Top picks for 2026

WE ROUND UP THE BEST TITLES COMING YOUR WAY IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS

- CHERYL MULLIN

AFTER a lacklustre 2024, video games redeemed themselves with a stellar 2025.

As I've previously said, the last 12 months have been incredible for indie studios, who have outshone the big AAA+ behemoths at every turn. I'm pleased to say that 2026 is shaping up to be just as packed - and that's not even taking into account the (hopeful) release of Grand Theft Auto VI in November.

There are some great remakes on the horizon, with Deus Ex Remastered, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remastered and Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake all set for release in the first quarter of the year.

There's also the highly anticipated final part of the Final Fantasy VII Remake - Intergrade - which is due out at the end of January.

Other titles to get excited about include the new 007 game First Light, the ninth major instal-ment in the Resident Evil series, Requiem, and Marvel's Wolverine.

It goes without saying that these are just a drop in the ocean of games that are due to be released in the coming 12 months, so with that in mind, here are just eight titles you should be aware of for 2026.

EXTRACTION FANS:The Midnight Walkers

The Midnight Walkers (PEGI 18)Platforms: PCRelease: January 29

This game was pushed back from a November release, but should be coming to early access at the end of January.

Developed by Oneway Ticket Studio, the extraction survival game is set in a world overrun with zombies.

Stuck in a mega complex, you make your way through the various floors clearing the undead as you go.

The thing is, it’s not just zombies you have to be worried about as poison gas is also spreading through the building.

You'll scavenge gear to craft better weapons and armour, collect valuable loot to purchase upgrades and fight off other survivors.