Kotaku’s Weekend Guide: 5 amazing games to transfer us to a better place

Play at: Xbox Series X/S, Windows (YMMV steam deck)
Current goal: Clear the Shatterscarp map

I actually didn’t think I played so quickly. But once I was recovering after a large medical procedure, I had some dreams, one in every of which included a strange transformation of my home district (which is nothing but Jamaica, Queens) in a fantasy village? It was … strangely emotional. There is a lot to unpack with my therapist on this. And all the pieces was steeped in aesthetics for any reason. So I woke up with a few questions and considerations about my life and realizing that I should play now.

And Wow, this game is a real gem from 2025. It is extensive enough to feel like a great fantasy experience without becoming a burdensome open world filled with empty work. Writing can also be so beautiful, with poetic sensitivity they’re tagged of their dialogue and thoughtful and relative characters in regards to the struggle for survival within the face of political unrest and the threat to public health. This doesn’t seem to be escapism due to escapism; It is reasonably like a great fantasy novel that you simply carry with you in your mind, even after closing the book, chewing various topics and dialogue lines that grow to live within the magical mirror of our own world.

In addition, although I believe the sport is simply too easy (especially since I play essentially the most difficult difficulties), the fight is fun. I now have the Ranger compilation, which the Build Ranger works (my character can also be a scholar, so I actually have the impression that he also has vibrations Indiana Jones). I used to be surprised how easy my brain can simply go to “FPS mode” and make it work well here. The fight, when it shouldn’t be very easy, seems exciting and heroic, with a wonderful mixture of gunpowder, swords and magic – and fantasy weapons. – Claire Jackson