IGN has released its weekly roundup of game preview coverage, highlighting several notable titles that have recently been put under the spotlight. This week's featured games include the ambitious FromSoftware project The Duskbloods, the Arthurian legend-inspired action-RPG Tides of Annihilation, the co-op shooter Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2, the Star Wars tie-in Star Wars: Smuggler's Gambit, and the visually striking survival horror Silver Pines.
The Duskbloods
FromSoftware's upcoming title, The Duskbloods, is being described as potentially its most complex and interesting game to date. Director Hidetaka Miyazaki has cited tabletop role-playing games as a significant influence on its gameplay systems and multiplayer mechanics. The game is set to feature an eight-player phase-based PvPvE setting where players compete for victory points, with the ultimate goal of avoiding elimination and proceeding to a final three-player PvP brawl. While the combat is noted as intricate and intense, some early impressions suggest that the lock-on targeting and camera may struggle to track fast-moving opponents. The Duskbloods is slated to be a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive.
Tides of Annihilation
This Arthurian-legend-themed action-RPG, Tides of Annihilation, draws heavily from its King Arthur inspirations. Players take on the role of the last human survivor in a city ruined by an otherworldly invasion. The preview build showcased satisfying combat encounters during boss fights, though the developer, Eclipse Glow Games, is noted to still be fine-tuning protagonist Gwendolyn's movement controls. Despite initial concerns about style over substance, the game is described as exhilarating to play and dazzling to watch.
Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2
Building on the atmosphere of the Aliens franchise, Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 aims to capture the look, feel, and sound of the established universe. The co-op shooter is designed to keep players in a state of unease, which is considered a positive aspect of the experience. The Specialist class, which allows for custom class assembly, is highlighted as a particularly strong option. The game is presented as a great reason to revisit the Aliens universe with friends, capturing the essence of the franchise's gritty vision.
Star Wars: Smuggler's Gambit
Launching on August 16, Star Wars: Smuggler's Gambit offers a cooperative experience that ties into the Smuggler's Run ride at Disney theme parks. The game can be linked to a MyDisney account to connect with the park experience. While familiar to Fortnite players, it is also designed to be approachable for newcomers. The preview suggests a good amount of content with numerous missions available, centering around the character Hondo. The game is seen as a clever way to extend theme park experiences into the home and vice versa.
Silver Pines
Silver Pines is a pixelated 2D survival horror game that evokes a '90s aesthetic, drawing comparisons to a PS1-era Alan Wake or a blend of Silent Hill and The Secret of Monkey Island. The game features a unique visual style that is instantly appealing, combined with adventure-meets-survival-horror gameplay that sets it apart in 2026. The preview noted a compelling, strange, and unsettling story, alongside beautiful pixel art and an eerie sound design. However, the early-game demo indicated a lack of monster variety, leaving the long-term potential to be seen, despite a strong opening stretch.