It seems that a lot of people have taken a shine to Aava’s effort to go where nobody else has dared venture, and The Game Bakers has managed to respond to its success with a very welcome blend of humor and humility. For those unaware of Cairn, it’s a survival climbing game where players seek to reach the peak of the perilous Mount Kami. Every surface is climbable, though it may not always be practical, and Aava must manage her supplies along with battling hunger, thirst and the cold.

Out now on PS5 and PC, we certainly had a lot of good things to say about the gruelling, but ultimately rewarding experience it presents in our review. If the responses to the studio’s tweet are any indication, players share our sentiments about Aava’s climb and claim to fame.

It’s a sentiment that resonates all the more considering the situation that Aava, the protagonist, is in. She has no shortage of friends or people cheering her on; no lack of interests to keep her occupied. Yet, she climbs Mount Kami, which no human has ever conquered and lived to tell the tale. Why?

Probably because it’s there, and that only scratches the surface of why Cairn is so endearing.

A video game focused primarily on climbing isn’t necessarily a new concept. Jusant is perhaps one of the better examples, but there have also been efforts like Celeste, a 2D platformer where the journey is as much an emotional rollercoaster as the summit.

"Being able to take a birdseye view and examine each crevice, knowing immediately where problems would arise, getting the brilliant idea to rappel down a spot and move across and up before encountering a new problem – it’s a constant feedback loop that’s equal parts challenging and fulfilling."

Unlike those, however, Cairn is a more grounded climbing game. Each of Aava’s four limbs must be controlled one at a time while climbing and anchored onto a ledge, outcrop or crevice. There’s a fair degree of movement involved, which skirts a fine line between executing what should be impossible maneuvers in real life unless you’re a professional climber and outright ignoring how joints should work. Regardless, each move is a tense decision – move too fast, and you risk slipping on a rock face that’s smoother than most. Move too slow and Aava’s stamina will deplete. Or her limbs will become shaky, and she’ll fall.

And hoo boy, are the falls painful beyond just reducing your health. Rather than forcing a climb back up, you respawn back at that point, at least on Alpinist difficulty. But that’s if you survive the fall. Die – and that percentage chance only goes up the higher you climb – and it’s back to the last save point. All that progress that you made, wiped away because you thought it was laying down a piton and off belaying to regain all that stamina was feasible when it clearly wasn’t. It’s not nearly as soul-crushing as something like, say, Getting Over It, but losing half of an hour of progress that you won’t get back still hurts.

But here’s the thing: I like it. I enjoy the control that Cairn gives me, whether it’s automatically selecting the best limb to control next or letting me freely select because I think the left and right legs should clearly stay in a single spot. It’s so simple yet so intuitive that I’m surprised it hasn’t been done before.

I also like the abject freedom allowed in selecting a climbing route. Do I take what appears to be the smarter route, or try to climb up beneath the waterfall, knowing that water makes surfaces more slippery? What’s hiding in that alcove above? Do I follow the cables dangling overhead or the nice little trail that requires jumping a small chasm?

Being able to take a birdseye view and examine each crevice, knowing immediately where problems would arise, getting the brilliant idea to rappel down a spot and move across and up before encountering a new problem – it’s a constant feedback loop that’s equal parts challenging and fulfilling. And also marginally demoralizing when things go wrong, like twisting a piton rather than perfectly timing its placement, which means Climb Bot is bringing back scraps. Beyond the amount of control is the feeling, as you scrape across surfaces, paying close attention to Aava’s breathing to know when it’s time to restore some stamina.

"It’s equal parts zen-like and death-defying, but also like I’m solving one of several dozen pieces of a puzzle that is climbing Mount Kami. Best of all is the fact that there are several other ways to do it (and an even tougher difficulty)."

Of course, there’s plenty of romanticism to it all. Nights spent in the bivouac with nothing but the cold wind (and the ever-reliable Climb Bot, of course) and a hot meal. Waking up to the gorgeous sunrise, or just admiring the distance achieved thus far. Looking up to see an impromptu waterfall, perfect for refilling water. Small critters dashing away. Discovering a memorial to fallen climbers and paying respects. It’s meditative. Calming.

Except when it isn’t, because if Mount Kami wants anything, it’s to make sure you never make it and die trying. Harsh weather can creep up on you as easily as the nighttime, and while cranking up the brightness made it much easier to surmount walls in the early hours, rainfall creating slick surfaces is no joke. Not to mention the other survival elements, because on top of managing Aava’s hunger and thirst, you also need to deal with the cold.

Food helps, and cooking it more so, whether you’re combining flowers and water into…some concoction, or boiling noodles, especially since they confer buffs. But the kicker is that you shouldn’t cook too much at a time, because they all have time limits. Go all in on a single journey, unsure whether you’ll find more resources for future meals? Or play it safe, rationing some along the way, testing the different routes until you find the one that doesn’t hate you? There’s also space in your backpack to account for, though Climb Bot is also good at turning compost, like plastic wrapping and spoilage, into chalk for climbing. Similarly, those piton scraps can be used to make new pitons, assuming you have enough. Take time to check your fingers as well and tape them when necessary.

So as straightforward as the gameplay loop may seem, Cairn is anything but. Each wall doesn’t immediately give the impression that it could be your last, but when you’re in the zone, monitoring Aava’s condition, knowing the right times to take a break, and judging the correct places to climb until you finally succeed, it feels good. It’s equal parts zen-like and death-defying, but also like I’m solving one of several dozen pieces of a puzzle that is climbing Mount Kami. Best of all is the fact that there are several other ways to do it (and an even tougher difficulty).

"The incredible controls and responsiveness, the sheer freedom to choose my route, the survival elements, and just the sheer wonder of camping on the side of a mountain drew me in and never let go. Until the next drop, of course."

However, it’s somewhat of a shame that Cairn’s frame rate on PS5 isn’t exactly stable, especially given the superb art direction and music (sporadic as it may be). Often hovering around 30 frames per second, it can sometimes jump up to 60 when camping or during some cutscenes. There’s definitely some variance while actually climbing, which can feel distracting, even if there aren’t any massive frame drops. And while I joked about the impossible movements that Aava is capable of, some of the animations and limbs slightly clipping through surfaces took me out of the experience. Yes, it’s goofy and doesn’t really impact the gameplay, but still. There are also some points where Climb Bot takes its sweet time to return with my Pitons, which is more curious than anything.

If you enjoyed Jusant, then I would definitely recommend Cairn. It lacks the post-apocalyptic trappings, but there is a unique magic to it, even if the climbing is much less forgiving and encourages more experimentation. For everyone else, it’s a challenging experience – one that doesn’t celebrate knocking you down so much as offer plenty of ways for you to fall. Getting back up is easy – it’s the decision to continue climbing that could wear on some. And yet, the incredible controls and responsiveness, the sheer freedom to choose my route, the survival elements, and just the sheer wonder of camping on the side of a mountain drew me in and never let go. Until the next drop, of course.

This game was reviewed on PS5.

Saros (Release Date: April 30)

Saros is a true spiritual successor to Returnal, taking everything that worked and doubling down on it while introducing some clever design tactics to make it feel more inclusive. Early teases suggest another fast-paced, mechanically demanding action experience, but this time with a stronger focus on world-building and character progression that stays in between runs. With Housemarque’s proven ability to blend tight gameplay with striking visuals, Saros is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing PS5 exclusives on the horizon.

Intergalactic

Naughty Dog’s brand-new IP, Intergalactic marks a major shift for the studio known for grounded storytelling. Set in a retro-futuristic sci-fi universe, the game looks to blend cinematic storytelling with expansive exploration and combat systems that are a lot more dense than what we are used to. While details remain scarce at the moment, Naughty Dog’s pedigree alone makes this a project worth watching closely and we will be observing it more closely in the coming weeks and months.

Marvel’s Wolverine (Release Date: Late 2026)

Insomniac Games has cemented its reputation as one of the best names in Sony’s first-party roster of developers, and Marvel’s Wolverine is the next big step for the team. Set to release in 2026, Marvel’s Wolverine will allegedly focus on a more personal narrative, and the gameplay trailers show some amazing and fast combat which comes together to make it one of the most highly-anticipated games of the year.

Phantom Blade Zero (Release Date: September 9)

Phantom Blade Zero is all about defeating enemies and taking part in lightning-fast combat encounters, and doing it all with absolute style. It blends traditional Chinese martial arts with a dark and gritty aesthetic, and the game seems poised to deliver fluid swordplay that emphasizes precision and timing over swinging flashy combos and racking in multipliers. Unlike many Soulslikes, Phantom Blade Zero appears to focus more on speed and spectacle without sacrificing depth which is a rather interesting premise. If it delivers on its promise of seamless combat animations and stylish encounters, this could be a standout action title for PS5 players craving something fresh.

Nioh 3 (Release Date: February 6)

Nioh has gone on to become a highly successful Souls like series, and Nioh 3 seems poised to continue on that goodwill. It’s largely built around the same combat framework, but Nioh 3 introduces the addition of both Samurai and Ninja combat styles which not only add more variety but should also add an element of personal expression to the meticulous dance of dodges. The visuals and art direction look striking, and Nioh 3 is definitely on our radar when it comes out on Feb 6, 2026.

Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls

Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls looks to bring Marvel’s iconic characters into a more mechanically focused fighting game framework. Rather than chasing realism, the game leans into stylized visuals and fast-paced combat that’s inspired by classic arcade fighters. The combat will unsurprisingly focus on tight inputs, flashy supers, and tag-based mechanics that reward both mechanical prowess and game knowledge.

Fairgame$

Fairgame$ is Sony’s bold attempt at a competitive, multiplayer-focused experience built around high-stakes heists and player-driven chaos. Developed by Haven Studios, the game emphasizes planning, teamwork, and adaptability rather than pure gunplay. Each match is designed to create unpredictable scenarios where things can go wrong very quickly, forcing players to think on their feet. Its vibrant presentation and stylish tone give it a distinct identity, and Fairgame$ has the potential to stand out if its systems encourage memorable, emergent moments.

Ballad of Antara

Ballad of Antara is a dark fantasy action RPG that blends Souls-like sensibilities with a narrative that’s a lot easier to digest. The game’s dual-reality mechanic lets players to shift between different versions of the same world, and that adds an interesting layer to both exploration and combat. Encounters appear deliberate and punishing without feeling overly restrictive, striking a balance between challenge and accessibility. Combined with stellar art direction and ominous atmosphere, Ballad of Antara looks like a title that could become a huge hit.

Arknights: Endfield (Release Date: January 22)

Arknights: Endfield marks a significant evolution for the franchise, morphing from its mobile tower-defense roots into a full-scale action RPG experience. The game features real-time combat, squad-based mechanics, and expansive environments that place a greater emphasis on exploration. Its already a big hit on the PC, and we are hoping to see a similarly positive response on the PS5 when it comes out in January this year.

Cairn (Release Date: January 29)

Cairn takes a refreshingly grounded approach by focusing almost entirely on climbing and survival. It’s completely devoid of any combat, and the game challenges players through careful resource management, environmental awareness, and precise movement. Every ascent feels dangerous, with mistakes carrying real consequences. It flaunts a rather tasteful art direction which gives the game a unique look and feel. Cairn may not appeal to everyone, but for players looking for something slower, more methodical, and deeply immersive, it stands out as one of the more unique PS5 exclusives in development.

Tokyo Xtreme Racer (Release Date: February 26)

Tokyo Xtreme Racer’s return brings back a style of racing that prioritizes atmosphere and one-on-one rivalries over flashy spectacle. Set on Japanese highways, the game focuses on high-speed duels, vehicle customization, and learning the nuances of each track – but it’s all quite nostalgic. On PS5, the series looks poised to modernize its visuals while retaining the moody tone that made it so memorable in the first place.

Brocade-Clad Guard

Brocade-Clad Guard immediately stands out thanks to its striking art direction and historical inspirations. Drawing from ancient Chinese aesthetics, the game emphasizes elegant yet deadly combat encounters against some of the fiercest enemies in the land. Swordplay is all about deliberate and disciplined, rewarding timing and positioning over reckless aggression. While details remain relatively scarce, the game’s visual identity alone makes it one of the more intriguing action RPGs on the list.

Exiledge

Another game from PlayStation’s China Hero Initiative, Exiledge is shaping up to be a slick action RPG with an emphasis on speed and fluidity. Combat revolves around being an aggressive warrior, encouraging players to chain attacks, abilities, and movement into seamless encounters. The futuristic aesthetic and vibrant visual effects give it a strong identity, helping it stand apart from the barrage of traditional fantasy RPGs.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake

The remake of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remains one of the most anticipated PS5 exclusives, even after a prolonged and uncertain development cycle. Rebuilding such a beloved RPG for modern hardware is a massive undertaking, and while details on the actual implementation remain scant for now – but updated visuals, refined combat systems, and fully voiced characters could breathe new life into its iconic story and open this experience up to a whole new set of fans.

Physint

Physint marks Hideo Kojima’s long-awaited return to the stealth-action genre, and expectations are understandably sky-high. Described as a spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid, the game aims to blend cinematic storytelling with deep, systemic stealth gameplay. While concrete information remains tightly under wraps, Physint is very much in a position to serve as a major tentpole release for PlayStation.

4:LOOP

4:LOOP is an experimental sci-fi title built entirely around repetition and discover where each run challenges players to learn more about the world and its systems. Rather than relying on traditional progression, the game encourages mastery through knowledge and experimentation. This structure allows for organic storytelling and player-driven problem-solving. If executed well, 4:LOOP could offer a deeply engaging experience that rewards curiosity and patience, standing apart from more conventional action-driven releases on the platform.

Psycho Dead

Psycho Dead puts players in the shoes of a little girl who has to escape from a secret laboratory that’s filled with all sorts of bizarre creatures. The game flaunts great use of environmental storytelling, using the surroundings to tell a story rather than relying on pure exposition. There are stalker enemies in the vein of something like Mr. X, psychic powers that can be used against enemies, and puzzles that need to be solved in order to progress – so fans of the genre should definitely check this one out.

Parasite: Mutant

Parasite Mutant blends action and horror through a mutation-driven progression system that allows players to evolve their abilities by absorbing enemy traits. This creates an interesting risk-reward dynamic, as greater power often comes at a visible cost. Combat appears fast and aggressive, complemented by a gritty, body-horror-inspired aesthetic. The game’s tone feels unapologetically dark, setting it apart from more polished action titles. If its mechanics are balanced well, Parasite Mutant could deliver a uniquely brutal and memorable PS5 experience.

Loulan The Cursed Sand

Loulan The Cursed Sand draws inspiration from ancient myths and desert folklore, and presents a hauntingly beautiful world filled with mystery. Played in an isometric perspective, the moment-to-moment gameplay revolves around crawling through enemy-infested dungeons and taking part in free-flowing combat that’s just as deliberate as it is flashy. The art direction on offer is also something worth noting, and Loulan The Cursed Sand does stand out amongst the barrage of other RPGs that are set to come out in the near future.

Project The Perceiver

Currently in development at 17ZHE, Project: The Perceiver is all about using different masks to gain special powers in battle and use them to conquer the fiercest enemies of the land. It operates on a Sekiro-esque framework where the power fantasy of being a warrior has to be rightfully earned, and the visuals look really breathtaking. Project: The Perceiver has a lot of great things on its sleeve, and it’s definitely something that could end up being really big if it plays out correctly.

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.

Retailing for $29.99, players can also avail of a Deluxe Edition for $36.99. It includes a travel guide crafted by artist Mathieu Bablet (Carbon and Silicon, Silent Jenny), and three of protagonist Aava’s keepsakes. Based on the trailer, Cairn promises a harrowing journey as players seek to scale Mount Kami, from which no one has ever returned.

Lasting about 15 hours, its realistic gameplay is the biggest appeal. You can climb anywhere, but you must adjust your position and find the right places to grab on to. Between climbing sessions, Aava can forage for resources like food, pitons, and whatnot, and must also deal with harsh weather. And if you complete the story, there’s Expedition Mode for testing your skills and measuring up to other players.

Going live on October 13th, it adds Ghosts representing other players. They won’t directly impede your gameplay, but observing them may reveal different routes or funny moments. It also adds a nice community aspect to the experience, though you can turn it competitive and attempt to beat the most skilled climbers.

With over 500,000 downloads as of June, it’s a good reason to revisit the demo, but stay tuned for other changes in this update. The full game is coming to PC and PS5, and alongside the standard climbing experience, it includes Free Solo mode. No ropes or pitons – just you and the climb. Dying means starting over, and the amount of resources in your backpack is less, making for the ultimate challenge.

Set in the Tenzen mountain ridge, Cairn focuses on Aava, who wants to surmount Mount Kami. It’s easier said than done, given that almost no one has returned from the journey, but you have complete freedom in your approach. Every surface is climbable, though some routes will be more challenging than others.

Gathering materials to cook meals and resting at night are also essential, even if there’s limited space in the backpack for your resources. You could gain some extra ground by forgoing sleep, but there’s also harsh weather like rain, which can make for slippery surfaces and make the task much more difficult.

Stay tuned for more details and gameplay on Cairn in the coming months.

Cairn is about Aava, a climber who ventures to climb Mount Kami. No one has ever achieved this feat (and lived to tell the tale), but it’s a personal journey as much as anything else. The animated aesthetic belies the realistic climbing mechanics, where players must find holds and carefully adjust their body to climb.

Pretty much every surface is climbable, though more efficient routes lay waiting to be discovered. Aava can also collect resources like pitons, medicine and ingredients while setting up camp and making meals. Scaling Mount Kami is challenging enough but you’ll also have to contend with dynamic weather like rain.

Cairn currently has a free demo on PC so check it out to get a handle on its mechanics. Stay tuned for gameplay and details, and check out the overview trailer.

While the story has yet to be fully detailed, players are on a quest to climb to the peak of Mt. Kami, which no one has ever done. You can climb every rock while choosing the most efficient route and managing your breathing and posture. Pitons can serve as checkpoints if you fall.

Adding to the realism is resource gathering, including water collection from streams and heating it with plants for a meal. On top of a day/night cycle, there’s also rain to worry about, though a barometer will alert you if the weather is turning bad.

Cairn doesn’t have a release date yet, but a free demo is available for PC via Steam (and recently updated with new features). It’s also coming to consoles.

The objective is to reach the summit of Mount Kami, which is easier said than done. The controls are relatively simple, and players can climb from any spot on the mountain, but be careful – if you haven’t found the right hold or balanced yourself correctly, it can be a long way down. Or at least back to the last piton.

There’s also Expedition Mode, with two playable characters, more unique climbing styles and several mountains to tackle. You can then compare your performance (including areas where you may have struggled) with other players.

Cairn is coming to PC and consoles, with a demo of the “first leg of Aava’s journey” in Tenzen National Park available to play at Gamescom. It will also be released on Steam “soon.”