To say that this summer was packed with new releases is putting it lightly. Regardless of if you were looking for something blood-soaked (The Blood of Dawnwalker and Marvel’s Wolverine both fit the bill here) or a more strategic experience, such as the one offered in Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, there seems to be something for every type of player lately. But while we’re sure you’ve heard a lot about Summer 2026’s biggest games by this point, we’re here to remind you that sometimes the best gaming experiences come from unexpected places.
A 90-minute horror game about brain mold, a heartfelt action-platformer filled with Kingdom Hearts-like visuals, and an intricate job simulator where you play an advice-dishing modiste are just a few of the games we at GameSpot couldn’t put down this month. Below is a roundup of our favorite new releases from the last few months, with an emphasis on hidden gems and titles you might have missed.
Dressmaker
I assumed that, similar to how I operate with oh-so-many cozy games, I’d play Dressmaker for a few hours, find it to be a cute yet predictable experience, and then quickly move on to a different game. Afterall, in a month packed with several massive and critically acclaimed new releases, I couldn’t really foresee myself pouring that many hours into a narrative-light job simulator in which you play an advice-dishing modiste.
And yet, Dressmaker might very well be the game I opened up most this September, as it’s the perfect game to play whenever you have a free hour or so and want to spend it doing something calming and creative. Though I am certain it streamlines the dressmaking process immensely, the game still seeks to replicate the intricacy of designing and creating wearable art, and ends up feeling shockingly tactile and satisfying as a result.
Moreover, this game made me want to be more creative, both within and outside of the game and with no desire for any reward or sense of productivity. Though Dressmaker’s tremendous success on Steam has (pleasantly!) surprised me, it is entirely justified–this game is absolutely lovely. — Jessica Cogswell
Aniimo
I know, I know–another gacha game. But hear me out. While many games in the genre can make progression feel increasingly tied to how much you’re willing to spend, Aniimo keeps the focus on the gameplay loop, meaning optional microtransactions actually feel optional. You can explore the stunning world, discover adorable Aniimo, and follow the storyline without feeling like your experience is locked behind spending money.
Aniimo’s world is absolutely gorgeous. Its environments feel like stepping into a story book, meaning exploration feels like a treat rather than a chore. Its progression systems, beautiful world, and cute creatures work together to encourage curiosity and experimentation, making Aniimo one of the rare gachas where the business model doesn’t overshadow the actual game. — Cheri Faulkner
Onimusha: Way of the Sword
When it comes to games, storytelling isn’t what draws me to my controller. I’m all about the feel of a game–I need gameplay that can convince me to spend my precious hours on digital entertainment. The new Onimusha excels in the gameplay department, as Capcom has successfully brought the feeling of steel clashing on steel to the flatscreen, resulting in a gloriously kinetic ballet of blades and Oni powers.
It’s also the perfect game to check out if you’re craving soulslike combat without any of the punishing baggage attached to the genre, with several accessibility options that will make you feel like a bona fide swordmaster until you find your groove. In terms of pure, polished gameplay, Onimusha: Way of the Sword is one of the best action-heavy experiences of the year. — Darryn Bonthuys
Duskfade
Duskfade largely flew under the radar and was noticed mostly for its visual similarities to Kingdom Hearts–and you know what, fair. The hero is a spunky kid carrying a giant Keyblade-looking sword and the fashion looks very Nomura-inspired. Chains, a-plenty.
