The video game release landscape changes each year. Traditionally, most major games launched between August and November, especially October and November, to coincide with the holiday shopping season. Earlier in the year and during the summer, fewer big titles were released. However, as the industry has expanded, those periods now also see significant releases. In late 2025, the holiday season seemed to have fewer major game launches, possibly due to the planned (and later delayed) release of GTA 6.
Although several decent games came out in 2026—including Arknights: Endfield, Cairn, Pathologic 3, Highguard, Code Vein 2, and most recently, Nioh 3—none have become truly essential titles. Many appeal to very specific tastes, preventing them from achieving widespread appeal. However, Mewgenics, launching on Steam February 10th, is quickly gaining that ‘must-play’ reputation. Early reviews for the game, created by the developers of The Binding of Isaac and The End is Nigh (Edmund McMillen and Tyler Glaiel), are excellent, and it’s already proving very popular.
According to OpenCritic, a site that collects game reviews, Mewgenics has an average score of 90 out of 100. 94% of critics recommend the game, which OpenCritic considers “Mighty.” This is based on 16 reviews so far. The score could change as more reviews are published, but it’s likely to stay high given the positive feedback it’s received. While adding more reviews usually lowers a score, Mewgenics is already performing well – many games don’t even begin with a score in the 90s.
What is Mewgenics? The First Must-Play Game of 2026 on Steam
Mewgenics is a unique game described as a turn-based strategy and breeding game with roguelite elements. Players build an army of cats and send them on quests to find resources like food, money, and treasure. Battles require strategic thinking, combining cat abilities, and using the environment to your advantage. Each cat falls into a classic RPG class, such as Fighter, Tank, or Mage, adding depth to the gameplay.
With over 1000 unique abilities spread across different classes – each class having 75 of its own – plus more than 900 items and a focus on how players interact with the environment, every playthrough of Mewgenics feels fresh. However, progression is key: cats returning from missions gain experience, learn new skills, and develop mutations that can be passed down to future generations. This combination of numbers and player choices creates a complex and evolving system that rewards strategic thinking and leads to unexpected gameplay moments.
Mewgenics Features at a Glance
- 200+ hour main campaign
- 10+ character classes with 75 unique abilities each
- 900+ wild items
- 200+ enemies and bosses
- Build, Experiment, Plan, Adapt, Survive, Breed
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What Critics Are Saying
Dan Stapleton, IGN
Mewgenics is a really fun tactical RPG that you can play for a very long time, thanks to its roguelike elements. It constantly keeps you guessing with surprising and often bizarre twists, and it frequently includes original, memorable songs.
Paul Kelly, PCGamesN
Mewgenics is one of the most strategically deep and clever games I’ve played recently. However, it’s surprisingly lacking in humor, and its overall style, story, and characters just don’t quite land. If you can look past the weak attempts at comedy, you’ll find a truly excellent game underneath.
Robin Valentine, PC Gamer
This roguelike game is huge, wonderfully strange, and full of unexpected twists – it’s completely captivating and will pull you right in.
Ali Jones, GamesRadar+
The silly, over-the-top humor and unusual ways things are put together, which have always been hallmarks of McMillen’s games, actually add to the experience instead of taking away from it.
Mewgenics Release Date
It’s not unusual for critics and players to have different opinions. However, Mewgenics has a strong background and impressive scores. The best way to decide if it’s for you, though, is to try it yourself – it comes out on Steam on February 11th.
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2026-02-06 21:05