A reader offers his list of the top 10 games he’s most looking forward to this year, including those he intends to pre-order without any further information.
It’s 2026 now, which means many stellar and upcoming titles will grace us with their presence in the coming few months. I’ll be honest, I’m actually hoping to purchase a new phone in August, for my birthday.
But that doesn’t take away from some amazing games, that I will definitely be playing, so I’d like to take this time to list my 10 most anticipated games as, more than anything, these are the names that have intrigued me.
I will be leaving out sports games, battle royale titles, racing games, and live service debacles. Those don’t really interest me and I don’t play them. Just not my cup of tea. So here they are.
- Resident Evil Requiem
The first major title of 2026, this is dependant on the reviews and if Capcom stick to the horror aspect. I’m exceptionally tired of action set pieces and I’m worried it will turn into what Village became during the second half. Capcom better nail this hard. If it reviews well, I will be buying.
- Pragmata
A very curious beginning and a new IP. Also from Capcom, this is another title I will be waiting for reviews. It’s a new project and I am interested, but it could flop and it’s quite risky to pre-order. It looks great and the demo has reviewed well. So I’ll keep an eye on the reviews and hopefully I end up buying Pragmata.
- Saros
Underrated is the word of choice for Returnal and this is dependant on the difficulty for me, personally. I don’t expect it to be easier, or a cakewalk of sorts, but I’m hoping Housemarque take it easy this time around and if it is more difficult I’ll gladly skip this experience. If it reviews well and it’s easier I’ll buy.
- 007 First Light
Quite an appropriate number. I’m not the biggest fan of James Bond in general, but this game looks promising. I except espionage, stealth, and chilled champagne. Reviews will decide this one for me.
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- Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake
I wish it was the first game, but I understand the choice to remake the second game is the correct decision. I’m beyond stoked for this and I hope it sells well, so the first and third titles are also remade. I’ll say that I am strongly considering pre-ordering this, but I’ll wait for reviews. Hopefully it does as well as Silent Hill 2 did.
- Marvel’s Wolverine
From a web slinger to the adamantium slasher. I will be absolutely pre-ordering this, since I hope dearly that this is an improvement, from the rushed and disappointing Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. It looks fantastic and I can safely say it will be a banger of a game.
- Crimson Desert
Ambition is the word for what Crimson Desert has showcased thus far. I won’t lie, I am very impressed by what I’ve seen so far and worried a slight bit. It seems too ambitious and it could be too good to be true. The risk is heavy and that’s why I will be buying. Because risks are meant to be taken.
- Control: Resonant
As a player who managed to complete the first title, I’m very excited for the sequel and judging by my high love for Alan Wake 2, and the narrative, I’m absolutely stoked for what the folks at Remedy will be cooking up for the sequel. Another buy for me.
- Phantom Blade 0
I would haven’t had this so high on a list at the start of this year, but I have been absolutely blown away by what I’ve seen so far of this game and I can’t praise it enough. It looks absolutely insane and I’m hoping this lives up to its expectations. It has the same hype as Black Myth: Wukong did, but I can see this performing extremely well. As soon as pre-orders open, I’m there.
- Grand Theft Auto 6
What else could it possibly be? If Half-Life 3 is somehow released, that may well step up as a contender, but I can’t justify my absolute excitement and hype for the most anticipated video game of all time. Barring another possible delay, we may well be there for something special and I can’t wait to begin a new narrative and a new journey with Grand Theft Auto 6 in 2026.
Thank you so much for reading and here’s to a blessed 2026.
By reader Shahzaib Sadiq
The reader’s features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.
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