The Video Games You Should Play This Weekend – July 24, 2026

Halo: Campaign Evolved

By Matt Miller

A quarter-century after players first made emergency planetfall on that enigmatic ringworld, Campaign Evolved brings a comprehensive suite of modern enhancements while faithfully preserving the soul of the original masterpiece. Early access is already underway, with the global rollout hitting on July 28. Surprisingly, the experience is available on both Xbox and PlayStation 5, granting Sony loyalists their long-awaited chance to experience the legend. While PC players can also jump in, our editorial team noted occasional technical inconsistencies on that platform. Even so, the foundational campaign remains brilliantly chaotic, delivering the breathless action that turned Halo into a cultural phenomenon. Whether you prefer solo runs, couch co-op with a friend or family member, or online squads of up to four players, it’s a phenomenal ride—just keep in mind that traditional competitive multiplayer has been omitted this time around.

Read Game Informer’s Halo: Campaign Evolved Review

Splatoon Raiders

By Brian Shea

Single-player excursions have historically been the franchise’s best-kept secret. Splatoon Raiders pivots away from the series’ signature competitive multiplayer, borrowing structural cues from looter-shooters and the frantic, wave-based Salmon Run mode. The result is an immensely rewarding gameplay loop, equally enjoyable whether you venture forth alone or alongside three fellow cephalopod agents. Bolstered by deep progression systems, sublime movement mechanics, and a demanding endgame, Splatoon Raiders proves remarkably difficult to put down.

Read Game Informer’s Splatoon Raiders Review

Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls

By Eric Van Allen

The arena is currently crowded with ambitious crossover tag fighters—from League of Legends’ 2XKO and Invincible Vs. to Avatar Legends. Joining these ranks is Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, which is hosting an open beta this weekend. Arc System Works has embraced a wonderfully maximalist philosophy here, opting for chaotic four-on-four skirmishes and deep tactical mechanics built around assists. Despite the potential visual mayhem, my time with the beta revealed a surprisingly accessible fighter. Casual players can easily execute impressive strings using simplified single-button inputs or auto-combos. Meanwhile, dedicated competitors will find genuine tactical depth—Magik’s spatial teleportation portals open the door for incredible showmanship, and I am particularly fond of the fresh takes on legacy Marvel icons like Doctor Doom and Iron Man. Few multiplayer settings capture the electric energy of a couch-fighting night with friends, and this beta offers the perfect excuse to host one.

Final Fantasy X

By Brian Shea

As one of the most celebrated role-playing games in history marks its 25th anniversary, there has never been a better excuse to return to the world of Spira. For newcomers, it presents an unmissable opportunity to experience the timeless, emotional journey of Tidus, Yuna, and their loyal guardians as they fight to break a seemingly inescapable cycle of doom. While the narrative and characters remain the emotional anchor, the conditional turn-based combat system stands among the finest ever designed. Add in the ingenious Sphere Grid progression system and a transcendent musical score, and you have a masterpiece. Best of all, Final Fantasy X is readily available across virtually every modern platform, conveniently bundled alongside its cult-classic direct sequel.

Poinpy

By Charles Harte

Poinpy stands proudly as one of my all-time favorite mobile experiences. Initially locked behind the Netflix games ecosystem and unavailable for the past year, Devolver Digital has thankfully re-released the title as a free-to-play download. Crafted by the creative mind behind Downwell, this vertical platformer tasks you with harvesting fruits and vegetables on the fly to concoct fresh juices for a ravenous, ascending beast. The core twist? Recipes are only fulfilled if you collect every ingredient mid-air before touching solid ground, forcing you to seamlessly chain together daring leaps and bounces. Spanning several distinct biomes, you will launch off enemy carapaces, ride explosive geysers, and bounce your way toward the heavens. It blends the tight precision of premier platformers with an infectious Kirby-esque charm. Reinstalling it reminded me just how satisfying it is to slip into its vibrant flow state. While technically an endless ascent style of game, it does feature a definitive, highly rewarding conclusion—and it is available completely free today on iOS and Android.

Tabletop Pick – EvenGlow

By Matt Miller

If you are searching for a visually striking strategy game for game night that won’t overwhelm casual participants, this newly released gem is an absolute must-buy. In EvenGlow, participants step into the shoes of alchemists simultaneously cultivating and tending to dual botanical gardens powered by the opposing forces of sun and moon. Tactically speaking, placing a flora tile on one board requires you to mirror that placement on the opposing garden, creating an absorbing, mindfulness-driven focus on balance.

Aesthetically, the game features gorgeous watercolor illustrations that instantly elevate the look of any tabletop setup. Be sure to check it out if you are craving a relaxed experience rooted in clever, inventive mechanics.