Our gaming itinerary this weekend is a fascinating blend of revived legacies and modern iterations. It is quite a remarkable coincidence to see Bungie’s Marathon and Graffiti’s Screamer—two franchises that have remained largely dormant since their mid-90s debuts—return to the spotlight simultaneously. What makes this resurgence even more compelling is that both projects were spearheaded by their original creators. The industry moves in mysterious circles, but seeing these venerable names thrive again feels like a rare cosmic alignment.
Beyond our current play sessions, we’ve just pulled back the curtain on our latest cover story: Soulframe. Developed by the visionary team behind Warframe, this upcoming title promises a unique perspective on the action-RPG genre. We have a wealth of exclusive coverage arriving soon, so stay tuned.
Before you dive into your own weekend adventures, here is a digest of the week’s most significant headlines:
- Exclusive Cover Reveal: Soulframe
- Ghost of Yōtei Lead Designer Discusses Experimental Co-op Modes
- Recap: Every Announcement from the March 2026 Xbox Partner Preview
- Sony Confirms Imminent Price Hikes for PS5 and PlayStation Portal
- The Evolution of Invincible in Video Games: From Novels to Fortnite
- Marathon Review: High Stakes and Heavy Consequences
Marathon
By Wesley LeBlanc
At its core, Marathon is a high-tension extraction shooter where trios descend into hostile territory to scavenge valuable loot and escape alive. While the game offers solo play as a Runner or a Rook—the robotic scavengers of this universe—the experience is fundamentally built around team dynamics. Lately, I’ve found myself captivated by the “Crew Fill” option, which pairs me with two complete strangers.
There is something profoundly fascinating about these brief, intense alliances. Watching a group of strangers from different corners of the globe—like the hilarious duo from Philadelphia or the polite players from Brazil practicing their English—come together to achieve a shared goal is its own reward. Beyond the slick sci-fi mechanics and the cutthroat competition, Marathon acts as a brilliant anthropological study of human cooperation in a digital wilderness.
Screamer
By Kyle Hilliard
While I don’t consider myself a racing enthusiast, a few specific titles like Burnout and F-Zero X have always held a special place in my heart. Screamer has unexpectedly joined that list. Its story mode features production values and cinematic flair that far exceed expectations, echoing the structure of F-Zero GX. The anime-inspired aesthetic is striking, populated with expressive characters whose motivations drive the narrative forward.
The gameplay itself is demanding, introducing a unique control scheme that maps drifting to the right analog stick. Mastering the gear-shift boost mechanic requires a level of precision reminiscent of a “perfect active reload” from Gears of War. While the systems can eventually become overwhelming, the narrative hook is strong enough that I’m more than happy to lower the difficulty just to enjoy the stylized journey.
Marvel Maximum Collection
By Matt Miller
This newly released anthology is a nostalgic treasure trove, collecting the hits and hurdles of Marvel’s early gaming history. The crown jewel is undoubtedly X-Men: The Arcade Game, complete with 6-player online support. Alongside it, fans can revisit cult classics like Maximum Carnage, Separation Anxiety, and the notoriously brutal 8-bit Silver Surfer.
This isn’t just a simple port; the collection includes vital modern conveniences like save states, rewinding, and a variety of CRT filters for that authentic retro glow. Whether you’re browsing the digital archives of original manuals or testing your skills against arcade-era difficulty, it’s a comprehensive look back at the era when pixelated superheroes first began to conquer the home console.
Basketball Classics
By Brian Shea
In an era where modern sports simulations are often bloated with complex mechanics and aggressive microtransactions, Basketball Classics is a breath of fresh air. This Switch port of the 2019 Steam title offers a minimalist, 8-bit tribute to the sports games of my youth. It eschews official licensing in favor of a fully editable roster that pays homage to legendary players through creative stand-ins.
The focus here is purely on the joy of the game. With no microtransactions and a streamlined set of modes, it’s the perfect title to pick up for a quick season or a custom tournament. It serves as a potent reminder that sometimes, less really is more when it comes to sports gaming.
