STACK #256 February 2026

GAMING PREVIEWS

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WHAT’S OUT THIS MONTH? No matter what style of game is your vibe, there’s sure to be something to get excited about amongst these fresh releases heading to JB this month. Words Amy Flower

EDITOR’S PICK RESIDENT EVIL REQUIEM RELEASE DATE: Feb 27 GENRE: Survival horror FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No It’s time to tremble in terror again this month, as the latest in Capcom’s revered series of horror games is set to deliver a whole lot more frights for those brave enough to enter! Promising a return to out-and-out horror, we’re introduced to a new protagonist in Grace Ashcroft – as well as catching up with a very familiar face from games past in Leon S. Kennedy. What’s the story? Well, A body – the victim of a mystery disease - is discovered in an abandoned hotel, which just happens to be the same place where FBI analyst Ashcroft’s mother, Alyssa, was murdered years earlier. Grace is tasked with facing her past as much as solving the case, possibly uncovering the diabolical truth behind the Raccoon City outbreak in the process. Alternating Grace’s creeping horror segments with more action-based episodes for Leon, whether you love the series’ horror or action, there’s plenty promised to keep everybody happy. Having had a chance to play one of Grace’s segments in preview, we’re certainly looking forward to delving deeper into this mystery. With the lights on…

DRAGON QUEST VII REIMAGINED RELEASE DATE: Feb 5 GENRE: RPG FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: No Relive all the glory of the 2000

RIDE 6 RELEASE DATE: Feb 12 GENRE: Racing FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes The motorcycling sensation returns in a new iteration – ride an extensive lineup

of bikes, including sportbikes, nakeds, baggers, and maxi enduros, across real and fictional tracks with dynamic weather and new offroad routes. Shape your career at RIDE Fest, challenge ten real-world motorcycle legends, and tailor the experience to suit your level, whether playing locally or competing online.

PlayStation classic, updated across the board to be better than ever, with new gameplay mechanics, enhanced artwork, an upgraded battle system, and more surprises. Set sail as a young fisher’s son, leaving peaceful Estard, journeying through time with friends, and uncovering sealed lands, to battle a malevolent force in an epic quest to restore a lost world.

NIOH 3 RELEASE DATE: Feb 6 GENRE: Action RPG FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes

YAKUZA KIWAMI 3 + DARK TIES RELEASE DATE: Feb 12 GENRE: Action adventure FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes Double your yakuza action with this

The third in Team Ninja’s epic action RPG series takes us back to the land of the

rising sun as Tokugawa Takechiyo battles across time to rewrite fate and save a Japan ruled by yokai. Switch instantly between samurai power and ninja agility while exploring a sprawling open field, facing fierce foes, meeting iconic historical figures, and engaging in high-stakes combat – solo, or with allies.

exciting twofer! Yakuza Kiwami 3 is a full-scale remake of Yakuza 3 , following Kazuma Kiryu as he fights to protect those he loves amid the bustling streets of Okinawa and Tokyo. Meanwhile, the all-new Dark Ties delivers a standalone story starring Yoshitaka Mine, exploring his descent into yakuza life via intense storytelling and full-on boxing-based combat.

MY HERO ACADEMIA: ALL’S JUSTICE RELEASE DATE: Feb 6 GENRE: Fighting FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes Prepare for a high-impact 3D arena

REANIMAL RELEASE DATE: Feb 13 GENRE: Survival horror FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes The creators of Little Nightmares unleash a darker, more intense co-op horror

adventure. Play as a brother and sister braving a terrifying island to rescue their missing friends, surviving through teamwork, and their wits and courage. By both land and boat, explore a twisted world rich with hidden stories, unsettling atmosphere, and grotesque monsters, playing solo or in local or online co-op.

fighter set during the anime’s final war, My Hero Academia fans! Take part in cinematic story battles as Deku, Bakugo, and more clash with villains like All for One and Shigaraki in wild 3v3 combat. With the largest roster yet, a refined battle system, enhanced Quirk abilities, and multiple modes, you’ll relive iconic moments and forge powerful hero alliances.

MARIO TENNIS FEVER RELEASE DATE: Feb 12 GENRE: Sports FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes It’s time to hit the court again with Mario and friends for all manner

BLAZBLUE ENTROPY EFFECT X RELEASE DATE: Feb 20 GENRE: Action adventure FORMAT: MULTIPLAYER: Yes A stylish roguelite that’s set in the BlazBlue universe, this action-packed blast

Coming in MARCH of explosive tennis action! Rally with topspins, slices, and new defensive moves to build your Fever Gauge and unleash stunning Fever Shots using any of 30 special Fever Rackets, with any of 38 characters – the biggest roster yet. Smash it in Tournament, Trial Towers, Mix It Up, online, and Swing modes, or enjoy Adventure mode. POKÉMON POKOPIA (Mar 5) MONSTER HUNTER STORIES 3: TWISTED REFLECTION (Mar 13) CRIMSON DESERT (Mar 20)

blends stunning 2D visuals with lightning-fast combat. Dive into the surreal Sea of Possibility as Ace, fighting through shifting realities to collect world-saving Shards. Ten unique characters, deep combo systems, and hundreds of customisable moves await in this Deluxe Edition that packs in character, avatar, and soundtrack DLC.

Answers: 1. Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine 2. Slime 3. William Adams 4. My Hero One’s Justice 5. Mario’s Tennis 6. MotoGP 7. Kamurocho 8. Little Nightmares

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20 FEBRUARY 2026

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