As we settle into 2026, a passionate UK gamer has laid out his personal hit list of the year's most exciting upcoming video game releases. In a detailed reader's feature for GameCentral, published on January 11, 2026, the enthusiast shares the ten titles he is most looking forward to, highlighting which ones he intends to pre-order immediately and which will require a cautious glance at the reviews first.
The reader, Shahzaib Sadiq, begins by noting his excitement for the year ahead, despite a planned birthday phone purchase in August. He clarifies that his list deliberately excludes sports titles, battle royale games, racing sims, and live service projects, focusing instead on narrative-driven and action-adventure experiences that have genuinely captured his imagination.
The Cautious Buys: Titles Awaiting Verdicts
Leading the charge for 2026 is Resident Evil Requiem. The reader pins his purchase firmly on positive reviews and Capcom's commitment to pure horror, expressing fatigue with action-heavy set pieces. Similarly, Capcom's mysterious new IP, Pragmata, has piqued his interest, but its status as a fresh project makes it a risky day-one buy. He will be watching the critical reception closely.
The prospect of Saros, from the makers of Returnal, is another title dependent on difficulty. While not expecting an easy ride, the reader hopes Housemarque has dialled back the intensity slightly. For the espionage thriller 007: First Light, the promise of stealth and style is enticing, but again, reviews will be the final decider.
A highlight is the Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake. The reader is "beyond stoked" for this horror classic's return and is strongly considering a pre-order, hoping it matches the success of the recent Silent Hill 2 remake to spur further projects in the series.
Confident Pre-Orders and Day-One Certainties
In contrast, several games have already secured a firm place in his shopping cart. Marvel's Wolverine is a definite pre-order, with the reader expressing high hopes it will improve upon what he found to be a rushed Marvel's Spider-Man 2.
He is also willing to embrace the ambitious risk of Crimson Desert, impressed by its scale but wary it may be too good to be true. As a huge fan of Remedy's narrative craft, especially after Alan Wake 2, Control: Resonant is another guaranteed purchase.
The sleeper hit of his list appears to be Phantom Blade 0. Initially not on his radar, he has been "absolutely blown away" by previews, comparing its hype to Black Myth: Wukong. He states "As soon as pre-orders open, I’m there."
And finally, the elephant in every room: Grand Theft Auto 6. Describing it as the most anticipated video game of all time, his excitement is unequivocal. Barring another delay, he cannot wait to begin a new narrative journey in Rockstar's sprawling world come 2026.
The reader's feature offers a personal snapshot of gamer anticipation as a new year of blockbuster releases gets underway, blending cautious optimism with unbridled hype for the industry's biggest names.
