It’s been a busy few weeks of gaming news!
Sony’s State of Play presentation was followed by Microsoft’s Xbox Games Showcase, and Nintendo capped things off with a Direct of its own.
So, for the sake of time — and my own sanity — I’m condensing my reactions into one roundup of the games I’m most excited about from all three presentations.
The one shocking thing? “Grand Theft Auto VI” is seemingly months away, and yet we got no new teases or trailers until a week or so later — even then, it was just announcing preorders were going live.
Sony
Marvel’s Wolverine
Call me crazy, but “Marvel’s Wolverine” is my most-anticipated game this year.
Yes, even over “Grand Theft Auto VI.”
Insomniac released an extended gameplay trailer, and it looks exactly like a Wolverine game should — bloody, chaotic and violent.
I’m seeing some critiques saying Wolverine looks like he’s from a PlayStation 2 game and … well, I respectfully disagree.
Stuntman Hollywood
It’s been more than 20 years since I played “Stuntman” on the PlayStation 2, but I still have a lot of fond memories of playing it relentlessly with my cousin.
So, a new Stuntman game built around iconic car scenes?
Count me in.
The only hesitation I have is, I remember the OG one demanding perfection for progression. Maybe a little leeway this time?
God of War: Laufey
After months of rumors and leaks, “God of War” is getting a spinoff featuring Kratos’ deceased wife, Faye.
And it looks damn intriguing.
Set after her death in the first game, “Laufey” follows Faye after she awakens in Everywhen, the afterlife of the gods. She quickly finds herself surrounded by what appear to be gods from a variety of pantheons, and let’s just say, the reception is a cold one.
That setup opens the door to a lot of possibilities for the series. Could Faye have to answer to fallen Greek or Norse gods killed by Kratos? Will we learn more about the God of War universe as a whole?
Based on the gameplay trailer, this game looks every bit as gorgeous as it does badass.
Microsoft
Microsoft had a solid showing, but I have to say, I’m a little confused.
Reuters recently reported that Microsoft has at least kicked around major changes for Xbox, including a possible spinoff or restructuring that could make the division easier to sell.
So, it was a little odd to see “Gears of War: E-Day” positioned as an Xbox console exclusive. I’m not a businessman, but it strikes me as odd gatekeeping when going multiplatform means more money.
But having said that, there’s plenty I’m looking forward to as a Sony/Nintendo guy.
Fable
“Fable” has been delayed until February 2027, but my hype for it continues to grow.
The latest trailer gives us a better glimpse of the main antagonist, Isabel. Interestingly, she seems to view herself as the only hero her world needs, and she’s willing to go to any lengths to protect it.
I’ve always liked a good, fleshed-out villain, and Isabel seems like she has real potential.
This will be my first foray into the “Fable” series, and this is easily my most-anticipated game behind “Wolverine.”
Halo: Campaign Evolved
Guess what? I’ve never played a “Halo” game.
It’s not lost on me that “Halo: Combat Evolved” is one of the most important shooters ever made, right up there with “GoldenEye,” and I’m looking forward to getting into this.
I really don’t know what to expect, which is a good thing. All I know is, this game looks badass.
Spyro: A Realm Beyond
Spyro is back, and honestly, it’s about time.
“Spyro: A Realm Beyond” marks the first new Spyro adventure in years, and that alone is enough to get my attention.
One of the many games on my backlog is the “Reignited Trilogy” because … well, I’ve never played a Spyro game. So, this gives me something to look forward to, and motivation to cross the trilogy off my backlog list.
A win-win!
Nintendo
I’m going to open this by saying Nintendo’s Direct was largely forgettable.
Sure, there were a few announcements that absolutely got my attention. But there was no mention of a new Mario game, no new content for “Mario Kart World” and other than said announcements, very little to stoke any real excitement.
It’s also telling that Nintendo opened its Direct with some snoozer of a game instead of coming out swinging. They did end the Direct on one hell of a high note, but if you’re considering getting a Switch 2, especially after the last price hike, you might be in for some disappointment.
I’m going to dig more into Nintendo soon. But for now, here’s what I am excited about.
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort
I have a lot of fond memories of playing Wii Sports back in the day, and to Nintendo’s credit, the company has only gotten better with motion controls.
“Nintendo Switch Sports Resort” looks like a cozy, gear-down-after-a-long-day game — or something to play with my wife and, eventually, my kids when they’re old enough.
Sometimes, simple games work best. This looks like it fits that bill.
Final Fantasy Resonance
“Final Fantasy” is back, though this one might look familiar to some players.
Based on the mobile live-service game “Final Fantasy Brave Exvius,” “Final Fantasy Resonance” is a fully reimagined version of the game built in Square Enix’s HD-2D engine. According to IGN, it features a turn-based combat system with a traditional turn order, a new overworld and more.
Interestingly, the game will also feature “Visions” — characters from other Final Fantasy games that players can collect and equip to unlock jobs.
Sure, I would have loved “Final Fantasy XVII,” but hey, a 2D Final Fantasy? I’ll take it.
Kingdom Hearts IV
It’s not a Nintendo exclusive, but after years of silence, Square Enix showed off “Kingdom Hearts IV” during the Direct.
And, as expected, it looks badass.
Seeing “Kingdom Hearts IV” resurface was one of the bigger surprises of the Direct, and it instantly became one of the games I’ll be watching closely.
And for those interested, the original trilogy is also being re-released on the Switch 2.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
The rumors were true: Arguably the greatest Zelda game — and one of the most influential video games of all time — is getting a remake.
The trailer didn’t show much. It mostly set the tone, showed a sleeping Link with the glowing Triforce on his hand, and confirmed the title and an ambitious 2026 release window.
But that was enough.
“Ocarina of Time” is sacred ground for a lot of people, myself included. I would easily put it above “Breath of the Wild” and “Tears of the Kingdom.” This is also the game that got me into the series, has a few personal connections, and prompted me to get my first tattoo of the Triforce insignia when I turned 18.
I’ll say this now, and I hope I’m wrong: With how packed this year’s release schedule already is — and with “Grand Theft Auto VI” looming over everything — I would not be surprised if this slips to 2027.
But whenever it arrives, this is going to be massive.





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