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The year 2026 has not produced many breakout titles reaching modern classic status, with average review scores down and only three new releases achieving a Metacritic rating above ninety, according to Polygon. Instead, a large group of blockbusters landed with solid critical reception ranging from eighty-three to eighty-seven, dubbed the 85 Club by Polygon.
Polygon notes that these contenders mostly span action games, action-adventures, and light role-playing games, boasting strong storytelling and production values. The lone exception mentioned for genre is Star Wars: Zero Company, which is classified as a strategy game.
Polygon observes that titles like The Blood of Dawnwalker and Control Resonant received softer critical reception with Metascores of eighty-three, making a nomination rare historically. Meanwhile, 007 First Light holds a stronger score of eighty-seven, though it debuted in the first half of the year.
Polygon highlights that with several slots potentially reserved for titles like Resident Evil Requiem, Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave, Grand Theft Auto 6, and a Zelda remake, competition for the remaining Game of the Year nomination spots remains fierce among the 85 Club.
