52 Games Challenge 2026!!!

[bikingjahuty]

It's here again! With less than a week left in 2025, I figured we can get a 52 games challenge thread going to stir up excitement and also to reserve spots in the thread for next year.


For anyone who's not familiar with the 52 Games Challenge, it's essentially VGcollect members committing themselves to beat at least 52 games (one game a week on average) in one calendar year and reducing our backlogs. This challenge is a lot of fun, not just playing and beating games, but also seeing what others are beating as well. A lot of good game discussion happens here as we comment on each other's reviews and blurbs about games. When you beat a game, abandon one, or whatever feel free to write a small blurb about it, or a super long, detailed review too if you want.


Let's beat a ton of games in 2026 and make it another awesome year of gaming!

[bikingjahuty]

This year I have little doubt I'll reach 52 games beat again. Given how I play a pretty balanced combo of shorter games (lots of arcade style games and games that can be beat in under a couple of hours) and longer games (10+ hours), it won't be hard for me to beat 52 games again. However, where I might fall short compared to 2025 (I beat around 130 games) is committing myself to other things as well in 2025 that I either neglected or didn't put as much time/effort into as I should have. This will no doubt reduce my games beat output, but to what extent is to be seen. I'm estimating I'll beat around 80 games this year, but that number could go up or down depending on how things go in 2026. It's even possible I hit triple digit games beat, but again, my need to prioritize other, non-game related things in 2026 will likely get in the way of that. Anyhow, like always I'm super excited to complete the challenge again and look forward to seeing what everyone else beats too!


COMPLETED

1. Elebits (Wii) (1/2/26) [29/50]
2. Golden Axe (Genesis) (1/3/26) [29/50]
3. Splatterhouse 3 (Genesis) (1/3/26) [34/50]
4. Halo 3 (XBONE) (1/4/26) [36/50]
5. Dead or Alive 6 (PS4) (1/5/26) [35/50]
6. Castlevania (NES) (1/7/26) [29/50]
7. Castlevania: Circle of the Moon (PS4) (1/14/26) [39/50]
8. Kirby and the Forgotten Land (Switch) (1/24/26) [34/50]
9. Cyberpunk 2077 (PS5) (1/25/26) [42/50]
10. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty (PS5) (1/28/26) [38/50]
11. Guitar Hero II (PS2) (1/30/26) [37/50]
12. Clayfighter 63 1/3 + Clayfighter Sculptor's Cut (N64) (1/31/26) [29/50]
13. New Super Mario Bros (DS) (2/7/26) [35/50]
14. Tobal 2 (PS1) (2/8/26) [32/50]
15. Pepsiman (PS1) (2/8/26) [25/50]
16. Omega Boost (PS1) (2/10/26) [33/50]
17. F-Zero X (N64) (2/19/26) [33/50]
18. God of War III (PS3) (2/23/26) [37/50]
19. Resident Evil Requiem (PS5) (3/1/26) [43/50]


ABANDONED

1. Castlevania: Rondo of Blood (PS4) (2/18/26)

[dhaabi]

Previous 52 Game Challenges: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

01. Cozy || PC || 01.04.26
02. Once Upon a Katamari || PlayStation 5 || 01.07.26
03. It Is As If You Were Doing Work || Browser || 01.10.26
04. Resident Evil Code: Veronica X || GameCube || 01.21.26
05. Pikmin || Nintendo Switch || 01.25.26
06. Finding Father || Browser || 01.31.26
07. A Space for the Unbound || Nintendo Switch || 02.02.26
08. Gnog || PlayStation 4 || 02.09.26
09. Witch and Hero II || Nintendo 3DS || 02.17.26
10. Reanimal || PlayStation 5 || 02.19.26
11. Death Stranding || PlayStation 4 || 02.21.26

[moonlightvalkyrie]

Reserving my spot for this year! Unfortunately, I had a very rough year in 2025, and gaming had to take a major backseat. However, I am excited to once again give this a try! Good luck to everyone on your 2026 gaming goals!!! 

[supremeusername]

Finished:
1. Mario Kart World (Switch 2): 1/14
2. Crazy Taxi (DreamCast): 1/16
3. Vital Shell (PC): 1/23
4. Gears of War: Reloaded (Series X): 1/25
5. Dr. Mario 64 (Switch 2): 1/30
6. Power Stone (Switch 2): 1/30
7. Power Stone 2 (Switch 2): 2/2
8. Jet Grind Radio (DreamCast): 2/7
9. Tomb Raider II Remastered (Series X): 2/18
10. Ghost in the Shell (PS1): 2/24
11. Skullmonkeys (PS1): 2/25
12. The Song of Saya (PC): 2/28

[kashell]

I'll be there!

[aliensstudios]

3. Snoopy & the Great Mystery Club (Nintendo Switch) | 1/21/26 | Time: 07:33 | Rating: ★★★★★ | Notes: none
2. Legend of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse (Game Gear) | 1/11/26 | Time: 01:40 | Rating: ★★★★★ | Notes: played on Retron 5
1. Final Fight CD (Sega CD) | 1/10/26 | Time: 03:45 | Rating: ★★★★★ | Notes: played on Polymega

[telekill]

Participating once again. Let's see how far I get in comparison to previous years...
2023 - 27 Completed.
2024 - 17 Completed.
2025 - 17 Completed.

Currently Playing:
1. Expedition 33 (PS5)
2. TMNT Splintered Fate (PS5)

Paused:
1. Tomb Raider 4-6 Remastered (PS5)
    - Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness (PS2)

Completed: 04
1. TMNT Cowabunga Collection (PS5)
   - TMNT IV Turtles in Time (Arcade)
2. Code Violet (PS5)
3. TMNT Wrath of the Mutants (PS5)
4. Indiana Jones: Great Circle (PS5)
  - The Order of the Giants DLC

Planning to Play:
1. Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis (PS5)
2. Zelda: Skyward Sword (Switch)

[kamikazekeeg]

1 - Peak (PC 2025) - BEAT
2 - Cassette Beasts (PC 2023) - BEAT
3 - ENA: Dream BBQ (PC 2025) - BEAT
4 - Dead Island 2 (PC 2023) - BEAT
5 - Hytale (PC Early Access 2025) - ENDLESS
6 - Doom: The Dark Ages (PC 2025) - BEAT
7 - That's Not My Neighbor (PC 2025) - BEAT
8 - Palworld (PC 2023) - DROPPED
9 - Poppy Playtime: Chapter 5 (PC 2026) - BEAT
10 - Resident Evil: Requiem (PC 2026) - BEAT

[shfan]

After managing to actually reach 52 for the first time ever in 2025 I'm going for it again! Slight switch-up in format this year, going to include a few extra data fields such as genre and misc data (adult game, setting etc.) in there and can the mini-reviews - I like reading everyone's in-depth posts about what they're playing and if a game moves me that much I'll do the same, time allowing. For games I get rid of I'll include a few words for why (dull, difficult etc). Here goes:

Games beaten

01] Harem Rush! Impish Fantasy (STM, 2025) | 1 Jan | Action | Adult, Fantasy
02] Earth Defense Force 6 (STM, 2024) | 4 Jan | Action | Wing Diver, Normal Difficulty, Sci-Fi
03] Spy Bros. (Pipi & Bibi's DX) (STM, 2023) | 11 Jan | Action | Arcade
04] Yohane the Parhelion - Blaze in the Deepblue (STM, 2023) | 18 Jan | Metroidvania | Anime
05] Cult of the Lamb (STM, 2022) | 22 Jan | Action | Cute, Horror
06] Look Outside (STM, 2025) | 4 Feb | Turn-based RPG | Body Horror, Cosmic Horror, RPG Maker
07] Dino Quake (STM, 2025) | 19 Feb | Action | Arcade, Bubble Bobble Clone
08] The Lucky Stray Cat (STM, 2026) | 22 Feb | RPG, VN | Horror, RPG Maker
09] A Dog's Story (STM, 2025) | 25 Feb | RPG, VN | Horror, RPG Maker

Games Tried/Disliked/Got Rid Of

01] Super Zangyura (NSW, 2024) | 4 Jan | Obnoxiously difficult
02] Pac-Man World: Re-PAC (NSW, 2022) | 25 Feb | Weird double jump, getting caught on 3D objects in 2D sections
03] Bloom Paradise (STM, 2025) | 27 Feb | Limited continues in tough game, can't beat

Previous Years

2025 - 53 beaten, 22 tried and discarded
2024 - 38 beaten, 5 tried and discarded
2023 - 37 beaten, 14 tried and discarded
2021 - 18 beaten, 9 tried and discarded
2020 - 33 beaten, 20 tried and discarded
2019 - 45 beaten, 34 tried and discarded
2018 - 44 beaten, 41 tried and discarded
2017 - 37 beaten, 9 tried and discarded
2016 - 21 beaten

[Cartagia]

Here we go again.

1. Star Trek: Armada 2 (PC) - Beat / Jan. 31
2. Mega Man X2 (Switch) - Beat / Feb. 5
3. Mega Man X3 (Switch) - Beat / Feb. 13
4. Stray (PS5) - Beat / Feb. 16
5. Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth (Deck) - Beat / Feb. 23
6. Fable Anniversary (Deck) - Playing

[droaa]

Almost 2 years since took part in this. Let's go and howdy yall.

Beaten
1. Donkey Kong Country 2 
2. Fallout 4
3. Capcom Fighting Collection(Darkstalkers-The Night Warriors)
4. Capcom Fighting Collection(Night Warriors-Darkstalker's Revenge)
5. Capcom Fighting Collection(Vampire Savior-The Lord of Vampire)
6. Capcom Fighting Collection(Vampire Hunter 2-Darkstalker's Revenge)
7. Capcom Fighting Collection(Vampire Savior 2-The Lord of Vampire)
8. Capcom Fighting Collection(Cyberbot-Fullmetal Madness)
9. Capcom Fighting Collection(Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo)
10. Capcom Fighting Collection(Super Gem Fighter Mini Mix)
11. Capcom Fighting Collection(Hyper Street Fighter II-The Anniversary Edition)
12. Capcom Fighting Collection(Red Earth)

Now Playing
1. Ninja Blade
2. Resident Evil Requiem



Replay
1. Guitar Hero: Aerosmith(Expert)
2. Rock Band(Expert Drums)



Playlist(As of 2/15/26)
1. Robot Alchemic Drive
2. Cyberpunk 2077
3. Professor Layton and The Curious Village
4. Deathloop
5. Clair Obcur: Expedition 33
6. Marvel's Spider-Man 2
7. Metal Gear Solid V: The Definitive Experience
8. God of War: Ragnanrok
9. Okami
10. Yakuza

Nope List 2026(Games abandoned)

[marvelvscapcom2]

Reserved. 


Got in reserved somewhat early which is good.  Been battling the nastiest Flu in a long time rn. But wish you all a happy New Years.  But can't wait to hopefully at least match imput 2026!  Heres to another happy backlog shredding season

BEATEN

1. The Bouncer [PS2]
2. GTA: Vice City Stories [PS2]
3. Madden NFL 2005 [PS2]
4. NFL Street 2 [PS2]
5. Parappa The Rapper: Remastered [PS4]
6. Jeopardy [PS1]
7. Centipede: Recharged [PS5]
8. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas [PS2/PS4]
9. Mary Kate And Ashley: Magical Mystery Mall [PS1]
10. Super Mario Sunshine [GC]
11. Venba [PS5]
12. Plants vs Zombies: Replanted [PS5]
13. Color A Dinosaur [NES]
14. Melatonin [PS5]
15. Kirby's Dreamland 3 [SNES]
16. Guitar Hero III [PS3]
17. Mario Kart 64 [N64]

Year Start Trophies -  3480

GAMES ON DECK

1. Clock Tower 3
2. Resident Evil Village
3. Castlevania Symphony Of The Night
4. Mario Sunshine


ABANDONED

1.


MONTHLY BREAKDOWN

January 4 Games and 9 Trophies
February 13 Games and 78 Trophies [3567]




2025 54 Games Finished

[telly]

Games Finished in 2026
1. Tactics Ogre: Reborn (Switch)- 1.16
2. Coffee Talk (PS5) - 1.18
3. Klonoa: Door to Phantomile (PS5) - 1.25
4. Subnautica: Below Zero (PS5) - 2.12
5. Pokémon: Emerald Rogue (Android) - 2.27


Additional Games Played in 2026 (endless or in-progress games are here)
Metaphor RE: Phantazio (PS5)
Goof Troop (SNES)
Monstrix: TCG Card Shop (PS5)
Super Mario Bros. Wonder (Switch)

Backlog - the priority games on my backlog anyway!
Silent Hill 2 (PS5 remake and PS2 original)
The Last Guardian (PS4)
Rain World (Switch)
Metaphor RE: Fantazio (PS5)
Resident Evil 5 (PS4)
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles (GC)
Tales of Arise (PS4)
Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm and Exercise! (Switch)

Previous Lists
2015 List - 27 finished, + 10 played but not finished
2016 List - 32 finished, + 16 played but not finished
2017 List - 26 finished, + 13 played but not finished
2018 List - 23 finished, + 6 played but not finished
2019 List - 20 finished, + 9 played but not finished
2020 List - 45 finished, + 10 played but not finished
2021 List - 24 finished, + 15 played but not finished
2022 List - 18 finished, + 11 played but not finished
2023 List - 24 finished, + 16 played but not finished
2024 List - 24 finished, + 9 played but not finished
2025 List - 29 finished, + 14 played but not finished

[kamikazekeeg]

3 - ENA: Dream BBQ (PC 2025) - BEAT - I don't know if I could explain this, I found it because I had seen the player character, Ena, in different things, but it's from this game which is a mixture of video game and someones insane art project as it was apparently just gonna be animation, before turning into a game.  It's very much a nod to 90's PC games, a nod to low poly 3D platformers, with characters in so many different visual art styles and mediums, from anim-like characters, to crazy 3D models that feel like they are out of Reboot, to just very weird and abstract things.  No character feels like they are done the same way visually, it's kinda crazy.  It's a free game, it'll have chapters added over time, but there are multiple things to accomplish and different endings to find and this is one of the types of games I want to do more of everything, because I want to see new characters or what new animation they'll do next, it's a pretty ridiculous experience in the best way.