2026 games that are true 10/10, no notes

We have spent many years in gaming, and 2026 It is shaping up to be no exception. When we arrive at the halfway point, it is nice to look back and appreciate the best, and as it may seem, we have already received many gifts. 10/10 masterpieces.

It's very hard to be innocent in the gaming world, especially with how fierce the competition is and how high the standards are for success. However, these games have shown that with a creative vision, compelling stories, and fun gameplay, perfection is more than possible.

Mina the Hollover

An instant classic

• Retro style adventure with a modern sensibility.

• Dozens of different mechanics and settings.

From the creators of Shovel Knight, Mina the Hollover Everything is a love letter to retro. Playing as Mina herself, you set out to save a cursed island, and throughout your mission to do so, you need to do everything from fighting giant frogs to jumping over glaciers to scaling castles high in the mountains.

Despite the 2026 release, everything about the game feels old-school, except for the actual feel, which keeps things modern while maintaining its charming 8-bit aesthetic. There's a lot to love, and it's the ideal place for any arcade fan to revisit the past and experience one of the best games the genre has to offer.

Forza Horizon 6

Race to the next lane

• Breathtaking views throughout.

• Satisfying races and a huge amount of content.

Forza Horizon 6 Continues the series' reputation as the benchmark for open-world racing games. Now in Japan, you are treated to a long list of vehicles suitable for all types of terrain. Driving around the world feels like you've been transported to the breathtaking landscape around Mount Fuji.

In terms of activities, there's plenty to love for both casual and seasoned fans alike, with competitive races and free-roaming challenges to satisfy every type of player. While there are plenty of great racing games out there that hit specific niches, if you want an all-rounder that stands above them all, then look no further. Forza Horizon 6.

Resident Evil requests

Survival horror at its finest

• Continues the franchise as much as possible.

• Merges pure fear and existence into one connected whole.

Resident Evil It's been on a bit of a hot streak since its revival, and make a request Pushes that train of success further. Playing as two very different characters isn't a first for the franchise, but here, the transitions between Grace and Leon feel amazing. I was always curious to see what was going to happen next.

Gameplay wise, the guns and scares feel amazing, with so much weight and grit behind each shot that even in the more terrifying sections, you're still going to get blasted by firing rounds. It's a real contender for GOTY and a new high for the franchise's modern look.

Pokemon Pokopia

Comfortable beyond belief

• A fascinating sandbox simulation.

• Pokemon types play a role in their gameplay.

Pokemon Pokopia This is what you get when you cross the titans of the gaming world with the features of sandbox life simulation. Playing as Ditto in a charming little piece of the world, you gradually work to build an ideal Pokémon village, perfect for housing all the cute critters that will undoubtedly cross your path.

Instead of using your friends to fight, they help you landscape and make heaven a truly idyllic home. Bulbasaur can grow trees, Charmander can burn them. There are a lot of mechanics to be found, which makes it a great game for me and many other long-time Pokemon fans who are always looking for a more relaxing-focused experience from the series.

progenitor

Capcom does it again

• An emotional and touching story.

• Incredibly unique style of shooter gameplay.

progenitor It originally showed its face back in 2020, and although it took several years to release, the wait was more than worth it. Playing as Hugh and his unlikely robotic companion, Diana, you'll find yourself on a moon base complete with evil AI. It can only be made alive by working together.

As amazing as the story is, I think the standout is definitely the gameplay. Rather than this being yet another third-person shooter, there's a puzzle element that makes simple encounters feel more engaging overall. If you're looking to play something truly unique in a whole new universe, then there's no better game to check out than 2026. progenitor.

Neoh 3

Raising the bar Soulslike

• The dual form presents more complex combat options.

• Open areas filled with all kinds of content.

Neoh 3 Once again shows that FromSoftware is not the only developer capable of making stellar souls. Continuing the franchise's dedication to diversity, you can quickly switch between two different playstyles, ninja and samurai, with one more dynamic and the other more strategic, transforming how fights play out without having to completely uproot your build.

The biggest change comes from the expanded world, which now features many different side quests in the form of myths, as well as plenty of collectibles and bonuses that really reward you for some extra exploration. It doesn't quite live up to the high Alden RingBut in many ways, it actually surpasses it. At the end of the day, it's still among the best soul favorites ever made.

Kern

No mountain is too high

• Realistic climbing mechanics and physics.

• Wrapped in a tale of perseverance.

Kern This is a game that was very clearly made with a lot of love, and you can feel that devotion in everything from the visual style to the gameplay that guides you up the mountain. You play as Ava, a world-class mountaineer, on her quest to reach the summit of her most difficult challenge yet, but along the way to greatness, you must contend with both the elements and emotional burdens that put it all at risk.

Unlike many other exploration games, the emphasis here is on authenticity. I really enjoyed how many real-world elements are integrated into the climbing experience, such as proper limb placement and chocks for extra grip. When you need relaxation, this is the perfect game to play to kick back and feel truly one with nature.