7 games I’m looking forward to this year that aren’t GTA 6

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls (Aug 07) is undoubtedly on the radar of every fighting game fan on the planet. Featuring a roster of the company’s famous (and not-so-famous) characters, expect the same tight gameplay and sharp presentation that developer ArcSystem Works is known for. Given its pedigree and the popularity of the IP, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls should also appeal to non-fighting-game players.

Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection 2 (Aug 27) is a huge one for fans of the franchise, as it’s the very first time that Metal Gear Solid 4 has left its confines on PS3 and made it available on all current platforms. Besides that modern classic, we also get Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, which is another stellar entry in the series. If you want a hardcore and trippy stealth game experience, this is it.

Face front, Marvel fans! If you’re a fan of the X-Men Origins: Wolverine game, then Marvel's Wolverine (Sep 15) is the title for you. We actually know very little about this game other than it has Wolverine slicing bad guys to ribbons, but I don’t think we need more beyond that. Given Insomniac Games’ excellent track record, especially with its Spider-Man titles, this one is sure to be a huge hit.

The original Control is one of my all-time favorite modern games, so I’m especially stoked that Control Resonant (Sep 24) is just around the corner. Though a direct sequel, it could almost be a separate game since it features a different protagonist and a vastly different gameplay style. Sure, you still have all manner of supernatural abilities, but instead of using a firearm, you’ll instead bludgeon foes with melee weapons. This is a game I hope doesn’t get lost in the September tide.

Gears of War: E-Day (Oct 1) is the big Xbox exclusive of 2026, and one we’ve waited years for. As its name suggests, this game takes place during Emergence Day, where the Locust Hordes launch a planet-wide invasion of planet Sera. This prequel sees younger versions of Marcus Felix and Dominic Santiago as they do what they can to survive against overwhelming odds. I expect this to be the most testosterone-fueled game of 2026.

I’ve been a Castlevania fan since the original NES game, so I cannot wait to play Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse (Oct 15). Though its art style and gameplay are clearly inspired by Symphony of the Night, it’s actually a sequel to Castlevania III, featuring Rose Belmont, the daughter of that classic game’s protagonist, Trevor. This is a mainline Castlevania game, so I expect developer Evil Empire to pull out all the stops.

This one came out of nowhere to become one of my most anticipated games of 2026. Final Fantasy Resonance (Oct 24) is the first HD-2D entry in the series, and a return to its classic turn-based RPG roots. If you’ve longed for that classic Final Fantasy look and feel but updated for modern consoles, you won’t go wrong here. This is especially true if you’re a fan of Final Fantasy Brave Exvius.