The 5 Best New Video Games We Saw at Anime Expo 2026

July 7, 2026 - 17:45

Anime Expo 2026 was dominated by heavy hitters like Echoes of Aincrad: Sword Art Online, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, and Granblue Fantasy: Relink - Endless Ragnarok. But for those willing to look past the flashy trailers and crowded booths, the real surprises came from smaller developers and publishers. Here are five new video games that stole the show without needing a massive budget.

First up is "Chronos Gate," a 2D action-platformer from a three-person studio in Kyoto. The game blends traditional Japanese folklore with a time-loop mechanic. You play as a shrine maiden who must relive the same day to prevent a demon invasion. The pixel art is stunning, and the combat feels tight and responsive. It is set for a Steam release in early 2027.

Next is "Neon Drift: Tokyo Nights," a racing game that swaps cars for hoverboards. Set in a cyberpunk version of Shibuya, the game focuses on wall-riding and trick combos rather than speed. The demo had a surprising amount of depth, with a scoring system that rewards risky shortcuts. It is coming to consoles and PC next summer.

Third on the list is "Puppet Kingdoms," a tactical RPG where you control living marionettes. Each puppet has a unique string-based ability, like pulling enemies closer or swapping positions with allies. The art style is dark and whimsical, like a Tim Burton film directed by Hayao Miyazaki. A Kickstarter campaign is expected to launch later this year.

Fourth is "Echoes of the Deep," a narrative-driven underwater exploration game. You control a deep-sea diver searching for a lost city. The game has no combat. Instead, you solve environmental puzzles and interact with glowing sea creatures. The soundtrack, composed by a former Square Enix musician, is hauntingly beautiful. It is planned for a 2027 release on all major platforms.

Finally, "Rooftop Rumble" is a chaotic party brawler for up to eight players. Set on the rooftops of a bustling city, you knock opponents off ledges using oversized kitchen utensils. Think Super Smash Bros. meets Cooking Mama. It is already available in early access on PC, with a full console release coming in 2027.

These five games prove that the heart of Anime Expo is not just the big reveals, but the passion projects waiting to be discovered. Keep an eye on these titles. They might just become your new favorites.