Directive 8020 kicks off this new season of The Dark Pictures Anthology in style with a well-executed sci-fi horror journey, featuring revamped gameplay that pulls the player out of the role of spectator and turns them into a full-fledged participant. Can we talk about a Supermassive 2.0 formula? In any case, Directive 8020 is clearly heading in that direction.

A fascinating yet frustrating experience, driven by outstanding art direction and solid gameplay, but held back by its lack of challenge and distant storytelling early on.

Drop Duchy isn’t a flashy game, but it’s devilishly clever. It’s a title built on a strong concept, executed to perfection, that manages to captivate players with its rich systems, all while drawing on classic mechanics—some of which even trace their roots back to the very history of video games. Addictive without being flashy, challenging without being frustrating, it stands out as an excellent surprise for puzzle and strategy enthusiasts—now available to everyone.

The storytelling is the standout feature of this melancholic adventure game, which is sure to utterly destroy you emotionally.

Darwin's Paradox is a delightful surprise. Original, clever, and polished, it confidently carves out a niche in the competitive platformer genre by offering a physics-based approach and making perfect use of its main character, a cephalopod with endless possibilities. While it doesn’t revolutionize the genre, it stands out as a memorable experience, driven by a strong identity and fun, inspired gameplay, despite a few tedious back-and-forths and an ending that falls short of the rest of the adventure. We can’t wait for the sequel—whether it’s in the form of DLC or a bigger, more expansive adventure.

Memorable for its excellent game feel and striking artistic direction, Marathon is a punitive, extreme and exponentially addictive extraction shooter.

Although there are still a few areas that could use some tweaking —particularly in terms of ergonomics— Crimson Desert manages to live up to the hype. It’s not perfect, but the authenticity of its world, the richness of its content, and its engaging gameplay make it a standout title for the start of 2026. Pearl Abyss has a diamond that’s still a bit rough around the edges, but with a little polish, it’ll be nothing short of divine.

Going Medieval is already incredibly addictive in its own right, and you’ll always be left wanting more – something that’s sure to continue in the years to come. It’s a strong contender alongside established titles like Dwarf Fortress and RimWorld, offering a less punishing, visually appealing experience that’s quite varied and brimming with architectural possibilities.

Everything has been improved and refined to make this third installment not only the best in the series, but also a must-have for all fans of J-RPGs and monster capture and management games.

Beautiful, new, returning, but also more questionable choices that will make this annual episode a very good vintage, unfortunately marred by a formula that is increasingly similar to that of its basketball cousin.

Old-timey fun, Demon Tides fills a long-awaited spot: an adventure/platforming game who understand its genre and zeitgeist. An hidden gem.

Requiem is a pivotal work that manages to reconcile two long-standing, contrasting visions of the saga. Tension and Action. It takes the best of what Resident Evil has to offer and elevates it to a level of polish rarely seen. Though the alternating structure between Grace and Leon locks the pace and limits the kind of replay freedom found in some earlier entries. Yet, in the face of such mastery, this compromise feels almost negligible.

Challenging yet addictive, generous yet confusing, Blazblue Entropy Effect X is an original offering that manages to surprise us and draw us into a sea of possibilities for hours on end. In my opinion, it's the indie surprise of the moment.

A filmed chase, twists and turns, and high replayability with a rich, well-crafted story and clean acting: The Run claims the title of king of FMVs, and it has what it takes.

Short but memorable, Reanimal stands out as an atmospheric horror experience that is as disturbing as it is masterful. Tarsier Studios delivers a dark journey with a strong identity, whose simple gameplay serves an adventure that is as unsettling as it is memorable.

RIDE has always aimed to be and remain the benchmark for motorcycle simulation, and this year once again, it has achieved its goal, surpassing itself in order to retain its crown. RIDE 6 is more than just an evolution of its formula, and that's a good thing.

Romeo is a weird sci-fi story, a sometimes stiff action game, but most importantly, it is memorable adventure and a very surprising videogame.

If you like turn-based games, cats, and Edmund McMillen's sordid universe, don't hesitate to dive into Mewgenics. Even more so if you like to suffer. The crazy roguelite from the author of The Binding of Isaac still needs a few tweaks in terms of progression, but already offers a bottomless pit of content.

Nioh 3 is the culmination of Team Ninja's three previous souls-like games, pushing each aspect a little further. While not entirely perfect, it is steadily approaching perfection. It is one of the must-have souls-like games for any fan of the genre.

Cairn is a challenging and immersive game, far more than a simple climbing title. Its realistic gameplay puts the player to the test while remaining fair. The carefully crafted art direction, appealing cell-shading, and immersive soundtrack enhance the experience, while the survival elements and the management of stamina, weather, and time add a strategic and authentic layer. A demanding challenge for the most seasoned players, yet made accessible thanks to the assistance options.

MIO : Memories in Orbit is this year's first surprise. Mesmerizing visuals paired with demanding gameplay and an engaging narrative make it a must try metroidvania for anyone remotely interested in the genre.

The Legend of Heroes Trails Beyond the Horizon is a major milestone in the franchise and the history of Zemuria, but also the culmination of many years of gameplay refinement. A superb conclusion for Calvard.

No revolution, but a new, modern, and solid vintage for even more fun with friends, family, or online.

Its humor, sensitivity, and finesse almost make you forget how challenging it is at the end, but Rhythm Doctor is indeed a rhythm game that uses and questions rhythmic grammar. This makes it an original, often cozy experience, somewhere between VA11 HALL-A and Sayonara Wild Hearts—anyone can give it a try, with varying degrees of success. The last sweet treat of the year truly is heartwarming.

Bannerlord confirms its status as the benchmark in medieval simulation. War Sails broadens its horizons without betraying its identity. The experience gains in scope and depth, driven by a renewed sense of coherence. An essential return for anyone looking for a game combining strategy, action, and total freedom.

An accessible and fun VR shooter, faithful to the Men in Black universe. A dynamic campaign, designed like a roller coaster ride, which provides entertainment without pretending to be anything more.

Without attempting to reinvent the genre, Hunter's Moon: A Sovereign Syndicate Adventure offers a stable and well-constructed experience. A serious and enduring roguelite deck builder that delivers on its promises without getting sidetracked.

While it doesn't offer anything groundbreaking, Forestrike's smart mix of puzzle and action offers a very gratifying experience when you play by its rules.