There’s also the mysterious Promoter, an Elder known as Xirena Awhina, who organizes a tournament between Earth’s superheroes and villains to determine the planet’s fate. Of course, whether she’s the key antagonist or simply another pawn in this galactic free-for-all remains to be seen, but her power is the real deal.

As for Peni, she brings a “wide range of gadgets and unique tools” to the fight courtesy of SP//dr, which combos pretty well with the other Guardians. Knowhere also joins the stage roster – a welcome addition for Guardians of the Galaxy fans.

Interestingly, Arc System Works also added a new feature to the game – Automatic Team Name Generation – which can generate a team name for your unit. Each combination is tied to Marvel lore and even gets announced before fights.

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls is out on August 6th for PS5 and PC. It’s undergone numerous improvements since the last closed beta, which you can learn more about here (hurray for no more Link Attacks on whiffed moves). EVO Japan 2026 players can try it from May 1st to 3rd in Tokyo while also playing as Peni Parker and other recently unveiled heroes like Wolverine, Magik and Danger.

Get your checklist out because some of these are a doozy:

• Tagging now has reduced frames and animation time, so extending combos feels a lot snappier.
• You can now cancel attacks to trigger non-Rush assists. Oh, and assists can now be triggered consecutively, so feel free to call in the entire squad for help.
• Ground assists can now be called while airborne. Great for keeping your opponent guessing and creating some space to retreat.
• Super Skills will no longer trigger wall breaks. Furthermore, characters will now enter a full knockdown state after a wall break.
• Link Attacks, aka auto combos, can’t be activated if you whiff. Truly a brave new world.

Of course, as producer Takeshi Yamanaka notes on Twitter, these aren’t all of the changes (the frequency of area transitions has also been tuned, for example). Those who want to go hands-on and try out all 11 characters, including Wolverine, Magik and Danger, can do so on March 20th at the ARC World Tour in Seoul. The development also has plenty to announce, from other characters to new modes, so stay tuned.

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls launches on August 6th for PS5 and PC.

If you’ve played Marvel Rivals, then much of Magik’s attacks will look familiar, as she conjures the Soulsword to deal massive damage. Wolverine is pretty much the heart of the squad with his unbreakable Adamantium Claws, while Danger can unleash projectiles and traps, in keeping with her past role in training the X-Men.

ArcSys also revealed the first details on Episode Mode, created in collaboration with Marvel Games and adapting existing characters and settings. The X-Men’s story involves facing a new threat, but otherwise, there doesn’t seem to be any gameplay.

Instead, it’s a motion comic with art by various “celebrated artists,” though the DualSense is supported. While not an extensive campaign, considering ArcSys’s previous efforts, including Guilty Gear Strive and its complete lack of battles in Story Mode, it’s par for the course at this point.

Initially leaked through its Steam listing earlier this week, the launch roster in Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls consists of 20 characters. ArcSys is likely saving other reveals for later but you can also take control of Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Ghost Rider, Ms Marvel, Star-Lord, and more. Online lobbies will also accommodate up to 64 players, which is pretty extensive, though more details are required.

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.

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.

There are eight new characters in total, alongside two new stages and three arenas, including X-Mansion, where Colossus, Angel, Psylocke, Nightcrawler, and Beast are visible in the background. Potentially hinting at other playable characters? We’ll have to wait and find out. As for why Arc System Works chose Robbie Reyes as Ghost Rider instead of Johnny Blaze, it’s due to story reasons (which it can’t divulge yet).

The closed beta will also include online lobby matches, rollback netcode, Spectator Mode and offline battles against CPU opponents. Say what you will about the mechanics of Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, but it looks absolutely gorgeous. Marvel Games’ goal of “reinstating Marvel as a fighting game community pillar,” rallying Marvel vs. Capcom fans, is also notable, especially if it gets ten years of support.

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls launches next year for PS5 and PC.

When asked about working with Arc System Works for Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, Mentes noted that Marvel Games wanted to work with the developer to tap into its “unmistakable identity”, from the anime-inspired art style to tag-team fighting game mechanics.

“Working with ArcSys and PlayStation has been a dream,” said Mentes. “From inception, the goal was to reinstate Marvel as a pillar of the fighting game community, and to do it with a unique, anime-inspired art style and some of the best tag-team fighting mechanics out there. From the get-go, we collectively started pushing the envelope in terms of design to bring out that unmistakable ArcSys identity. I particularly love how Iron Man looks in the game – super unique but instantly recognizable. We’re incredibly proud of Marvel Tōkon and I think players are in for a real treat when it comes out next year.”

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls was first unveiled back in June, and is currently being developed for PC and PS5. The title was announced with a trailer, which also revealed that it will be a 4-on-4 tag-team fighter featuring characters from across Marvel’s various comics, including Star Lord, Ghost Rider, Spider-Man, Ms. Marvel, Captain America, Storm, and Dr. Doom.

More details about the fighting game were revealed through a beginner’s guide trailer that was released back in August. Fights start in a 2v2 format, while escalating over time. A player throwing their opponent or pulling off specific special moves in stages can trigger a transition, which also brings new fighters into the fray.

The core mechanics of Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls revolve around several gauges that players have to keep track of – the Vital Gauge, the Assemble Gauge, and the Skill Gauge. These gauges track health, tag-team abilities, and the ability to pull off stronger versions of standard attacks, respectively.

Arc System Works has also confirmed that it has big plans for Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, including the fact that it has plans to continue supporting the fighting game and making it “the best experience ever” for the next ten years.

The last Marvel-themed fighting game – Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite – was released all the way back in 2017. The title was seen as a bit of a downgrade over its predecessor – Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 – thanks in large part to its much smaller roster of characters that, at launch, didn’t include several iconic characters like the X-Men. The title also featured an uninteresting narrative and simplistic combat compared to other tag-team fighters.

This version of Ghost Rider is Robbie Reyes rather than Johnny Blaze, as evidenced by a special move where his flaming car runs over opponents. Spider-Man is, as you’d expect, Spider-Man, using agility and web-slinging to gain an advantage. The gameplay highlights the Savage Land, a familiar X-Men location, with multiple stage transitions.

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls launches in 2026 for PS5 and PC as an initiative between Marvel Games, Arc System Works and PlayStation. It’s seemingly meant to receive ten years of support, or at least become the “best experience ever” throughout that period according to producer Takeshi Yamanaka. Head here for more details on the mechanics of the 4v4 fighter.

Since Tokyo Game Show 2025 won’t have its own major show with new trailers and reveals, the event will instead likely give us closer looks at the gameplay for both titles, as well as new details that will likely be revealed. Of the two titles, Ghost of Yōtei is closer to release with its October 2 launch date. Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, on the other hand, doesn’t yet have a release date aside from a 2026 window. It does, however, have a closed beta coming up from September 5 to September 7.

PlayStation will be joined by several companies from across the gaming industry, including Capcom, Sega, Kojima Productions, Square Enix, and Koei Tecmo. The last of these confirmed earlier this month that it will be at Tokyo Game Show 2025 with three of its titles– Nioh 3, Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, and Ninja Gaiden 4.

Tokyo Game Show 2025 will start on September 25, and will go on until September 28. The duration of the show itself will be split into two, with the first two days being only open to various businesses where demos will be showcased and new games will be pitched, while the second half of the duration will have the show open to the public.

The event was officially announced back in July with a trailer that also revealed the new art that will be used to promote TGS 2025. The announcement also confirmed that 772 exhibitors will be present, 473 of which will be Japanese. The venue for the event will feature more than 4,000 booths across a massive exhibition space, with a variety of developers showcasing their upcoming titles, ranging from smaller indie studios to massive AAA companies.

“I am truly happy to have received so many reactions to the teaser illustration,” said artist Zashiki Warashi about the artwork’s reveal alongside the announcement of Tokyo Game Show 2025. “I drew it with a feeling of gratitude towards those involved in game production. I put my heart into it despite the pressure of such a prestigious event like TGS. I would be happy if visitors to TGS enjoy it even a little!”

As for Ghost of Yōtei, developer Sucker Punch Productions had released a trailer highlighting some of its single-player gameplay earlier this month. The trailer showcased how protagonist Atsu is able to use different weapons to take down various enemies. Sucker Punch has also confirmed that it is working on a co-op Legends mode for the title, slated for launch later.

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls has also been getting trailers, with one from earlier this month showcasing its gameplay mechanics and various systems.

Captured by ShinKensou on YouTube, Arc System Works producer Takeshi Yamanaka said at the game’s EVO panel (translation by PlayStation Studios senior producer Reed Baird), “For the next 10 years, we plan to keep making this game the best experience ever.”

A ten-year plan isn’t exactly unheard of in gaming (and sees its fair share of jeering), but Arc System Works is no stranger to long-term support for its titles. Guilty Gear Strive, which launched in 2021, will receive its next DLC fighter, Lucy from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, later this month. It’s also planning a massive 2.0 update for launch next year alongside two new characters, rumored to be Robo-Ky and Jam.

In the short term, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls will host a closed beta from September 5th to 7th. You can learn more here and check out the beginner’s guide video here.