While Sony has been porting many of its games to the PC platform, especially in the last few years, the Xbox hasn't had as much luck. Despite Microsoft's embrace of a multiplatform approach, Sony seems to prefer exclusivity and the PC at most. Or so Insomniac Games would love to believe, firmly denying that its Spider-Man games would ever be ported to Xbox.

As per tech4gamers, Insomniac Games very bluntly stated that in an exchange on X, telling a fan that an Xbox port of Spider-Man is "not likely." Naturally, Insomniac's Marvel games are a Sony powerhouse, funded, produced, and published by the Japanese gaming giant, which unsurprisingly prefers to keep its first-party games in-house and available on its own platform.

However, Sony has increasingly played with multiplatform releases, porting games or even launching them on the PlayStation and PC simultaneously (i.e., the case of Helldivers 2). Insomniac itself once believed that Spider-Man would remain a first-party PlayStation exclusive, given that it's backed and published by Sony, only for the games to eventually come out on Steam.

Microsoft's embrace of multiplatformity seems to have also triggered similar sentiments at Sony. After the massive success of Helldivers 2's simultaneous launch (that, too, was published by Sony), the company seems more eager to do multiplatform releases. Microsoft, as I've said, only helped grow those sentiments, porting its own major first-party franchises over to the PlayStation, likely in anticipation of Sony doing the same.

It remains to be seen whether the Marvel games are part of this deal. A while ago, Sony did say that some franchises were console sellers first and foremost, and that porting them over would adversely affect PlayStation sales.

While that might be true, franchises don't sell so well all the time, and porting even the most valuable games would be a smart move after some time spent in exclusivity (after sales start dipping).

The post Insomniac says Spider-Man won’t be coming to Xbox—but it once thought the same about PC appeared first on Destructoid.

It might be a new year, but most gamers still have a large backlog of games to play before they get to any new ones, as one reader reveals his priorities – from Baldur’s Gate 3 to Spider-Man 2.

By the time you read this it will either be the new year or new year will be around the corner. Either way, happy 2026!

I thought I’d list the games I’m interested in that I haven’t yet played from the previous year and the games I intend to clear from my backlog also.

I dread to think how many games I’ve yet to finish or play. Most, thankfully, were either stupidly cheap or free. Here are six that I intend to dedicate some time to giving a good go at.

The backlog

6. Baldur’s Gate 3

I think this might be one of the worst purchases I’ve made. I was taken over by the hype at the time and bought this for pretty much full price, for the Steam Deck initially, and now have it for the Legion Go. It’s not a bad game but I just struggle, having never played any similar titles previously, and the combat confuses me. I might need to watch some instructional videos to learn the basics. However, I just don’t know when I’ll have the time, given it’s a big game.

5. Cyberpunk 2077

I’ve tried this a few times and never got far this time on Switch 2 was the furthest I’ve got into the game but got distracted by other games. I really want to like it but haven’t been gripped so far. I need to either commit and finish it or accept I’m just not that invested in it.

4. The Plucky Squire

When I first saw the trailer for this game I was sold and bought it almost as soon as it released. However, it’s kind of just fine. It looks very pretty and the gameplay is fine, although I find the stealth elements very annoying. If this was a long game I’d probably cut my losses, but I’ve heard it’s only a few hours long, so I’ll try and finish.

3. Resident Evil 7 and Village

I’ve played through these previously and in the case of Village I’ve played it twice. I have been meaning to replay Resident Evil 7 again at some point and wouldn’t mind playing both before Resident Evil Requiem comes out. Although I think Resident Evil 2, and in particular the remake, is the benchmark for the series, both 7 and Village are worthy sequels.

2. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Spider-Man and Miles Morales were both games that I’ve enjoyed immensely and even have the Platinum for Spider-Man, which is a big deal for me. However, I’ve only played a few hours of the game on my Legion Go, after buying the PC version earlier this year. I don’t know why but I think perhaps I played the previous too much. I need to play it consistently over a few nights and then I’m sure I’ll get into it.

1. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

I played this very briefly on my Legion Go via Game Pass. However, performance either natively or via cloud was inconsistent. Therefore, I got it for cheap at Black Friday for the PlayStation 5, as streaming it from the living room to my Legion Go via the PXPlay app works a treat. I think this will be the next game I play. My very brief first impressions are that the production, in terms of art design and soundtrack, seems very polished and the premise of the story seems intriguing but I’ve never really played turn-based games before, so worry that I won’t get through the reasonably long runtime.

My 2025 wishlist

5. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

I’ve never played any of the mainline Metroid games but did enjoy Metroid Dread. [Metroid Dread is a mainline entry; it’s the Prime games that’re spin-offs – GC] I was initially planning to get Metroid Prime 4 as I’m a bit of sucker for platform exclusives when I first get a new console. However, I’m slightly put off by some of the lukewarm reviews. I don’t know that I’ll get it for full price, but have seen it for £30 on Amazon Marketplace.

4. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Again, I’ve never really played any in the series previously but did fancy giving this a try, especially now it’s on Switch 2. I did plan to get this with some money I’ll be getting for Xmas. However, I think I might wait. No doubt it’ll be heavily reduced in the near future and since it’s likely a hefty game I might wait until later in the year.

3. Dispatch

Although I do vaguely recall Metro’s review, this was a game that passed me by. However, after I saw it crop up on some best games of 2025 lists I watched the trailer. I haven’t played many point ‘n’ click type games but have enjoyed them when I do and I really like the look of Dispatch’s art style.

2. Ghost Of Yōtei

I played a bit of Ghost Of Tsushima earlier in the year via PS Plus and did plan on finishing it, but I had other games to play first and now my subscription to PS Plus has run out I might just splurge for the sequel instead. I haven’t played a Sony exclusive third person action game in a while and they used to be right up my street. If I’m honest though, I got a new TV free with my internet/TV package and I want a graphically impressive new game to test it out with.

1. Blue Prince

This game seems to be well regarded and I do like puzzle games and a good puzzle game isn’t always easy to come by. I might have to give this a try before my Game Pass runs out. My only slight issue is that I’ve heard you need to make notes and frankly I don’t know how feasible that is to do when playing in bed.

By reader matc7884

The reader’s features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.

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A new year of tabletop releases is upon us, with trading card game adaptions of Cyberpunk 2077 and League Of Legends, and more mega evolutions for Pokémon TCG.

2026’s biggest gaming release won’t be GTA 6 but the new Cyberpunk trading card game, well maybe… but CD Projekt is following Riot Games in releasing a card game based on their biggest IP, thereby staking a claim in the lucrative tabletop market.

With this year marking the 30th anniversary year of Pokémon, card culture is shaping up to be the year’s defining scene for tabletop players. And it’s not just Pokémon, trading card fans can look forward to a huge slate of releases from other major properties, including Magic: The Gathering, Yu‑Gi‑Oh!, Lorcana, and more.

I also can’t wait to find out more about the Starcraft miniatures game that is finally bringing Terran, Zerg, and Protoss into physical battles that echo the iconic real-time strategy. That hasn’t been revealed yet, but the following picks are all either out now or imminent, in what is a very promising start for tabletop gaming this year.

Cyberpunk TCG

The new Cyberpunk 2077 card game distils Night City’s chrome-plated chaos into something you can sling across a kitchen table, sharp edges and moral compromises intact. CD Projekt hasn’t revealed much about how the gameplay is going to work, but it will combine elements from both the video game and the Edgerunner animated show.

As such, it’ll feature characters ‘from across the franchise’, with the likes of Panam Palmer, Jackie Welles, and Judy Alvarez already confirmed. Cards such as Kiroshi Optics, Mantis Blades, and Mandibular Upgrade suggest the trading card game is going to feature all the main elements from the video game, no doubt including backstabbing and changing allegiances.

The cards will feature all-new, original artwork and if you want to get the upper hand as an Edgerunner you can sign up now for the exclusive Lucy ‘Nova Rare’ card free, at the game’s official website. The Kickstarter campaign won’t start until later in the year but that still means it’ll be out a lot sooner than the video game sequel.

Release date and RRP: TBA

Battletome: Maggotkin Of Nurgle

The Maggotkin slither into 2026 with a fresh wave of grotesque, irresistible models that push the pestilent hordes to new extremes. The updated Battletome revamps rules, battle traits, and narrative options, giving you both tactical tools and rich-but-disgusting story content. At the forefront of the narrative is Festus the Leechlord, a former plague doctor ascended into daemonhood, mounted on the bloated slug-like horror Gathoblyt, who with tentacles protruding from its belly rains down parasitic leeches and disease across the battlefield.

Cavalry, like the corrupted Sloven Knights, Putrid Blightkings, and savage Pestigors, bring thematic menace while dominating objectives. Infantry units, from swarming Pox-Wretches to elite Rotswords, also add variety to the tabletop, while specialists such as Spoilpox Scriveners and the Regiment of Renown: The Pustules round out the plague army.

Mechanically, the wave leans into attrition and contagion, rewarding careful positioning and strategic patience. These toxic knights drip with textured pustules, worms, and rot, making the Maggotkin a great excuse to get my new metallic paints out.

Release date: 17th January
RRP: £57 for Festus the Leechlord

Pokémon Trading Card Game: Mega Evolution – Ascended Heroes

It’s Pokémon’s 30th birthday this year, so hold on to your hats as The Pokémon Company always likes to make a big fuss about such things. Ascended Heroes is already one of 2026’s most anticipated tabletop releases, as the expansion reframes mega evolution, not as a gimmick, but as a moment of transformation that can tilt an entire match.

The new cards revolve around Ascended Heroes pokémon, with mechanics that reward timing and restraint as much as raw force. Mega Evolution now feels earned rather than automatic, demanding set-up, sacrifice, and nerve. The extremely sought after Mega Dragonite ex (mega hyper rare) card, in all its golden glory, heralds an accessible but sharper-edged upgrade from earlier sets, nudging competitive play without abandoning the joy of Pokémon.

Collectors will all be hoping to pull special illustration rares (SIRs) but they will be as hard to get hold of as a ticket to the Pokémon pop-up at London’s Natural History Museum. With the 30th birthday celebrations and Pokémon European International Championship just around the corner, this is going to be one of the biggest years ever for the franchise.

Release Date: 30th January
RRP: £54.99 for elite trainer box

Magic: The Gathering’s Universes Beyond – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

The team-up between Magic: The Gathering and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is shaping up to be one of 2026’s most nostalgic and fun tabletop releases, pulling the heroes in a half-shell straight out of the sewer and into Magic’s multicoloured chaos. This isn’t a novelty crossover, it’s a full-scale Magic: The Gathering release, designed to sit comfortably alongside core sets and Commander staples.

Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael arrive as legendary creatures, each reflecting their personalities through colour identity and playstyle, while villains like Shredder and Krang bring high-threat build-arounds.

Expect mechanics that riff on teamwork, ambush tactics, and mutation, with playful twists that still respect Magic’s fundamentals. Universes Beyond has already expanded Magic’s audience and this looks set to do it again. Can we have Masters of the Universe next?

Release Date: 6th March
RRP: £64.99

Marvel: Crisis Protocol Adam Warlock, Moondragon, Quasar Character Pack

With Avengers: Doomsday set to hit cinemas this year, you can play out your own superhero battles in Marvel: Crisis Protocol, with the new Adam Warlock (as seen in the last Guardians of the Galaxy movie), Moondragon, and Quasar (Phyla-Vell from Marvel Cosmic Invasion) figures.

This character pack is less about raw damage and more about control, tempo, and the unseen forces shaping the board. Adam Warlock plays as a balancing presence, rewarding careful sequencing and punishing with his new bonded soul gem. His abilities lean into survivability and counterplay, making him feel like a living pause button in the middle of battle.

Moondragon, by contrast, is sharp and invasive. Her psychic toolkit disrupts enemy plans, bending activations and forcing opponents into awkward decisions they didn’t plan to make. Quasar rounds out the trio with kinetic energy manipulation, excelling at zone control and sudden repositioning that can flip objectives late in a round.

Together, they form a set that asks players to think laterally. Positioning matters, timing matters more, and mistakes are quietly amplified. These new miniatures reflect that tone: elegant, cosmic and restrained. This is Crisis Protocol at its most cerebral, proving the game’s future isn’t just louder battles but smarter ones.

Release Date: 13th February
RRP £59.99

Dobble Spider-Man

The frantic, eye-straining, name-shouting joy of Dobble swings into the Marvel multiverse, as the competitive card slammer launches a new Spider-Man themed variant. This family friendly edition keeps the rules simple, while coating every card in bold, web-splashed iconography, pulled from across Spider-Man’s many lives. It’s immediate, accessible, and extremely fast-paced.

Instead of abstract symbols, players race to spot matching images of masks, gadgets, and villains, from classic Peter Parker to Miles Morales and beyond. The character chaos isn’t just cosmetic; it adds narrative throwdown, turning each split-second win into a tiny comic book beat. Games may be over in minutes, but the energy is as loud as my love for Spider-Ham.

Release Date: 9th January
RRP: £16.99

Disney Lorcana Set 11: Winterspell

Winterspell wraps the Disney trading card game’s luminous fantasy in frost, shadow, and slow-building tension. Preceding the opening of World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris, it leans into seasonal magic where patience, control, and perfectly timed reveals matter more than brute force. Plus, who doesn’t love Stitch on a snowboard!

The new set introduces new ice mechanics that reward stalling, delayed payoffs, and subtle manipulation, while deepening the complex narrative of the Illumineers. Characters linger on the inkwell, freeze rivals in place, or quietly gain strength over time, shifting matches into slower, more deliberate rhythms, in fitting locations such as Graveyard of Christmas Future – Lonely Resting Place.

This deepens the strategy without sacrificing accessibility, letting newcomers find their footing while experienced players explore sharper interactions, all while letting you play Scrooge McDuck straight out of a Christmas Carol.

The accompanying Illumineer’s Trove set is packed with boosters, storage, and premium accessories, as crystalline cards recast familiar Disney characters as mythic, winter-bound figures. Winterspell delivers a perfect winter atmosphere and sets up Lorcana for another big year.

Release Date: 20th February
RRP: £49.99

Alien: The Roleplaying Game – Evolved Edition

Arriving late last year, following the Alien Earth TV show, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on some new alien miniatures for my tabletop. The Evolved Edition takes what was already one of the most immersive sci-fi horror systems around and refines it into a lean, intense starter experience perfect for both terrified newbies and hardened role-playing veterans (COUGH unlike the TV series).

Inside the box you get streamlined Evolved Edition rules, an expanded Hope’s Last Day scenario, five ready-made characters, and maps that evoke claustrophobic corridors and alien wilderness – as well as custom dice, initiative and gear cards, tokens, and even a little alien miniature to stalk your crew around the table.

It’s designed to drop you straight into the tension, dread, and drama without needing an encyclopaedia of rulebooks or adult children to take care of. Equal parts cinematic dread and tactical play, it’s the kind of game that actually does justice to the series.

Out Now from around £35

Riftbound: League Of Legends – Spiritforged Champion Deck

One of the best new trading card games of 2025 gets its first expansion (which is already out in China), with a promise of high stakes adventure and deep strategic tension. Spiritforged pushes players to master timing, positioning, and resource management, with a new Gear card subtype that you can attach to your units.

Mechanically, the set introduces a new Dauntless Vanguard card that can be played onto an occupied enemy battlefield, forcing players to adapt rather than rely on static strategies. Spiritforged enemies have layered abilities that punish overextension and reward teamwork, while new hero archetypes allow for experimentation with hybrid classes and combination tactics.

Heeding calls for more original art, this second set of Spiritforged dazzles with great looking cards of luminous, fractured landscapes and characters like Irelia, Blade Dancer. For fans of League Of Legends, as well as anyone who likes card games with tactical depth and immersive storytelling, this expansion transforms Riftbound into something sharper, darker, and beautifully unforgiving.

Release Date: February 2026
RRP: £18-£20 for decks

Yu-Gi-Oh! Rarity Collection 5

Konami’s new rarity collection arrives with the kind of quiet confidence that suggests it already knows it will sell out immediately. And these cards deserve to, they are stunning! Designed as much for collectors as competitive duellists, the new designs lean into spectacle, wrapping familiar power cards in wall-to-wall foil and presenting every booster as a small event. The headline addition is the debut of extended art cards, with 10 iconic picks given edge-to-edge illustrations that spill beyond traditional frames and invite a second look.

Cards like Wake Up Your Elemental HERO, Shooting Quasar Dragon, Kurikara Divincarnate, and Dominus Purge feel less like reprints and more like gallery pieces, reframing nostalgia through modern design. There’s a sense here, of Yu-Gi-Oh! acknowledging its own history while reframing it for a new era.

For long-time fans and newcomers alike, Rarity Collection 5 doesn’t reinvent the game. Instead, it polishes and upgrades the look of it, reminding you that opening a booster can still feel like magic… and I’m under its spell.

Release Date: 9th April
RRP £6.99 per booster

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With more than 117 million units sold, it’s clear that Sony’s PS4 was a very successful console. It has naturally amassed a vast wealth of both first-party and third-party releases, and this list runs down 20 of the best games it has to offer in no particular order.

God of War 

There aren’t many games that are able to deliver a stunning experience in such a smooth manner as Sony Santa Monica was able to do with the 2018 reboot. This story sets the protagonist in a new setting; new boss fights and outstanding level design. It’s both fresh and recognizable at the same time, and the new combat and the camera on offer also embodies the spirit of modern third person game while making it more intentional. The 2018 reboot is definitely one of the best games on the PS4, and is a great starting point for newcomers.