Everyone loves to see new, original games announced. However, the gaming industry is built on the backs of major franchises. After all, where would gaming be without the likes of Mario and The Legend of Zelda? 2027 looks to be an especially big year for major franchises.
Many popular series are releasing new installments. In some cases, it comes after a long period in which the series was inactive, which adds to the excitement. Here are the biggest franchises with new releases in 2027.
Like the Dragon series – Stranger than Heaven
If you're a fan of Like A Dragon, you won't have to wait that long for a new entry in the series, as there's been at least one game every year since 2023. However, the Like a Dragon game in 2027 isn't actually called Like a Dragon. It's titled Stranger Than Heaven, and for a while, it wasn't clear whether it was part of the series or another action-adventure game from RGG Studios.
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However, it is confirmed to be part of the same universe. However, it is unclear how much this game has to do with the rest of the series. After all, it features a new protagonist in Makoto Daito, who is trying to find a new life in Japan.
Tomb Raider Series – Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis and Tomb Raider: Catalyst
The Tomb Raider series returns with a bang in the form of two new action-adventure games in the series. Not one of them brand new; It is a remake of the original Tomb Raider game, titled Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis. When it comes out on February 12, it will be the first release in the Tomb Raider series since the Tomb Raider 4-5 collection in 2025.
The last mainline game that wasn't a remake or remaster was Shadow of the Tomb Raider in 2018. However, in 2027, we get another new Tomb Raider title called Tomb Raider: Catalyst. So, this could be a great year for Tomb Raider fans.
Metro Series – Metro 2039
The last main game in the Metro series was Metro Exodus in 2019. The post-apocalyptic FPS series will return to Metro 2039 in February 2027. In the series, people live in the metro tunnels under Moscow due to a nuclear war many years ago.
This time, there is a man named Hunter, who is leading the underground people using questionable methods. You don't play as him, though; You control the pre-exile to return to the metro. The game promises to deliver another fascinating adventure.
Fable Series – Fable
Fable is a long-dormant series. The last Fable game of any kind was 2017's Fable Fortune, and that was a free-to-play card collectible game. You have to go all the way back to 2010's Fable 3 to find a true Fable title.
That means the 2027 Fable game is a long time coming. Like the original entries, this is an action-RPG, set in a fantasy world where you play as some sort of hero. What kind of hero you will be depends on the choices you make.
Final Fantasy Series – Final Fantasy 7 Light
2027 will finally see the conclusion of the Final Fantasy 7 remake trilogy that started in 2020. We've had the original Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Final Fantasy 7 Reborn, and now, Final Fantasy 7 Revealed. It revolves around Cloud and the gang ultimately trying to put an end to Sephiroth's plans.
Like the other two, Prakash is an RPG, featuring real-time combat. It looks like the game will be completely open-world, as you fly in a ship and parachute to the ground when necessary.
Pokemon Series – Pokemon Air and Waves
The Pokemon series feels like it's been around forever at this point. Still, there is no end in sight, as the next main entry in the series is scheduled to release in 2027. The last one was Pokemon Legends: ZA, which came out in 2025, so it's not a long wait for fans of the series.
Not much has been revealed about the new game yet. However, we do know that it is set in a tropical location, and that it introduces the tenth generation of Pokemon. That's enough to get excited about.
Spyro Series – Spyro: A Realm Beyond
For a while, it seemed that Spyro was lost forever. The series saw consecutive releases from 1998 to 2008, after which Purple Dragon went missing for ten years. Eventually, though, he returned in 2018 for the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, a collection of remakes of the original games.
Now, he's set to return again in 2027 in Spyro: A Realm Beyond. This new game promises to put more emphasis on the hero's flying abilities. He had always been able to jump and glide, but now he would be able to climb. Since it's a 3D platformer, he can still jump.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse Series – Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3
The Dragon Ball franchise has spawned many games, including subseries such as Dragon Ball Xenoverse. The first Xenoverse game was released in 2015, while the second arrived in 2016. Since the first two were released so close together, you might have missed the third game ten years later.
In 2027, however, the next Xenoverse game is set to arrive. The first two games revolved around your friendly character stopping evildoers from messing with the Dragon Ball timeline. Details are limited for this new game so far, but it's expected to be another action RPG where you control a custom character.
Resident Evil Series – Resident Evil: Veronica
You don't have to wait too long for a new Resident Evil game these days. There is either a new installment or a remake almost every year. In 2027, it's time for another remake in the form of Resident Evil Veronica, a new version of 2000's Code: Veronica.
Claire Redfield returns to the lead role as she searches for her brother Chris, months after the events of Resident Evil 2. Given how Capcom has handled its RE remakes, this new game is very different from the original.
Xenoblade Chronicles Series – Xenoblade Origins
2026 is big for Xenoblade Chronicles fans as all the main installments of the series are released on Nintendo Switch 2. 2027 is set to be even better because there will be an entirely new Xenoblade game called Xenoblade Genesis.
Not much has been revealed about the title yet, but it looks like your character will attend a school to learn and improve their special abilities. Of course, it will not be just a school simulator. There is sure to be more to the story.
