October 2026’s Game Ratings: A Month of Highs, Lows, and Everything in Between
October 2026 has been a rollercoaster for gamers—some titles have cemented their legacy with near-perfect scores, while others have left players scratching their heads. Whether it’s a long-awaited Castlevania revival, a divisive sports sim, or a PEAK port that’s been years in the making, this month’s game ratings reveal a lot about where the industry stands right now. Let’s break it down.
The Undisputed King: Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse (9.25/10 – Game Informer)
If there’s one game this month that’s left an indelible mark, it’s Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse. Developed by the team behind Dead Cells, this isn’t just another Castlevania—it’s a love letter to the genre, blending tight combat, exploration, and a hauntingly beautiful world. Critics and players alike have praised its precision platforming, satisfying whip combat, and a narrative that feels fresh yet deeply rooted in the series’ lore.
Game Informer’s 9.25/10 score isn’t just a stamp of approval—it’s a declaration. "Between Rose Belmont and Evil Empire, it’s in great hands," the review states, and they’re not wrong. The game’s ability to balance challenge and accessibility, much like Hollow Knight, has made it a standout in an increasingly crowded Metroidvania space. Steam Deck HQ agrees, calling it "a confident return to the iconic series that defined the genre," though they note it requires some compromise—likely referring to its difficulty curve, which can be punishing for newcomers.
But why does it resonate so much? For one, it’s been 12 years since the last mainline Castlevania release. Fans were desperate for something that felt true to the series’ roots, and Belmont’s Curse delivers. The combat is fluid, the world is rich with secrets, and the boss fights are some of the best in the genre. If you haven’t played it yet, you’re missing out on one of the year’s best experiences.
Player Reaction: "I’ve played every Castlevania since Symphony of the Night, and this is the first one that actually feels like a modern take without losing its soul." – Reddit user WhipMaster99
The Divisive Sim: Planet Zoo 2 (7.5/10 – IGN)
Not every game gets a standing ovation. Planet Zoo 2, the spiritual successor to the beloved zoo sim, has been met with mixed reactions. IGN’s 7.5/10 score reflects a game that’s technically impressive but fundamentally flawed in its core experience.
The good? The graphics are stunning, the animal behaviors are more detailed than ever, and the sandbox freedom is intoxicating. The bad? The game’s core loop feels repetitive, and the lack of meaningful progression makes it hard to stay engaged for long sessions. IGN’s review hits the nail on the head: "Running my dream menagerie in Planet Zoo is always going to feel a little different than the entertainment-focused spectacles of Planet Coaster or RollerCoaster Tycoon." In other words, it’s a niche sim that doesn’t quite deliver the same emotional payoff as its cousins.
Where Planet Zoo 2 excels is in depth. If you’re a hardcore zoo enthusiast who loves tweaking every detail of animal care, this is your game. But if you’re looking for the same satisfying progression as Planet Coaster, you might be disappointed.
Player Reaction: "I love the attention to detail, but after 20 hours, I’m still not invested in the story or the zoo’s growth. Feels like a hobby game, not a passion project." – ZooKeeperX
The Long-Awaited Port: PEAK Finally Gets Its PS5 Rating
One of the biggest pieces of news this month isn’t even a review—it’s the ESRB rating for PEAK on PlayStation 5. After years of speculation, the game has officially been rated for PS5, meaning a port could be just around the corner. Insider Gaming reports that fans have been waiting since the game’s original 2020 release, and the news has sent the community into a frenzy.
PEAK is a roguelike climbing game with a unique art style and tight controls. If it arrives on PS5 with DualSense support, it could be a hidden gem for fans of fast-paced, skill-based games. The only question now is when—and whether it’ll include any meaningful improvements over the original.
The Unexpected Standout: VALORANT Patch 13.08
Yes, we’re including a live-service game in this roundup because VALORANT’s Patch 13.08 has been a game-changer. Riot introduced Map Rating, a system that rewards players for contributing to balanced matches, and updated the Performance Score to better reflect skill. The patch also brought new updates to Corrode, one of the most divisive maps in the game, and rotated Ascent and Split back into the pool.
While not a traditional "review," this patch has reshaped the meta in ways that even the most hardcore VALORANT fans didn’t see coming. The Map Rating system in particular has sparked debate—some love the added incentive, while others argue it’s just another way to force players into "good" behavior.
Pro Tip: If you’re climbing ranks, this patch might be the best time to grind since the new systems favor consistent, skilled play over smurfing.
The Honorable Mentions (And One Big Miss)
- NBA 2K27 (8.8/10 – Level Up) – The latest installment in the franchise has improved graphics and gameplay, but it’s still divisive. Some love the MyCareer mode, while others are frustrated by microtransactions and repetitive gameplay. Level Up’s review calls it "a solid entry," but not a must-buy for casual fans.
- STEEP (Ubisoft) – While not officially rated yet, early impressions from Ubisoft’s action-sports sim suggest it’s pushing boundaries with open-world freedom and stunning graphics. If it delivers on its promises, it could be a major contender for next year’s awards.
- The Missing Giant: Where’s the Next Elden Ring? – October was quiet on the AAA front. No major open-world RPGs, no groundbreaking new IPs. The closest we got was Castlevania, which, while fantastic, isn’t exactly filling the Elden Ring void. Fans are left wondering: Where’s the next big thing?
Final Verdict: October’s Best and Worst
| Game | Score | Why It Matters | Verdict |
|-------------------------|----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------|
| Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse | 9.25/10 | A perfect return to form for the series. Must-play. | BUY |
| Planet Zoo 2 | 7.5/10 | Great for hardcore sim fans, but not for everyone. | Recommended for Niche Players |
| PEAK (PS5 Port) | TBA | The wait is almost over—could be a hidden gem. | Watch for Release |
| VALORANT Patch 13.08 | Meta-Changer | Biggest update in months—affects every player. | Play Now |
| NBA 2K27 | 8.8/10 | Solid but not revolutionary—only for basketball fans. | Skip Unless You Love the Franchise |
What’s Next? The Games to Watch in November
With October’s releases under our belts, November is shaping up to be even bigger. Here’s what we’re eyeing:
- Top 25 NEW Single Player Games of 2026 (Watch Here) – GamerAnx’s list includes hidden gems and AAA powerhouses worth keeping an eye on.
- 20 BEST Games of 2026 (First Half) (Watch Here) – If you missed any major releases, this is your catch-up guide.
- Top 20 NEW Games of 2026 (Second Half) (Watch Here) – The biggest releases still to come, including potential Game of the Year contenders.
The Big Question: Is 2026 the Year of the Indie Gem?
Looking at the Metacritic scores and player reactions, it’s clear that indie games are dominating this year. Titles like Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse, STEEP, and even PEAK prove that small teams can punch above their weight. Meanwhile, AAA releases like NBA 2K27 and Planet Zoo 2 struggle to innovate in a market hungry for fresh ideas.
Is this a trend? Or just a blip? Only time will tell—but for now, indie devs are winning.
Final Thoughts: October’s Game Ratings Tell a Story
This month’s releases have been all over the map—from critical darlings like Castlevania to divisive sims like Planet Zoo 2 and long-awaited ports like PEAK. The biggest takeaway? Players are craving innovation, whether it comes from small studios or bold updates to live-service games.
So, what’s your take? Did Castlevania live up to the hype? Is Planet Zoo 2 worth the hype, or is it just a niche experience? And will PEAK finally get the PS5 treatment it deserves?
Drop your thoughts in the comments—and let us know what you’re most excited for in November.
ModVC’s Take: Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse isn’t just a great game—it’s a cultural reset for the Metroidvania genre. If you haven’t played it yet, stop reading and go play it now. The rest of us will be here waiting for the next big thing.
What’s your favorite game of October? Let us know in the comments!
ModVC Staff
P.S. – If you enjoyed this roundup, check out our Top 10 New Games of September 2026 breakdown for more must-play picks!