By Mark Sammut
Sony's State of Play for February 2026 was significantly better than expected, as the event featured several exciting showcases for PS5 games, gameplay trailers, and surprises. We got release dates for Metal Gear Solid Collection Vol. 2, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, Ghost of Yōtei Legends, Darwin’s Paradox, and Beast of Reincarnation, all of which will be coming in 2026. Furthermore, Konami opted to remind everyone that Silent Hill: Townfall still exists, and the publisher was a constant presence throughout the show. Even the PS Plus Extra lineup for February 2026 was pretty good.
All of the above is exciting, but the State of Play's biggest moments largely revolved around brand-new reveals for games coming out either this year or soon after. John Wick and Project Windless were two of the event's main attractions, but neither confirmed a release year; however, the following State of Play games came with 2026 release dates or a commitment to debut within the next 10 months.
Note
Only games that were announced during the State of Play will be considered.
God of War: Sons of Sparta
You Can Play The 2026 God Of War Game NOW
Well, this was a pleasant surprise. A 2.5D God of War was part of the rumor mill for a while, so the announcement was not hugely unexpected; however, Sony's decision to shadow drop this prequel certainly was. The trailer played into the excitement of the February 12, 2026, release date by initially suggesting the game would release at some point during the year, only to then pull the rug. These types of reveals make these events worth watching. The God of War Trilogy Remake was also revealed, but the teaser didn't include a release year or any footage, making a 2026 debut seem unlikely.
Sons of Sparta is a departure from the status quo, unless you consider God of War Betrayal to be a defining part of the franchise's legacy. A 2D Metroidvania that explores Kratos' Spartan days, this prequel is set earlier than any other game in the franchise, and it highlights the protagonist's relationship with his brother, Deimos. Along with hack and slash combat and puzzles, Sons of Sparta incorporates RPG elements that seem inspired by the revival era.
Kena: Scars of Kosmora
The Biggest PS5 Console Exclusive Showcased During State Of Play
Sony started State of Play with a statement of intent, unveiling that a sequel to Kena: Bridge of Spirits is on the horizon. Kena: Scars of Kosmora might have delivered the most impressive trailer of the whole event, one that showcased stunning visuals, explosive gameplay, and beautiful environments. An underappreciated gem, Ember Lab's first game was fantastic, but a sequel did not really seem to be on the cards; consequently, this reveal was a proper true surprise.
This time around, Kena is a bit older and perhaps wiser, and she heads to a mysterious island in search of a cure for her illness. However, her journey proves to be incredibly perilous, as she meets a corrupting force that not only weakens her but also damages her staff. Forced to depend on Spirit Guiding and Spirit Companions, Kena plans to use the elements and her remaining power to save both the island and herself.
Dead or Alive 6 Last Round
The Definitive Version Of Team Ninja's Most Recent Fighting Game
Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja revealed two games during State of Play, although one of them is largely shrouded in shadow. The unspecified Dead or Alive project should be something completely new, but we need to wait for more information to really know what it is about. In the meantime, fighting fans can look forward to Dead or Alive 6 Last Round, the definitive version of the 2019 game.
Considering DOA 6's age, Last Round's reveal was not that compelling, especially since it does not seem to include any significant new content. Still, DOA 6 is a brilliant fighting game, and it will be nice to have a more modern version with all the DLC. Dead or Alive 6 Last Round Core Fighters will also be released, and this version will be free.
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse
Konami Revealed The First New Castlevania Game Since 2014
Due to the polarizing Lords of Shadow 2 and an extended period of radio silence that was only broken up by a few compilations, many feared that Castlevania's days were not only numbered but also in the past. Fortunately, in recent years, Konami seems to have remembered that it is sitting on some of the most beloved IPs in gaming history, and the publisher had a big State of Play event. The most exciting Konami news is that Silent Hill: Townfall should be coming in 2026; however, coming in at a close second is Castlevania: Belmont's Curse. Yes, we are finally getting a new Castlevania!
Speaking of seemingly dead franchises kept alive through remaster compilation, Legacy of Kain: Ascendance and Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered were also announced, and they are both coming in March 2026.
A throwback to the franchise's side-scrolling Metroidvania routes, Belmont's Curse appears to be mainly inspired by Symphony of the Night and its successors, albeit with a very different art style. That means a relatively open map, a focus on exploration and movement, and a lot of challenging combat. The story brings Medieval Paris to life, which is a fun setting that should lean into Castlevania's Gothic roots. Belmont's Curse is being developed by Evil Empire and Motion Twin, the latter of which created Dead Cells and has worked on Castlevania content before.
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This article originally appeared on GameRant and is republished here with permission.
