The Video Games And More You Should Play This Weekend – October 9, 2026

Star Wars: Galactic Racer debuted this week, proving itself worthy of your attention regardless of your current affinity for the franchise. While it certainly embraces its roots through familiar planetary backdrops, iconic musical cues, and recognizable characters, the underlying IP takes a backseat to genuinely phenomenal arcade racing. The relentless sense of velocity and high-stakes tension will instantly evoke memories of the classic Burnout series—which comes as no surprise given that much of the development team at Fuse Games previously contributed to those titles. Do not let the roguelite campaign structure deter you; it flows at an energetic pace that prevents repetition while delivering a surprisingly compelling narrative rarely seen in racing games. Beyond the campaign, a robust suite of options awaits, including standard Arcade mode, bite-sized Scenario campaigns, and an extensive multiplayer ecosystem that guarantees this title will remain installed on your drive for a long time.

Read or watch our comprehensive review.

For enthusiasts of exploratory, gear-gated adventures reminiscent of early Metroid and Castlevania entries, Echo Weaver presents a brilliant twist on the formula. Rather than locking progression behind physical equipment upgrades, advancement relies primarily on knowledge acquired throughout your journey. It is a wonderfully clever mechanic that hooked me immediately within the opening hours.

Our reviewer, Kyle Hilliard, explored the complete experience and shared these thoughts: “Echo Weaver’s unique approach to the traditional Metroidvania structure is admirable, refreshing, and masterfully executed. The joy of discovery is incredible. While I might not dive straight into a second playthrough immediately, the prospect of returning equipped with full knowledge of every ability to blaze through the game at lightning speed is immensely enticing.”

Explore his full critique here.

Gears of War: E-Day steps back in time to chronicle the terrifying dawn of Emergence Day, depicting the harrowing first encounters between franchise icons Marcus Fenix, Dominic Santiago, and the monstrous Locust horde. Because the series has frequently referenced this pivotal event since its 2006 debut, long-time fans have spent nearly two decades waiting to witness it unfold. In his official review, Game Informer executive editor Brian Shea lauded The Coalition’s latest release for delivering “an astonishing array of intense firefights, elevated by refined tactical movement, brilliantly designed battlefields, breathtaking visuals, and a formidable, varied arsenal.”

Read the complete review here.

Thekla’s ambitious new puzzle project is staggering in scope, featuring hundreds of distinct brainteasers woven seamlessly into a cohesive overarching narrative framework. It is a deeply impressive collection of logic challenges built by interweaving multiple standalone puzzle mechanics into a unified experience. Think of it conceptually as the video game equivalent of a frame story. Regardless of your perspective, Order of the Sinking Star is tailored specifically for patient, experienced puzzle solvers who appreciate intricate logic problems designed to push their cognitive limits.

Valve’s unreleased yet wildly popular MOBA-shooter hybrid, Deadlock, gives us yet another compelling excuse to jump back in. The Cursed Apple map received a comprehensive graphical overhaul in its latest patch, accompanied by an ongoing community voting initiative where match participation decides which new heroes join the official roster. Following the triumphant additions of the Rat King and the charming Baba, four additional characters remain in the pipeline. Furthermore, the updated visual fidelity makes the dark, cobblestone streets of this supernatural New York look breathtaking, while subtle user interface refinements vastly improve readability during intense skirmishes. Deadlock remains the most remarkable unreleased game currently playable, and securing an invite this weekend is well worth your time.

Standing as one of the most tactically rich and captivating tabletop experiences of recent years, The Old King’s Crown is a triumph of mechanical integration and thematic storytelling. Players assume the roles of ambitious factions vying for the throne following the death of the reigning monarch. Through clever bluffing, hand management, and territorial board control, each asymmetric faction carves out a fascinating emergent narrative—resembling a desperate peasant uprising striving to overthrow an entrenched aristocracy. The primary obstacle to experiencing this title this weekend may simply be acquiring a physical copy, as Eerie Idol’s masterpiece commands such high praise that availability remains scarce. If you manage to track down a copy, adding it to your collection is an absolute no-brainer. Alternatively, you can browse our curated recommendations for the best board games of 2025 to find another masterpiece.