We’ve officially navigated through Star Wars Day unscathed. Critics said it couldn’t be done; some even dared to suggest, “Why spend all this time revisiting Star Wars when you could be discovering Star Trek: Deep Space Nine?” Yet, we persevered, and frankly, we are all the better for it. As for Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu? It’s a film I’ll definitely check out in theaters, provided my schedule remains wide open.
Regardless, happy Friday! Before we dive into our gaming suggestions for the weekend, here are a few highlights from our recent coverage that we are particularly proud of:
- Mixtape Review: A Night of Greatest Hits
- Takashi Tezuka: The Soul of Nintendo and an Industry Legend
- Mortal Kombat II Movie Review: Faithfully Fatal
- Sam Reich on the Game Changer Board Game: ‘Please, For the Love of God, Help Me’
- Our Favorite Star Wars Features
- InKonbini: One Store, Many Stories Review – Inadequate Convenience
Quick follow-up to last week’s update: I finally secured the Saros Platinum Trophy. Now, I’m just waiting for Housemarque to announce the DLC.
Weekend Gaming Picks
Mixtape
I have a soft spot for coming-of-age stories, but Mixtape manages to stand apart. It masterfully balances earnestness and whimsy, treating teenage milestones with genuine gravity. With sharp writing, a focused runtime, and a superb soundtrack, it’s an instant classic. Mixtape evokes a profound sense of nostalgia for a life I never lived. I rarely finish a game and immediately start planning a replay, but I know I’ll be returning to this one for years to come. Read our full review here.
Dead As Disco
If you enjoyed the rhythmic, satisfying combat of the Batman: Arkham series, Dead As Disco is well worth your time. Currently in early access, it shows massive potential. You play as band member Charlie Disco, fighting through rivals in a stylish, beat-driven martial arts display. Timing your blocks and strikes to the music isn’t just aesthetic—it’s essential for success. It’s a rhythmic “flow state” that feels distinct from most melee games. You can even import your own music to fight to.
Resident Evil Requiem: Leon Must Die Forever
A new, free update has landed for Resident Evil Requiem, introducing an action-packed mode that fans of the base game—2026’s premier survival horror title—should try. Titled “Leon Must Die Forever,” it has a chaotic, Suda 51-esque energy. The mode remixes key segments of the game into a rogue-lite high-score challenge with various upgrades. Oh, and you can apparently put a miniature car on Leon’s head. I haven’t tried it yet, but it’s high on my list for this weekend. Check out our review of the base game here.
Mortal Kombat 1
While Mortal Kombat 1 faced criticism at launch for its aggressive microtransactions, its core combat mechanics and visual fidelity remain top-tier. With the Mortal Kombat II film now in theaters, it’s the perfect time to jump back in. The game recently added movie-inspired skins for characters like Johnny Cage and Scorpion. If you’re looking to channel that post-theater adrenaline into something interactive, the story mode is a fun, brutal reboot worth experiencing. See our take on Mortal Kombat 1 here.
