GameCentral has published its mid-year ranking of the best video games of 2026, with 007 First Light from Hitman developer IO Interactive claiming the number one position. The list excludes remasters, remakes, yearly sequels, expansions, and early access titles, meaning Slay The Spire 2 is not eligible despite its quality.
10. Yoshi And The Mysterious Book
Available on Nintendo Switch 2, Yoshi And The Mysterious Book was misrepresented in marketing as a game for very young children. In reality, it is a clever deconstruction of 2D platformers, focusing on a dazzling array of power-ups rather than Yoshi himself. After an underwhelming start, it becomes a mad sandbox of classic Nintendo invention, encouraging players to stretch mechanics beyond expected limits.
9. Mina The Hollower
Available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, Mina The Hollower from the creators of Shovel Knight purposefully mimics Game Boy Color visuals. Despite its retro aesthetic, the game offers complex and varied action-adventure gameplay, featuring a 'hollowing' technique for tunnelling underground, a densely designed game world, and puzzle-filled dungeons.
8. Forza Horizon 6
Forza Horizon 6, on Xbox Series X/S and PC, is hailed as the best arcade racer of the modern era. Set in a stunning version of Tokyo, it features a huge array of cars and modes. A PlayStation 5 version is expected but uncertain due to Microsoft's multiformat policy. The game does not introduce major innovations but excels in execution.
7. Pragmata
Capcom's new IP Pragmata, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, is a third-person shooter where players complete simple block puzzles to expose weak spots on attacking robots while controlling the game as a regular action game. It is highly engrossing from beginning to end and nearly outshined Saros, which released around the same time.
6. Nioh 3
Nioh 3, on PlayStation 5 and PC, is one of the greatest Soulslikes not made by FromSoftware, with arguably the best combat in the genre. However, it suffers from terrible storytelling and a deeply flawed loot system, both long-standing issues the sequel refuses to address. New additions include more variety in enemies and settings.
5. Saros
Saros, a PlayStation 5 exclusive from Housemarque, features possibly the best gunplay in any third-person shooter, blending modern 3D combat with 2D arcade mastery. However, its miserable atmosphere, unimaginative backdrops, and boring characters detract from the experience, making it only a small step up from Returnal.
4. Resident Evil Requiem
Resident Evil Requiem, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, is the best new entry in the franchise in two decades. It blends over-the-top combat with Leon S. Kennedy and genuinely terrifying segments with new character Grace. The first half is noticeably better than the second, with a weak ending preventing a higher ranking.
3. Öoo
Öoo, on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, is the lowest profile game in the top 10, discovered via a reader tip. The name is a pictograph of the main character, a worm whose body segments can be deposited as bombs to propel itself through devilishly designed platform levels. The game exploits its simple mechanics in endlessly inventive ways.
2. Pokémon Pokopia
Pokémon Pokopia, on Nintendo Switch 2, is a spin-off combining elements of Minecraft and Animal Crossing. It rejuvenates the Pokémon franchise by allowing players to use Ditto to recreate a post-apocalyptic wasteland. The game offers structure and goals but also freedom to build and design, making creating habitats for Pokémon as compelling as capturing and battling.
1. 007 First Light
007 First Light, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2 (Q3), and PC, from IO Interactive, recreates the look and feel of the James Bond movie series, actively more enjoyable than many actual films. The younger Bond is disarmingly likeable and vulnerable. Gunplay and melee combat are top notch, with a memorable training montage and needle drop. The game features top-notch performances and incidental dialogue, though pacing can be slow at times.
