Now then, what are we all playing this weekend?
Alex Olney, Senior Video Producer
You’re probably expecting me to say ‘Onimusha’, ‘Elden Ring‘, or perhaps any number of the big games I’ve been covering on our YouTube channel, but you’d be wrong.
I’m currently a bit under the weather, as is the entire family, so the idea of big, polished combat-focused games just isn’t gripping at the moment. Thankfully what is gripping me is Mr. Sleepy Man, which isn’t out yet on Switch.
Retro-style platformers are ten-a-penny, but what little I’ve played so far of this one makes it feel like it might be something special. Watch this space.
Gavin Lane, Editor
I’m on a trip this weekend and I’m packing the 3DS. Alongside the Ocarina 3D cart already in the console, Fire Emblem fever made me slide in Shadows of Valentia, Picross 3D Round 2 also made the grade, and Nintendogs + Cats filled the last slot in carry case. The kids have never seen that and I figure it could occupy a short flight very nicely. Have a good one, folks.
Matthew Reynolds, Acting Deputy Editor
I’ve been playing Onimusha: Way of the Sword, and I’m pleased to say Capcom’s winning streak continues. It has a curious mix of pacing: there are linear dungeons alongside the open exploration of towns to tackle sidequests and gather resources, and each alternates between effortlessly chewing through hordes of enemies before being completely bowled over by a demonic boss.
It all flows together remarkably well, and it helps that the story – which sees our hero, Miyamoto Musashi, brought back to life thanks to a mysterious gauntlet – threads the needle between pulpy fun and being genuinely compelling to follow. It’s fantastic, basically, and my only regret is playing on PS5 when I could be chipping away on Switch 2’s handheld mode instead.
Mai Ladyman, Video Producer
First of all, how is it September already? You’d think having last week off from work (staycation, don’t panic) that I’d have worked my way through so many games. Alas, I only played one or two. I recently picked up some 3DS games, including Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance and Fire Emblem: Awakening! I’ve already started Awakening, so no doubt I’ll be playing that in my downtime. I’m also hoping for more Pokopia and potentially Big Walk. If my friends schedules align that is!
Jim Norman, Features Editor
This weekend I will not be buying Star Wars Zero Company. Nope. I have enough games to play as it is already. I don’t need another one. Even if it is one of my favourite genres… in one of my favourite universes… and everyone seems to love it…
No, stop! I have Oblivion right there (which I’ve been meaning to get to for weeks) and I’m thoroughly enjoying my latest playthrough of Baldur’s Gate 3. I won’t spend more money on anything else new. I won’t.
Ollie Reynolds, Reviews Editor
I did go back and start Pikmin 3 Deluxe from scratch the other day after the latest update dropped, and it looks absolutely gorgeous when docked on Switch 2, so I’ll probably play some more of that. I still need to finish Pikmin 4, but part of me is convinced that Nintendo will do a similar update there, too (if not a complete Switch 2 Edition revamp).
I’m still dipping into Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker quite a bit too, and it’s wonderful to be playing this on a handheld again. I last completed it on the 360 via the HD Collection, but it just wasn’t the same.
Those are our plans, but what about yours? Let us know what you’ll be slapping in your Switch (2) in the poll below.
