Keeper

Ever since Monkey Island 3 and Grim Fandango, I’ve been following everything game designer Tim Schafer does. So the latest game from his studio Double Fine is a must for me. In it, you play a lighthouse who goes on a surreal adventure with his bird friend. What’s not to love?

007 First Light

IO Interactive has already provided the blueprint for a James Bond game with Hitman. Only in 007 First Light, instead of being a contract killer, I get to serve His Majesty. The trailer gave me stronger Bond feelings than the last five films put together.

Felt That Boxing

I can’t stand the Muppets. But a boxing game in the style of Punch Out featuring a dishevelled rag doll getting into the ring to save an orphanage? Now that’s something I have to experience.

Resident Evil Requiem

Since its seventh instalment in 2017, the Resident Evil series has been delivering one smash hit after the other. It’s why I’m looking forward to February 2026, when the ninth main game Requiem will drop. It’ll send new main character Grace Ashcroft to a haunted hotel and the ruins of Raccoon City – both hopefully locations that’ll give me the creeps.

Silent Hill f

Hype and Silent Hill don’t really work together any more. Anyone who experienced the many franchise disappointments after part 4 knows what I’m talking about. But still, I can’t contain my excitement after the successful remake of Silent Hill 2. I’m hoping for successful puzzle and horror fun in a Japanese setting and with schoolgirl drama at the centre.

Nioh 3

Nioh is one of those countless Souls imitators. However, seeing the series is already releasing its third entry, it must be doing something right. Different fighting stances, which I can change at the touch of a button, promise a varied, challenging and above all fun fighting system. The trailer indicates that part three will finally get the long-awaited jump feature à la Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice or Elden Ring.

Kevin’s highlights

Onimusha: Way of the Sword

I’ve been waiting 20 years for a new Onimusha game. When the new entry was finally announced at the end of last year, I was definitely hyped. The latest trailer only fuels my anticipation even more. Finally, I can slaughter demons again and suck up their souls.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Yup, I’m already that desperate. Apart from a few video snippets, nothing new was shown for the Hollow Knight sequel, which was already announced in 2019. A specific release date hasn’t been revealed either. The only thing we know is that the game should release before this year’s Christmas holidays. That’s already enough for me, and I’m warming up by playing through the original again this summer.

Final Fantasy Tactics The Ivalice Chronicles

I loved the 1997 original, making full use of the Final Fantasy Tactics combat system and becoming a living god. As if that wasn’t enough, the spin-off offers what’s probably the best-told story of the entire franchise. The fact that I can now even play the game on a Steam Deck with synchronisation is the icing on the cake.

Infinitesimals

A third-person shooter but miniaturised? Sign me up! As a fan of Grounded and Smalland, I love fighting bugs and baddies between blades of grass. In Infinitesimals, I get to use futuristic weapons, leading a tiny elite alien squad against deadly machines. There’ll even be a story. Perfect.

Game of Thrones: War for Westeros

The announcement trailer shows a battle between Jon Snow and the Night King, which turns out a little differently than expected. Daenerys doesn’t seem to be having a good day either. Interesting. I haven’t touched a single Game of Thrones game yet. War for Westeros could change that. In this new real-time strategy game, I could finally get revenge for House Stark.

Mafia: The Old Country

I’m a newcomer to the Mafia series too. The newest entry will be set in Sicily, showing the origins of the Italian mafia at the start of the 20th century. Now that’s an offer I can’t refuse. The new story trailer shows how main character Enzo swears allegiance to the family and becomes embroiled in power struggles between the clans. I’m looking forward to immersing myself in this fresh setting and making a name for myself in the family.

Aphelion

An astronaut is stranded on an alien planet. That already worked in Returnal. Aphelion seems to be less alien shooter and more action platformer with a story, however. It looks and sounds exciting. After all, anyone who puts Outro by M83 on their soundtrack will conquer my heart.

Clockwork Revolution

A Guy Ritchie gangster movie in a steampunk setting with time manipulation. It even has a raging wooden doll. I’m a simple guy, this is all I need.