Your Essential Weekend Gaming Guide: October 17, 2025 Edition

As the crisp autumn air descends, ushering in the vibrant hues of fall, the gaming landscape is ablaze with a torrent of new releases and enduring classics that demand your attention. Here at Gaming News, we understand the perennial challenge of navigating this ever-expanding digital universe. With so many titles vying for your precious weekend hours, making the right choice can feel like an overwhelming task. This week, the industry has truly outdone itself, presenting us with a diverse and compelling lineup that caters to every conceivable taste. We’ve been tirelessly diving deep into the latest offerings, dissecting them with our expert editorial team to bring you a curated selection that promises to elevate your gaming experience. From innovative new IPs that push the boundaries of interactive storytelling to the welcome return of beloved franchises, this is your definitive roadmap to the most captivating digital adventures awaiting you.

October has already proven to be an incredibly fertile month for game releases, and we are barely halfway through. Our review desk has been buzzing with activity, delivering in-depth analyses of titles that have already made significant waves. We’ve explored the enigmatic depths of Double Fine’s latest creation, Keeper, a lighthouse-themed adventure game that reviewer Matt Miller lauds as a surrealist masterpiece adorned with elegantly crafted puzzle elements. For those who crave the dark allure of the supernatural, we’ve also weighed in on Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2. While reviewer Charles Harte notes that it doesn’t entirely escape some initial shortcomings, he highlights its undeniable charm and moments of engaging gameplay, making it a title that still warrants consideration, particularly for fans of the established lore. Adding to this exciting roster is Ball x Pit, another title that has captured Miller’s attention, described as a deeply satisfying evolution of the timeless arcade formula of brick-breaking action.

Beyond the realm of full reviews, our commitment to keeping you informed extends to the broader gaming news cycle. We’ve brought you crucial updates, such as the postponement of Witchbrook to 2026, a decision that, while disappointing, ensures a more polished final product. Tragically, this week also marked the passing of Tomonobu Itagaki, the visionary behind the iconic Ninja Gaiden and Dead or Alive series. His legacy is immeasurable, and his contributions have left an indelible mark on the action game genre. In anticipation of future releases, we’ve also offered an exclusive preview of Quantic Dream’s ambitious new multiplayer endeavor, Spellcasters Chronicles, and provided unparalleled coverage for the highly anticipated The Outer Worlds 2, including exclusive insights and developer interviews.

With another whirlwind week behind us, the editors here at Gaming News have pooled their expertise and passion to present you with a definitive list of games that are poised to dominate your weekend. Whether you’re looking for a trip down memory lane, a challenging new adventure, or a deeply immersive narrative experience, we have you covered. Prepare to dive into worlds that will captivate your imagination and test your skills.

A Tribute to a Master: Revisiting the Legacy of Tomonobu Itagaki

The recent news of Tomonobu Itagaki’s passing has cast a somber shadow over the gaming world, prompting many of us to reflect on his profound impact on the action game genre. Itagaki was a figure of immense talent and often bold pronouncements, a true visionary who fearlessly pushed the boundaries of what was possible in 3D combat. His work on both the Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden franchises redefined expectations for visceral combat, stylish presentation, and challenging gameplay. This weekend, we feel it’s more fitting than ever to revisit two of his seminal works, not just as a tribute to his memory, but as an opportunity for players to experience the brilliance that cemented his legendary status.

Dead or Alive 4: A Timeless Classic of Strategic Combat

Kyle Hilliard, not typically a devotee of the fighting game genre, found himself unexpectedly drawn into the electrifying world of Dead or Alive 4 during its initial release on the Xbox 360. As an early title for the burgeoning console generation, its appeal was multifaceted. For those of us deeply entrenched in the Halo phenomenon, the inclusion of a Halo Spartan as an unlockable character was an irresistible draw. However, the true magic of DOA4, for Hilliard and his college dormmates, lay in its accessibility and its capacity for fostering intense, spontaneous multiplayer sessions. The camaraderie built over late-night battles, the shared frustration and triumph, became a defining element of their shared living experience.

Hilliard’s journey into the intricate mechanics of Dead or Alive 4 led him to master the complex combos of Ryu Hayabusa, a testament to the game’s depth. More importantly, he developed a profound appreciation for its satisfying counter system. This ingenious mechanic offered a crucial defensive layer, allowing players to expertly disrupt an opponent’s onslaught and turn the tide of battle with precise inputs. This system, more than any other, elevates DOA4 beyond simple button-mashing, demanding a keen understanding of timing and opportunity. To this day, Dead or Alive 4 remains Hilliard’s favorite traditional fighting game, a distinction that speaks volumes about its enduring quality. It also holds the poignant distinction of being the last entry in the series directed by Tomonobu Itagaki, a fact that imbues our recommendation with a sense of respectful remembrance. Hearing of his passing has brought back memories of his famously colorful and quotable interviews, and our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time. We are not alone in this sentiment, as the act of redownloading Dead or Alive 4 on our Xbox consoles is our personal way of honoring his remarkable creative legacy.

Why Dead or Alive 4 is Essential This Weekend

• Accessible yet Deep Gameplay: While easy to pick up for newcomers, Dead or Alive 4 offers a significant strategic depth that rewards dedicated players. The core mechanics, including its signature counter system, provide a unique defensive layer that is both satisfying to execute and crucial for victory.
• Iconic Roster and Presentation: The game features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own distinct fighting style and signature moves. Coupled with its early-gen 3D graphics that still hold up reasonably well, and its memorable stage designs, Dead or Alive 4 offers a visually engaging experience.
• Nostalgic Multiplayer Appeal: For those who played it during its prime, DOA4 evokes powerful memories of social gaming. Its pick-up-and-play nature made it ideal for impromptu sessions with friends and roommates, making it a perfect choice for rekindling that spirit of shared competition.
• A Fitting Tribute to Itagaki: As the final Dead or Alive title under Itagaki’s direction, playing DOA4 offers a direct connection to his directorial vision and his significant contributions to the fighting game genre. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship of a legendary game designer.

Ninja Gaiden II Black: The Pinnacle of Visceral Action

In light of the recent news regarding Tomonobu Itagaki, the former head of Team Ninja and the architect of the modern 3D Ninja Gaiden series, there is no more opportune moment to immerse oneself in the brutal elegance of Ninja Gaiden II Black. The original iteration of this 2008 sequel was, in fact, the very last Ninja Gaiden title that Itagaki himself directed. This 2025 remaster represents the definitive version of the game, meticulously crafted to honor its legacy and introduce it to a new generation of players, or to allow seasoned veterans to experience it anew with enhanced fidelity.

The improvements in this remaster are substantial. It boasts significantly improved graphics and performance, rendering the notoriously challenging environments and frenetic combat with breathtaking clarity and smoother frame rates. Crucially, it also restores the original game’s notorious gore and a more robust upgrade system. These elements were unfortunately altered in the subsequent 2009 Sigma version, which, while introducing some new content, diluted some of the raw, unadulterated intensity that made the original so impactful. Itagaki himself once boldly declared Ninja Gaiden II to be “the world’s best action game.” While we may debate the absolute truth of that statement in the context of today’s incredibly competitive landscape, it remains an undeniable fact that Ninja Gaiden II Black is still an incredibly fun and deeply rewarding experience. It serves as an excellent warm-up, a brutal and exhilarating primer for the upcoming Ninja Gaiden 4’s launch next week, allowing players to attune themselves to the series’ signature high-octane combat philosophy.

Why Ninja Gaiden II Black is a Must-Play This Weekend

• Uncompromising Action: Ninja Gaiden II Black delivers some of the most intense and challenging combat ever seen in an action game. Mastering its intricate combos, dodges, and counter-attacks is a true test of skill and reflexes, offering immense satisfaction upon success.
• Restored Vision: This 2025 remaster is praised for bringing back the original game’s visceral gore and a more comprehensive upgrade system, which were toned down in later iterations. This ensures players experience Itagaki’s uncompromised vision for the game.
• Stunning Visuals and Performance: The enhancements to graphics and performance make this version the most visually appealing and smoothest playing iteration of Ninja Gaiden II, allowing the game’s art direction and intricate level design to shine.
• A Perfect Precursor to Ninja Gaiden 4: With Ninja Gaiden 4 on the horizon, diving into Ninja Gaiden II Black is the ideal way to prepare for the next installment. It’s an opportunity to reacquaint yourself with the series’ core mechanics and the legacy of its legendary creator.

Embark on New Adventures: Captivating Journeys for Your Weekend

Beyond the poignant retrospectives, the current gaming landscape is brimming with exciting new titles that are beckoning players to explore their intricate worlds and engaging narratives. This weekend, we’re highlighting games that offer fresh perspectives, innovative gameplay loops, and unique thematic experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A – A Fresh Take on a Beloved Formula

The Pokémon Legends series has undeniably revitalized our passion for monster-catching adventures, and it comes as no surprise that Pokémon Legends: Z-A is already resonating deeply with us. This latest installment offers a distinct and captivating experience, centered around the battle city vibes of Lumiose City. While some players might initially approach an adventure confined to a single urban environment with reservations, we’ve found it to be a remarkably interesting and refreshing new vantage point on the typical Pokémon journey.

Truthfully, our favorite aspects of Pokémon Legends: Z-A might not solely be the innovative new real-time battle system or the core mechanics of catching and training Pokémon. Instead, it’s the generally good vibes that permeate Lumiose City that truly make the game special. The city itself is a visual feast, boasting fantastic fashion that reflects its unique aesthetic. The soundtrack is an absolute treasure trove of earworms, capable of pulling you deeper into the game’s atmosphere. Furthermore, your personal hotel room in Hotel Z stands out as one of the most delightfully lived-in and cozy living spaces we’ve encountered in any RPG this side of the Persona series. Any opportunity to escape to a new Pokémon frontier is a welcome one, but we especially appreciate how Pokémon consistently finds avenues for innovation and a much-needed refresh with its Legends games. This iterative approach keeps the franchise feeling vibrant and exciting, even after decades of existence.

Why Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a Top Weekend Pick

• Innovative Setting: The focus on a single, densely packed city like Lumiose City offers a novel approach to the Pokémon formula, encouraging exploration and interaction within a unique urban environment.
• Engaging New Mechanics: The introduction of a real-time battle system alongside familiar catching and training mechanics promises a fresh and dynamic gameplay experience.
• Rich Atmosphere and Style: From its fantastic fashion to its catchy soundtrack and cozy hotel room, Pokémon Legends: Z-A excels in creating a memorable and immersive atmosphere that draws players in.
• Franchise Evolution: This entry continues the successful trend of the Legends series, demonstrating Pokémon’s commitment to innovation and keeping its beloved franchise feeling fresh and exciting for long-time fans.

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2: A Darkly Enticing Urban Fantasy

While Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 may not have reached the stratospheric heights some anticipated, it remains a title that is far from unplayable and absolutely worth experiencing. The narrative structure, which unfolds with a slightly more linear progression than expected, and an open world that can feel somewhat sparse, do present challenges to its core identity as an open-world RPG. However, these aspects do not detract entirely from the game’s inherent strengths.

The combat and stealth mechanics are exceptionally well-executed, providing a fluid and satisfying way to navigate the shadowy underbelly of Seattle. And while the story may not offer the sheer breadth of player agency initially suggested, the neo-noir mystery that serves as its backbone is compelling. This is further enhanced by a cast of strong performances that breathe life into the game’s intricate world and its morally ambiguous characters. For those who are deeply invested in the rich lore of Vampire: The Masquerade or are simply seeking a game that perfectly captures a seasonally appropriate, dark, and atmospheric mood, Bloodlines 2 is a worthy endeavor. It offers a unique glimpse into a world of vampires, political intrigue, and supernatural power struggles, making it a compelling choice for players looking for something with a bit of bite.

Why Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 is Worth Your Time

• Compelling Neo-Noir Narrative: The game excels at crafting a captivating mystery within a dark, urban fantasy setting, drawing players into its intricate plot and character relationships.
• Satisfying Combat and Stealth: The core gameplay mechanics, particularly the combat and stealth systems, are polished and enjoyable, offering players multiple ways to approach challenges and engage with the world.
• Strong Performances and Atmosphere: The voice acting is exceptional, and the overall atmosphere of the game is thick with intrigue and a sense of brooding danger, perfectly suiting its thematic elements.
• Seasonal Appropriateness: With its themes of darkness, mystery, and the supernatural, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 is an ideal choice for players looking for a game that perfectly complements the autumnal mood.

Keeper: A Surreal Artistic Journey

Double Fine Productions, known for its distinctive brand of quirky and heartfelt game design, has once again delivered an experience that defies easy categorization with their latest title, Keeper. This game is nothing short of an artistic tour de force, masterfully blending surreal visuals with the engaging mechanics of an environmental puzzle adventure game. It’s a title that is best discovered through direct interaction rather than through descriptive prose, but we can offer a glimpse into its unique allure.

In Keeper, players assume control of a walking lighthouse, an unusual and endearing protagonist. Your journey involves forming an unlikely alliance with a giant bird and venturing through a psychedelic alien world populated by a menagerie of strange and wondrous creatures. Even if the core gameplay loop of solving environmental puzzles doesn’t entirely capture your attention, the sheer gorgeousness of the art direction and the unexpected surprises that pepper the experience are more than enough to make Keeper a truly memorable play. Our full review delves deeper into the intricacies of its design, but for those seeking an adventure that prioritizes aesthetic beauty and imaginative world-building, Keeper is an absolute must.

Why Keeper is a Unique Weekend Experience

• Artistic Masterpiece: Keeper is lauded for its stunning and surreal visual design, offering a feast for the eyes and a truly unique aesthetic that sets it apart from other games.
• Imaginative World-Building: The game presents a psychedelic alien world filled with strange creatures and a captivating premise, inviting players to explore a truly novel environment.
• Engaging Puzzle Adventure: While unique in presentation, the core gameplay revolves around environmental puzzle-solving, offering a mentally stimulating challenge for players.
• Memorable and Surprising: Even beyond its visuals, the game is packed with unexpected moments and discoveries, ensuring a memorable and often delightful journey for anyone who embarks on it.

Ball x Pit: The Addictive Evolution of Arcade Classics

For those who find themselves inexplicably drawn to games that offer dozens of hours of simple yet profoundly addictive arcade play, Ball x Pit emerges as the unequivocal choice this weekend. This remarkable title ingeniously blends elements of town simulation, the classic Arkanoid-esque brick-breaking formula, and the compelling progression loops of roguelite design. The result is a gameplay experience that is deceptively easy to pick up but extraordinarily difficult to put down.

Each individual run challenges players to strategically select and upgrade a variety of different balls. These aren’t just passive projectiles; they are instruments of destruction, each with the potential to poison, burn, explode, or otherwise eliminate the ever-advancing horde of bad guys that slowly inch their way down the vertically scrolling screen. As the game progresses, the onscreen action escalates into a wonderfully chaotic and visually spectacular display. It’s a testament to the game’s design that such a simple premise can evolve into such a deeply engaging and rewarding experience. As detailed in our full review, Ball x Pit offers a perfect blend of casual accessibility and escalating challenge that will keep you coming back for more, run after run.

Why Ball x Pit is an Unmissable Weekend Gem

• Highly Addictive Gameplay Loop: The core mechanics of Ball x Pit are designed to be instantly gratifying and endlessly replayable, creating a compelling “just one more turn” experience.
• Unique Genre Fusion: The innovative combination of town simulation, brick-breaking action, and roguelite progression results in a gameplay experience that feels fresh and distinct.
• Satisfying Progression: The ability to select and upgrade different balls provides a constant sense of growth and customization, allowing players to tailor their strategy for each run.
• Escalating Chaos and Visual Spectacle: As players advance, the screen becomes a dynamic and exciting spectacle of destruction, making each successful run feel like a grand achievement.

We encourage you to share your own weekend gaming plans in the comments below! We are always eager to hear what titles are capturing your imagination and what adventures you are embarking upon. Happy gaming from all of us at Gaming News!