Weekend Gaming: What to Play This July 17, 2026
The weekend has arrived, and while the gaming industry continues to navigate a turbulent week—most notably following Bethesda’s announcement that Fallout 5 has entered pre-production amidst ongoing layoffs at Microsoft—it is the perfect time to disconnect and dive into some quality titles. Beyond the industry headlines, we’ve been keeping busy with a stack of new releases. Here are our top recommendations to keep you occupied through Sunday.
Latest Industry Headlines
- Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse: Developer Evil Empire clarifies that no AI was utilized in the creation of the project.
- The Konami Connection: Read the surprising backstory of how Konami sought out Evil Empire to revive the Castlevania franchise.
- Review Roundup: Check out our critiques of The Mermaid Mask and Denshattack.
- The Duskbloods: Keep an eye out for a potential network test for FromSoftware’s next title coming next month.
- Fallout Updates: A deep dive into the status of Fallout 5, potential remasters for Fallout 3 and New Vegas, and the latest on The Elder Scrolls VI.
- Stardew Valley Magic: A limited Secret Lair drop for Magic: The Gathering arrives later this month.
Our Weekend Recommendations
The Mermaid Mask
The latest installment in SFB Games’ Detective Grimoire series casts players as an investigator probing the suspicious death of Captain Magnus Mortuga. This point-and-click adventure shines through its expressive character animations, intricate soundtrack, and genuinely witty dialogue. Whether you are a series veteran or a newcomer, the story remains highly accessible. Read the full review here.
Denshattack
After reviewing a string of high-intensity, short-burst titles, Denshattack stands out as the most bizarre and exhilarating of the bunch. Described as the premier “post-apocalyptic stunt train driving sports simulator,” it blends the manic energy of extreme sports games with the absurdity of a high-speed locomotive. It is chaotic, unique, and undeniably fun. Read our full verdict.
The Incident at Galley House
From the creative minds behind The Roottrees Are Dead comes a brilliant new mystery. You play as an investigator in a 1936 mansion, using a specialized machine to reconstruct past events. By piecing together conversations and clues across a 26-segment timeline, you’ll uncover the secrets of the mansion’s doomed visitors. If you enjoy deductive reasoning and narrative puzzles, this is a must-play.
D-topia
On the surface, D-topia appears to be a cozy life-sim in a pristine, AI-managed paradise. However, as you perform your duties as a “Facilitator”—solving math puzzles and assisting citizens—a sinister undertone begins to emerge. The game poses fascinating questions about the price of comfort and the morality of a society where machines make every decision. It is an engaging, Pleasantville-esque experience with hidden depths.
Heave Ho 2
If you have a couch-co-op partner, Heave Ho 2 is an essential pick. The premise is delightfully simple: you control a head with arms, clutching your partner to swing across treacherous environments. It is physics-based comedy at its finest. Plus, purchasing the sequel during its launch window nets you the original game for free. See our full review.
Ascend to Zero
In this high-stakes roguelite, the world ends every 30 seconds. Players must fight through corridors to reach the apocalyptic core, managing their time with a unique time-stop mechanic. While it features survivors-like combat, the core loop is essentially a management puzzle: balancing weapon upgrades, ability chips, and your remaining time. It is a fantastic value at its current price point on Steam.
