This week has been an eventful one for gamers. Although we may be facing higher prices for consoles and games, there are still plenty of exciting titles to dive into. Despite GTA 6 not being released this year, several other games have stepped up to fill the void. Among these, Wizordum, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Despelote, Fortnite's Star Wars season, and Skin Deep stand out as exceptional experiences. Each game offers unique features that cater to different tastes, from methodical first-person shooters to immersive simulations set aboard space ships.

Among the standout games this week is Wizordum, a first-person shooter that has transitioned from its early access phase into a fully-fledged masterpiece. The game combines melee combat with ranged attacks and introduces spell scrolls and items that enhance gameplay between levels. Players can explore vast levels filled with hidden secrets reminiscent of classic Doom-style gameplay. John Walker found himself particularly captivated by the challenge of uncovering every last secret within the game’s expansive environments.

Another title worth mentioning is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Claire Jackson spent countless hours mastering the game’s battle system on the hardest difficulty setting. The game captures the essence of classic Final Fantasy battles with dramatic camera angles showcasing character poses and movements during combat sequences. Quick parries and dodges require precise timing, encouraging players to closely observe enemy attack patterns while appreciating the game’s stunning art design.

Despelote has also garnered significant attention, praised as both a triumph and a work of art. Moises Taveras, a former Kotaku writer, shared his emotional experience playing the game, which focuses on football and addresses themes of impermanence and personhood. Kenneth Shepard, trusting Moises’ recommendation, installed the game on his PS5, eager to explore its profound narrative and artistic expression.

In the realm of multiplayer games, Fortnite continues to captivate audiences with its latest Star Wars-themed season. Zack Zwiezen expressed excitement about acquiring new skins and items, acknowledging the game’s enduring appeal as one of the best third-person shooters available today. Its ability to feature iconic characters like Darth Vader alongside unexpected crossovers such as Lady Gaga and Goku adds to its charm.

Rounding out the list is Skin Deep, a sci-fi immersive simulation developed by Blendo Games. Ethan Gach highlighted the game’s potential for stealthy maneuvers and pirate dispatching aboard a slapstick comedy-filled spaceship. While reviews vary, the game’s innovative approach to blending gameplay and storytelling aligns with Blendo Games’ reputation for creativity. Fans anticipate further surprises as they delve deeper into the game’s mechanics and humor.

Beyond the challenges of rising costs and delayed releases, these games remind us why gaming remains a cherished medium. They offer diverse experiences that cater to various interests, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. As we look forward to future releases, these selections provide ample inspiration for weekend gaming adventures.