The Video Games And More You Should Play This Weekend – October 2, 2026

Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve

By Eric Van Allen

Bandai’s esteemed Aces team returns to the friendly skies with Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, the latest evolution of their arcade-action aviation franchise. Building upon the momentum of Skies Unknown, this installment scales everything upward: larger engagements, more ferocious dogfights, and a poignant narrative. You step into the flight suit of an overlooked pilot thrust into legendary status as the new “Wings of Theve” after the previous hero is shot down. Liberating your homeland alongside a memorable squadron delivers high-stakes aerial drama. The team brilliantly explores the heavy toll of conflict, personal sacrifice, and the poetic dance of dogfighting rival shadow squads. If you are craving boundless blue skies, this is an essential journey.

End Of Abyss

By Kyle Hilliard

Crafted by alumni of the Little Nightmares team, End of Abyss wears its atmospheric pedigree proudly. It evokes the chilling ambiance of Playdead’s Inside, yet structurally mirrors classic Metroid titles, offering an expansive, ambiguously alien world to investigate and traversal abilities to unlock.

We sat down with the developers back in May—subscribers can read that feature here. While challenging boss encounters and minor bugs surfaced during my playthrough, it has easily become my go-to title during downtime, which speaks volumes given a crowded gaming calendar.

Minecraft Dungeons II

By Kyle Hilliard

The original Minecraft Dungeons delivered a family-oriented alternative to Diablo, complete with cherished local couch co-op. This sequel refines that foundational blueprint through smart, iterative enhancements. In his review, freelance critic Tomas Franzese notes, “Minecraft Dungeons II proves this spin-off franchise can stand on its own and improve with subsequent entries at a time when Xbox is refocusing on its biggest IP.” Read Game Informer‘s full review for deeper insights.

Toem 2

By Marcus Stewart

The original Toem won me over in 2021 with its delightful blend of puzzle design and photography, making this sequel a deeply anticipated release. A few chapters in, Toem 2 continues to hit all the right notes. Snapping pictures to solve scavenger hunts—like tracking down wandering garden gnomes or identifying whimsical cloud formations—is pure joy. Expanded camera tools introduce clever mechanics, such as slicing objects by framing them precisely in your viewfinder. Helping a weary bear by harvesting fruit or assisting a frantic seamstress adds whimsical charm. After enduring countless gritty, hyper-violent titles, Toem 2 serves as the ultimate cozy palate cleanser.

Fallen Tear: The Ascension

By Matt Miller

CMD Studios’ vibrant new Metroidvania commands attention through its sheer scale and breathtaking art direction. Drawing inspiration from Metroid and Castlevania while infusing classic JRPG storytelling sensibilities, the narrative unfolds like an earnest fairy tale. You recruit diverse “Fated Bonds” who step directly into active combat to support your journey. Backed by a soaring orchestral score and fully voiced performances, this grand exploration epic demands a spot on your playlist.

Blades & Battle

By Matt Miller

Blades & Battle proudly channels the classic fantasy hack-and-slash brawlers of the late ’80s and early ’90s, such as Golden Axe. Players choose between Arthur and Lancelot, cleaving through legions of monsters and soldiers in local cooperative campaigns. Featuring nostalgic retro visuals and deliberately uncompromising combat mechanics, executing sweeping combos that bounce foes across the screen is intensely rewarding. It is the ideal couch co-op experience for a relaxed evening with a friend.

Heartworm

By Kyle Hilliard

Following its acclaimed Steam debut last July, Heartworm finally touches down on consoles. This throwback survival-horror adventure embraces 32-bit aesthetics and fixed perspective angles reminiscent of early Resident Evil. A standout mechanical twist replaces the traditional flashlight with protagonist Sam’s camera flash, casting a temporary burst of illumination that lingers briefly. This clever mechanic elevates the tension and sets the game apart within the genre. If you crave nostalgic terror, look no further.

Ghost Of Yōtei Complete Edition

By Kyle Hilliard

As the definitive edition of one of 2025’s premier releases, this new package introduces the single-player Echoes of Sekigahara narrative campaign alongside the roguelike combat suite titled Most Wanted (which brings Jin from Ghost of Tsushima into the fold). Available for $69.99—or as a $14.99 upgrade for existing owners—it offers plenty of reasons to return to Atsu’s breathtaking journey. Explore Game Informer‘s original review for full details.

Octopath Traveler 1 And 2 On Switch 2

By Eric Van Allen

If you require more role-playing depth than a single weekend allows, the Octopath duology provides countless hours of entertainment. Both titles celebrate turn-based, pixel-art JRPGs, intertwining the personal journeys of eight distinct travelers. The gorgeous HD-2D visual style elevates boss encounters and atmospheric towns alike. While both games excel, Octopath Traveler 2 stands as one of Square Enix’s finest modern achievements, buoyed by brilliant writing, an unforgettable musical score, and exceptional character arcs.

Tabletop Pick – Cozy Stickerville

By Matt Miller

The “cozy” movement spans far beyond digital screens, finding an even richer tradition in tabletop gaming. One of 2026’s standout board game releases, Cozy Stickerville, challenges players to cultivate a bustling village by placing stickers onto an evolving board. Over multiple cooperative sessions, participants construct farms, shops, and community spaces while navigating an overarching narrative spanning generations of in-game history.

With no failure states to worry about, Cozy Stickerville focuses purely on creative storytelling and relaxing community building. It is accessible, deeply charming, and a wonderful way to spend time with loved ones.