There’s no particular reason for moving the date up, but 007 First Light may be the reason. It was previously slated for March 27th but faced a delay to May 27th – the same week as Legacy of the Dark Knight. Perhaps TT Games and Warner Bros. Games are unwilling to risk any competition, especially considering the popularity of James Bond.

Either way, it’s good news for Batman fans, especially with how Legacy of the Dark Knight is shaping up. Most recently, the development team highlighted just how far it goes to recreate iconic scenes from the Caped Crusader’s history, including the Joker vandalizing a museum to the tune of Prince’s “Partyman” from Tim Burton’s Batman.

It also spoke more about the smaller roster of playable characters and how each has more depth than your average LEGO stand-in (which goes well with the deeper, Free Flow-esque combat system). We also learned more about how various henchmen operate in Gotham – head here for more details.

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is coming to Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.

Benefits include money and access to unique vehicles, but things can get dicey once The Dark Knight appears. Playing as Batman (or one of six other characters), you’ll not only have to deal with thugs wielding weapons but also shields that can block direct punches. There are also the brutes, who won’t go down easily. Of course, as the PSA notes, Batman’s gadgets are indeed better, and no plan survives first contact.

Hilariously, it even provides a reason why the henchmen never go down with a single strike. It’s because standing in place, disoriented and confused, may motivate The Bat to go beat up someone else. Hey, if it works, it works.

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight debuts on May 29th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, with the Nintendo Switch 2 version set for later. It’s an amalgamation of the Caped Crusader’s illustrious history, and even includes recreations of classic scenes, like this one from Tim Burton’s Batman.

“So you are constantly upgrading and developing new skills and opening up new abilities for each of those characters. Within the Bat family, as well, we really wanted to focus on making those characters really unique, making their personalities come across and their abilities very distinct.”

This means that each one of the characters will play differently. Batman, for instance, has access to his grappling hook and batarangs, while Catwoman engages in fights with her whip, which offers her some range, as well as a group of kittens that can be set on an enemy with a laser pointer. Smith has also confirmed that LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight will continue the franchise’s tradition of featuring plenty of collectibles for players to discover.

“The story is more focused on a tighter roster of characters that are now more differentiated with much deeper gameplay,” he explained. “So they work well in partnership with each other, and we then want to give you lots and lots of options to see the full range of what those characters can be by giving you more than a hundred different suits to collect.”

“So you still get that moment in the Bat Cave where you’ve got all the different suits from all the different characters arrayed in front of you, colorful and glorious. You’re still compelled to want to complete that collection.”

Smith had also spoken about the May 29th release date for LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight across PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch 2, noting that the delay of Grand Theft Auto 6 ended up helping TT Games quite a bit. Rockstar’s title was originally planned for release on May 26th, which would have conflicted with the Spring 2026 window TT Games had in mind for LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. Thankfully for the studio, GTA 6 has been pushed back to November 19th.

“Look, I want to play that game [GTA 6], but we’re also really glad to have some space for people to play LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. We’re giving you an open city and a fantastic experience for all players. Which I thoroughly recommend,” he said.

For more on LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, take a look at how it calls back to Tim Burton’s 1989 film Batman with its latest trailer featuring the song “Partyman” by Prince. The video lovingly recreates the art museum scene from the film, with Joker vandalizing several precious works. Also check out how Shai Matheson feels about portraying Batman, especially since he has been a self-professed fan of the character for his entire life.

Inviting his cronies to “broaden their minds,” the Joker (played by Jack Nicholson in the 1989 film) sets about vandalizing precious works. While it’s not completely one-to-one – we’re sadly missing the part where he stops Bob from ruining something – seeing all other shenanigans set to Prince’s funky beat more than makes up for it.

Of course, Vicki Vale isn’t waiting on the second floor – Joker and his crew dip, after which Batman and Catwoman drop in to investigate. One of many scene changes that will tie together TT Games’ new story.

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight launches on May 29th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC (Switch 2 players will have to wait until later). Among other media, we’ve seen it draw inspiration from the comic books, Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises, The Batman, and even Rocksteady’s Batman Arkham titles.

While it’s a big enough release on its own, TT Games is happy not competing against the likes of Grand Theft Auto 6. Head here for more details.

Speaking to IGN, TT Games Head of Production and Strategic Director, Jonathan Smith, revealed that the team always wanted to launch in Spring 2026 and appreciates the “space” now available. “Look, I want to play that game [GTA 6], but we’re also really glad to have some space for people to play LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. We’re giving you an open city and a fantastic experience for all players. Which I thoroughly recommend.”

Of course, Legacy of the Dark Knight is digging even deeper than your average open-world LEGO Batman title. Presenting an original story, it draws on all types of fiction for the Dark Knight, from comic books to iconic movies like The Batman and Christopher Nolan’s trilogy. There’s also the combat, which more than amply borrows from the Free Flow Combat made famous by the Arkham games.

While seven playable characters (including Catwoman, Robin, and more) may seem like a downgrade from previous LEGO titles, TT Games is seemingly offering more in-depth playstyles than before. Unfortunately, co-op is local-only and doesn’t support online play.

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight launches on May 29th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, with the Switch 2 version arriving at a later date.

Grand Theft Auto 6

Rockstar’s upcoming return to Vice City is easily the biggest open-world release on the horizon, and the perfect candidate to start off the list. Grand Theft Auto 6 promises a living, breathing world packed with dynamic NPC routines, reactive law enforcement, and an unprecedented level of environmental detail. The dual protagonists inspired by the adventures of Bonnie and Clyde look to be a promising storyline filled with several emotional moments. Of course, missions, side activities, and emergent mayhem are also important pillars of the experience – so we are definitely looking forward to this one.

In a new Steam Community post, the developer confirmed that its recommended RAM had gone from 32 GB to 16 GB due to ongoing testing. While other hardware hasn’t changed, it clarified that these requirements weren’t final. “We will be continuing to optimize and make improvements as we move closer to launch.”

Of course, such concerns only heightened following RAM shortages that struck the industry since late last year, following the strategic partnership between OpenAI and Samsung. This resulted in RAM costs across the industry increasing dramatically and affecting various manufacturers. It even resulted in Valve’s Steam Machine getting delayed, though it’s still launching in the first half of this year.

Whether RAM shortages will affect the pricing for current and next-gen consoles remains to be seen. However, for many developers, it means less leeway to get away with high system requirements, especially at a time when every sale counts.

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight launches on May 29th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. Head here for some extensive gameplay.

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.

Control Resonant

Remedy’s long-awaited sequel offers a complementary inverse of everything we knew about the original Control. Instead of a singular paranatural building, it’s the city of Manhattan with all its open zones and branching pathways. Rather than the Service Weapon, players use the Aberrant, a melee tool for up close combat. And rather than Jesse Faden, it’s her brother Dylan, who seeks redemption. Whether it can live up to the original’s weird ambitions remains to be seen, but for now, Control Resonant has our attention.

Nioh 3

Speaking of going beyond the confines of its predecessors, we have Team Ninja’s next entry in its challenging action RPG series. Beyond traveling through various eras of Feudal Japan and battling Yokai, switching seamlessly between Samurai and Ninja styles, and exploring gigantic open field (not open world) levels, there’s a lot to unpack. Nevertheless, in terms of fast-paced Souls-like combat, it could be the game to beat in 2026 (and then grind away endlessly for those perfect rolls).

Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis

Lara Croft finally returns, and while a proper Tomb Raider sequel is set for 2027, 2026 is going back to the beginning (yes, again). More of a reimagining of the first title in Unreal Engine 5 rather than a remake, it sees the intrepid archaeologist venturing to familiar locations to hunt for artifacts of power. Of course, the usual hallmarks of such titles are promised from re-envisioned locales to modern gameplay elements, and we can’t wait to dive in.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties

The remakes keep coming, and they don’t stop coming, especially for RGG Studio’s acclaimed Yakuza/Like a Dragon series. Kiwami 3 is one of the bigger earlier games, and fans can look forward to new side stories, additional scenes, and perhaps the most expansive version of the Dragon Style yet. On the flipside, there’s Dark Ties, the tale of Yoshitaka Mine as he goes from a company man to the underworld. Equipped with his own unique boxing style, players venture through Kamurocho and witness Mine’s transformation first-hand.

Reanimal

If the world suffered a terrible cataclysm, would you venture forth to save your friends, despite all the horrors that await? Tarsier Studios asks this in its next co-op platforming, which offers both online and local multiplayer support. Reanimal is perfectly playable solo, as you control two siblings, navigating a handful of islands, completing puzzles and sneaking around to evade a terrible fate. Its atmosphere is very reminiscent of Little Nightmares (which makes sense since Tarsier developed the first two games), but there’s something distinctly more disturbing, seemingly beneath the surface.

Resident Evil Requiem

Which is a perfect segue into the biggest Resident Evil yet. Between Leon’s reveal, the Porsche, confirmation that he has an equal number of gameplay sections, and so on, there’s a lot to digest. But hey, between the Resident Evil 2-style of survival horror with Grace and Leon taking a chainsaw to enemies’ faces, Requiem is shaping up to be something truly special. It feels like we’re yet to really scratch the surface of its gameplay loop, never mind deciphering all the mysteries, but there’s plenty of time before launch to find out more.

Replaced

After years in development, Sad Cat Studios’ cyberpunk side-scrolling action title is seemingly on track to release. Seeing Replaced evolve from a great-looking 2D title to a stunning work of art has been something, and that’s before witnessing its take on free-flow combat, its version of an alternate 1980s United States, and much more. And while there’s something distinctly sad about the world, the mystery of R.E.A.C.H., as he fights to expose the Phoenix Corporation, proves awfully compelling. Mark your calendars, as Replaced launches on March 12th.

Saros

A 40-day delay to April 30th hasn’t dulled our enthusiasm for Housemarque’s new rogue-lite bullet-hell, especially after the latest trailer. Between the stunning twisted environments of Carcosa and the tension that new characters bring, the action looks as sleek as ever. Even the new monstrosities that Arjun and crew face look as otherworldly as they do terrifying. Of course, as a fan of Returnal, I’m looking forward to more customization, more modifiers, more environmental variety and above all else, more challenging bosses.

Marvel’s Wolverine

The best there is at what he does, but if the first trailer for Insomniac’s next game is any indication, Logan is the best at some very not nice things. Dismemberment, claws through faces – it’s practically a smorgasbord of violence, and we love it. The studio is coy on the narrative, but you’ll deal with some familiar foes like Mystique and Omega Red while battling the Reavers across Canada, Tokyo and Madripoor in an original story. It’s launching in Fall 2026, exclusively for PS5.

Forza Horizon 6

If there’s any title that’s more of a guaranteed hit for Microsoft than a new Forza Horizon set in Japan, well, it has its work cut out. Between promising the “most detailed and layered environment” yet in Tokyo City, its biggest map yet and seasons having a “dramatic impact” on the world, this could be Playground Games’ finest work yet. And that’s without knowing anything about the vehicles – whose selection seemingly follows in Forza Horizon 5’s footsteps – or the activities. Even without its long-awaited setting, Forza Horizon 6 should be an experience to remember.

Fable

On the other hand, there’s the other big open-world project from Playground Games. Announced in 2020, received a 2025 release window, delayed to 2026 – it’s been a long journey for this revival of Lionhead’s beloved RPG franchise. Nevertheless, the latest trailer looked quite incredible while offering a tease of the combat and mechanics we can expect. If Playground can pull it off, then Fable could signal a new era for the franchise. No pressure, of course.

Gears of War: E-Day

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with humble beginnings, especially when it’s the start of the Human-Locust Wars. Set in the aftermath of Emergence Day across multiple days, this prequel promises a return to the horror roots of Gears. It’s also focusing on a linear campaign, seemingly departing from the more open levels in Gears 5, and even promises to explain the Lancer’s origins. Whichever way you slice it, however, this is a new Gears of War during one of the most exciting periods in the series’ history with Marcus and Dominic at the helm. What’s not to like?

Crimson Desert

“Scale” is often important for open-world games, but the developer isn’t simply looking at it from a content perspective. It wants to immerse you in the world of Pywel, whether it’s herding sheep in the countryside, assaulting keeps or venturing to hidden islands in the sky to solve puzzles. It wants you to fight metal dragons and possessed soldiers, lay waste to massive creatures, and even pilot your own steambot mech to slay foes. That’s not even getting into the combat and its intricacies, from the magic and combos to the throws and weapons. Simply put, Crimson Desert is looking to deliver an unforgettable experience, and after years of waiting, we can’t wait to dive in this March.

007 First Light

A Bond before he earned the numbers, in a globe-trotting adventure where charm and panache clash with brashness and inexperience. If that sounds like a good time – and IO Interactive is certainly winning us over – 007 First Light should be yet another success for the studio. The Hitman-like sandbox nature of environments isn’t confined to stealth, however, as you’ll be running, gunning, punching, bluffing, driving, and gadget-wielding to complete objectives. So much more than the sum of its parts, but each enticing in its own right – that sounds like the Bond franchise we know and love.

Grand Theft Auto 6

With every passing year, this feels ever so closer and yet, so far away. Maybe it’s the cycle of hype that’s threatening to engulf us. Perhaps it’s the fact that this is the first new Grand Theft Auto in a decade. Regardless, after two major delays, we don’t simply want GTA 6 – we need it. We need to dive into the gorgeous open world of Leonida, from its gorgeous archipelago to its mosquito-filled swamps. We need to become embroiled in the drama between Lucia and Jason, and see whether this is another Bonnie and Clyde scenario waiting to happen. More than anything, we need to walk the streets and take in the environments, the NPCs, everything and just get lost. Hopefully, 2026 is finally the year.

The Duskbloods

A FromSoftware PvEvP title exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 wasn’t on anyone’s list, but it is FromSoft, after all, and it’s nothing if not adventurous. As Bloodsworn, players battle each other as humanity dies. Or, they team up – really, it depends on your character’s defined destiny. With more than a dozen to choose from, each with unique tales and abilities, The Duskbloods feels like an evolution of Nightreign, but it’s its own unique thing, and that should prove more than enough when it eventually launches in 2026.

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls

Captain America, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Ghost Rider, and many more are battling it out in a new Marvel tag fighter – admit it, you never thought we’d see the day. Of course, with ARC System Works at the helm, Marvel Tōkon isn’t just trying to capture the glorious days of Marvel Super Heroes. It features 4v4 combat, wall breaks, stage transitions, a single health bar for the entire team and a uniquely anime-esque art style. Baffling? Sure, but thus far, it’s been looking better and better – now all we need is a release date.

Invincible VS

In the meantime, there’s another comic book fighter that we’re keen to dive into – one that embraces all the blood and guts that define the IP. Invincible VS includes all popular heroes and villains, from Robot, Atom Eve, and Battle Beast to Omni-Man, Invincible and even an original addition in Ella Mental. With rollback netcode, 3v3 fights and a dedicated Story Mode, it’s slotting into a more traditional tag fighter role, and that’s perfectly fine. For $49.99, it should prove a fun alternative to Marvel Tōkon.

Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight

With Rocksteady’s next Batman coming who-knows-when, it’s on Traveler’s Tales to step up and become the hero that Gotham needs. That said, it seemingly blew away expectations with LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. A massive open world version of the city, complete with gliding, an assortment of Bat vehicles, free flow combat and multiple playable characters (that too, better written than Gotham Knights)? The homage to the Dark Knight’s history while telling an original story is also incredibly exciting.

Lords of the Fallen 2

After its surprisingly compelling sequel/reboot offered up some solid Souls-like gameplay, CI Games’ sequel aims to go even further. Bigger stakes with the Umbral on the verge of consuming the human world; more build variety across numerous playstyles; bigger bosses with some admittedly cool-looking designs; and, of course, more death. We’re certainly keen to see how it evolves on the original, but for now, Lords of the Fallen 2 could be yet another dark horse for the company.

Pragmata

If you’re noticing a theme with 2026, it’s that it marks the arrival of several games that have been in development for years. Among all of them, Pragmata is perhaps the most intriguing, announced in 2020 and suffering several delays for the sake of nailing its gameplay loop. While the third-person shooting and real-time puzzle solving are excellent (as showcased in the new demo), the entire premise is still full of mystery. At the very least, it looks downright gorgeous, and we’re intrigued enough by the rapport between Hugh and Diana to see how things pan out (and what’s really going on with the Moon).

Onimusha: Way of the Sword

Miyamoto Musashi fears no opponent, but hordes of Genma? That’s a different matter entirely. The fate of Kyoto in the Edo era is still in his hands, however, especially when he’s to bear the Oni Gauntlet. Thus far, the combat with its precise parries and counter-hits has looked incredible, and with an expected playtime of about 20 hours, Way of the Sword should be a meaty yet tightly paced hack-and-slash adventure.

Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy

It’s kind of surprising that Team Asobo could just drop a trailer for the next Plague Tale and then dip for the next six months without any more details, but here we are. Nevertheless, Resonance is scheduled for this year and promises an altogether different kind of narrative – a prequel following Sophia from Requiem as she seemingly navigates the Minotaur Island’s maze. And while navigating gorgeous environments is par for the course, she’s more equipped for up-close combat.

Halo: Campaign Evolved

343 – er, Halo Studios is back with a new – er, remake of the first Halo. Ignoring the fact that we’ve seen this song and dance before, because Halo: Campaign Evolved is genuinely pushing the graphical envelope. From character models and revamped cutscenes to awesome-looking environments, it’s not as bad as the first Unreal Engine 5 title. Of course, much remains up in the air – like those prequel episodes with Chief and Sgt. Johnson – but with a solid campaign, four-player co-op and the series’ debut on PlayStation, there’s a lot to look forward to.

Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter

What’s better than a remake of one of the best role-playing games ever made? In Kiseki’s case, unironically, it’s the sequel as Trails in the Sky 2nd Chapter launches before September 2026. After all the changes in Part 1, there’s no telling how Falcom is going to spice up the combat and exploration further, but in terms of scope, scale and stakes, it should blow its predecessor out of the water.

He also went on to note how his portrayal of the superhero was based on Michael Keaton’s depiction from 1989’s Batman. “I’ve been a Batman fan my whole life, so I feel like it’s all in my veins. I’ve watched the films since I was probably too young. Batman Returns is my favorite film of all time, regardless of Batman,” said Matheson, referring to the Keaton-led 1992 sequel to Tim Burton’s Batman. “Michael Keaton was always my go-to Batman,” he continued. “I think it was sort of in me all along.”

“I’ve watched everything before doing it – I watched all the films again, I watched a lot of clips on YouTube of different things, different Arkham clips, just tried to immerse myself.”

Matheson also spoke about having his name join the star-studded list of actors who have portrayed Batman over the years, from Keaton to Kevin Conroy, who portrayed the superhero in Batman: The Animated Series as well as Rocksteady’s Batman: Arkham series. “First of all, in voice, Kevin Conroy is the go-to, the greatest of all time. So, it’s very scary,” he said, before going on to note that he is “petrified to join this list of people that have contributed their voice and their acting talent to this game and to this character.”

When it comes to portraying the character, Matheson said that he feels “unbelievably humbled to be doing it. I feel like a competition winner to just be involved.”

Matheson being a fan of Batman seems like a great fit for LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, especially since developer TT Games’ strategic director Johnathan Smith had spoken about wanting to draw on a wide variety of Batman fiction for the upcoming title.

“So, it’s a fusion of all those iconic moments that you remember, laced and woven with deep cut references and our own humorous jokes, to bring the experience of becoming the Dark Knight to life for players,” said Smith back in September. “We draw upon them all, and we bring them together, and then we create one story that unifies and is essential.”

“We feel it’s a huge privilege,” he continued. “We feel we’ve got the richest amount of material to draw from, and we are so excited that no one’s ever put all those pieces together in one experience with a video game. We can do that in a way that no one’s ever seen or experienced before, with new technology and a really immersive Gotham city, with mechanics that progress the player experience to match the emotional journey of the character.”

For more details about LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, check out how TT Games plans to “distill decades of fantastic storytelling” with the game.