As creative director, Kosuke Itomi, notes, “Up until now, the series has always taken a kind of perspective of talking about the player from a third-person viewpoint. But this time, it’s more like you have the ability to freely change that perspective. We’ve introduced this new element that allows you to advance the story from a first-person perspective.”

While that seemed obvious enough from the reveal trailer, it’s nice to finally have confirmation. It also fits extremely well with the story’s increased focus on your allies, who grow alongside the pilot on their journey. That includes interacting with them in everyday life on board the aircraft carrier, The Endurance.

“Well, the name kind of says it all,” remarks Itomi. “To endure to keep floating. It’s a place where the players can come back and feel safe, that kind of thing, so…These pilots call her ‘Mom’.” This gives the feel of “war movies inspired by historical events,” elevating it beyond a fictional world and war.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve launches later this year for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. It’s the first new title since 2019’s Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, and takes place in the familiar setting of Strangereal in 2029. The story focuses on pilots aboard the Endurance battling against the Republic of Sotoa to take back the Federation of Central Usea.

Players control a new pilot who takes over the moniker of the “Wings of Theve” from a deceased legend, essentially becoming the new figurehead. They have three allies to assist during dogfights, which promise to be even more intense than either.

As outlined by Ace Combat Wiki (via Ikcatcher), references to Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War have been added. On the surface, this is interesting because it only ever launched on the PlayStation 2 back in 2006, so a contemporary port may be on the way. The fact that it’s part of Ace Combat 8’s listing may point towards its availability as a pre-order bonus.

It wouldn’t be the first time that Bandai Namco has offered such benefits, much less in the Ace Combat franchise. Pre-orders for Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown, for instance, included a copy of Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War.

However, that’s not all. A closed network test is also seemingly on the cards for Ace Combat Online, which could be Ace Combat 8’s online PvP mode. While these updates don’t indicate a release timing, it wouldn’t be surprising to see an update at a major showcase like State of Play (rumored for the week of February 12th).

Grand Theft Auto VI

Numerous leaks and delays – plus a sprinkling of studio controversy – has made the thirteen-year gap between GTA V’s eternal sunset and Rockstar’s return to Vice City feel more agonising than it arguably should. Bottom line: Grand Theft Auto VI is coming, and while the November 26 window doesn’t feel airtight, one thing you can be sure of is GTA VI’s release will be a seismic cultural event, matched only by the developer’s determination to unleash the most ambitious open world game ever.

Resident Evil: Requiem

The latest instalment in the survival horror series plucks you out of Village’s folkloric nightmare and into the ruinous Raccoon City as strange deaths linked to the original outbreak begin surfacing. Eschewing the action of recent entries for shuffling dread, you’ll command FBI analyst Grace Ashcroft, using brainpower to counteract her vulnerability and stay out the clutches of a terrifying, wall-scrambling stalker. Accompanying her investigation is everybody’s favourite rookie cop Leon Kennedy, further suggesting RE: Requiem will honour its roots as much as lean into modern sensibilities.

Nioh 3

Shaking up the dark fantasy action-RPG series in meaningful ways, Nioh 3 is much more than a continuation of its predecessor’s success. Dual Samurai and Ninja playstyles headline the threequel’s innovations, but expansive build identity, open-ended exploration, and a suite of new weapons and abilities ensure player choice is firmly the focus. Balancing surgical combat precision with Ki management and an overstuffed inventory still prevail, yet this time there’re opportunities for self-expression unlike anything the series has seen before.

Forza Horizon 6

The Horizon community’s most-requested locale is finally happening – Forza Horizon 6 is primed to burn rubber in the land of the rising sun. From twisting metropolises of Tokyo, to cherry blossom serenity of coastal and mountain passes, Horizon 6 might well end up as the most visually arresting entry in the open-world racing series to date. Chuck in authentic JDM car culture, multi-timbral sound design, and Playground’s knack for mixing realistic car handling with arcade-style accessibility, and the horizon’s bright for Forza fans.

Pathologic 3

Dr Daniil Dankovsky returns in the conclusion to Ice-Pick Lodge’s surreal, disturbing trilogy, where sickness, superstition, and moral compromise permeates the fog of a plague-ridden town. If you’re not yet a fan, Pathologic 3’s blend of survival, medical simulation, time travel, and mayoral management might be too dense to parse, but for veterans: this is the appeal. The series’ dream logic is its signature, with Pathologic 3 set to lean harder into oppression, atmosphere, and philosophical identity than ever before.

Control Resonant

Remedy’s Control Resonant expands the Federal Bureau of Control’s strange universe with more mind-warping, paranormal, architecture-shifting action. Compared to 2019’s original, Resonant promises larger-scale encounters, deeper powers, and a more labyrinthine narrative to showcase Remedy’s story-telling prowess in the wake of, uh, Alan Wake 2. Expectations here are huge. If Control laid the foundation, Resonant looks ready to build an entire supernatural mythology on top of it.

Subnautica 2

Prepare to plunge back into the depths of an alien ocean world in Subnautica 2, where open-world survival, subaquatic base-building, and creature discovery return alongside expanded co-op features. Still, the slow, bubbling dread of an unexplored, oceanic expanse is the main draw, where risk burdens every expedition. However, while slated for 2026 this sequel has been surrounded by controversy, with messy legal drama between publisher and original developers clouding what is undeniably a solid vision.

Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War 4

Dawn of War 4 marks the long-awaited return of one of RTS gaming’s biggest names. Expect strategic depth to be reinstated, with renewed focus on base building, resource control, and the same brutal, large-scale warfare on which DoW 1 and 2 were renowned. The challenge for King Art Games will be to balance Dawn of War’s classic identity with modern, strategy-sim expectations. If Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War 4 can recapture the series’ intensity whilst usurping 3’s experiments, then this could end up a flagship RTS title for years to come.

RIDE 6

RIDE 6 continues Milestone’s push towards authentic superbike racing, yet this time the two-wheel arcade-sim speeds beyond asphalt to take in off-road riding. With an expanded roster of real-world machines, improved handling models, and a focus on mechanical accuracy bordering on obsessiveness, RIDE 6 is well-placed to continue the series’ recent trend of meaningful iteration.   

Code Vein II

Code Vein II revives Bandai Namco’s anime-infused Soulslike, with newfound combat fluidity and opportunity for self-expression layering over the original’s deep character customisation and build flexibility. The sequel’s big change is the switch to AI companions in place of real-life co-op partners, but the developers have been careful to ensure this deviation lands with impact – picking your AI partner is set to be as critical for success as choosing your favourite blade.

Outward 2

Outward 2 is shaping up to build on the “no easy mode” challenge that made its predecessor a cult favourite. You’ll once again juggle hunger, fatigue, inclement weather, and gear condition in a harsh world that refuses to bend. And, for this sequel, you should expect a smoother, more fluid combat system with expanded arsenal of weaponry, more deliberate animations and combat manoeuvres, and a higher production value story. Through exploration without map markers, RPG-like character backgrounds, and refreshed lore, Outward 2 promises immersion far beyond the achievements of its forebearer too.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve brings the long-running aerial combat series back to the skies, with cinematic storytelling, high-octane dogfights, and a new geopolitical drama set in the Strangereal universe to unpack. Be prepared for realistic cloudscapes and missile-dodging acrobatics, all fed through a seamless mix of arcade-style accessibility and flight-sim-like nuance. Elsewhere, narrative has always been a major appeal in the Ace Combat series; here, flying as a symbol of hope – the eponymous “Wings of Theve” – means that, in 8, the stakes will be higher than ever.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon

The next entry in Falcom’s legendary RPG series serves up a climactic finale for the Zemurian continent arc, bringing together a large cast of characters from the Trails universe to prove once again the series has the most inter-connected universe in all of gaming. Long-time devotees can expect deep turn-based battling, multi-layered character development, and dense world-building, while soaking in new regions and political intrigue. Newcomers could feel overwhelmed, but for veterans this is unmissable.

Styx: Blades of Greed

The stealth-action series is returning, once again putting you in command of sarcastic goblin thief Styx as he navigates dark fantasy kingdoms designed with newfound verticality, wields new mind control and time-shifting powers, and builds a crew ready to infiltrate a range of strongholds. The goal here is creativity; with an expanded toolkit of gadgets, traps, and manoeuvres, Blades of Greed pushes you to improvise on your path to evasion.

Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf

Planet of Lana II follows the picturesque puzzle-platformer with another hand-painted odyssey through alien-infested verdance. The original’s gentle pacing, serene environments, and companion-based puzzling struck a chord with players which the sequel is set to expand upon, all while retaining the emotional, cinematic tone. With artistry at the forefront of the experience, Planet of Lana II’s more diverse biomes, more impactful narrative, and evolved abilities for your cute companion Mui ensure Children of the Leaf will be a hit.

Grand Theft Auto VI

While unsubstantiated claims of another GTA VI delay emerged over the holidays – notably, from cursory social media accounts rage baiting for engagement – no official update has come from Rockstar or parent-company Take-Two. The unverified reports are speculating Vice City’s return will be rescheduled to June 2026.

It’s no secret that GTA VI, together with Rockstar, has been weathering turbulence. The studio is facing fallout from union-busting accusations, while the game’s exclusion from PlayStation wrapped (in favour of Sony’s first-party titles) fuelled the rumours those news feeds capitalised on. Taken together with the resulting chatter from GTA VI’s most-recent delay, the narrative has arguably shifted; concerns around project scope and development complexity have arisen, with Rockstar’s ability to deliver an experience worthy of the franchise’s reputation coming under scrutiny. Even though we’re still some distance from GTA VI’s late-2026 window, the question now is can Rockstar steady the ship, avoid expectation fatigue, and still release an industry-defining open-world epic to match the hype.

Again, all signs indicate that the late-2026 release is locked-in, and there are reasons to believe that, this time, it’ll stick. First: it primes GTA VI to dominate the holiday season. Second: it maintains the stratospheric anticipation without eroding fan patience further. And third: it gives Take-Two enough time to tighten its publishing model to perfection without worrying shareholders. See, reports claim the impact of GTA VI’s most recent delay was insignificant on share prices, but the same cannot be guaranteed if the title is pushed to 2027.

So, bottom line: GTA VI probably won’t be delayed again. Yet, with internal distractions and investor pressure, the game needs to release in flawless condition if it’s to match the weight of expectation. Even the slightest suggestion that it isn’t up to par could trigger another delay, despite the stakes being higher now than ever.

Fable

Unveiled way back in 2020, it was confirmed in February last year that Fable’s much-anticipated reboot was being moved from its original 2025 release to 2026 to allow more development time. Now we’re in 2026, and having seen nothing of the project for some time, speculation is emerging that production isn’t going as smoothly as Microsoft would have us believe. Still, much like GTA VI, there’re currently no credible reports that Fable won’t see the light of day in 2026 or – as the most drastic rumours suggest – that it has been quietly cancelled.

In development hell or not, Fable studio Playground Games will feature heavily at the Xbox Developer Direct livestream slated for January 26th. Forza Horizon 6, their other, arguably more famous venture, already has its presentation confirmed, but we are set to get our first meaningful Fable update in a long time too, quashing the rumours of cancellation.

Game complexity explains Fable’s lengthy production, but by delaying to 2026 the reboot has landed in a potentially tricky timeline. While Forza Horizon 6 shares a vague release window, insiders anticipate its arrival in the first half of 2026. If true, Fable is unlikely to release until the second half of the year – late summer, September, or maybe into October. The closer it gets to GTA VI, the more its anticipation is diluted by Rockstar’s behemothic event. We expect every studio will be keeping a close eye on Grand Theft Auto VI, preparing to push into 2027 if needed.

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra

In a change to our regular speculative programming, this one’s waving enough red flags to make a delay into 2027 near-enough a foregone conclusion. Skydance Interactive’s WW2-era Marvel superhero cross-over was delayed last May into the first part of 2026. However, late last year it was confirmed that Rise of Hydra would not be planting its flag before summer 2026. Now delayed indefinitely, Skydance states the extra time is required to fully realise their vision but, tellingly, with no up-to-date release window provided, perhaps there is more going on behind the scenes than simple polish.

Reading between the lines, and jumping aboard the speculation train once more, Skydance’s desire to “fully realise their vision” likely references a shared vision with Marvel. That may imply disagreements between studio and IP owner over what the final version of the game should be. While ambitious; the challenge here seems to be streamlining its complexity. When boardrooms listen to focus groups as much as creators, a spin-off like Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra is always going to divide internal opinion.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve

Announced at The Game Awards in December, the long-running aerial arcade-sim shooter series is back with an explosive campaign set in the Strangereal universe. Photorealism, custom tech, and revolutionary cloud rendering, all powered by the increasingly unwieldy Unreal Engine 5, are the locked-on targets for Ace Combat 8. But, with no firm release quarter yet announced, some industry analysts, fans, and insiders claim this puts Wings of Theve at risk of slipping to 2027.

Like others in this feature, Bandai Namco hasn’t confirmed or denied anything of the sort, but given historical context a delay wouldn’t break the mould for the series. Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown suffered a string of delays; its launch in January 2019 arrived almost two-years after its planned 2017 release. The principal reasons for these delays included a push for greater technical accomplishment and the need for narrative re-writes. Given Wings of Theve is attempting a similarly ambitious story while fully leveraging current-gen tools and hardware, history certainly is at risk of repeating.

Marvel’s Wolverine

Insomniac’s deviation from Spider-Man to Marvel’s second-most popular superhero is set for release during Fall 2026 – even after Rockstar’s most-recent GTA VI delay. The studio has been adamant across their social media channels that they are targeting the latter half of the year regardless of when Grand Theft Auto VI arrives.

GTA’s reliably unreliable reshuffling is a headache for numerous studios, as noted earlier, but Sony and Insomniac are holding firm. Remember: the first Spider-Man game on PS4 released in close proximity to Red Dead Redemption 2. In retrospect, one release didn’t overshadow the other. This time around though, there are key differences: Wolverine, while undeniably popular, isn’t Spider-Man popular. Likewise, while Red Dead is well-liked, GTA is universally revered. For sure, Sony won’t be overlooking this, but the true degree of difference is difficult to quantify.

So, while the games may be different their audiences still overlap considerably. If Fall 2026 means September or October, then there is nothing blocking Marvel’s Wolverine from releasing as planned. But if the game is slated for November then Sony has a decision to make: can Wolverine confidently stand apart from GTA VI? Late Fall, as November would be, is prime AAA holiday season. If every seasonal duck isn’t lined up; if publishing models aren’t perfectly placed, then Sony will push Wolverine to next year.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization.

The Blood of Dawnwalker

You’re not the only one pointing at the screen, DiCaprio-style, thinking, “That’s very Witcher-esque” (and for good reason, given Rebel Wolves’ experience on The Witcher 3). Nevertheless, the dark medieval tidings of Vale Sangora provide a starker contrast in terms of day and night, as Coen walks between the two to save his family. So while the lighting and shadows look technically robust, the contrast and how it weaves into your playstyle and decisions further sweetens the deal.

Control Resonant

You would think Remedy has nothing to prove with its visual work, and yet, here’s the development team taking its brutalist architecture, surreal, spooky lighting and stellar art direction into the wider world. Beyond looking like a sleek hack-and-slash title with even more mind-boggling enemy designs, Control Resonant feels leagues trippier than the original, and we can’t wait to see more.

Resident Evil Requiem

Everything showcased thus far has led to this moment. The sheer attention to detail, from the hair physics and skin textures to realistic sweat – not to mention the dynamic lighting and shadows – make for one heck of a survival horror showcase. And yet, there’s still so much more to see, including Leon’s sections, which have been rumored to offer larger environments compared to Grace’s more confined, claustrophobic, and harrowing sections. Thankfully, with less than two months before release and a showcase coming up, it’s only a matter of time.

Marvel’s Wolverine

As with Ratchet and Clank and Marvel’s Spider-Man, it isn’t about Insomniac’s tech so much as how it’s used. Thus, we get hyper-detailed arm hair (a vital component of Logan’s character, as any fan will tell you), immaculate reflections off those adamantium claws, and only the finest blood spatters in Marvel’s Wolverine. That’s not even mentioning the environmental destruction and interactivity, whether it’s breaking through market stalls or launching enemies into lava.

Beast of Reincarnation

Seeing this after experiencing nothing but Pokémon from Game Freak may be somewhat of an eye-opener for fans, even more so because it looks incredibly sleek. Weathered rusting textures on robots, stylish executions, a relatively calm yet foreboding post-apocalyptic setting with impressive shrubbery – it’s almost surreal, especially with how rapidly environments can change. Suffice it to say, this is probably the studio’s best-looking effort to date, and we’re intrigued to see more.

Ontos

What would a Frictional Games title be without masterful usage of lighting and shadows? Look no further than Stellan Skarsgård’s character illuminated against a chandelier, the warm ambience prevalent throughout the reception area. Of course, being a spiritual successor to Soma also means plenty of not-so-warm and fuzzy sights. Realistic skin tearing. Reality fractures. You get the drill. It all works in unison to deliver a terrifyingly surreal experience.

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis

You wouldn’t ordinarily geek out over an Unreal Engine 5 remake, but Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog have pulled off something incredible with Legacy of Atlantis (that too based solely on pre-alpha footage). Returning to where it all began for gaming’s most illustrious heroine, the remake offers gorgeously detailed shrubbery and architecture along with an incredible sense of scale. Plus, there are all the little details, from realistic dirt markings to Lara’s signature animations, which look better than ever.

Saros

“Spiritual successor to Returnal” may as well sound more like “the same bullet hell action you loved before, but with more fleshed out rogue-lite mechanics.” And honestly, I’m fine with that, given the original’s addictiveness. In the graphics department, however, Saros is going beyond the usual “tentacle technology” and offering rigid-body simulation for its many, many bullets alongside reactive lighting and layered dynamic particles. Even the narrative side benefits from improved cinematography, more cutscenes with additional motion capture, and better facial animations.

Gears of War: E-Day

The Coalition has yet to share any more footage beyond that trailer in 2024, but it’s certainly hyping up the prequel to a ridiculous degree. Remember Gears 5, considered one of the best-looking games of the last generation? E-Day will feature “over 100 times more environmental and character details” by comparison, and, oh, ray-traced lighting, shadows and reflections as well. That’s not even including the revamped destruction or new animation tech, with everything “completely rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5.” Say what you will about how other studios have handled the engine, but with The Coalition in charge, this could very well be an “unrivalled visual experience.”

Grand Theft Auto 6

The sheer number of NPCs in some shots, each with their own detailed animations and skin textures; the rendering distance, especially on those stunning aerial shots; the facial animations, which deliver as much on the subtlety – I could go on and on about Grand Theft Auto 6’s visual brilliance. And that’s based on just two trailers. Even if we get a more detailed gameplay walkthrough in the months ahead, it will only scratch the surface of what could be one of the best-looking games of all time.

007 First Light

Ignore the copious amounts of motion blur during its PS5 gameplay – IO Interactive’s next is a stunner, and that’s saying something given its experience with the Hitman franchise. The young pre-007 Bond’s global traipse isn’t just about gorgeous, guest-packed locales or high-speed chases across scenic landscapes. It’s about sneaking past guards, leveraging the environment to your advantage (thus highlighting the impressive particles and alpha effects). It’s also very much about those explosive set pieces, where intuition pays off as much as aggression. Whether you’re in it for the sights or action, 007 First Light certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Phantom Blade Zero

There’s something about the atmosphere that feels distinctly Souls-like. Perhaps it’s the desolate buildings of Pang Town, the desaturated colors in certain places or the fantastical yet realistically rendered enemies. Regardless, Phantom Blade Zero’s sleek animations and lightning-fast combat quickly showcase its action RPG chops, and it’s certainly shaping up to be a peak “kung fu-punk” experience.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties

You have to hand it to RGG Studio – beyond simply remaking a classic Yakuza, it’s also delivering a brand new experience focused on one of the more popular villains in the series. And as usual, it’s not skimping in the visual department, revamping the character models and environments in the Dragon Engine, which still holds up to this day. Perfect for losing a tidy hundred hours or so while admiring the sights.

Crimson Desert

Speaking of getting lost in a world for a hundred hours, perhaps even more, this long-awaited open-world fantasy action RPG. Pywel has drawn us in so deeply, brimming as it is with expansive mountain ranges, dense forests with extensive foliage and seemingly endless plains (not to mention the mysterious floating islands). And if that’s not enough, maybe that giant mecha dragon fight will win you over.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword

An Onimusha revival has been way overdue, and thankfully, Way of the Sword isn’t just coasting on its looks. Which is a way of saying that it looks fantastic, capturing the dark fantasy atmosphere of previous titles while reinventing just how disturbingly detailed the Genma can be. Otherwise, everything you could want from an Onimusha title – from a charismatic protagonist to sleek-looking sword combat – is here, and backed by phenomenal-looking effects and animations.

Replaced

I could regale you with Sad Cat Studios’ long journey and developmental challenges, especially being based in Ukraine. Or even how Replaced is operating on a completely different level when it comes to pushing the boundaries of 2.5D pixel art, but a single comment on its release date trailer says it best: “Every scene is wallpaper worthy.” With how long it’s been in development, we’re keen to admire every hand-crafted animation, every harrowing chase sequence, and every single downer aspect of this alternate history USA.

Fable

As much renown as Playground Games has received for Forza Horizon, there’s been a healthy amount of skepticism for Fable, due to the long development cycle and delays. On the bright side, the graphics, as showcased last year in new pre-alpha footage, are shaping up well enough, capturing that fairytale aesthetic while looking technically sound. 2026 could finally be its year – all we need now is solid confirmation (and some more gameplay as a treat).

Fatekeeper

Paraglacial’s debut first-person action RPG skipped straight from having our interest to commanding our attention after its initial trailer. This level of environmental fidelity from a team of 12, with outdoors that shine with realistic foliage and indoors brimming with mood lighting and crazily detailed beasts, is something to behold.

Valor Mortis

In the same vein is One More Level’s next first-person title, which is a Souls-like and can hurt you. Instead of the cyberpunk tidings of Ghostrunner, Valor Mortis opts for an alternative 19th-century Europe where the plague runs rampant. However, there is a distinct beauty on display, almost like the alpha effects, environmental textures and desiccated trees combine into a painterly aesthetic. Don’t even get us started on the bosses and enemies, which can vary from sleek to downright disturbing in their makeup.

Pragmata

With how long it took to nail the unorthodox gameplay loop, which boils down to “hack-and-shoot”, hilariously enough, Pragmata didn’t have to look this good. Yet, here we are, with Diana’s hair animating so realistically that the tech made it into Requiem. Of course, there’s plenty else to love in terms of the sci-fi leanings of this hostile lunar base and the sheer detail of enemies, right down to their exposed machinery with each successful hack. If Onimusha showcases the past and Requiem the present, then Pragmata is an incredible showcase for the future.

Directive 8020

While it isn’t the developer’s first foray with Unreal Engine 5, Directive 8020 feels like Supermassive has become more comfortable with the engine. Consolidating the tense journey of survival on the Cassiopeia with the studio’s signature narrative approach, it showcased some stunning alien flora, meticulously detailed body horror, and, of course, incredible use of lighting and shadows. That’s alongside the fantastic facial animations.

Nioh 3

With everything that Team Ninja has done in the past several years – the larger environments of Wo Long, the open world of Rise of the Ronin, the dark fantasy feudal setting of Nioh – it was only a matter of time before it combined them. Thus, we have Nioh 3, with its open field (not open world) levels that impress as much with their draw distance and foliage as they do with the Yokai roaming about. Maybe you won’t notice all this much in the heat of combat, but they’re stunning all the same.

Ride 6

Despite lacking the budget of a Polyphony Digital or Playground Games, Milestone’s Ride series has quietly carved its own niche in terms of realistic racing visuals. Launching this February, Ride 6 ups the ante even further with Unreal Engine 5, delivering more true-to-life tracks and motorbikes (even if the character models could use some more life).

The Duskbloods

I’m not sure if it’s FromSoftware’s art direction doing the heavy lifting, but The Duskbloods is sporting some impressive details. Between the monstrous bosses and dilapidated environments is some truly impressive architecture, even more so on the Nintendo Switch 2. It may not boast an Elden Ring-style scale, but for its PvEvP needs, this is shaping up into another visual masterpiece for the studio.

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra

Despite a delay past early 2026, Skydance New Media’s debut title hasn’t been ruled out for this year, which is good news. We’ve yet to see much beyond the gorgeous cinematics, which set the stage for Captain America and Black Panther to team up in WW2 Occupied Paris. However, if anyone can deliver a blockbuster action-adventure experience, it’s Amy Hennig and her crew.

Squadron 42

Give it up for over $1 billion in funding for Star Citizen, with a full release still years away. But Squadron 42, the single-player-focused title, is seemingly out this year (multiple delays notwithstanding). For all the controversy, it still looks good, and the thought of an epic space opera with over 70 missions and an all-star cast is too good to pass up. Now let’s see if it actually sticks to its deadline this time.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve

Credit where it’s due for Unreal Engine 5 – the planes in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve have truly never looked better. Then you have the prospect of multi-layered cloudscapes for some of the most dynamic sky battles yet. Even the character models and cutscenes are a massive step up, adding so much more to the realism – a far cry from the days of JPEG dog.

Halo: Campaign Evolved

Beyond the micro-stutters in its first gameplay, Halo Studios’ second remake of the FPS classic isn’t looking too shabby. The revamped cinematics look stunning; the Covenant animate so well while staying true to the original; the texture work is sleek; and the weapon models look great. There are still plenty of doubts to be had, but at least on a visual level, Halo: Campaign Evolved is looking the part.

Arknights: Endfield

Gorgeous games aren’t exactly uncommon in this day and age, especially with stand-out efforts like Where Winds Meet and Wuthering Waves. Arknights: Endfield joins those ranks, and despite offering multiple zones instead of a true open world, the clean sci-fi aesthetic meshes so well with the extensive greenery on Talos 2. And as much praise as the character designs have received, the otherworldly Aggeloi aren’t far behind.

Forza Horizon 6

Like Gears of War: E-Day, once again, is there really any doubt that this will be a visual experience unlike any other? It’s not just because of Playground Games’ fantastic run of quality with the series, but also how it’s approaching the depiction of Japan. Tokyo City will, naturally, be one of the studio’s “most detailed and layered environments to date,” but it’s the subtleties, be it the wind bells signaling the arrival of Summer, or the calm energy permeating the atmosphere, that really have us excited. Couple that with this being the studio’s “biggest” and “most full” map yet, and Forza Horizon 6 could very well set a new benchmark for the genre.

Mouse: PI for Hire

If you ever played Cuphead and ever wanted a rubberhose animation-style first-person shooter, Mouse: PI for Hire may very well be it. Set in Mouseburg (naturally), you control PI Jack Pepper as he exposes a deep-rooted conspiracy. With a wide variety of weapons, including chainsaws and freeze, it’s looking to be a real swell time when it launches on March 19th for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC.

007 First Light

Few 007 titles and media have ever explored the origins of the superspy, but IO Interactive is going about it the right way. With a mix of classic gadgets, gorgeous sandboxes that encourage creative solutions, and a more impulsive James Bond, 007 First Light has all the tools to provide a fantastic action-adventure. It’s out on March 27th for current-gen consoles and PC.

No Law

From isometric cyberpunk twin-stick shooting to, well, first-person cyberpunk shooting, Neon Giant’s next game is certainly unexpected. Set in Port Desire, a more condensed open world, it’s a non-linear story about Grey Harker and his past mistakes returning to haunt him. How you solve those dilemmas is completely up to you, which is music to my Dishonored-loving ears. Here’s hoping the execution in No Law is as brilliant.

Phantom Blade Zero

Of course, you can’t have just one John Wick-esque journey. Cue S-Game’s Phantom Blade Zero, whose protagonist faces off against numerous assassins while clinging to life. While focusing more on fast-paced combat with multiple weapon types and brutal enemies, the world is littered with secrets, to the extent that you might not see everything on the first playthrough. Style and substance should be a winning formula indeed when it launches on September 9th for PS5 and PC.

Control Resonant

Remedy kind of spoiled us on the sequel, venturing beyond the confines of The Oldest House into something much bigger, but none of us expected a sequel like this. Battling through the streets and skies of Manhattan as Dylan, Jesse’s brother, wielding dual blades and heavy weapons alongside telekinesis and other powers – it feels almost like a dark fantasy, albeit through a paranatural lens. Control Resonant will hopefully channel that into something more, and we can’t wait to see the studio’s creativity truly unleashed.

The Sinking City 2

Frogwares’ return to the flooded city of Arkham, tackling eldritch horrors and attempting to survive with our sanity intact, is one that we’ve been waiting a long time for. The original showed promise, but The Sinking City 2 looks to expand on that, both graphically and in terms of far-reaching consequences. And let’s be honest – with Cthulhu, who doesn’t want to see how badly things can go? With a release sometime in the first half of 2026, it’s not long now.

Nioh 3

Be Tokugawa Takechiyo. Be next in line to become shogun, until your power-hungry sibling can’t take it, embroiling Japan in a massive Crucible. Venture back in time to various eras, even the Bakumatsu, for the first time in the series, and attempt to set things right. All in a day’s work for those who stand against the Yokai and with a massive scale, new weapons, revamped exploration, and more, Nioh 3 could be Team Ninja’s best yet (at least it seems to think so). Launching on February 6th for PS5 and PC, we’ll find out for ourselves soon enough.

Order of the Sinking Star

Braid Anniversary Edition may have underwhelmed commercially, but Jonathan Blow is back at it again, this time venturing back to the puzzling well. Much like The Witness, you’ll solve numerous puzzles, but spread across four worlds with various characters that intertwine in intriguing ways. With over 1000 in total, the Order of the Sinking Star is beyond ambitious and could serve as another instant classic.

Gears of War: E-Day

After what feels like years of being left on the hook, Gears of War returns with a familiar duo – Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago. No, we haven’t fallen into an alternative universe – instead, it’s a prequel, set during the Emergence War right as it began. If you’ve ever sought a return to a more linear campaign, then E-Day may very well fuel that desire and even cater to those who enjoyed the first game’s horror. We’re certainly ready to learn more.

Halo: Campaign Evolved

Master Chief is back in yet another revisitation of the first-person shooter that started it all. Skepticism aside, there’s plenty of reason to be excited, from the inclusion of later-game weapons to the addition of four-player co-op. And if sprint isn’t your cup of tea, just switch it off. Combine all this with the new prologue missions and cross-play, and Campaign Evolved could be the clean slate that the series needs.

Planet of Lana 2: Children of the Leaf

After everything that happened in the first game, you would think that Lana and Mui are due for a break. For better or worse, the sequel sees the duo delving deeper into Novo, unearthing new abilities and secrets while contending with a mysterious new threat. As an evolution of the original’s environmental storytelling and platforming, Planet of Lana 2 feels like a significant leap in every way.

The Blood of Dawnwalker

When vampires take over Vale Sangora, enslaving the local population, Coen is left with 30 days to save his family. As a half-vampire, however, he’s afforded some unique advantages, harnessing magic as a human by day and incredible strength as a vampire by night. Which affords more advantages, depending on the situation? What route will you take to dismantle the vampire’s hierarchy? The choice is yours, though care is necessary when deciding when to advance time. The Blood of Dawnwalker still doesn’t have a release date, but it’s out in 2026 for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake

At long last, Koei Tecmo is remaking perhaps the best game in the Fatal Frame series – Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly. Releasing on March 12th, it offers more than just revamped visuals. There are new areas, side stories, Camera Obscura features, and even the “Holding Hands with Mayu” mechanic, which surely won’t be required for a brand new ending. Surely.

Pragmata

Fighting killer robots is tough enough when your bullets won’t even penetrate their armor – try doing it while simultaneously hacking their defenses. As unwieldy as that sounds, Pragmata just feels right, as Hugh teams with the android Diana to navigate a hostile Lunar base. The developer has remained tight-lipped on many things, but thus far, its gameplay loop has proven compelling in its own right. With a launch finally set for April 30th, we’ll see if it can carry the entire gorgeous experience.

Resident Evil Requiem

A requiem for the dead. An examination of the truth behind the Racoon City Incident. Old faces and new, working together to survive a new nightmare. If previous Resident Evil games felt like a big deal, then Requiem seems like the end of an era. That said, with a choice between first and third perspectives, the intertwining of survival and action horror, and more, it’s going to be one that fans never forget upon launching on February 27th.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword

Meanwhile, another long-running IP gets a new lease on life. Onimusha: Way of the Sword is straightforward enough – traverse Kyoto, cut down the Genma, and don’t die. But it’s from the perspective of the legendary Miyamoto Musashi, who’s armed with an Oni Gauntlet and must contend with his rival Sasaki Ganryu. Based on gameplay thus far, it’s shaping up into an incredible action-adventure – now all we need is a release date.

Saros

Minor delays aside, Housemarque’s next title is shaping up to be a dark horse just like Returnal. I’ve always sought a deeper challenge in this third-person shooter/bullet hell framework, and by leaning more into rogue-lite mechanics and progression, Saros looks even more enticing. Not to discount the bosses and other challenges, of course – if the story ends with fighting an actual eclipse, then it’s worth the price of admission.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve

The Wings of Theve will fly once more, as players return to the world of Strangereal to liberate the Federation of Usea. Promising the same epic campaign as its predecessors, Ace Combat 8 features stunning visuals and high-octane aerial combat when it releases later this year.

Styx Blades of Greed

The Green Plague returns, this time to pull off the heist – or heists – to end all heists. Working with the Black Hand in his own zeppelin, Styx utilizes the power of Quartz to manipulate space and time to his benefit. There are three massive environments to explore, each unlocking new areas as you gain more tools, and overall, it looks like a major step up from Shards of Darkness.

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis

Speaking of returns, the legendary Lara Croft once again enters the action-adventure spotlight with Legacy of Atlantis, a Unreal Engine 5 reimagining of the original. Between all the familiar areas (and dinos), it also offers modernized gameplay and revamped controls, but Crystal Dynamics is keen on respecting the original’s legacy, which should be good news for purists.

Ontos

Count on Frictional Games to deliver a horror experience that’s completely unlike anything else out there. As a spiritual successor to the similarly mind-bending Soma, Ontos takes place in a moon hotel, where you partake in experiments as Aditi to find her father. Reality, for all intents and purposes, isn’t what it seems and who knows what secrets this labyrinth holds (which only makes it all the more enticing).

Fable

With the next Xbox Developer_Direct due in January, there’s no time like the fast-approaching present for Playground Games to showcase Fable. And not just a cute trailer with celebrities or a modern interpretation of a classic story – we’re talking raw gameplay. Considering the pedigree of those involved, Fable could live up to its lofty aspirations, but for now, we need to see more, especially when it’s out in 2026.

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight

Say what you will about Gotham City, but the legend of Batman, as he fights crime and struggles with his morality, remains as timeless as ever. Of course, TT Games is going for a more lighthearted touch with its sequel, packing in humor galore while still paying homage to the Batman’s legacy. With multiple playable characters and a massive playground, Legacy of the Dark Knight is shaping up to be an incredible tribute when it launches on May 29th.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection

A catastrophe in a fantastical world that somehow involves a Rathalos – where have we heard this before? Beyond the promise of an epic adventure, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is also venturing into new directions with raising monsties. You can now fight off invasive monsters, retrieve endangered eggs, hatch them and reintroduce them into the wild to restore a habitat. Which is a nice ecological message, but it also nets a sick fire-wielding Zinogre, among other mutations, and that’s what really matters.

Beast of Reincarnation

A triple-A game from Game Freak, known for the Pokémon series, sounds…odd, if nothing else. It involves a human named Emma and her dog Koo working together to save humanity in a post-apocalyptic future. Between majestic creatures, bizarre enemies, a beautiful depiction of Japan’s wilderness and extensive violence, you have to wonder whether this is the same developer. Regardless, it should be worth the wait.

Marvel’s Wolverine

When talking about violence – and lots of it – Insomniac speaks to us on a primal level with Marvel’s Wolverine. Every aspect of that berserker fantasy is preserved in this original story, as Logan seeks the key to his past, even if he might not like the answers. There’s more to learn, but really, we’re way past sold based on the dismemberment alone.

Grand Theft Auto 6

By now, we’ve covered the sheer agony of delays that Rockstar’s sequel has inspired, not to mention everything we’d like to see. The crazy thing is that despite the hype and every detail in its last trailer, it still feels we haven’t truly seen the core of Grand Theft Auto 6, much less its gameplay. With a release date of November 19th, which hopefully won’t change any time soon, there’s plenty of time to learn more. Let’s hope it’s sooner rather than later.

Ikuma – The Frozen Compass

From Lost Ember developer Mooneye Studios comes a new adventure about survival in the Arctic. As Sam and his dog Ellie, you’ll traverse the harsh environment, climbing and foraging for resources to survive while seeking a way back home, even as something strange lurks beyond the ice and snow. Beyond the gorgeous aesthetic, Ikuma – The Frozen Compass could be a uniquely emotional journey.

Cairn

If you’re looking for a different but still harrowing survival narrative experience, look no further than Cairn. The Game Bakers’ latest focuses on Aava, who seeks to scale Mount Kami, perhaps becoming the first to ever do it. While the path is littered with good intentions, it’s also fraught with danger (and that’s before you decide to try and climb at night). Still, with the ability to climb anywhere and find your own path, Cairn isn’t messing around and could end up as the premier climbing title.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties

The Yakuza series is no stranger to deep side activities that will occupy you for hours. So how about managing an orphanage, participating in unique bonding events, and even raising your Daddy Rank (seriously)? If that sounds a little too cutesy, don’t worry – Yoshitaka Mine’s story, as told through Dark Ties, offers Kanda Damage Control, where you fulfil requests, complete challenges (including combat), and ascend past the ranks of trash. Between all this and their deeply involving narratives, there’s little reason not to delve into Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties when it launches on February 12th.

Code Vein 2

What’s the end of the world between blood-sucking, dungeon-crawling, and friends? Unlike the first game, Code Vein 2 is about hopping through time, meeting various important figures, and hopefully stopping the apocalypse. The lack of online co-op is a bummer, but at least the robust character creator is back, while build variety is freer than ever. With bigger foes, bosses, and stakes, Code Vein 2 should offer a more impactful experience when it launches on January 30th.

Gothic 1 Remake

The original “Explore a Eurojank world without any hand-holding and try to survive”, but this time with improved visuals. Everything about the original remains unchanged; however, as you navigate the Colony in whatever manner you wish. Choose a faction, become a hero, interact with NPCs – whatever you desire across a 50-hour journey when Gothic 1 Remake launches in Q1 2026.

Valor Mortis

“All men must die”, says Valar Morghulis, but not you. Instead, Ghostrunner developer One More Level wants you to show courage in the face of death, especially after you’ve been brought back to life and must battle against plague-ridden foes. As a first-person Souls-like with responsive melee combat, Valor Mortis is shaping up pretty well, and we can’t wait to see how far the horror-filled rabbit hole goes.

Decrepit

Of course, if you want something even darker, there’s Decrepit, which offers an even simpler goal: Escape a castle teeming with danger. There’s a rogue-lite loop where getting caught means starting over, but beyond the Souls-like combat, the emphasis is on learning more about the world, uncovering secrets like permanent upgrades, harnessing equipment to suit your playstyle, and so on. It’s intriguing, and complements Valor Mortis in several ways.

Forza Horizon 6

If the millions and millions of players throughout the years didn’t clue you in, this franchise is unstoppable, and Forza Horizon 6 could be the best yet. New cars and a bigger map, spreading from Tokyo to the area around Mt Fuji, is a given, but Playground cramming it with activities to make it the “most full” yet is intriguing. With rumors claiming a release in the first half of 2026, Xbox Series X/S and PC won’t have to wait long to go hands-on.

While the studio wanted to ensure that it was making a brand new title that would go toe-to-toe against any other big-budget release, they also spoke about how it would see the return of aspects of the Ace Combat series that its fans have enjoyed. Shimomoto explained that, “We kept the things fans have loved for 30 years, and thought about what changes would please them,” before going on to explain the three pillars that form the identity of the Ace Combat franchise—the exhilaration of freely flying through the sky, the excitement of shooting down enemies based on your own judgment, and sense of accomplishment from overcoming challenges.

As for some of the newer things that we will see in Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, it includes a brand new engine that will work in tandem with Unreal Engine 5 to help generate the in-game clouds. This new engine, dubbed Cloudly, was created in-house to serve as a replacement to third-party tool trueSKY, and Kono noted that it was useful for the team to help create more realistic clouds with layers and different characteristics.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve will also feature real-time cinematic cutscenes that take place in the first-person perspective. This means that, when in a cutscene from their character’s perspective, players will also have the choice to move their heads around to take in some of the environmental storytelling that might be present in the background. While this doesn’t add too much to the core gameplay of the upcoming title, the feature was described as being added to help provide players with a feeling that they have a key role to play in the story. Going further, there will also be cockpit cameras for some cutscenes that take place mid-flight.

“By deliberately looking away, you may discover new things, such as what other characters are doing in the background while the conversation is happening,” Kono said.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve was unveiled with a trailer that provided a rundown of the general premise, with the player taking on the role of the eponymous “Wings of Theve” in the year 2029. The protagonist is one of the pilots on the refugee ship Endurance, which is also populated by refugees of the Federation of Central Usea after it was recently attacked. The game is being developed by Project Aces, and while a solid release date for the game hasn’t yet been announced, it does have a 2026 window, when it will come to PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

For more details about the Ace Combat series, check out our review of the previous title—Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown.

Launching in 2026 for Xbox Series X/S, PC and PS5, Ace Combat 8 is developed on Unreal Engine 5. Per a new interview with Variety, the year is 2029, and you’re a pilot on the Endurance, which is full of refugees after the attack on the Federation of Central Usea.

Your job as “Wings of Theve,” which is the capital of the FCU, is to retake the nation from the Republic of Sotoa. You’ll have three allies on hand to help out, but it’s a task that’s easier said than done.

Development is assisted by ILCA (Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl), and thus far, it’s looking exactly like what we expect from Ace Combat. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months.