5 Best Games of 2026 That Deserved a Higher Metacritic Score, Ranked

2026 has been a good year for video games. But while we’ve gotten some of the most incredible games this year, some of them haven’t received the review scores they deserve. While Metacritic aggregates reviews from multiple publications, one low score from any critic or critics can skew a game’s score a lot.

I want to talk about a few games that I feel deserved a better Metascore: Hellraiser Revival – 69 Days Gone – 71 Cronos – 77 Crimson Desert – 77 Alien Isolation – 79 Guardians of the Galaxy – 80 Lies of P – 80 Stellar Blade – 81 Black Myth Wukong – 81 A score of around 80 is a good score, no doubt. But I think people often underestimate how much weight that number carries behind the scenes. Developers are human beings who pour years of their lives into a project, anxiously waiting to see how their work will be received. PR and marketing teams hold their breath as review embargoes lift. Investors have expectations, and in some cases, developer bonuses are literally tied to hitting certain score thresholds. It’s easy to see a Metascore as just a number on a website, but it can have a much bigger impact than people realize. That’s why I think some games deserved better.

— GermanStrands (@GermanStrands) October 26, 2026

And with how gamers judge a game these days, having a good score is more important than ever. One thing we’ve seen this year is that a single number cannot always convey the full message.

Today, we’ll be talking about games that have plenty to offer beyond their Metascores. Here are five games released in 2026 that deserved a little more critical recognition, ranked by how good they are and how much their scores seem to overlook.

5 Palworld — MetaCritic score: 79

Palworld combines creature collection with open-world survival, crafting, exploration, and base management. Its biggest strength is the freedom to decide how to approach its world, whether by building a productive settlement, exploring dangerous regions, or fighting alongside captured Pals.

Although its Metascore of 79 is respectable, the game’s unique combination of mechanics deserves more recognition. Its humorous tone and surprisingly flexible gameplay create an experience that stands apart.

4 Nintendo Switch Sports Resort — Metascore: 78

Released on October 22, 2026, this Switch 2 exclusive brings 12 motion-controlled sports together with expanded customization and additional activities across Wuhu Island. Its accessible controls make it easy for newcomers to participate, while its variety encourages repeated multiplayer sessions.

The 78 Metascore reflects generally favorable reviews, but the game’s appeal goes beyond a collection of familiar minigames. New activities, including skateboarding and Power Cruising, help distinguish it from earlier entries, while single-player options give the package more longevity. Its approachable multiplayer design makes it an excellent choice for families and groups of friends.

3 Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival — Metascore: 69

Released on October 8, 2026, this survival horror game follows Aidan as he attempts to rescue his girlfriend from the nightmarish Labyrinth. The mysterious Genesis Configuration grants him supernatural abilities that complement his conventional weapons.

Its Metascore of 69 suggests a relatively disappointing reception, yet the game’s commitment to disturbing imagery and the franchise’s mythology gives it a distinctive identity. Its feel of the game and the brutality of the action give horror fans something different from the usual survival horror game.

The higher user score of 8.3 also suggests that its appeal extends beyond the mixed critical response.

2 Beast of Reincarnation — Metascore: 71

Set in a devastated version of Japan, Beast of Reincarnation follows Emma, an outcast known as a Blighted One, and her canine companion, Koo. Together, they navigate hostile environments, confront monstrous enemies, and develop unusual powers.

The game’s central strength is the relationship between its two protagonists and the way their abilities contribute to technical combat. Its combination of exploration, challenging encounters, and a post-apocalyptic setting gives it a compelling foundation.

While its 71 Metascore indicates mixed reviews, the one-person-and-one-dog premise makes it worth considering for players seeking something beyond familiar action RPGs.

1 Crimson Desert — Metascore: 77

Crimson Desert brings us a medieval fantasy world filled with different factions, monsters, huge landscapes, and fun combat. Players follow mercenary Kliff through a conflict-ridden continent where exploration can be just as important as the main storyline.

Crimson Desert takes the top spot because its ambition and open-world design make it one of 2026’s most unique games. Its 77 Metascore reflects criticism of its narrative, controls, and uneven systems, but its world and combat have attracted considerable praise. Pearl Abyss has made the game completely different through updates.

Which of these games have you played this year? Let us know in the comments!