10. The 9th Charnel

There’s a sense that the development team behind this had grand plans. Multiple playable characters with different backstories, survival mechanics, stealth, “realistic graphics” (their words, not mine) – it seems intriguing enough, until you actually play it. Poor performance, terrible voice acting, awful controls – that it even runs feels like a miracle. Minimal expectations aside, there’s just a sheer lack of redeeming qualities that would make you hope for better. Which sounds like a good time to segue to…

9. Code Violet

On the one hand, what can one expect anything from Teamkill Media in this day and age? Quantum Error was awful, but at least there was some sense that the studio was trying. Failing, sure, but trying all the same to make…something. Son and Bone was a waste of time, and with Code Violet, it appears to have given up even attempting to make an entertaining game. Awful story, awful gameplay, bland characters – the only reason it isn’t higher up is because of the negative hype going in.

8. Bubsy 4D

I wasn’t much of a Bubsy fan back in the day, but I admit that he’s had a rough time of it over the years. So seeing a 3D comeback like this from developer Fabraz was a nice feeling, with some decent humor and an intriguing, if ultimately uninteresting premise. But as it wore on, it became evident that Bubsy, annoying as he could be, was the least of the game’s problems, whether it’s the barren levels, occasionally iffy platforming, or a janky camera. Knowing what the developer is capable of, Bubsy 4D couldn’t measure up, even under little pressure.

7. Aphelion

Aphelion struggles to make a strong impression. Its story may have moments that pull you in, but it never reaches the level of intrigue or emotional weight it seems to be aiming for. The bigger issue is the gameplay, which quickly becomes a drag, with poor controls making even basic interactions feel more frustrating than they should. No one was expecting a sci-fi masterpiece, but it is still surprising how flat and uninteresting Aphelion feels overall.

6. Atomic Heart: Blood on Crystal

Speaking of “uninteresting,” if this were the first DLC for P-3’s bizarre adventure, I could see the reasoning for not expecting much. But this is the finale, the one that sets up the future, never mind the conclusion to the conflict between P-3 and CHAR-les. Instead, we get repetitive combat, annoying and tiresome traversal, and the same awful dialogue that marred the base game. If anything, at least it’s over, and we can move on to better things, even if Blood on Crystal doesn’t inspire much hope for the future.

5. Kiln

Maybe this hits more personally than the others, because you can see the sheer charm and originality in Kiln’s universe. But there’s still no denying how much of a bad idea it was from the word go. I’m all for supporting a studio’s creativity, but a multiplayer arena brawler in this day and age, that too from a team renowned for its single-player efforts? Did Double Fine not see what happened with Ninja Theory and Bleeding Edge? As a whole, Kiln doesn’t even muster above interesting. It’s as insubstantial as they come and all the charm in the world can’t save it.

4. Romeo is a Dead Man

If there’s anything you should take away from its placement on this list, it’s that I very much wanted to like Grasshopper Manufacture’s latest. The style, the atmosphere calling back to Tokusatsu greats like Ultraman and Kamen Rider, and the trippy narrative, which went beyond your average intergalactic hunt for space-time fugitives into something more surreal, were all pretty strong. It’s just that the actual gameplay left so much to be desired, especially with repetitive combat, underwhelming level design, lackluster enemy variety and shoddy performance. While it’s not the worst game of all time, it definitely needed more polish to match its overwhelming sense of style, especially given what the studio has been capable of at its peak.

3. Dead or Alive 6: Last Round

Far be it from the base game to inspire much love, either from long-time fans or fighting game nerds, but you would think in 2026 that Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo would attempt a clean slate. Dead or Alive 7 has been announced, after all. Surely they could revitalize Dead or Alive 6 with revamped mechanics, balance changes, less awful monetization, rollback netcode and a Tag Team mode that fans have been craving for years and years.

Last Round doesn’t offer any of that. In fact, it demands you repurchase all those characters and their costumes at higher prices. And to rub even more salt in the wound, the 2019 version has been delisted, which means you’re paying for a buggier follow-up that’s also trying to fleece you. Is this the same Koei Tecmo that released Nioh 3 and Pokemon Pokopia, two of this year’s best games? While the controversy will likely die down when Dead or Alive 7 rolls around, it’s amazing how well the publisher has effectively killed interest in the series, making anyone who cared about it feel like an utter fool.

2. Starfield: Terran Armada

While it’s only $10 – a far cry from the awful Shattered Space that cost $30 – and Bethesda clearly wasn’t aiming very high, Terran Armada is still frustratingly disappointing. After a year of relative silence, it should have offered a worthwhile narrative to accompany Free Lanes’ many new systems and quality-of-life improvements. It should have been Bethesda overdelivering for the fans in terms of storytelling.

Instead, there’s a new faction, enemy robots, some new ships to battle and commandeer, and Incursions to partake in. Imagine if the menial tasks in Fallout 4 actually became main mission content, against the backdrop of an initially promising story that, once again, flops on the execution. And if you’re a new player, especially with the recent PS5 version, the sheer number of bugs for the DLC alone would make you swear off Bethesda games entirely. Terran Armada may not be Bethesda’s worst ever, but it should have been an opportunity to do better rather than phoning it in.

1. Highguard

Some games fail because of unreasonable expectations, which usually emerge from extensive hype. Which is what made Wildlight Entertainment’s raid hero shooter such a fascinating anomaly. Everyone audibly groaned when it closed out The Game Awards, but the sheer audacity of it all actually drove some manner of anticipation, even if it was to watch the game fail.

The lack of communication leading up to its January launch was equally interpreted as the studio avoiding backlash and perhaps cooking up something special. Then Highguard actually dropped, just as it promised, and it was…not great. A mishmash of wildly conflicting genres, coupled with mostly uninspired heroes, painfully long matches, horrendous optimization, and more, ultimately sullied some interesting environments and solid gunplay.

Less than two months and numerous layoffs later, it was dead. You would think expecting anything from yet another dry live-service title would be folly, but given the studio’s experience, the years in development, and its funding (which may or may not have come from Tencent), it wasn’t your average project in terms of scale. If it ended up enjoyable, who knows how many of those players who checked it out on day one, expecting a massive failure, would have stuck around?

So long, Highguard – we hardly knew ye, but at least you made everyone question that one last announcement at every Summer Game Fest, Game Awards and so on going forward.

But is that enough to make this one a must-play adventure? Well, yes and no. Yes, because the story on offer is nuanced and riveting. No, because the gameplay does get a tad repetitive once you manage to get over the sheer beauty and scale of Persephone, the planet that you explore as either astrobiologist Ariane Montclair or engineer Thomas Cross.

The two of them are on Persephone to evaluate its viability as a suitable planet to support human life in the wake of Earth becoming uninhabitable. Things are quite bad, and the two astronauts are under the assumption that they’re humanity’s last hope, exploring an unknown planet in search of The Source, an entity that’s on Persephone that might be the key to evaluating its ability to sustain life.

Of course, things don’t go according to plan, and Ariane and Thomas are separated when their ship crashes on Persephone. While Ariane manages to get away unscathed, Thomas isn’t so lucky, and must deal with a severe injury as the pair of them try to find their way back to each other while making a beeline for The Source.

That covers the game’s premise, but how does that evolve into a story that’s equal parts poignant and mysterious? The various character’s complex lore is a major part of that, their personalities and individual goals creating some friction before their voyage to Persephone is brought to an abrupt end.

In the aftermath of their separation, Persephone kind of becomes a third wheel, an obstacle that needs to be overcome in their effort to find each other again. While Ariane is able to move and navigate its landscape with no hitches, Thomas is impaled in his attempt to escape the crashing ship via an escape pod that crashes elsewhere, and must take it easy as he tries to find and reunite with Ariane.

"Playing as either character often brings up wistful thoughts that they have about their fellow companion on a journey that’s very lonely for the most part."

Both astronauts come with a Pathfinder, which helps them identify useful points of interest on Persephone’s surface, and a grappling hook that’s quite nifty at creating new paths through hostile terrain. An EM wave emitter also helps with both those functions, and Ariane puts it to good use once she discovers that The Source runs on electromagnetic waves.

Playing as either character often brings up wistful thoughts that they have about their fellow companion on a journey that’s very lonely for the most part. It’s here that Perspehone truly shines, its grandeur tempered by a sense of isolation and an element of the unknown that almost feels like it’s right there beside you, lingering out of sight but never truly gone.

It’s a planet whose beauty is ethereal, but that comes at the price of an oppressive silence that’s so constantly present, you feel like you could reach out and touch it. The visuals on this one are top-notch, and help to sell Persephone’s scale and its intense conditions with aplomb.

Persephone is the perfect backdrop for Ariane and Thomas’s somber reflections on their bond, and the importance of their mission. You find snippets of lore in a few places that we’re not going to spoil, and it all paints a picture of desperation blended with hope for a better future for humanity and it’s a great motivator to keep going forward with either character whenever the game switches you fro one to the other.

"The visuals on this one are top-notch, and help to sell Persephone’s scale and its intense conditions with aplomb."

That’s Aphelion’s biggest strength. It underscores Ariane’s determination and Thomas’s cheery disposition with their own insecurities, and does that so subtly it immediately stands out as a game whose narrative shines. It’s a pity then, that the gameplay doesn’t feel as intriguing.

Making your way across Persephone is a challenge, for sure, but it does get quite repetitive once the initial novelty wears off. The game relies too much on sweeping vistas and moments of splendor without translating that into a series of systems that make engaging with Persephone’s many mysteries as intriguing as it could have been.

As Ariane, you’re going to be identifying points of interest and climbing, leaping, and swinging across the land to get there. Of course, you’re not truly alone on Persephone and a mysterious entity called Nemesis stalks your every step. It’s an imposing adversary, but one that’s let down by an AI that seems geared towards simplicity rather than an actual challenge.

As Thomas, you find yourself relegated to travelling on foot as his injury doesn’t allow him to scale new heights the way Ariane does. Even worse, his oxygen supply is damaged, and you find yourself plotting routes between refill stations with a sense of urgency that was very welcome. There’s enough variety to make the two protagonist’s chapters feel distinct from each other, and the directions that the story takes them in are quite organic and well-written.

Equally well-handled is the game’s score, with the music being a personal highlight of the experience for me. But the soundtrack isn’t the only thing that’s good. The developer recommends a headset with this one, and it’s so darn immersive with cold, lonely winds howling around you as you make your way across Persephone, the hope of humanity riding on your capable shoulders.

"The developer recommends a headset with this one, and it’s so darn immersive with cold, lonely winds howling around you as you make your way across Persephone, the hope of humanity riding on your capable shoulders."

As far as performance is concerned, the game sustains a steady framerate and a level of visual fidelity that makes it stand out. The reflections off of Ariane’s uniform and helmet, as well as off icy surfaces are outstanding, while areas with poor visibility due to the weather feel as imposing as they would in the real world. And with loading screens relegated to the beginning of each chapter, the whole thing feels quite seamless and immersive.

It’s evident that Aphelion is a more narrative-driven title while its gameplay feels like it exists only to give you something to do between exposition-heavy cutscenes. That might be a bad thing in a lesser title, but this one is so nuanced that I found myself thinking about what I might do if I were stuck in a similar situation. It prompts introspection, and presents its melancholy in a way that’s so relatable you find yourself wanting to see what happens next.

Aphelion is very easy to recommend for those of you who want to kick back and dive into a story that you’re sure to like. But if you’re looking for a bit of a challenge, the lack of difficulty options and a more traversal-focused gameplay loop are going to disappoint you. To be fair, I don’t see how potential difficulty options is going to change things for the better, but I must commend the addition of options to make the gameplay even simpler for those of you who want it.

If you’re a fan of sci-fi adventures, you won’t regret picking this one up. But if you’re looking for a more involved gameplay loop, this isn’t the game for you. I’d still recommend picking it up on sale just to experience its story and visual splendor, though.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

The trailer starts with one of our two protagonists—Thomas—exploring a seemingly abandoned facility. However, a strange anomaly pops up, causing ice crystals to form around him. Meanwhile, our other protagonist, Ariane, is still stuck in her ship. The two are stranded, far from each other, and must figure out a way to reunite and get back home.

While Ariane’s gameplay will revolve more around her physical capabilities, which means scaling cliffs and crossing vast chasms, Thomas’ gameplay will instead focus on puzzle solving and making use of his deductive reasoning skills.

Aphelion received another trailer back in February, which gave us a look at how the two protagonists’ gameplay will be different from each other. It also gave us our first look at a strange creature, Nemesis, that appears as corrupted electromagnetic waves.

Aphelion is coming to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on April 28th, and will also launch on day one for Game Pass. The title was originally unveiled all the way back in June 2025.

Of course, as the publication notes, these are “only a few” of the appearing titles. The showcase promises “exclusive trailers, new looks and gameplay” from upcoming titles, including “plenty of amazing-looking” indies. There’s even a “surprise,” and your guess is as good as ours on what that could be.

While it may not seem a big deal compared to, say, another Xbox_Developer Direct or Partner Showcase, the last IGN-partnered ID@Xbox Showcase featured new trailers for MOUSE: P.I. For Hire, Planet of Lana 2: Children of the Leaf, Routine, Darkwood 2, and…well, Aphelion.

Aside from the latter, which launches next week (including on Game Pass), we’ll likely get release dates for Mistfall Hunter and There Are No Ghosts at the Grand. Solo Leveling: Arise Overdrive could showcase its next big update for those who are into the game. Maybe it’s coming to Xbox Series X/S.

As always, stay tuned for more details and coverage. For those hoping for heavier hitters, there’s still the Xbox Games Showcase and Gears of War: E-Day Direct on June 7th. Microsoft has yet to confirm all the appearing games, but at least The Coalition will have a “fantastic, full 30 minutes of stuff to see,” according to Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty.

While the former two are available for Premium subscribers, the latter launches on day one for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. On April 23rd, Double Fine Productions’ chaotic arts-and-crafts-meets-competitive-multiplayer title Kiln will be available on the same tiers for Xbox Series X/S and PC. Of course, it’s also coming to PS5 with cross-platform play available.

Aphelion, the latest narrative adventure from DON’T NOD, is available on April 28th for Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Meanwhile, Trepang2 is playable on April 29th for Premium, Ultimate and PC tiers, in case you were missing some F.E.A.R.-style combat in your life.

After an initial delay, Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era will launch on April 30th via Game Preview, with Ultimate and PC subscribers receiving access. It’s accompanied by Sledding Game, a relaxing snow-sports title that’s meant for friends (and even offers proximity voice chat), and TerraTech Legion, a “bullet heaven builder” where you fight off waves of robots by creating an increasingly powerful block-based vehicle.

If that wasn’t enough, next month kicks off with the addition of Final Fantasy 5 on May 5th. It won’t be long before the entire franchise is officially available on Game Pass, which is incentive enough to sign up.

Check out all the games leaving on April 30th. It’s a fairly long list, so either dive into them today or pick them up for 20 percent off:

• Citizen Sleeper (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Creatures of Ava (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Endless Legend 2 (PC)
• Goat Simulator (Cloud and Console)
• Goat Simulator Remastered (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Hunt Showdown 1896 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• NHL 24 (EA Play) (Cloud and Console)
• Revenge of the Savage Planet (Cloud, Console, and PC)

Persephone, as the remnants of humanity have chosen to name it, exists quite close to the Earth, but its landmasses could not be more different. There’s not a lot of greenery on its surfaces, and there seems to be something sinister lurking under all of the ice and snow that covers the ground you’re going to be treading as Ariane and Thomas.

The new trailer also shows off a little more about the need to try and make Persephone a new home for humanity, and the hope that fuels Ariane and Thomas’ efforts to discover more about the mysterious planet against all odds. If the game’s visuals are anything like the trailer, this one could be quite the immersive experience, and we can’t wait to see what it has to offer on April 28. It’s also going to be on Game Pass, and console players can avail a 10 percent discount on their pre-orders.

If you were hoping to pick up a physical copy, the Pioneer Edition launches on July 2. The three-month wait could be worth it if it’s a sleeper hit, so keep an eye out for when it launches.

It is worth noting that the trailer features quite a few visual flaws, like Ariane floating in the air for a second before sliding down a collapsing passage. However, DON’T NOD also seems well aware of this, since the studio has prominently noted that the game is still a work in progress.

With the plot of Aphelion revolving around Ariane and Thomas exploring a new planet in the Solar System—Persephone—and the two getting separated in the process, the trailer also showed us how the two were trying to reunite. While Ariane was trying to get to the last place she could track down for Thomas, he found his way into a base that was seemingly created by a prior team that had also somehow reached the planet.

As the two continue exploring in the hunt for answers, they also come across a strange creature that seems to be a corruption of electromagnetic waves. A prior trailer had referred to this creature as the Nemesis, and it may have had a hand in the disappearance of the previous team that built the base. Incidentally, while Thomas was busy exploring the base and finding new mysteries that needed uncovering, we got to see quite a bit of platforming gameplay for Ariane. As she made her way around the surface of planet Persephone, we got to see her swinging around using a grappling hook, making her way into caves, and even climbing up ledges in an attempt to get stronger footholds.

Aphelion was unveiled back in June 2025, which gave us our first look at both protagonists and the planet of Persephone. The trailer also introduced the core premise of the game, and started introducing questions about the European Space Agency’s Hope 01 scientific mission.

A second trailer, focusing more on the threat posed by the Nemsis, was released in October. We also got to see more of Thomas’ personality, and his overall response to the crisis that he and Ariane have found themselves in. Along with treacherous environments, we also got our first glimpse at how sneaking around would work in the presence of the Nemesis.

DON’T NOD has also confirmed that both characters will have unique gameplay styles, with Ariane focusing on more physical activity while Thomas, due to his injuries, being forced to rely largely on his deductive capabilities.

Despite its Spring release window, DON’T NOD hasn’t yet revealed a precise release date for Aphelion. However, the studio has confirmed that it is coming to PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Well, that’s exactly what we’re setting out to do. Here are a few recently announced titles that are sure to make 2026 and the next few years all the more exciting with their presence. Let’s get started!

1. Sons of Sparta

This one was quite a pleasant surprise, being made available right after its reveal at State of Play. If you love hard-hitting action, big set-piece battles, and a setting that goes all-in on spectacle and emotion, this one’s an absolute no-brainer.

It’s a 2D platformer that rewinds the clock, diving into a protagonist’s past as he fights alongside his brother and begins carving out his place on the battlefield. It leans heavily into tight platforming challenges, while its spear-and-shield combat proves surprisingly addictive, rewarding precision, smart parries, and well-timed evasions.

2. The Trilogy Remake

It was a welcome surprise to see the announcement land at the show, especially with a full remake project on the table for players. We’re eager to see how the updated versions modernize the classic gameplay loops, sharpen the pacing, and refine the combat feel while keeping the general flow and feel intact.

Either way, we’ll be jumping in the moment it’s playable, though it sounds like it may be a while, with development still in the early stages.

3. Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse

It’s always great to join one of the Belmont’s on a monster hunting adventure, and this one’s setting in Paris has us fascinated by its gothic vibe and buttery smooth combat animations. Of course, the Vampire Killer is making its return to your side along with new weapon types that let you take the fight to whatever monstrosities the game throws at you.

While details about its story are a tad scarce at this time, we’re sure that Konami and the Dead Cells team are up to the task of making it one worthy of the long-standing franchise.

4. Gothic Remake

This is another remake that we’re itching to get our hands on considering just how much work is going into making it a game that stays true to the classic RPG while modernizing it to make it appealing to a new generation of players.

With the most recent in a series of videos about its development showcasing how the team has crafted its NPC character models from the ground up, this one’s shaping up to be a very fine addition to a slew of remakes of classic titles. Even better is the fact that it’s currently scheduled for a 2026 release.

5. Samson

This one’s quite unique in that it features a man in a leather jacket literally taking on the world in order to pay off his debts and save his family. That’s easier said than done, however, as the city of Tyndalston is not an ideal place where one can earn their fair share without a little bit of violence involved.

Miss a day’s payment, and you’re even deeper in the debt trap with both the law and the lawless out to get you. This action brawler is going to keep the pressure on you, but of course, it gives you everything you need to come out on top. Just don’t expect it to give you cash or mercy.

6. Aphelion

While we’ve seen our fair share of sci-fi adventures where humanity needs to move out from the Earth thanks to hostile living conditions, we’re still excited for Aphelion as it does things a little differently. You see, it focuses on two explorers stranded on a potentially new home for their fellow humans, their ship having crashed, and one of them being injured in the process.

With two protagonists with their own abilities and skills, and a story that explores the burden of duty in a dire situation, this one could pull at your heartstrings more than you’d like to admit.

7. John Wick

It’s always going to be great to see Keanu Reeves play another video game badass after his work as Johnny Silverhand. And John Wick’s excellent take on the character’s signature gun-fu style is looking very promising in the reveal trailer at State of Play, February 2026.

Saber Interactive looks like it’s staying true to the character while bringing all of the action and chaos that seems to chase him around to the table in a title we’re excited to play, although that could take a while.

8. Knight’s Path

When life gives you lemons, you pick up a sword and wander the land in search of redemption. At least, that’s what Arlyk, the protagonist of this action-RPG set in ancient Rome, sets out to do in order to rebuild his life as a noble.

With combat that’s looking like you’re going to earn your reputation as a swordsman without comparison, this one is going to have us spending a lot of time with mechanics that are designed to make each swing or slash of your blade count. Add in an immersive world and a potentially memorable cast of characters, and you have yourself a winner.

9. Kena: Scars of Kosmora

Kena is now older, wiser, and more determined to bring her unique blend of empathy and compassion to Kosmora, a brand new location that’s opened its doors to her. She’s more confident in her role as a guide and is determined to help the living as well as the dead as she goes about her duties.

That’s good news for us as it gives us more opportunities to experience a story that hopefully retains the wit and charm of Bridge of Spirits with a combat system that seems fast, fluid, and, most importantly, fun.

10. Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol 2

We’re never going to say no to any opportunity to play more Metal Gear Solid, and the chance to replay MGS4 on a modern console without having to boot up our admittedly ancient PS3 is always a reason to celebrate.

And with Peace Walker retaining its online play components, this is a title we’re eager to get our hands on when August 2026 finally comes around. It’s time to round up your friends and take on a Metal Gear title that was built around cooperative play in this second addition to the Master Collection series from Konami.

11. GreedFall 2: The Dying World 1.0

The prequel to Greedfall has been in early access for a while now, but it’s finally ready to face the world this March. We’re stoked to return to Tree Fradee, a place where your choices carry wait and there’s always a bit of danger for those adventurers who care to go looking for it.

If this new title is anything like its predecessor, this one could have us spending more than a few hours finding out that our actions have consequences, and ones that we didn’t expect more often than not.

12. ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies

The spiritual successor to Disco Elysium is definitely up there with the more interesting concepts we’ve seen in recent years. You play as a former secret agent who harbors dark secrets and is now working as a PI after being forced out of the agency in disgrace.

The story is about rebuilding burned bridges as much as it is a mystery, where you need to think carefully about your actions while also paying attention to your crumbling mental state. That’s a lot to take in, but it’s going to be worth it from everything we’ve seen about this one.

13. Road to Vostok

Coming to early access in April 2026, this post-apocalyptic survival title takes you to Vostok, a harsh place in which even a silly error could mean the end of your adventure, with permadeath being a constant threat that hovers over you as you make your way through the story.

With a dynamic world that features a comprehensive weather system, multiple hostile factions all determined to give your character a premature death, and of course, a ton of loot to be gathered, Road to Vostok has us quite enthusiastic for all of it.

14. IKUMA – The Frozen Compass

Any adventure where you’re accompanied by a NPC is one that’s worth it in our book, and this one definitely caught our eye with its unique visuals and art style. You play as Sam, a boy who finds himself alone and stranded on an island in the Arctic with his loyal furry friend Ellie at his side.

Together, they must find a way home, braving all of the challenges in their way in a coming-of-age story that forces Sam to confront his past in order to ensure he has a future.

15. Project Windless

If you liked The Bird That Drinks Tears series of novels, this is a game that’s going to be a treat for you. It’s an open-world RPG set in the same universe as the books, placing you in the shoes (metaphorically, of course) of a giant humanoid bird who is armed with a pretty cool pair of dual blades and out on a mission that has you taking on several enemies who are quite skilled at coming at you from all directions based off what we’ve seen in the trailer.

This is a game that we’re eager to play thanks to its focused, single-player experience.

And that’s a wrap on our most anticipated titles for the rest of this year and perhaps a few that are going into 2027 and beyond. Of course, you can be sure you’re going to hear from us the moment new information on any one of them becomes available.

Dubbed Hide to Survive, the trailer also gives us a look at the personality of Thomas Cross, and how he tends to deal with the strange crises befalling the crew of the Hope-01 shuttle. The trailer also indicates that quite a bit of the plot of Aphelion will revolve around Ariane and Thomas trying to find each other after getting separated as a result of the Hope-01 shuttle crashing on to the planet Persephone.

With Aphelion, DON’T NOD seemingly wants to provide a unique take on the “stranded-on-an-alien-planet” narrative by giving us the perspectives of both characters that happen to be looking for each other. As we can see in the trailer, however, this quest is filled with its own perils, as both Ariane and Thomas will have to navigate through treacherous environments while also avoiding the attention of a strange alien lifeform, known only as The Nemesis.

Along with exploration and stealth, it looks like Aphelion will also feature some platforming elements as its two protagonists will have to scale the sides of cliffs and run through a frozen lake that seems to be collapsing right under their feet. The trailer caps things off by showing us a face-to-face encounter between Ariane and The Nemesis.

According to DON’T NOD, both characters will have their own unique gameplay styles. Ariane has been described as being more physical, which will come through in how she gets to traverse through the environments of Persephone. Thomas, however, is injured at the start of the story, and his gameplay will revolve more around his deductive capabilities.

Interestingly, the title will also feature a nod to the European Space Agency in the form of a specially designed patch worn by both Ariane and Thomas. The patch was designed by the game’s artistic director, Arnaud Barbier, in collaboration with ESA to represent the Hope-01 mission to observe and explore planet Persephone.

Aphelion was first unveiled back in June during Xbox Games Showcase 2025 with a trailer. At the time, only Ariane had been confirmed as the protagonist of the title. DON’T NOD had also revealed that the story would revolve around the discovery of a ninth planet in the Solar System – Persephone – and the Hope-01 mission to survey and explore the planet, which ultimately goes wrong.

Aphelion is being developed for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. While it doesn’t yet have a solid release date, DON’T NOD has stated that it will be coming out on 2026. PC and Xbox Series X/S players will also be able to play the title on day one through Game Pass. In the meantime, also check out details about the deal that the developer signed with Netflix to make a new game.

The gameplay in Aphelion seems to largely revolve around exploring an alien planet, complete with mountains that have to be scaled, and ravines that have to be swung over. The title has a focus on its narrative, but there are also seemingly going to be plenty of tense gameplay moments as well, despite the seeming lack of any enemies that players will have to take on.

The story in Aphelion revolves around the discovery of a ninth planet in the Solar System – Persephone. Dispatched by the European Space Agency, the Hope 01 scientific mission – which includes astronauts Ariane and Thomas – must survey the planet and ultimately decide whether it can serve as humanity’s new home.

Things get out of hand, however, as Hope 01 crash lands into the planet. Separate from each other, Ariane and Thomas must brave the harsh environments to find each other. Players take on the role of Ariane through this journey.

Aphelion is coming to PC and Xbox Series X/S in 2026. The game will also be coming to Xbox Game Pass on day one.