PixlBit

I didn't get a whole lot of gaming time on the holidays, which is kind of strange really, but I don't have a family that plays all that much. I did get a few half days with MK playing Army of Ruin though, and I'm gearing up for what I want to play in 2026. 

Army of Ruin - I'm doing the challenges and unlocking new characters and gear. I discovered the system for leveling up gear until they "evolve" into a super powered state. The game really doesn't show you how to do this, but paying attention to what's on screen reveals the path. Basically when you level up you have choices to make as to gear and buffs. Choose the right ones and you can level up a weapon to an evolved state which adds new graphics to the already explosive arena. In the higher levels, and when you crank a level to harder difficulties with Ruin status, the battles get very big and traps start being more numerous. I'm really into unlocking everything I can in this game before I move on. 

So 2026 is starting next monday for me even though Thursday is the day. I'm about to set up my Atari Junior and go through all my games. I'm sure it won't take long, so I have my XSX there to default to when I'm done. So let's take a quick look at what I got my eyes on for 2026 in new games. 

2-13 - High on Life 2 - I really enjoyed the first one. The sequel seems even more unhooked with a skatboarding element that makes me think of Sunset Overdrive. 

3-26 - Taito Milestones 4 has Arkanoid, so I'll be interested in this collection. 

4-28 - Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred - I was surprised to see more DLC for this game on the way. I still haven't played the previous one, Vessel of Hatred I believe. I don't even own the core game since I played it on Game Pass when I had that service. I wouldn't mind returning to it again. 

Unknown - Fable - Will it actually drop in 2026? Who knows, but I hope it's like Hogwarts Legacy. That was my Fable this year. 

Unknown - Forza Horizon 6 - I'll be watching this really closely. I'll likely play it soon after release. Tokyo this time. I can't wait. 

Unknown - Halo: Campaign Evolved - Another remaster, but maybe a remake? I'm skeptical it will add anything new, but I'll be watching the trailers to see what this is about. 

Unknown - Prof. Layton and the New World of Steam - I'd love to tackle another of these. 

Unknown - Warhammer 40K Boltgun 2 - I really loved the old school FPS of the first one. 

Film releases related to games in 2026

Return to Silent Hill is already on my list to see in late January. 

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a must see for me in April.  

A new Resident Evil film in September will be on my list too. 

There are a lot more maybes for 2026 and who knows what new things I might discover along the way. 

Recent Purchases

I got Sengoku 3 on Xbox for $4 on a sale. This is a 2001 NeoGeo game I got into while playing retro stuff in 2025. Gorgeous graphics and great 2D hack-n-slash gameplay. Sengoku 1 and 2 are available too, and I'll get them when they go on sale. 

Well, let me know what you're looking forward to in 2026 in games or games related stuff.