We are currently navigating a rare seasonal lull—a brief respite that allows us to play purely for pleasure. While high-profile releases are looming on the horizon, the team is currently occupied with seasonal live-service updates, a few vintage titles, and those 2025 gems we didn’t quite finish. It is a perfect time to sample that demo you’ve been eyeing or finally tackle your backlog.
As the weekend approaches, we have curated a list of standout titles you should consider checking out. But first, here is a concise roundup of the most significant industry news from the past week:
- Meta Shutters Twisted Pixel, Sanzaru Games, and Armature Studio
- Resident Evil Requiem: Leon Kennedy Gains Chainsaw Proficiency
- First Look: Sophie Turner as Lara Croft in Amazon Prime’s Series
- God of War Series: Thor’s Voice Actor Cast as Live-Action Kratos
- Surprise Launch: Animal Crossing: New Horizons Update 3.0 Arrives Early
- Masters of Albion Set for April Release
Top Recommendations for Your Weekend Gaming
Marvel Rivals
Contributor: Matt Miller
The latest season of Marvel Rivals offers a compelling incentive to return to the fray. The long-awaited arrival of Deadpool brings a layer of chaotic complexity to the roster; as a character capable of fulfilling Vanguard, Duelist, or Strategist roles, he is easily one of the most versatile additions to date. Beyond the Merc with a Mouth, veterans will appreciate a complete overhaul of the character progression system, providing meaningful rewards well into the “Lord” ranks. With a fresh battle pass and a suite of new cosmetics, there is plenty of ground to cover starting today.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Contributor: Wesley LeBlanc
Having reached the credits earlier this month, I am continuously struck by the transformative nature of the “Strand” system. If you haven’t visited Australia lately, the landscape has likely changed dramatically. Because players across the globe share infrastructure, the world is in a constant state of evolution. Returning to my save after a hiatus revealed a continent transformed: highways had been extended, monorails connected distant hubs, and new gadgets like teleporters and ramps littered the wilderness. It is a fascinating social experiment where the collective labor of the community makes the journey easier for everyone.
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
Contributor: Charles Harte
Now that Path of Radiance has joined the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack library, I’ve finally been able to experience this GameCube gem. The pacing is intentionally deliberate, slowly unfolding its mechanics—essential features like the shop and convoy don’t even appear for several chapters. However, the investment pays off through its narrative, led by the earnest and compelling Ike. Playing a classic tactical RPG on a handheld remains the definitive experience for the series, and this port does not disappoint.
Sonic and the Black Knight
Contributor: Charles Harte
This is my ultimate “guilty pleasure” title. While often maligned in the Sonic canon, replaying it for Super Replay reminded me why I love its sheer absurdity. Sonic is transported into an Arthurian mythos, wielding a talking sword to take down a corrupt King Arthur. The Wii Remote motion controls are undeniably hectic, and the story is pure camp, but that’s the appeal. It’s a silly, high-speed romp that doesn’t take itself seriously, capturing a specific era of experimental Sonic design that is genuinely fun to revisit.
Big Hops
Contributor: Charles Harte
Movement is the soul of any 3D platformer, and Big Hops nails the fundamentals. Playing as a nimble frog, you have access to a deep moveset including mid-air dives, rolling jumps, and a stamina-based climbing system. The game introduces clever “magic veggies” that serve as temporary power-ups, allowing you to sprout beanstalks or create grappling points with your tongue. It captures the vibrant, nostalgic spirit of the GameCube era while integrating modern quality-of-life improvements. If you want to see it in action, check out our New Gameplay Today coverage.
Reanimal (Demo)
Contributor: Kyle Hilliard
Tarsier Studios, the masterminds behind the original Little Nightmares, have returned with something even more unsettling. Reanimal feels like a spiritual successor in the best way possible. The demo reveals a world dripping with atmosphere and, surprisingly, voiced dialogue. Unlike the 2.5D perspective of their previous work, Reanimal offers fully 3D exploration that enhances the sense of scale and dread. It’s clear the studio is relishing the freedom of a new IP to push their horror sensibilities even further. I was genuinely disappointed when the demo ended, and I am counting down the days until its February 13 launch.
