joe Morgan - Monster Hunter Stories 3 is, without a doubt, my most anticipated game going into 2026. Capcom has a respectable long-time stable anchored heavily by the Resident Evil and Monster Hunter franchises. While I enjoy the Monster Hunter games, the Stories franchise has become my favorite Capcom property over the years. I love fighting alongside a variety of monsters, hatching them from eggs, and growing right alongside them. I’ve found the franchise to have great, erm, stories…as well. A fun world, bright colors, good storytelling, and great monster collection and combat mechanics have set this up to be a promising homerun in my book.

Crimson Desert - March 19 [XB/PS/PC]:

Ron Burke - This was a hard one to even describe to other people based on the trailers. It’s one part big boss fight game, one part massive army battle sim, dragon flying, deep RPG, crafting and survival sim, and so, so, SO much more, and all with a dash of some sort of sci-fi we don’t know yet. Having had hours of hands-on time now, I am still struggling to explain what Crimson Desert is, but one thing is for sure – this game is a behemoth of an RPG, and it might just raise the bar on open world role playing games for this next generation.

MOUSE: P.I. For Hire - March 19 [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:

David Burdette - The moment I saw MOUSE, I was hooked. Bioshock-esque era, black and white cartoon FPS? Sign me up. Then, I saw it being played at Summer Game Fest, and it was over. MOUSE simply looks like fun you can’t ignore, in the vein of Cuphead in terms of unique quality. You know, just without the agonizing deaths.

April

Pragmata - April 24 [XB/PS/PC]:

David Burdette - I always liked the look of Pragmata, but my hands-on time at Summer Game Fest surprised me. The meshing of puzzle elements and weighty third-person combat are an intriguing idea. All of that, along with stunning visuals, make Pragmata a game I can’t wait to unravel.

Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred - April 28 [XB/PS/PC]:

Ron Burke - Soon all Sanctuary will be bathed in Hatred, and none shall escape the flood. Diablo IV is getting a huge new expansion entitled Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred. Sequel to the Vessel of Hatred expansion from last year, this update looks like a huge one, not the least of which being the return of a familiar fighter. The Paladin is a fan favorite for a reason. This holy warrior and its shield stands as a bulwark against the malevolent forces of Diablo and his brothers, but will his power be enough? We won't have to wait long to find out – Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred comes to us on April 28th, 2026.

Want to play the Paladin now? Well, pre-order and you will instantly unlock the Paladin class to play today! The full release of the expansion will also bring a brand new story. Neyrelle, the Vessel of Hatred from the last expansion, continues to struggle to contain Mephisto within her, and she is failing. His power continues to corrupt the land of Sanctuary. We'll also see another as-yet-unannounced class to play, as well as a new region called Skovos, a massive overhaul of the skill trees for all classes that add new skill variants, a bump to the level cap, fresh loot filters to keep things sorted, mounts, more cosmetics, and a completely reworked endgame! This is going to be a HUGE update for returning players and new players alike.

Saros - April 30 [PS]:

David Burdette - Saros is the successor to the Returnal mantle, and I LOVED Returnal. It got our GOTY award for 2021 after all. Housemarque always manages to make something wholly in their styling, and Saros has a chance to blow us away by refining and adding to a phenomenal gameplay loop. So far from the trailers, it’s looking like that’s what we’re getting.

May

007 First Light - May 27 [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:

David Burdette - I’m a James Bond fan, and specifically of the video games that have come from the franchise. After a supremely underrated Quantum of Solace (made by Treyarch) and Bloodstone (by Bizzare Creations of Blur fame), we’ve gotten very little of the sensational spy. 007 First Light is the right kind of “reboot”, taking the third-person stealth and action IO Interactive does so well, and framing it with a more direct story that looks at his beginnings. I’m getting hardcore Uncharted vibes, and in the best way possible.

Joe Morgan - I grew up in the heyday of Goldeneye on the Nintendo 64, which parlayed into watching “15 Days of 007” on TBS. I’ve been a Bond fan ever since. What we’ve seen of First Light gives me hope for the first great Bond title in quite a few years, and with IO’s Hitman success, there’s no reason to expect anything but a top-tier experience. Keep an eye out for her majesty’s finest.

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight - May 29 [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:

Adam Moreno – It’s hard not to love a good LEGO game, especially with the awesome track record that LEGO Batman has had in the past. While LEGO games have slowed down just a tad in recent years, that might be a good thing, allowing for each game to have more production time. The gameplay from the trailer looked like a fun retelling of The Arkham Trilogy missions while giving it the goofy fun LEGO vibes.

Martin Du - After the explosive finale of Batman: Arkham Knight, I have always had an itch for a fresh take on the Batman mythos with the framework of the Arkham games. Outside the excellent Arkham Shadow, DC’s gaming lineup the past few years have been a bit of a miss. LEGO Batman seems to be a return to form for the beloved gameplay formula of the past, while also being a celebration of the Cape Crusader’s cinematic outings.

September

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter - September? [PS/PC/SWITCH]:

David Flynn - It hasn’t been formally confirmed as of writing, but according to Falcom’s financial report the company is looking to launch a remake of Trails in the Sky SC just one year after the remake of FC. If you’ve read my review of 1st Chapter, you’d know I absolutely adored it and consider it my favorite entry in the franchise. If Falcom can keep this momentum going, it’s possible 2nd Chapter could surpass it, giving players the freedom to explore all of Liberl seamlessly alongside the incredibly charming cast of playable characters like Olivert and Klohe. I enjoyed FC more than SC when I first played it a few years ago, but most fans consider SC to be superior and it’s not hard to see why. If you’re dying to know how that cliffhanger resolves, you’re in for an absolute treat, and won’t have to wait too long.

Phantom Blade Zero - September 9 [PS/PC]:

Henry Viola - I'm absolutely hyped for Phantom Blade Zero due to that "kungfupunk" aesthetic that blends Hong Kong Golden Age martial arts with steampunk machinery. You play as Soul, an assassin with only 66 days to live trying to uncover who murdered his master. The main drawing point for me is the 20+ unique Phantom Edges that enable you to create your own combat style, plus you can steal techniques from bosses you defeat too! This wuxia action game can’t come soon enough.

November

Grand Theft Auto VI - November 19 [XB/PS]:

Adam Moreno - We’ve been waiting a long time for this one, folks. So we all know the expectations are through the roof for the follow-up to one of the best-selling games in GTA V. With an even bigger map with even more to do, can GTA 6 live up to these expectations? It’s time at last to see what Rockstar has been working on all these years!

2026

Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes [PC]:

Ron Burke - Battlestar Galactica was an incredible series, full of tense naval-style space battles between lithe fighter craft, huge capital ships, and massive motherships. Why it never became a tactical game is beyond me, but developer Alt Shift is bringing it to life. Crew management, ship construction, resource management, and even some choices to make on how your crew handles adversity – this game is trying to capture the lightning that was this incredible space opera in a bottle once more, and based on the trailers, it looks like it might do exactly that.

Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement [XB/PS/PC]:

Ron Burke - When you have a genre named after your style of gameplay (e.g. “Metroidvania”) audience expectation for your next title is sky high. Bloodstained was easily Igarashi-san’s best work to date, but it could have easily been a one-and-done Kickstarter darling. Thankfully, the legend with the cowboy hat isn’t done yet, and The Scarlet Engagement looks like it’ll somehow surpass its predecessor. There are games that put a smile on your face, even as it kicks your ass, and Bloodstained is exactly that. More please!

Clockwork Revolution [XB/PC]:

David Burdette - I’m a Bioshock truther, and this feels like it’s going to be as close as I’ll get to a new game for the moment. InExile does great work, but the reactive elements of Clockwork Revolution are what draw me in. Not only is dialogue an integral part of the game, but so is time dilation. There is so much going on even in a full gameplay segment we were treated to at Xbox’s 2025 show, that I’m still reeling. Please, bring me Clockwork Revolution in 2026.

CONTROL Resonant [XB/PS/PC]:

David Burdette - Remedy is my comfort food. CONTROL is one of my favorites, and even with the surprise of Dylan Faden taking the leading role, I’m totally down for what Remedy is going for. That’s not even the most insane switch-up, as the genre moves to action-RPG and combat looks like it’s ripped from Devil May Cry. It’s coming in 2026, and I hope it arrives as soon as possible.

Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss [XB/PS/PC]:

Ron Burke - I’m a sucker for the sleeping god, and games that focus on the futility of fighting against the Great Old Ones are my jam. In this game you play Noah, a man tasked with investigating the mysterious disappearance of a group of miners in the depths of the Pacific Ocean. Descending into the inky blackness, you must navigate the labyrinthine prison city of R'lyeh, a twisted and ancient cyclopean city ruled by things that will shatter the mind of the humans that perceive it. This looks like a great puzzle game mixed with existential dread and horror. What’s not to like?

Danganronpa 2x2 [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:

Martin Du - If you had told me before this year that I would be excited for a new Danganronpa game, I would have scoffed. However after the excellent Hundred Line and Shuten Order, I am more than optimistic for these creatives to take another shot at a series I'm largely mixed on. DR2x2 remakes Danganronpa 2 with visual flair made possible with modern hardware. On top of that, the main draw of this remake is the remixed story, promising to mix up its death game with brand new murder methods, and a new slate of culprits and victims from DR2’s iconic cast.

While Kodaka will contribute to the project, Yoichiro Koizumi will take the reins as scenario writer. Beyond getting a fresh perspective on a tried and true series, Koizumi penned a couple routes in Hundred Line and the excellent Ministry of Health route in Shuten Order. With this track record in mind, I am excited to see how Danganronpa 2x2 will turn out.

Deus Ex Remastered [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:

Ron Burke - Deus Ex was one of the central foundations for the “choices matter” RPG genre. You could run and gun the final boss, or three other choices that could finish the game without firing a shot. That concept persists across the entire game, surprisingly, making it an incredibly ambitious and complex RPG. Developer Aspyr is remastering the game with 4K multi-screen support, new controller support with improved weapon and equipment management, autosaves, improved loading times, cloud saves, and many more improvements to bring the game to life for a modern audience. It’ll be interesting to once again be J.C. Denton in the middle of the UNATCO conspiracy.

Directive 8020 [XB/PS/PC]:

Adam Moreno - After getting my hands on this game, I am super excited for the full release. With the addition of the new Turning Points and Real-Time Threat systems, this game is sure to test your mind as well as your fear factors. Can Supermassive provide another thriller in Directive 8020? We’ll find out soon enough!

Exoborne [XB/PS/PC]:

David Burdette - This one probably should have been out by now, but I think the arrival of ARC Raiders actually helps it. Exoborne is an extraction shooter, but one with an interesting hook. Between specialized exo-suits that give you abilities and wild weather effects – you aren’t living until you’ve run away from three fire tornadoes – there’s real potential here. If they can refine the game with what they’ve learned from beta tests and maybe take a few cues from what’s working for ARC Raiders, Sharkmob AB might have a hit on their hands.

Fable [XB/PC]:

David Burdette - We’ve been awaiting the return of Fable for oh so long. It has almost felt like a drip feed, but I’m crossing my fingers that the team at Playground has been making sure they get it right. I’ve often felt like this could be their Horizon Zero Dawn moment – a studio not known for a genre yet breaking out in a magnificent way. If the rumors of a Witcher-esque transformation are true, but with Fable’s staple humor and gait, we’ll be in for a fantastic revival.

Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave [SWITCH]:

Adam Moreno - Fire Emblem isn’t a series that pumps out a game every year, so when they do release a new addition to the franchise – I get extremely excited. This time, we seem to be following a storyline that follows Fire Emblem: Three Houses in some form or fashion as we see Sothis at the tag of the trailer. We don’t know a lot right now, but with a mounted combatant, assumed protagonist and some really interesting aesthetics for the side characters, I cannot wait to see what Fortune’s Weave has in store for us!

Forza Horizon 6 [XB/PS/PC]:

David Burdette - Forza Horizon is a comfort series for me. It's nice to just drive around and relax. With car culture being so prevalent in Japan, it's surprising Forza hasn't gone there yet, but we're finally getting there in the latest entry. PlayStation fans will even get in on this one, although after launch.

Game of Thrones: War for Westeros [PC]:

Adam Moreno - Seeing the Cinematic Reveal Trailer at Summer Game Fest had me excited from the opening moments. I loved Game of Thrones, well, most of it. So any reason to change some of the legacy of the ending to the Game of Thrones will be exciting. We’ll see what the RTS elements do with the full game. However, the cinematic alone makes me want to upgrade my PC so I can play this one on launch day.

Gears of War: E-Day [XB/PC]:

David Burdette - I got emotional in the theater when Gears of War: E-Day ended Xbox’s 2024 show. Marcus and Dom are my boys, and Gears of War is what not only got me into playing on Xbox, but also to a degree launched my interest in creating content. Going back to where it all started – Emergence Day – is going to wreck me. And I’ll be there on day one.

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra [XB/PS/PC]:

Ron Burke - Amy Hennig is at the helm as writer and game director, what more could you want? She built the Soul Reaver, Uncharted, The Last of Us, and more, and now she’s bringing that signature sense of adventure and mystery to the world of Marvel. I’m so in. We’ve only seen some of the Unreal Engine 5-powered cutscene work and a small bit of gameplay, but it’s already looking absolutely gorgeous. One thing is for sure – it’ll be an awesome action packed story!

Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls [PS/PC]:

Jack Zustiak - Marvel and tag fighters are inextricably linked at this point, so while at face value Marvel Tokon isn’t a surprise, everything else about it is. From its clearly Japanese-oriented reinterpretations of its characters to the developer being Arc System Works, Tokon looks to be a fresh take on a Marvel fighting game in a lot of ways. As always, I’m excited to pick Spider-Man and obsess over every minute detail of how he has been portrayed.

Marvel's Wolverine [PS]:

Adam Moreno - You ready for this one, bub? It’s been a long while since Marvel’s Wolverine was originally announced, but better late and good, then early and bad – right? Insomniac Games has earned trust with their fabulous Spider-Man games. It’ll be interesting to see how they handle a non-webswinger, but Wolverine is a beloved character and it should be a fun time!

David Burdette - Insomniac Games clearly knows how to make Spidey into a magnificent video game. Can they make it happen with Wolverine? This one will clearly be more linear, and it should be. Leaning into the violence will be key, and if there's one thing we noticed in the last trailer, it's that they know that.

Mixtape [XB/PS/PC]:

Adam Moreno - It is rare that I play a preview that makes me know, from the first moment, I’m going to absolutely love a game. I already had a high excitement level because of the great trailers, but actually playing the game, it’s going to be a TIME for all music fans looking for some 90’s nostalgia. Annapurna Interactive announced in Q3 of 2025 the moving of Mixtape from 2025 to 2026 to make sure it’s perfect, and after meeting the team at Summer Game Fest, I fully trust they’re going to make this game the best it can possibly be. I cannot wait for Mixtape.

Mortal Shell 2 [XB/PS/PC]:

Ron Burke - This was a bit of a surprise, and a brutal one at that. Mortal Shell’s body-swapping horror is amped to 11 with the sequel, with bosses and monsters that’d make the likes of H.R. Geiger nauseous. The first game survived in a sea of other Soulslikes that hit around that time, and this new one looks like it’ll stand out once more.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword [XB/PS/PC]:

Joe Morgan - After getting my first taste of the Onimusha franchise with the remakes of the first two games this past year, I’m particularly excited to see what Way of the Sword will have for fans. What we’ve seen so far promises to keep loyal Onimusha fans happy with creepy monsters, an ensemble cast, and fun samurai action and exploration. I can’t wait to get my hands on the Oni gauntlet and soak my blade with demon blood.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:

Ron Burke - This one went back through the ringer, arguably twice, but if it comes together like the recent leaks have suggested, it’ll be far more than a simple reboot for the series. The game looks like it’ll feature fantastic motion-captured kinetic combat, excellent VOCAP-powered cutscenes, and a fresh take on the classic story. It’s a classic for a reason, and Ubisoft is taking their time with this one. Let’s hope it spells the return of the Prince.

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy [XB/PS/PC]:

David Burdette - The Plague Tale games have been excellent so far, and now it's time to see how they can fare outside of the original protagonists. Resonance is a prequel story, and looks a lot more action-packed. This change-up could really amp up the series in great ways, but hopefully won't stray far from it's more stealth and puzzle roots. We definitely know it's going to look incredible, that's for sure.

Scott Pilgrim EX [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:

Jack Zustiak - I think a lot of people in my age range have a, perhaps not love, but at very least an inexplicable attachment to and/or affection for Scott Pilgrim. The book, the movie, and especially the game. The original Scott Pilgrim game was memorable, charming, and of course had an amazing soundtrack. I’m looking forward to hearing some new Anamanaguchi tunes and seeing how they refine the core gameplay into an experience that hopefully packs an even better punch than its predecessor.

SPINE [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:

David Burdette - This is gun-fu, people. After getting my hands all over SPINE at Summer Game Fest in 2025, it cemented my thoughts on how I hoped it would play. The mesh of John Wick and Batman Arkham is sublime, with a killer soundtrack in the background. If Nekki can put it all together and deliver a satisfying pace that continues the deliberate and flamboyant nature of the combat, this will be a hidden gem.

Squadron 42 [PC]:

Ron Burke - Incredibly long development cycles make everyone nervous. Ones as public and fraught with delays as Squadron 42 attract even more unwanted attention. There’s no way this can live up to the hype, can it? Well, as an active Star Citizen player, I can tell you that yes – it will. More than just a game, Squadron 42 is the culmination of a decade’s worth of technical advancement and simulation engine work. It’s more than just looking pretty, the combat engine is shaping up to be something every game developer hopes to be – unique. I am not convinced this won’t slip to 2027, but the finish line truly is in sight. For real! Quit laughing.

Star Wars Zero Company [XB/PS/PC]:

Adam Moreno - When I say I’m ready for this game already, I truly mean it. When this game was announced I immediately changed my desktop background. I’m very interested to see what a true turn-based strategy game from Star Wars will look like with the technology we have now. Where will this fit into the canon, only time will tell, but hopefully we get something new and interesting during an era we’re well-versed in with the Clone Wars into the Galactic Empire.

David Burdette - I grew up on RTS games. As a massive Star Wars fan, sign me up for Zero Company. With the gameplay reminding me a lot of XCom, being able to move my troops, Jedi, and more around the battlefield sounds amazing. If they can back up the slower pacing these kinds of games offer with an exciting story, this could be a sleeper hit.

Star Wars: Galactic Racer [XB/PS/PC]:

Adam Moreno - The amount of hours I played Racer I and Racer Revenger on the N64 and PS2 respectively is uncountable. I specialized with Teemto Pagalies and Anakin Skywalker and loved every second of the high-speed thrill ride of each game. YEARS later, during The Game Awards 2025 we were shown the first looks at Galactic Racer and it looks amazing. From the team that brought us Need for Speed and Burnout, we get the newest chapter in Star Wars racing. I cannot wait to see how this turns out in 2026.

Steins;Gate Re:Boot [PC]:

Martin Du - On the surface, Steins;Gate Re:Boot is promised to be a straight forward remake. A fresh coat of paint using the gorgeous visual style of Anonymous;Code and the Famicom Detective Club remakes to tell the same story, with additional content in the form of a new ending. If that all there is to it, then I would still be excited to reexperience one of my favorite stories in gaming. But it is the potential of what it might be that has me giddy with anticipation. While it's been confirmed that there are no direct connections to the most recent SciADV entry, Anonymous;Code, MAGES pushing Re:Boot as a stepping stone for the series future makes me hope there will be indirect links by going down a similar narrative path as the FFVII Remake with its story. Regardless, it's going to be a good time to reunite with Steins;Gate’s stellar cast once again.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park [SWITCH]:

Anthony Pelone - How cool is it Nintendo’s updating their Switch classics for Switch 2? Mario’s zaniest adventure returns with Ballabel Park: a veritable carnival of multiplayer attractions sure to spice up Wonder’s co-op play. How the new campaign works is still a little unclear – the brief snippets we’ve seen imply remixed levels - but I’m always down for taking on those dastardly Koopalings. And hey, those creepy Phanto masks from Super Mario Bros. 2? I live for those deep cuts, man.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Empire City [QUEST]:

David Burdette - After enjoying the heck out of Batman: Arkham Shadow on the Quest 3, I’m sold on VR being a proper medium for bigger games. TMNT might just scratch that new itch with Empire City. You’re telling me I can play as our favorite shellheads in a ninja-style VR game? Count me in.

The Blood of Dawnwalker [XB/PS/PC]:

Ron Burke - This is an impossibly cool looking game made by ex-Witcher devs, Rebel Wolves. You play as Coen, a "Dawnwalker" who is human by day and vampire by night. Set in 14th-century Europe, this game will feature heavy swordfighting combat, as well as a touch of magic and mysticism. Interestingly, there is no central narrative “critical path”, says the development team, so you could theoretically run right to the final boss and take them on – if you’re skilled and foolish enough to try. The team is also focusing on making the game as morally gray as possible, giving the player the opportunity to embrace their vampiric nature, or try to retain their humanity as they see fit. We won’t have to wait long to find out – this is coming in early 2026.

The Sinking City 2 [PC]:

David Burdette - It's been a long time coming, but The Sinking City 2 is leaning hard into horror and looks terrifying. Every trailer we see shows something more scary than the previous, and Frogwares seems to have a finger on exactly how they want to frighten you. Here's hoping this is the end of delays – we're ready to get our hands on it.

Titan Quest 2 1.0 version [XB/PS/PC]:

Ron Burke - Titan Quest had a long hiatus before developer Iron Lore Entertainment breathed life back into the series. The Remastered version was a trip down memory lane, and played incredibly well on the Steam Deck. The original focused on a fight to stop the Titans from destroying the world. Titan Quest II centers instead on the goddess Nemesis who is actively corrupting the threads of fate. As the goddess of retribution, she’s unhappy with the rise to power by the protagonist, and she’s gladly level Greece to stop them. This one is in Early Access and is shaping up nicely already. 1.0 might come in 2026, but it could also slip to early 2027 based on the incredibly ambitious nature of this sequel.

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis [XB/PS/PC]:

Martin Du - While I am a fan of Crystal Dynamic’s Tomb Raider reboot, I admit I never dabbled in the original games. With Legacy of Atlantis being a remake of the original game, I am excited to dive into a reimagined rendition of a gaming classic, only this time with a control scheme more up my alley.

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream [SWITCH]:

Martin Du - Tomodachi life on the 3DS was the first game I ever put over 100 hours in. It was a game that reveled in the sheer insanity of random gags, both scripted and player created. The only gripe I have is the slight lack of content resulting in a bit too much repetition. With a sequel coming to Switch, I am hoping it recaptures the same quirky magic with more things to do.

UN:Me [PC]:

Martin Du - A horror game about four souls inhabiting a body is an intriguing one, with its gameplay showcase further contributing to that intrigue. However, the primary reason for my excitement is the talent behind the title. Co-planner Takuya Yamanaka was the writer and director of The Caligula Effect 2, a janky but heartwarmingly written game also about characters processing trauma. Un:Me seems to be taking another crack at these themes through a survival horror lens. With their strong track record, this is a title I’m confident is in good hands.

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book [SWITCH]:

Adam Moreno – I LOVED Yoshi’s Story on the N64 and have loved the green dino ever since. With a vibe that combines Yoshi’s Story with Yoshi’s Island, it should provide us with an adorable time. It’s hard not to love a good platformer from Nintendo, especially with some new elements like the sky umbrellas and ocean platforming we saw in the Nintendo Direct this year.

Yunyun Syndrome!? Rhythm Psychosis [PC]:

Martin Du - I pretty much know almost nothing about this title other than its lead character trying to infect the world with “brain rot”. Unhinged premise aside, what makes me have a keen eye on this title is the writer behind it. Fuyuki Hayashi has written Crymachina and Kemono Teatime, two underrated games with powerfully moving stories. I can’t wait to see how Hayashi will make me sob my eyes out once again.

Zero Parades: For Dead Spies [PS/PC]:

Joey Caplan – ZA/UM is a car crash you can’t look away from. Whether the shitshow will press out a diamond or, well, shit, is anyone’s guess. You could say this game is from the developer of Disco Elysium, but that would be almost entirely untrue save for the studio’s name and likeness being worn as a bastardized mask of its genius progenitors. Obviously, it’s hard to say that I’m anticipating Zero Parades; my feelings fall more between “I hope this fails miserably” and “wait, but what if it’s good though?” The writing is the biggest question mark, and I find it nigh-impossible that ZA/UM managed to find any worthy replacements. And yet, I still can’t find it within myself to write this game off entirely. Either way, the People Make Games documentary about the game’s development will be riveting.

Thanks for checking out our Most Anticipated video games list! Keep your eyes on GamingTrend for further previews and reviews surrounding these and more titles!

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