Everyone loves when new, original games are announced. Yet the gaming industry was built on the backs of big franchises. After all, where would gaming be without the likes of Mario and The Legend of Zelda? 2027 looks to be a big year especially for big franchises.
Many of the most popular series are releasing new parts. In some cases, this comes after a long period of time during which the series has been inactive, which adds to the excitement. Here are the biggest franchises that have new releases in 2027.
Like A Dragon Series – Stranger Than Heaven
If you're a fan of Like A Dragon, you never really have to wait that long for a new entry in the series, as there's been at least one every year since 2023. However, Like A Dragon in 2027 isn't actually called Like A Dragon. It's called Stranger Than Heaven, and for a while it wasn't clear if it was even part of the series or just another action-adventure from RGG Studio.
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However, it has since been confirmed to be part of the same universe. Still, it's unclear how much this game is connected to the rest of the series. After all, it features a new protagonist in Makoto Daito, who is trying to find a new life in Japan.
Tomb Raider Series – Tomb Raider: Legacy Of Atlantis and Tomb Raider: Catalyst
The Tomb Raider series returns with a bang in the form of two new action-adventure games in the series. One of them isn't mark new; it is a remake of the original Tomb Raider game called Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis. When it releases on February 12, it will be the first release in the Tomb Raider series since Tomb Raider Collection 4-5 in 2025.
The last major game that wasn't a remake or remaster was Shadow of the Tomb Raider in 2018. However, we're getting another new Tomb Raider title in 2027 called Tomb Raider: Catalyst. So this could be a great year for Tomb Raider fans.
Metro Series – Metro 2039
The last major game in the Metro series was Metro Exodus in 2019. The post-apocalyptic FPS series is set to return in February 2027 thanks to Metro 2039. In the series, people live in the subway tunnels under Moscow due to a nuclear war that happened many years earlier.
This time there is a man named Hunter who leads people underground using questionable methods. However, you do not play as him; you control a former exile who returns to the subway. The game promises to bring another impressive adventure.
Fable series – Fable
Fable is a series that has been dormant for a long time. The last Fable game of any kind was 2017's Fable Fortune, and that was a free-to-play trading card game. You have to go all the way back to 2010's Fable 3 to find an actual Fable title.
That means a 2027 Fable game will be a long time coming. Like the original entries, it's an action RPG set in a fantasy world where you play as a hero. The type of hero you become depends on your choices.
Final Fantasy Series – Final Fantasy 7 Revelation
2027 will finally conclude the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy that started in 2020. We had the initial Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and now Final Fantasy 7 Revelation. This one revolves around Cloud and the gang trying to finally put an end to Sephiroth's plans.
Like the other two, Revelation is an RPG with real-time combat. It looks like the game will be fully open world as you'll be flying a ship and parachuting if necessary.
Pokemon Series – Pokemon Winds and Waves
The Pokemon series seems like it's been around forever at this point. Still, there is no end in sight as the next main entry in the series is due out in 2027. The last one was Pokemon Legends: ZA, which came out in 2025, so there hasn't been a long wait for fans of the series.
Not much has been revealed about the new game yet. However, we do know that it takes place in a tropical location and features the tenth generation of Pokémon. That's enough to get excited.
Spyro Series – Spyro: A Realm Beyond
For a while it seemed that Spyro was gone forever. The series saw consistent releases from 1998 to 2008, then the purple dragon was absent for ten years. However, he eventually returned in 2018 for the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, a collection of remakes of the original games.
Now he will return again in 2027 in Spyro: A Realm Beyond. This new game promises to put more emphasis on the protagonist's ability to fly. He has always been able to jump and slide, but now he will be able to float. Since it's a 3D platformer, he can probably still jump as well.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse Series – Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3
The Dragon Ball series has spawned many games, including sub-series such as Dragon Ball Xenoverse. The first Xenoverse game was released in 2015, while the second came in 2016. With the first two being released so close together, you might have given up on a third game after ten years without one.
However, another Xenoverse game is due to arrive in 2027. The first two games revolved around your own character stopping the perpetrators from playing maliciously with the Dragon Ball timeline. Details are still limited for this new game, but it is expected to be another action RPG where you control your own character.
Resident Evil series – Resident Evil: Veronica
You never have to wait long for a new Resident Evil game these days. Almost every year either a new part or a remake is released. In 2027, it's time for another remake in the form of Resident Evil Veronica, a new version of 2000's Code: Veronica.
Claire Redfield returns to the main role as she searches for her brother Chris, a few months after the events of Resident Evil 2. Given how Capcom handled the RE remakes, this new game is likely to be quite different from the original.
Xenoblade Chronicles Series – Xenoblade Genesis
2026 is a big year for Xenoblade Chronicles fans due to the release of all the main installments of the series on Nintendo Switch 2. 2027 is set to be even better with the release of a brand new Xenoblade game called Xenoblade Genesis.
Not much has been revealed about the title yet, but it looks like your character goes to school to learn and improve their special abilities. Of course, it won't just be a school simulator. There will certainly be a lot more going on in the story as well.
