Hardcore Gamer

CM Punk takes the spotlight as the cover star and Showcase lead in WWE 2K26. This entry marks a new era, bypassing older consoles to double creation slots and introduce brutal match types like I Quit, Inferno, and thumbtack-filled hardcore wars. Read full story here: https://lnkd.in/gcjQXNnT

Pearl Abyss delivers one of the most immersive open worlds ever crafted. While complex systems and finicky controls can occasionally hinder the experience, the stunning aesthetics and rich fantasy setting make it a must-play adventure for 2026. Pywel is a world you have to see to believe. Read our full review here: https://lnkd.in/gwMTNHyU

Bungie's Marathon delivers best-in-class gunplay and a striking neon aesthetic. While the mechanics are sound, the brutal game loop and unintuitive UI present a steep learning curve. Can the stellar shooting overcome a frustrating core experience? Read full story here: https://lnkd.in/gUKq_T_4

By blending Warzone's best features with Blackout's scavenging mechanics and "Cradle Breach" Zombies, Raven Software is tackling the "sweaty" meta head-on. Read full story here: https://lnkd.in/gtpG3kiW

In Slay The Spire II, Mega Crit returns with 5 unique characters, deeper deck-building strategy, and a brand-new multiplayer co-op mode for up to 4 players. Seven years later, the sequel feels just as sharp as the original. It may still be in Early Access, but it barely shows. Hundreds of hours of depth await. Read our full preview here: https://lnkd.in/gWX64sMw

Developer Fumi Games blends a detective atmosphere with fast-paced combat, diverse weaponry, and a truly one-of-a-kind style in Mouse P.I. For Hire. Our early impressions? It's stylish, unique, and full of potential. Read our full preview here: https://lnkd.in/g_ETtV6g

AC IV: Black Flag is officially getting a remake: Black Flag Resynced. Codename HEXE is confirmed as a darker, narrative-driven mainline entry. Codename INVICTUS is in development as a brand-new PvP multiplayer experience. After months of uncertainty around Ubisoft's restructuring, the franchise is charting a bold new course. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/gnBm2nv6

Resident Evil Requiem is a game for new and old fans alike. It contains the identity of both the recent entries in the franchise and some of the remakes, meshing both horror and action that works most of the time. Read our full review here: https://lnkd.in/gcEXWc42

Super Bomberman Collection is a pack filled with fun games from the Super Nintendo era that are still just as fun today as they were back in the day. Filled with variety, they can be a strong option to recapture the magic once again. The collection itself ends up a little lackluster, though, with online multiplayer not being part of the pack by default and the basic additions that don’t even allow for complete remapping. In the end, it feels like more effort could have been put into celebrating such a classic IP. Full review here: https://lnkd.in/gzm32Qaj

RIDE 6 features a plethora of bikes, tracks, and a deep Career Mode that will have players engaged in a single-player experience that doesn't force a grind. Read our full review here: https://lnkd.in/gwcw4kds