Mouse: P.I. for Hire isn't a Game of the Year contender, but it's definitely a game that will be on many must-play lists in 2026. It's a highly entertaining title that, despite its lack of originality, will surely resonate with many players. Like Jack Pepper, something's missing, and I hope a potential sequel will solve this case.

If you enjoy simulation-type games, you should definitely enter this particular island, but if you prefer non-stop action, you might want to move on to other games.

Having such a secure path to success with titles like Resident Evil, Monster Hunter, or really any of its legacy franchises could have pushed Capcom to retreat further into its comfort zone. However, fortunately for all of us, what the company has achieved over the past decade has had the opposite effect. Proof of this can be seen in games like the sensational Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess and now Pragmata, which carries the responsibility of revolutionizing an entire genre. Indeed, we are looking at one of the biggest titles of 2026—one that we simply cannot recommend highly enough to keep on your radar.

Marvel MaXimum Collection is a mixed bag of content. For fans, it's a must-have. However, I also understand if some people aren't interested in what Limited Run Games has presented us. There's nothing inherently wrong with Marvel MaXimum Collection, but there's not much to write home about either.

Super Meat Boy 3D is a reminder of why platforming games are so special, and above all, of how important it is to preserve classic genres in their purest form. Team Meat and Sluggerfly have delivered one of the most addictive games of the year, successfully allowing the iconic series that pioneered the indie scene to transition into three dimensions without losing its essence in the process. Thanks to its finely tuned controls, high difficulty, excellent level design, and overall solid execution, we believe this is one of those must-play titles for anyone who loves platforming.

Life is Strange: Reunion stands out as a solid and coherent contribution to the saga, functioning both as an emotional conclusion to a stage and as a reaffirmation of the narrative values that have defined the franchise since its inception.

Despite obvious opportunities for improvement and a clear lack of experience on the part of the development team, Darwin’s Paradox! feels like a video game made with care and passion that we’re sure will give you a very enjoyable time. We would have loved to see greater consistency across all the ideas presented in this new release from Konami, but certain decisions—such as a not-so-outstanding audiovisual presentation—hold it back from being something far more remarkable. Do we recommend this new 2026 release? Yes. We believe that if you enjoy linear platformers and don’t have much time to finish games that last dozens of hours, you’ll find something of great value here.

Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection is a way to give this branch of the character, which perhaps wasn't as popular, a new lease on life. It features seven different gameplay options, each tailored to the user's play style thanks to quality-of-life improvements.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park is a very interesting package. This version offers a short but entertaining expansion for the single-player campaign. The Koopaling levels are great fun and play wonderfully with the core mechanics of the main experience to provide challenges that everyone will love. At the same time, we shouldn't forget that many players will likely be venturing into the Flower Kingdom for the first time—which also means they will be encountering one of the Italian plumber's very best games.

Milestone has once again demonstrated its mastery of the genre. While the public's attention may be elsewhere at the moment, this experience shouldn't be overlooked. Screamer has become one of my favorite games of the year, and something that will surely be fondly remembered in the future.

Unfortunately, Scott Pilgrim EX is too simplistic. While Tribute Games clearly aimed to create an experience worthy of the Super Nintendo, their approach to the world falls short, and a more traditional structure with linear levels would have worked better. It's not the studio's worst work, but with so many outstanding games, one had to be at the bottom of the list, and it's rather sad that this is the case for Scott and Ramona's latest adventure.

Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake surpasses Tecmo’s classic original in many aspects, but precisely because of that desire to be better than the game it is based on, it runs into issues we would have loved not to see—particularly the changes at the combat system level and the somewhat unstable performance it shows on consoles. Do we recommend it? Yes, absolutely. Despite the flaws mentioned in this review, it is undoubtedly a game we enjoyed and one we believe you should give a chance. It is currently the most accessible way to experience this horror classic, especially considering the very high price of an original PS2 copy.

Marathon is a difficult game to recommend. It's undeniable that Bungie has done a great job with this title, but it's not an experience for everyone. The gameplay is too aggressive for a large portion of the audience, and even those initially interested may be discouraged by the steep learning curve. It remains to be seen whether this game has what it takes to survive this challenging period for games as a service, but if anyone can make it happen, it's Bungie.

Do we recommend Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection? Yes. The truth is that, despite the flaws we already mentioned—chief among them the lack of a truly fresh proposal from the development team—Capcom is delivering a very solid turn-based RPG that I’m sure fans of this beloved IP will find especially charming, and that will likely serve as a great gateway for anyone who hasn’t yet given the series a chance. We would have liked more, there’s no doubt about that, but perhaps we’re asking for something that was never intended to be delivered.

Tales of Berseria Remastered establishes itself as a carefully crafted re-release that respects the essence of the original title, while adapting it to the expectations and needs of today's audience.

Pokémon Pokopia is one of the best-implemented ideas in recent times, combining monsters with a genre far removed from the RPG world. And when you think about it, it made perfect sense that life-simulation and building was the chosen format, so whoever proposed the project deserves a raise.

Thanks to a wonderful concept, exceptional level design, well-thought-out mechanics that are executed even better, and a spectacular audiovisual presentation that creates a deep atmosphere you don’t want to leave, Reanimal stands as one of the most memorable experiences of 2026 so far—one that we believe already deserves a secured place on the lists of the year’s very best. Tarsier Studios proves that they truly understand their craft better than anyone, and that the wisest course of action is simply to let them work, so all that immense creativity can flourish and be brought to life for all of us to enjoy.

What Capcom is currently doing might seem simple, but besides seeing established companies completely lose their way, the entire industry is experiencing an air of bewilderment and uncertainty, especially regarding big-budget productions. Resident Evil Requiem is proof of many things, such as the franchise's great importance within the industry, making it clear that there is a path for AAA titles to move forward safely and profitably for those who manage the business side...A spectacular story that reconnects with the origins of the entire saga, an innovative yet classic gameplay system that perfectly modulates its pace, and a truly next-generation audiovisual presentation are just some of the elements that make Resident Evil Requiem a very serious contender for Game of the Year 2026. Capcom is on the right track with one of its flagship series and has given us a memorable adventure that will be widely discussed in the future and that, of course, places it among the highlights of this franchise.

If you've never played the original game, I'd recommend giving it a try just to learn more about this beloved icon from the era of video game mascots. Ultimately, if you're not too bothered by the music, you might enjoy it.

In short, Nioh 3 surpasses its predecessors in scope, mechanics, and technical polish, while retaining almost everything that made Nioh and Nioh 2 special.

Mario Tennis Fever feels like the game of its predecessors, as it's always fun to play with friends, especially if you don't follow the established rules of the sport. Getting together with three other people and playing the craziest matches is definitely always a good idea. It features several interesting game modes, such as special matches, tower climbing, and classic singles and doubles cups, providing plenty of replayability. The only problem, I think, is the story mode, as it's frustrating that it has the potential to be much longer and then ends just as it reaches its climax. If you're a fan of the plumber-with-rackets franchise, I have to tell you that you're going to have a great time, similar to what happened with Aces a few years ago on the original Switch. It's the ideal game for gatherings with friends, but paying AAA price for it is something to think twice about, because yes, it costs $70.

Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road marks a triumphant return for one of Level-5's most beloved series. With excellent presentation, a robust story mode, and content for hundreds of hours of gameplay across its other modes.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is a great experience. HexaDrive has delivered a remake that all fans of the genre and the series can enjoy. Some changes make the experience more enjoyable, with better pacing and a more direct structure. However, it's also true that some of these decisions remove some identity from the original Dragon Quest VII. Interestingly, those entering this world for the first time might not even notice.

Code Vein II is a title that can be considered a continuation of the original, but it also adds elements that make the gameplay more enjoyable, including revamped blood codes, a greater presence of companions, and added weapons. As a result, the combat is improved, feeling more fluid and precise.

If you're looking for something to pass the time, you'll definitely find it fun, as it has a considerable challenge and the mechanics are well-crafted, although not used to their full potential.

While mobile games have clearly demonstrated their ability to deliver top-tier experiences, not all titles will translate well to consoles. In the case of Octopath Traveler 0, the game's gacha DNA is so deeply ingrained. This results in a execution that falls short of the phenomenal Octopath Traveler II, and it's likely that not all fans will be happy with the final product.

Thanks to its intricate and well-crafted level design, intelligent implementation of new mechanics, great pacing, an interesting story that significantly expands the series' lore, spectacular technical department, and of course, great respect for what this series has always been, we can tell you that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is that long-awaited return we've been waiting for. Of course, there are the NPCs that are completely unnecessary and that, in reality, we would have liked them to take more risks, but at the end of the day, Retro Studios knew how to save this project that we're sure, on more than one occasion, was on the verge of disappearing. Switch 2 closes its first semester of life with a gold standard.

Tribute Games has delivered a top-notch experience. While it has a few minor flaws, its strengths are undeniable, and Marvel Cosmic Invasion stands out as an experience that no Marvel or beat 'em up fan can afford to miss. This adventure clearly showcases the talent of this team and the place Earth's Mightiest Heroes hold in the industry.