Summer Game Fest has finally concluded, though we are still busy rolling out exclusive previews from the event floor. Now that the hype cycle has momentarily paused, it is time to actually sit down and play some games. With the notable exception of Grand Theft Auto VI, the gaming landscape seems strangely quiet until September, making this the perfect weekend to dive into our latest recommendations—whether you prefer digital adventures or tabletop sessions.
Before we get to our picks, here is a curated recap of the most significant headlines from the past two weeks.
- The 25 Most Anticipated Titles from Summer Game Fest 2026
- RGG Studio Head Addresses Tupac’s Inclusion in ‘Stranger Than Heaven’
- Inside ‘Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis’: The Director on UE5 and Gen-AI
- The Lost Wild: A Preview of Prehistoric Terror
- Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake Confirmed for Switch 2
- Kingdom Hearts IV: Simultaneous Console and PC Release Announced
- Sega Responds to Backlash Over AI Content in New ‘Crazy Taxi’
Weekend Play Recommendations
Onimusha: Way of the Sword (Demo)
Onimusha: Warlords holds a special place in my history as one of my first true PS2 obsessions. While this new demo doesn’t capture the exact rhythm of the originals, it delivers a satisfying, polished samurai action experience. It’s a compelling slice of gameplay that has me eagerly anticipating the full release later this year.
Star Fox 64 (Remake Demo)
I entered this demo feeling skeptical, thinking I had already seen everything Star Fox 64 had to offer. However, the updated soundtrack and the sheer polish of the Arwing controls successfully converted me. It feels like a high-fidelity tribute to a 1997 classic, and I am officially on board for the full journey.
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition (Switch 2)
The “little RPG that could” continues its evolution. This latest port for the Switch 2 is definitively the best way to experience the original adventure, complete with quality-of-life improvements—like motorcycles for traversal—that make the sprawling world feel much more accessible. It’s an essential entry point for newcomers.
1666: Amsterdam (Prologue)
Following a tumultuous development cycle, Patrice Désilets’ long-awaited project is finally here in the form of a playable prologue. It is an eccentric, narrative-heavy experience that introduces a unique witch-hunting premise. While the UI feels a bit dated, the creative vision behind it is undeniable.
2 Fights 2 Tight Spaces
Ground Shatter has surprised us with a shadow-drop of this sequel. By doubling down on cooperative play and refining the visual presentation while retaining those iconic silhouettes, it’s an immediate must-play for fans of tactical, deck-building combat.
