As a PlayStation fan, I really think the 2010s were the peak for the brand. So many incredible games came out – some of the best and most impactful ever, honestly! Whether you were into huge, immersive open worlds or competitive online multiplayer, there was something for everyone. That’s why so many of us who played on PS3 or PS4 during that decade look back on it with such fond memories.
It’s easy to feel nostalgic for the 2010s, but the 2020s are already proving to be just as great, especially for gamers. In fact, 2026 is shaping up to be a fantastic year with many new games that capture the spirit of beloved titles from the previous decade – and some of these games are already here! Here are 10 examples of this exciting trend.
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2010: Red Dead Redemption
2026 Equivalent: Grand Theft Auto 6
The late 2000s and early 2010s, with the rise of high-definition gaming, were a perfect time for Rockstar Games. It allowed them to create incredibly detailed open-world games like the first Red Dead Redemption. This western-themed game, built on the successful GTA style, quickly became popular with players. People loved its massive world and freedom, but also its compelling and emotionally engaging story.
Rockstar Games is set to return in 2026 with the highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6. The trailers suggest this will be their most expansive and ambitious game yet, featuring a huge open world and a compelling story centered around two main characters, Jason and Lucia. Gamers are incredibly excited for GTA 6, especially fans of Red Dead Redemption and other Rockstar titles.
2011: Batman: Arkham City
2026 Equivalent: Marvel’s Wolverine
Batman: Arkham City followed up on the success of 2009’s Arkham Asylum, expanding the gameplay into a larger, open-world environment. It kept the exciting combat and featured many popular villains from the Batman comics. Often hailed as one of the greatest superhero video games of all time, Arkham City paved the way for other developers to create high-quality games based on comic book heroes.
Many fans see Marvel’s Spider-Man as a follow-up to the Batman: Arkham games, but its developer, Insomniac Games, is now focusing on a new game featuring Wolverine. Marvel’s Wolverine will be a quick and exciting action game where players explore different locations and battle dangerous enemies, including well-known X-Men villains like The Sentinels, Mystique, and Omega Red. Comic book fans should be excited about this game – Insomniac Games consistently delivers high quality experiences.
2012: Max Payne 3/Spec Ops: The Line
2026 Equivalent: 007 First Light
2012 delivered two standout third-person shooters: Max Payne 3 and Spec Ops: The Line. Both games offered strong cover-based shooting, but also surprised players with their complex and thought-provoking stories. Max Payne 3 continued a popular series, while Spec Ops: The Line took a dark and unexpected turn. (Though other Spec Ops games exist, The Line feels like a completely separate experience.)
Third-person shooter fans have plenty to look forward to, as the genre remains incredibly popular. One of the most exciting upcoming games is 007 First Light, a high-quality, single-player adventure starring James Bond. The game will feature a brand-new story and combine stealth, driving, and intense action sequences for a truly cinematic experience. If the developers at IO Interactive can meet expectations, 007 First Light could be a top contender for the best third-person shooter of the next few years.
2013: The Last Of Us
2026 Equivalent: Resident Evil Requiem
The Last of Us follows Joel, a hardened survivor, as he guides a young girl named Ellie across a dangerous, post-apocalyptic America overrun by terrifying creatures. Praised for its compelling story and blend of horror and action, the game won numerous “Game of the Year” awards in 2013 and is widely considered one of the decade’s best.
In Resident Evil: Requiem, players experience a dual storyline. They control Leon Kennedy, a seasoned veteran, and Grace, a young woman he must protect, as they navigate a medical facility and the remnants of Raccoon City while battling relentless zombies. Grace’s gameplay focuses on tense, slower-paced survival horror, while Leon’s is characterized by quick, action-packed third-person combat. Already a favorite among gamers in 2026, many predict Resident Evil: Requiem will be a strong contender for Game of the Year. Fans of The Last of Us will likely enjoy this game, even if they aren’t familiar with the Resident Evil series.
2014: Dragon Age: Inquisition
2026 Equivalent: Fable 4
Released in 2014, Dragon Age: Inquisition was a huge success, winning numerous Game of the Year awards. It breathed new life into the Dragon Age series and stood out as a fantastic fantasy RPG with impressive tactical battles, characters you won’t forget, and beautiful visuals. It arrived at a time when many gamers thought nothing could top The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
After the recent return of Dragon Age (which received mixed reactions), another beloved fantasy RPG series is preparing to make a comeback: Fable. Fable 4 is set to release in 2026 after years in development, and it aims to recapture the magic of the original Fable games from the 2000s. Players can look forward to extensive character customization, a nuanced morality system, a vast open world to explore, plenty of quests, and a cast of quirky characters.
2015: Bloodborne
2026 Equivalent: Phantom Blade Zero
FromSoftware had a dedicated fanbase before 2015, thanks to games like Dark Souls 1 released in 2011. However, Bloodborne was a turning point for both the studio and its players. Many considered it the first must-have game for the PlayStation 4, praising its fast-paced, action-oriented combat. Despite being even more difficult than previous “Souls-like” games, Bloodborne captivated players with its dark, immersive world inspired by the horror of H.P. Lovecraft.
The game Bloodborne was a huge hit with both critics and players, and it clearly influenced many games that followed, including Phantom Blade Zero, which is scheduled to release on PS5 and PC in September 2026. Phantom Blade Zero blends the challenging gameplay of “Souls-like” games with fast-paced hack-and-slash action, much like the beloved 2015 title. Players can expect to battle frightening and uniquely designed creatures in demanding fights that require skill and quick reflexes. With its dark, realistic graphics, Phantom Blade Zero appears to be an ideal action game for fans of Bloodborne who are eagerly awaiting FromSoftware’s next project.
2016: Overwatch
2026 Equivalent: Marathon
2016 saw the release of many great games, but Overwatch quickly became the biggest title of the year. Players on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC all fell in love with its vibrant visuals, unique characters, and exciting team-focused gameplay. This success led to numerous awards, including Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2016.
Even in 2026, Overwatch 2 remains popular, but if you’re looking for something new, Marathon is worth checking out. Created by Bungie, this multiplayer extraction shooter has quickly gained a huge following with its unique look and engaging gameplay. After the disappointing launch of Highguard – a game many saw as similar to Overwatch – dedicated shooter fans are really enjoying the surprise hit that Marathon has become.
2017: NieR: Automata
2026 Equivalent: Tides of Annihilation
NieR: Automata was a standout game in 2017. Created by a collaboration between Yoko Taro and PlatinumGames, it’s a thrilling action game with a fantastic combat system. Players control 2B, a compelling and well-developed female character, as she journeys through a desolate, post-apocalyptic world to uncover the fate of humanity.
Good hack-and-slash games are rare these days, but Tides of Annihilation looks particularly promising. It’s a fast-paced action game featuring Gwendolyn, a compelling female character, who journeys through the ruins of a lost civilization. A unique feature of the game is the ability to summon Knights to help in combat. Though an official release date hasn’t been confirmed, current estimates suggest Tides of Annihilation will likely launch in late 2026.
2018: Red Dead Redemption 2
2026 Equivalent: Crimson Desert
Many consider Red Dead Redemption 2 to be the greatest open-world game of all time, and it’s easy to see why. The game features a stunningly beautiful and expansive map, with incredible attention to detail and a huge variety of things to do. It’s a truly immersive experience that keeps players coming back, even years after its release, and has earned it a dedicated and enthusiastic fanbase.
While fans eagerly await GTA 6, many Red Dead Redemption 2 players have discovered a new game to enjoy: the recently released open-world RPG Crimson Desert. Like Rockstar’s popular western, Crimson Desert features a vast and detailed open world filled with engaging content. Although it’s not perfect, the game has quickly gained a large and dedicated player base, and the developers at Pearl Abyss have been actively improving it with updates.
2019: Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
2026 Equivalent: Nioh 3
In 2019, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice was often compared to Nioh, another challenging action game set in feudal Japan with supernatural enemies. But because it was created by FromSoftware, the team famous for this type of game, Sekiro quickly distinguished itself with its incredible combat, unforgiving difficulty, and compelling story. It went on to win numerous Game of the Year awards and, for many players, became the definitive Japanese-inspired action game in the style of “Souls” games, even surpassing Nioh.
I’m still waiting for a sequel to Sekiro, but Team Ninja has really kept the Nioh series going strong. They’ve released three main games now, with Nioh 3 coming out in February 2026. They’ve totally nailed the “Soulslike” formula – the combat feels incredible, and you can really build a character that fits how you like to play, whether you prefer a samurai or ninja style. Plus, Nioh 3 has these really tough, but rewarding, fights against all sorts of powerful Yokai and human enemies. If you’re like me and loved Sekiro and are still craving a serious challenge, this game is definitely it!
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2026-04-13 20:36