November feels like it’s moving at double speed. I tried to find someone to send an email to slow time down, but no luck so far. The year-end release rush is nearly over, yet our backlog has swelled — it’s time to make some hard choices about what goes into the “best of” lists.
Cast your vote for Reader Vote 2025 and help decide which games should be celebrated this year. I know it’s a little early for final judgments, but print deadlines force our hand — and we’re fine with that. Magazines love being early.
It’s Friday, which means the weekend is practically here. Before the usual recommendations, here are the week’s biggest headlines:
Games to Try This Weekend
Vampire Survivors VR
In a surprising move, Vampire Survivors is now available on Meta Quest — a port that reinterprets the familiar, high-score chase in stereoscopic VR. It doesn’t reinvent the game, but the added depth and new perspective make familiar waves feel fresh. I tried a few runs and enjoyed how the pixelated enemies and characters gained subtle spatial layering; it’s more novelty than necessity, but I’m glad to see unexpected ports like this land in VR. See a short clip of the VR build on Instagram and try it yourself if you’re curious.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
I covered this one earlier and now that I’ve finished it I can recommend it wholeheartedly — read my full thoughts in the review. If musou-style combat (think Dynasty Warriors) isn’t your thing, this won’t change your mind. But for fans of the genre, Age of Imprisonment refines combat with subtle, satisfying tweaks and tells a story that respects the events of Tears of the Kingdom in meaningful ways.
Marvel Rivals
NetEase continues to expand this superhero team brawler with a steady cadence of updates. The fifth season launches with Gambit joining the roster and Rogue expected mid-season, plus anniversary rewards and a new social hub in Times Square. With fresh team-up abilities and balance changes, it’s a great moment to jump in and enjoy chaotic, comic-book style battles.
Winter Burrow
Winter Burrow casts you as a mouse making a slow, cozy return to your burrow during a harsh winter. It’s a gentle survival game focused on small pleasures: knitting, cooking foraged ingredients, and finding warmth by the fire each night. The loop is intentionally calming rather than mechanically deep — perfect if you want a comforting, low-stress experience to relax into this season.
