Kotaku’s Weekend Picks: 5 Games We’re Excited to Dive Deeper Into
Looking for your next great gaming adventure to dive into this weekend?
Explore Kotaku’s handpicked games that offer both excitement and emotional depth.
From nostalgic platformers to action-packed sequels, here’s what you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- **Star Wars Outlaws**: Flawed yet captivating, a must-play for any Star Wars fan.
- **Astro Bot**: A heartfelt journey through PlayStation history with innovative gameplay mechanics.
- **Space Marine 2**: An anticipated sequel combining linear campaigns with expanded multiplayer.
- **Dustborn**: A unique blend of genres, celebrated for its narrative but criticized for its combat.
- Games offer immense joy and engagement, despite imperfections, showcasing their emotional connect to the players.
1. Star Wars Outlaws
**Star Wars Outlaws** is described as a crappy masterpiece, indicating that it has noticeable flaws.
Despite these imperfections, it remains a compelling experience worth exploring.
Fans of the Star Wars universe will find elements that resonate with them, making it a rewarding play.
2. Astro Bot
**Astro Bot** is celebrated for its **emotional impact** and innovative platforming concepts.
The game acts as a tribute to the rich history of PlayStation, bringing tears to the author’s eyes at its conclusion.
It beautifully bridges the gap between past and present, evoking bittersweet feelings about PlayStation’s evolving creativity.
3. Space Marine 2
**Space Marine 2** is a sequel to the 2011 hit game Space Marine by Relic.
This unexpected follow-up maintains a familiar linear campaign but is enhanced with an expanded multiplayer mode.
Fans of the original will enjoy familiar elements while discovering new features that add to the excitement.
4. Dustborn
Crafted by **Red Thread Games**, **Dustborn** mixes adventure, rhythm, and beat-em-up genres.
The game’s socially aware narrative and quirky characters receive praise, although the beat-em-up combat falls short.
The mediocre combat overshadows character development, yet the storytelling still stands out.
5. General Themes and Context
The article touches on broader **gaming themes**, including the narrative traditions of Square Enix and the Mana series.
It reflects on the authors’ personal connections and emotional experiences with these games.
Despite their flaws, these games bring immense joy and engagement, making them worthy of your time.
FAQs
Is Star Wars Outlaws worth playing despite its flaws?
Absolutely.
The game offers a unique take on the Star Wars universe that fans will find both engaging and rewarding.
What makes Astro Bot special?
Astro Bot combines innovative gameplay mechanics with a heartfelt journey through PlayStation’s history.
It evokes strong emotional responses, making it a unique platforming experience.
What’s new in Space Marine 2 compared to the original?
Space Marine 2 retains the linear campaign style but introduces an expanded multiplayer mode, providing more content and excitement for players.
Why is Dustborn worth playing?
Despite its mediocre combat, Dustborn excels in storytelling and character development.
Its socially aware narrative and quirky characters offer a distinct gaming experience.
What are the broader themes discussed in the article?
The article examines the emotional impact of gaming and the personal connections players form with these games.
It also discusses narrative traditions, particularly within Japanese RPGs and the Mana series.
These games, with their strengths and weaknesses, provide a diverse and engaging weekend lineup.
Whether you’re in the mood for nostalgia, action, or innovative storytelling, Kotaku’s picks have something for everyone.
