Happy Friday the 13th! While the calendar suggests a day of superstition and scares, our current gaming rotation is surprisingly eclectic. From the precision of logic puzzles to the chaos of feline tactical combat, we’re mostly avoiding the typical horror tropes—with one notable, blood-soaked exception. Whether you’re slashing through Greek mythology or managing a squad of mutated cats, there is plenty to keep you occupied over the next few days.
Before we dive into our specific recommendations, here is a quick look at the most significant headlines from the past week:
- PlayStation State of Play Recap: Every major reveal from the February event.
- Castlevania Returns: Belmont’s Curse, a collaboration between Konami and the Dead Cells team, arrives in 2026.
- Kratos Reborn: Santa Monica Studio confirms remakes of the original God of War trilogy.
- Tactical Espionage: MGS Master Collection Vol. 2 finally brings Guns of the Patriots to modern platforms.
- Infernal Power: Blizzard introduces the Warlock class to Diablo IV and Diablo Immortal.
- Industry News: Highguard developer Wildlight Entertainment confirms a wave of layoffs.
Essential Titles for Your Weekend Playlist
Crisol: Theater Of Idols
By Wesley LeBlanc
If you harbor a fondness for the “Double-A” sensibilities of the PS3 and Xbox 360 era, Crisol: Theater of Idols is a survival horror experience worth your attention. It draws heavy inspiration from the Resident Evil formula but introduces a visceral twist: your weaponry consumes your own blood as ammunition. This creates a constant, agonizing choice between your offensive capabilities and your literal life force. Set against a backdrop of Spanish-Gothic iconography, the atmosphere is thick and unsettling, even if the voice acting leans into the theatrical and over-the-top. It’s a unique take on the genre that feels both familiar and refreshingly experimental.
CiniCross
By Kyle Hilliard
Merging the logic of nonogram puzzles (Picross) with the addictive progression of a roguelike, CiniCross has become an unexpected obsession. The loop is simple yet punishing: solve puzzles rapidly to secure upgrades and climb toward the final floor. While it currently suffers from some technical instability and a divisive soundscape, the core mechanics are incredibly satisfying. It captures that elusive “one more round” energy that made Vampire Survivors a hit. If you find comfort in filling out grids but want the stakes of a permadeath run, this is a must-play on the Steam Deck.
Mewgenics
By Charles Harte
With nearly 100 hours invested, I am still uncovering the depths of Mewgenics. This massive, grid-based roguelike tasks you with leading a squad of four felines through bizarre locales ranging from grime-slicked sewers to the lunar surface. The depth lies in the class system—defined by collars like Tank or Cleric—and the synergy between passive abilities and randomized loot. Every encounter feels like a high-stakes tactical puzzle where one wrong move can spiral into catastrophe. While the humor is often juvenile and the breeding systems could use some refinement, the combat is consistently brilliant and supported by a stellar, evolving soundtrack.
God Of War: Sons Of Sparta
By Kyle Hilliard
As I work toward a full review, my initial hours with Sons of Sparta have been deeply intriguing. This prequel provides a rare look at Kratos’ youth, framed as a story he is telling his daughter, Calliope. For long-time fans who have followed Kratos since the PS2 days, seeing the man before his tragic descent offers a poignant perspective. While the combat currently feels a bit rigid compared to the fluidity of the Norse era, the narrative weight and the focus on his relationship with Calliope—a character often overshadowed by his later exploits—make this a compelling journey into the Ghost of Sparta’s past.
Overwatch
By Brian Shea
In a surprising move, Blizzard has dropped the “2” from the title and pivoted back toward what made the original 2016 release a cultural phenomenon. The return of 6v6 as a permanent fixture and a sudden influx of new heroes has completely revitalized the experience. For returning players, the learning curve is steep—many veteran heroes have been reworked, and the new Conquest Meta Event adds a layer of faction-based competition that keeps every match feeling consequential. It is overwhelming to relearn the “dance” of Overwatch, but the thrill of a perfectly executed ultimate or a desperate objective hold is just as potent as it was a decade ago.
