GameCentral has published its half-year roundup of the best video games of 2026, with 007 First Light from IO Interactive claiming the number one spot. The list excludes remasters, remakes, yearly sequels, expansions, and early access titles.
10. Yoshi And The Mysterious Book
Available on Nintendo Switch 2, this title was poorly marketed as a children's game but is actually a clever deconstruction of 2D platformers. It emphasizes power-ups over Yoshi himself, set in a bizarre story about a talking animal encyclopedia. After a slow start, it becomes a sandbox of classic Nintendo invention.
9. Mina The Hollower
Released on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, this action adventure from the creators of Shovel Knight mimics Game Boy Color visuals but offers complex gameplay. The 'hollowing' technique, dense world design, and puzzle-filled dungeons set it apart from Zelda: Link's Awakening.
8. Forza Horizon 6
An Xbox Series X/S and PC exclusive (with a possible PlayStation 5 version later), this entry features a stunning Tokyo setting and a huge array of cars and modes. It is considered the best arcade racer of the modern era, despite not introducing major innovations.
7. Pragmata
Capcom's big-budget new IP on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC surprised reviewers. It is a third-person shooter that blends simple block puzzles with regular action gameplay, never feeling gimmicky. It nearly outshone Saros, which released around the same time.
6. Nioh 3
On PlayStation 5 and PC, this Soulslike excels in combat but suffers from poor storytelling and a flawed loot system. New additions include more enemy and setting variety, making it one of the greatest Soulslikes not made by FromSoftware.
5. Saros
This PlayStation 5 exclusive spiritual successor to Returnal features superb gunplay but lacks the atmosphere and characters of its predecessor. The combat is a perfect blend of modern 3D and arcade action, but ancillary elements like miserable backdrops and boring characters hold it back.
4. Resident Evil Requiem
Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, this entry is the best in two decades when firing on all cylinders. It blends over-the-top combat with Leon S. Kennedy and terrifying segments with new character Grace. The first half is stronger, with a weak ending.
3. Öoo
A low-profile indie title on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, Öoo features a worm whose body segments can be used as bombs to propel itself through platform levels. Despite an ungoogleable name, it exploits its mechanics in endlessly inventive ways.
2. Pokémon Pokopia
On Nintendo Switch 2, this spin-off combines Minecraft and Animal Crossing, rejuvenating the Pokémon franchise. Players use Ditto to recreate a post-apocalyptic wasteland, with structure for goals but also freedom to build and design. Creating habitats for Pokémon is as compelling as capturing and battling.
1. 007 First Light
IO Interactive's title on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2 (Q3), and PC surpasses expectations. It recreates the look and feel of the Bond films, with a likeable younger Bond, top-notch performances, and excellent gunplay and melee combat. It features the best training montage in video game history and a memorable theme tune.
Honorable mentions include Vampire Crawlers, Mewgenics, and Demon Tides, which just missed the top 10. Slay The Spire 2 is not eligible due to early access status.
