Time is a relentless thief, isn't it? November's almost gone (seriously, where did it go?!), and the gaming world never stops spinning. So, before we all descend into the holiday frenzy, let’s take a moment to share our weekend gaming plans. What digital worlds are you escaping to?
Even though it felt like a slightly calmer week in the Nintendo universe, there were still some exciting headlines to keep us busy. Nintendo officially welcomed Bandai Namco Studios Singapore into the family as a subsidiary, which is huge news for future game development. We also saw a fresh content drop for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, adding new quests, weapons, and battles to the mix. For those enjoying the classics, four new titles graced the Nintendo Switch Online NES and Game Boy libraries. And, keeping things running smoothly, the Switch 2 received a system update. But here's where it gets controversial... some are wondering if these updates are just laying the groundwork for even bigger things to come. What do you think? Are these just routine tweaks, or is Nintendo hinting at something more?
On the review front, we dove deep into Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, Glory Hunters, Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted, and Morsels, giving you the lowdown on whether these titles are worth your precious gaming time.
Alright, enough preamble – let's get to what we're actually playing this weekend!
Jim Norman, Staff Writer
"This is it, my friends, the calm before the storm! The game release floodgates are about to open, so I'm determined to finish Clair Obscur and sneak in a few more runs of Absolum. Yes, you read that right – I'm still hooked on the same two games. And no, I'm not ashamed! I’m savoring these last moments of relative financial stability before my bank account weeps. That said, there's a Black Friday deal on Star Wars Outlaws that's seriously testing my willpower... and my wallet."
Ollie Reynolds, Staff Writer
"If I get the chance, I'm definitely diving into Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster – it looks incredibly promising! Plus, a quick revisit to Metroid Prime Remastered seems like a good way to prepare for the arrival of the fourth installment. Wishing everyone a fantastic weekend of gaming!"
Gonçalo Lopes, Contributor
"I almost forgot to mention that last weekend I attended the 10th edition of Lisboa Games Week! It's one of Portugal's biggest video game culture events, and it's always a blast connecting with friends, meeting new people, and getting hands-on with upcoming games. Nintendo had a massive presence right at the entrance, showcasing the Switch 2 in all its red-tinted glory. I was pleasantly surprised to get some playtime with demo builds of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade and Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition, both running surprisingly smoothly. The highlight, though, was definitely getting my hands on Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. The last main entry was way back in 2007...I was a different person back then! With the release just around the corner, I'm clearing my schedule for some serious Samus Aran time. I'm still recovering from the post-convention blues, though! This week, I'm all about Yakuza Kiwami 2. Will I finish it before next week? Absolutely not. Will I be cleaning up the streets of Kamurochō with extreme prejudice? You bet your bottom dollar!"
Kate Gray, Contributor
"Gaming time is scarce this weekend, as the HOLIDAY RUSH has officially begun! Christmas parties, craft markets, decorating plans, and even a D&D session are all vying for my attention. But... I did just snag Outer Worlds 2 in the Steam Sale (as promised last week). So, maybe, just maybe, I can squeeze in some gaming amidst all the Christmas chaos..."
Gavin Lane, Editor
"I'm still deeply engrossed in Shinobi, and the upcoming Animal Crossing update has me assessing the state of my museum. My bug, fossil, and fish collections are complete, but my art gallery is only about 20% there. So, I've started frequenting Redd on Harv's Island to rectify that. I'm also exploring the Namco DLC for Atari 50, and the kids are fascinated by Katamari Damacy, so a Reroll session might be in order. Have a great weekend, everyone!"
So, there you have it – our weekend gaming plans. Now it's your turn! What games are you diving into? Let us know in the comments below! Which game are you most excited about in the coming weeks? And here's a question to spark some debate: Is it better to stick to a few games and really master them, or to constantly jump between new releases? Let the discussion begin!