As the final whispers of the workweek fade away, the anticipation builds – the weekend has arrived. For many, this moment marks the beginning of a brief respite from the daily grind and a chance to indulge in their favorite pastimes. For gamers, the weekend is a sacred time to escape reality, pick up their controllers, and dive headfirst into the virtual worlds that captivate them. So, with the weekend stretching out like an open canvas, we pose the question: what’s on the agenda for you? Are you delving into the realms of a new release, revisiting a classic favorite, or exploring a freshly discovered title? Whatever it may be, we invite you to share your gaming plans and join us in our conversation – what are you playing this weekend?
Game On Weekend Vibes Begin
It’s that time of the week again – the one where we put our daily worries aside, cozy up with a snack (or two), and dive headfirst into the world of gaming. Whether you’re a fan of battle royals or indie darlings, this weekend is the perfect time to catch up with friends or play something new. What’s on your gaming menu?
Perhaps you’ll be exploring the vast realms of
- Plan on diving into the world of new releases, like Resident Evil 4 or Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty?
- Continue your journey through the last season of your favorite multiplayer game?
- Finally pick up that RPG you’ve been eyeing for months?
- Indulge in some solo play with a puzzle game, like Tetris or Pokemon Puzzle League?
| Game | Platform | Release Date |
| Resident Evil 4 | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC | 24 Mar, 2023 |
| Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC | 03 Mar, 2023 |
New Releases to Look Out For
Up-and-Coming Titles to Keep an Eye On
Over the next few weeks, gamers can look forward to a slew of exciting releases that promise to shake up the gaming landscape. Some of the most notable releases include:
- Resident Evil 4 – A remake of the 2005 survival horror classic, set to release on March 24, 2023.
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – The highly anticipated sequel to Breath of the Wild, releasing on May 12, 2023.
– The latest installment in the iconic fighting series, expected to hit shelves on June 2, 2023.
Gamers can also expect new titles from popular franchises, as well as fresh IPs from renowned developers. For example, the upcoming game Alan Wake 2 promises to deliver a thrilling narrative and engaging gameplay.
| Release Date | Game Title | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| April 20, 2023 | Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp | Tactical RPG |
| May 2, 2023 | The Lord of the Rings: Gollum | Action-Adventure |
Catch Up on Your Backlog
How often do you find yourself scrolling through your vast library of games, remembering titles you had every intention of playing, only to be swayed by the latest release? It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of new games, but this weekend, why not try something different?
Dig out that hidden gem you purchased on a whim, or revisit a classic favourite that still holds a special place in your heart. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it, or how much more you appreciate the gameplay and storytelling having played it with fresh eyes. Here’s a few ideas to get you started:
| Category | Example Games |
| Games You’ve Been Meaning to Play |
|
| Games that Need a Revisit |
|
Exploring New Genres and Interests
As we head into the weekend, some of us are taking the opportunity to branch out into new genres and interests. Indie game enthusiasts have been raving about titles like Hyper Light Drifter and Cuphead, which offer unique art styles and challenging gameplay mechanics. These games have sparked a discussion about the current state of indie games and how they’re pushing the boundaries of innovation in the industry.
Some of our readers have been exploring new genres, including:
- Roguelike games, which offer procedurally generated worlds and challenging gameplay;
- Visual novels, which focus on storytelling and player choice;
- Rhythm games, which combine music and interactive gameplay.
These genres offer a refreshing change of pace for players looking to mix up their gaming routine. We’d love to hear from you – have you discovered any new genres or interests recently?
| Genre | Example Games | Why You Might Enjoy It |
|---|---|---|
| Roguelike | Binding of Isaac, Spelunky | Procedurally generated worlds and challenging gameplay make for a unique experience each time you play. |
| Visual Novel | Steins;Gate, Danganronpa | Engaging stories and characters, with a focus on player choice and interactive storytelling. |
| Rhythm Game | Guitar Hero, Osu! | Catchy music and fast-paced gameplay make for an exhilarating experience. |
Indie Gems Worth Your Time
In between the chaos of new releases and impending deadlines, it’s easy to overlook some of the incredible indie titles that don’t always get the spotlight. If you’re in the mood for something a little unconventional, we recommend giving these hidden gems a try:
- Hyper Light Drifter – a top-down action game that combines stunning pixel art visuals with a poignant, emotional narrative.
- Cuphead – a side-scrolling shooter that’s equal parts challenging and charming, with a distinctive art style inspired by 1930s cartoons.
- What Remains of Edith Finch – a BAFTA-winning narrative-driven exploration game that takes you on a journey through the history of a haunted family.
- The Binding of Isaac – a procedurally generated roguelike shooter that’s all about exploring the depths of your own basement (yes, really).
Discovering new games can also depend on their release dates and platforms. Here’s a quick rundown of some other indie titles worth checking out:
| Game Title | Release Date | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Night in the Woods | February 2017 | PC, Mac, Linux, PS4, Switch |
| Gone Home | August 2013 | PC, Mac, Linux, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Wii U |
| FTL: Faster Than Light | September 2012 | PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android |
Happy gaming!
Revisiting Classic Favorites
As we take a break from exploring the latest gaming trends, some of our team members have gone back to playing classic favorites. Over the weekend, Mass Effect and Dragon Age: Inquisition will surely see some action, with their engaging character development and immersive worlds keeping us hooked. Others are revisiting the nostalgic Crash Bandicoot series and reliving the excitement of the golden age of platforming.
While some classic titles still hold up, others haven’t aged as well. We’re curious, what old favorites will you be dusting off this weekend? Let us know in the comments below. In the meantime, some of our top recommendations for revisiting include:
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – A timeless classic that never fails to captivate
- Castlevania: Symphony of the Night – Gothic atmosphere and addictive gameplay make this a must-play
- Final Fantasy VII – A cherished tale of environmentalism and personal sacrifice
| Game | Release Year | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time | 1998 | N64 |
| Castlevania: Symphony of the Night | 1997 | PS1 |
| Final Fantasy VII | 1997 | PS1 |
Final Thoughts
And with that, another weekend beckons, armed with the promise of fresh adventures, daring quests, and a dash of pixelated magic. Whether you’re teaming up with friends, exploring uncharted territories, or simply unwinding with a beloved classic, we hope your gaming escapades are nothing short of extraordinary. Until next time, when we’ll gather ’round to share our latest gaming exploits, keep on playing, and let the digital worlds transport you to realms both familiar and unknown.
