It has been a banner year for gaming, consistently oscillating between great and exceptional. If you’re looking to dive into something new this weekend, I highly recommend checking out 007: First Light and Mina the Hollower. Whether you’re settling in for some cinematic espionage or a polished retro adventure, you’re in for a treat. Not catching your eye? We have plenty of other recommendations below, but first, here is a quick recap of the biggest headlines from the industry this week:
- Inefficient and Laborious: The Ongoing Development of Deltarune – Now available to all readers.
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 – Returning to its roots with refined gunplay.
- Valve Increases Steam Deck Pricing – Significant price adjustments announced.
- Fable Delayed – Pushed to February 2027.
- 007: First Light Review – Our verdict on the latest Bond outing.
- Mina the Hollower Review – A deep dive into this modern classic.
007: First Light
It’s been a long time since we’ve had a definitive James Bond experience, but the wait is officially over. First Light strikes a perfect balance between Uncharted’s high-octane combat and the methodical stealth mechanics of IO Interactive’s Hitman series. It is a masterful portrayal of the iconic spy, featuring top-tier writing and stellar performances. You can read my full review or revisit our cover story from earlier this year for a deeper look.
Mina the Hollower
Drawing inspiration from Zelda and Dark Souls, this charming title is a must-play. Its “New Game Plus” mode is particularly clever, introducing randomized elements that ensure every subsequent playthrough feels fresh. One piece of advice: be careful with your save files if you’re aiming for 100% completion—it’s easy to accidentally overwrite your progress!
What’s The Password
If you’re a fan of minimalist puzzle games, this is a hidden gem. It’s an incredibly straightforward yet rewarding experience where you decipher four-digit codes through logic and math. At its current launch price, it’s a perfect, bite-sized distraction from this month’s heavy-hitting AAA releases.
Deadlock
I’ve found myself firmly back in the “MOBA pit” thanks to Valve’s Deadlock. While still in an invite-only phase, accessibility is improving. Its hybrid third-person shooter mechanics feel innovative, especially the “Street Brawl” mode, which cuts the bloat and gets straight to the action. I’m eager to see how this title evolves once it hits full release.
Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen
Don’t let the animated facade fool you—this is an incredibly well-crafted game that offers genuine charm for both children and parents. Written by series creator Joe Brumm, the dialogue is punchy, witty, and perfectly captures the spirit of the show. It’s a wonderful, low-stress adventure for any family to enjoy together.
Black Jacket
Combining the mechanics of Blackjack with roguelite strategy and a dark, afterlife-themed narrative, Black Jacket is a standout. You’ll be managing decks and manipulating card effects to outwit underworld bosses. It’s become my go-to title for travel, and it’s a fascinating experiment in genre-blending.
Tabletop Pick: Wroth
For those looking to step away from the screen, Wroth by Chip Theory Games is an exceptional area-control strategy game. Unlike some of the studio’s more complex, sprawling epics, Wroth is surprisingly accessible and can be learned in minutes. It offers deep tactical satisfaction without requiring a massive time commitment, making it an ideal choice for your next game night.
