If the other games in this series are even half as good as AC8, then Ace Combat is unquestionably the best game franchise.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is a remarkably polished parry-focused action game (perhaps the best-feeling of its ilk) with some truly exceptional production values and animations that elevate it well above the average action game.
Ambitious, impressive, and addictive — Star Wars Zero Company is an utter blast from start to finish. There are a few technical hiccups to watch out for, and you can imagine some aspects of the game getting further fleshed out in a sequel, but what you have here is still one of the most delightfully involving tactics games on modern consoles.
After mastering its initially sharp learning curve and losing myself to its incredible soundtrack, I can confidently say that Denshattack! is one of the best games I've played in 2026 so far, and it's a gem I'm going to keep coming back to again and again.
Without question, Bubsy 4D is the best game in the franchise, but that's a pretty low bar to cross.
Pragmata is one of the best action games I've played in years, and I had so much fun playing it that my first instinct is to go back and play it all over again.
Screamer doesn't just harken back to a specific, lost era of arcade racing games — it marks a beautiful evolution of the arcade racer.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection proves itself to be one of the finest JRPGs around. Small quibbles about its writing and combat aside, you'll find few games out there can match its quality. Just don't try to rush it. Enjoy it over a few months' worth of shorter gaming sessions — you'll soon find it comfortably becoming one of your favorites.
We can call it now — Ninja Gaiden 4 is the best action game of 2025. Brutal, rewarding, beautifully presented; it's a return Ninja Gaiden fans could once only dream of.