The Ultimate Gaming Guide: Must-Play Titles for the Weekend of September 26, 2025

As the intense video game season kicks into high gear, we at Gaming News have been tirelessly exploring the digital frontiers to bring you the most compelling gaming experiences. The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of groundbreaking releases and long-awaited updates. We’ve delved deep into the eerie atmosphere of Silent Hill f, battled the sheer frustration and eventual triumph of Baby Steps, been captivated by the potential Game of the Year contender, Ghost of Yōtei, reminisced with the enduring appeal of Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles, found surprising enjoyment in NBA 2K26, and awarded the exceptionally rare 10/10 to Hades II. This is to say nothing of the electrifying new Wolverine trailer that Insomniac Games graced us with, proving it’s a truly remarkable period for gaming. But with the arrival of Friday, our attention turns to you and the precious hours of the weekend that lie ahead.

Each week, Gaming News is dedicated to curating a selection of games that we believe deserve your immediate attention. This is our commitment to you, our valued readers, to guide you through the ever-expanding landscape of interactive entertainment. We invite you to explore these recommendations, and if you decide to immerse yourself in any of these titles, we implore you to return on Monday. Share your thoughts, your triumphs, and your critiques in the comments section below. Your engagement fuels our passion and helps us refine these weekly guides.

This Week’s Featured Selections: A Deeper Dive

Our team of seasoned gaming enthusiasts has meticulously evaluated a diverse range of titles, each offering a unique and unforgettable journey. Below, you’ll find our editors’ personal insights and recommendations for the upcoming weekend.

Void/Breaker: A Frenetic Descent into the Digital Abyss

Matt Miller

For those seeking a fast-paced, intensely challenging, and deeply engaging shooter, look no further than Void/Breaker. While it’s been available in early access for a few weeks, our recent deep dive has solidified its position as a must-play. Developed by Stubby Games, this impressive title plunges players into a vast, procedurally generated digital realm where the primary objective is to outwit and outgun an array of robotic adversaries. The combat scenarios are meticulously crafted by a seemingly clinical and maniacal AI, ensuring that no two encounters are ever the same.

The roguelite structure of Void/Breaker is its beating heart. Each playthrough offers a fresh opportunity to refine your skills, acquire potent upgrades, and discover new tactical approaches that can fundamentally alter your playstyle. The sheer speed at which you navigate the environments is exhilarating, demanding constant vigilance and lightning-fast reflexes. However, it’s the ingenious integration of grenades and throwable items that truly elevates the gameplay loop. Strategically collapsing structures can create choke points or expose enemies, while a well-aimed throwable can stagger opponents, causing them to drop vital health pickups. These essential pick-ups are paramount for survival against the relentless onslaught of enemies. Despite being in its early access phase, the current offering in Void/Breaker is remarkably polished and offers substantial playtime and replayability that is more than worth your investment. The developer’s commitment to iterative improvement is evident, and the core mechanics are already incredibly satisfying.

Key Features of Void/Breaker:

• Intense, High-Speed Combat: Master a fluid and responsive shooting system that rewards precision and quick thinking.
• Dynamic Roguelite Progression: Each run presents new challenges, upgrades, and playstyle modifiers, ensuring endless variety.
• Strategic Environmental Interaction: Utilize throwable items and environmental destruction to gain tactical advantages and secure crucial health drops.
• Challenging AI Design: Face off against intelligent robotic enemies that adapt to your strategies, pushing your skills to the limit.
• Early Access Value: Experience a robust and deeply engaging experience that is continuously evolving with player feedback.

Hades II: The Pinnacle of the Roguelike Genre

Charles Harte

This past week marks a monumental occasion for us here at Gaming News as we’ve awarded Hades II our coveted 10/10 score. It’s a game that has burrowed deep into our collective consciousness, a title that continues to resonate long after the controller is set down. Sequels often struggle to recapture the magic of their predecessors, but Hades II masterfully navigates this precarious path, delivering an experience that is both grand in scale and meticulously refined, without ever feeling overwhelming. It inherits every element that made the original Hades a phenomenon – the exquisite fluid combat, the captivating world-building, and the compelling narrative – and magnifies them to an astonishing degree. The result is not just one of the best games of the year, but arguably one of the greatest roguelikes of all time.

Our personal experience with Hades II has been primarily on the Switch 2, a platform where it runs exceptionally well, offering a seamless and visually stunning performance. The narrative continues to be a cornerstone, weaving a tale of gods, monsters, and the enduring power of familial bonds within the richly detailed Greek mythology. The progression system feels more rewarding than ever, with a vast array of new weapons, boons, and upgrades to discover, each offering unique synergies and dramatically altering your approach to combat. The difficulty curve is expertly balanced, providing a constant sense of challenge while remaining accessible to newcomers and veterans alike. The sheer amount of content available in this early access period is staggering, promising hundreds of hours of engaging gameplay for those willing to delve into the depths of the Underworld.

Why Hades II is a Game of the Year Contender:

• Revolutionary Sequel Design: Builds upon the foundations of its predecessor, expanding gameplay mechanics and narrative depth without losing its identity.
• Masterclass in Roguelike Progression: Offers an incredibly satisfying loop of combat, discovery, and permanent upgrades that keeps players hooked.
• Enthralling Narrative and Lore: Continues the compelling storytelling and rich mythological world that made the original so beloved.
• Stunning Art Direction and Music: Boasts a visually striking art style and an evocative soundtrack that perfectly complements the gameplay.
• Exceptional Replayability: With countless build combinations, challenging bosses, and branching narrative paths, no two runs are ever the same.

Consume Me: A Profound Exploration of Self

Charles Harte

Ever since experiencing the Steam demo a few months ago, Consume Me has been a title I’ve eagerly anticipated. This indie gem, developed with a clear and impactful artistic vision, tackles the often-taboo subject of body image issues and the unhealthy obsessions surrounding diet and lifestyle choices. The game bravely shines a light on the illogical and often self-destructive ways our minds can behave when grappling with mental health disorders, particularly eating disorders.

Despite the heavy nature of its themes, Consume Me presents itself with a delightfully bright art style and an endearing, cheerful aesthetic. This juxtaposition is a testament to the developer’s skill in making a complex and sensitive topic accessible and relatable. It’s a prime example of what makes independent games so special: the ability to tell highly specific and personal stories that, through their authenticity and artistic clarity, resonate universally. Though it launched this week and has, unfortunately, been somewhat overshadowed by a multitude of larger, more mainstream releases, we at Gaming News sincerely hope that Consume Me receives the widespread recognition and appreciation it so richly deserves. It’s a game that encourages empathy, understanding, and a crucial conversation about mental well-being.

The Impact of Consume Me:

• Sensitive Portrayal of Mental Health: Addresses complex issues like body dysmorphia and eating disorders with nuance and empathy.
• Unique Artistic Vision: Features a vibrant and charming art style that contrasts with its serious subject matter, creating a memorable experience.
• Player Agency and Narrative Depth: Offers players meaningful choices that influence the character’s journey and understanding of their struggles.
• Indie Game Excellence: Embodies the spirit of independent development with its focused narrative and distinct artistic voice.
• Important Social Commentary: Sparks conversations about mental health awareness and the impact of societal pressures on self-perception.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds – A Kart Racer Reimagined

Brian Shea

If you’ve found yourself drifting away from Mario Kart World or perhaps feeling a touch disillusioned by some of Nintendo’s recent design choices for the franchise, then Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a highly recommended alternative that you absolutely must explore. Launched this week, it’s a title that deserves to be judged on its own merits, independent of any crossover hype or the prevailing stigma that often surrounds kart racers not bearing the “Mario Kart” moniker.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is, at its core, an incredibly versatile and remarkably solid kart racer. It boasts a super fun core gimmick that keeps the races fresh and exciting, a vast amount of deep customization options for your vehicles and characters, and, crucially, seamless cross-platform play. This latter feature ensures that you can race against your friends regardless of their chosen platform, fostering a truly connected and competitive community. The track designs are imaginative, the power-ups are a blast to use (and to dodge), and the overall sense of speed and momentum is palpable. It’s a game that successfully injects new life into a beloved genre, offering a compelling alternative for fans seeking a high-octane racing experience.

Why Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Stands Out:

• Exceptional Kart Racing Mechanics: Delivers tight controls, satisfying drifting, and exhilarating speed that rivals the genre’s best.
• Innovative Core Gimmick: Introduces unique gameplay elements that add layers of strategy and excitement to every race.
• Extensive Customization: Personalize your karts and characters with a wide array of parts, paints, and accessories.
• Robust Cross-Platform Play: Connect and compete with friends across multiple gaming platforms, expanding the player base.
• Engaging Track Design: Features creatively designed courses that are both visually stunning and strategically challenging.

Silent Hill f: A Fascinating Evolution of Survival Horror

Marcus Stewart

While my review of Silent Hill f leaned towards a more critical perspective within the generally positive reception, it is a game that I ultimately found myself quite fond of. For any dedicated fan of the Silent Hill franchise or those who simply relish a well-crafted survival horror experience, this title is undoubtedly worth your time. Its most compelling aspect lies in the bold and often wild swings it takes, particularly in its narrative and thematic exploration. The game isn’t afraid to tread unconventional paths, pushing the boundaries of what a Silent Hill game can be.

More than anything, I am intensely curious to witness how the broader player base will interpret the intricate themes and the significantly increased emphasis on combat within Silent Hill f. It’s a departure from some of the series’ more stealth-focused or puzzle-heavy entries, and this evolution is bound to spark varied reactions and discussions. While Silent Hill f may not be a flawless masterpiece, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge its undeniable fascination as a significant step in the evolution of this long-running and beloved franchise. The developers have clearly put a great deal of thought and effort into creating a distinct atmosphere and a memorable, albeit sometimes unsettling, journey.

Silent Hill f: What to Expect:

• Bold Narrative Departures: Experience a Silent Hill story that ventures into new and unexpected territory, challenging player expectations.
• Enhanced Combat System: Engage with a more robust combat experience, offering new ways to confront the horrors of Silent Hill.
• Atmospheric Survival Horror: Immerse yourself in the signature eerie and unsettling atmosphere that the Silent Hill series is renowned for.
• Fascinating Thematic Exploration: Delve into the game’s deeper meanings and symbolic elements, which are sure to spark considerable debate.
• Franchise Evolution: Witness a potential new direction for the Silent Hill series, offering a glimpse into its future possibilities.

The Rogue Prince of Persia: A Roguelike Platformer Gem

Kyle Hilliard

It’s almost a certainty that many of you will find yourselves engrossed in Hades II this weekend, especially given its monumental reception and our own 10/10 rating. However, for those looking to scratch that roguelike itch with a slightly different flavor, we have another exceptional recommendation: The Rogue Prince of Persia. This title hails from the talented team that played a significant role in the development of Dead Cells, and that deep understanding of the genre is immediately apparent in every aspect of the game.

If you appreciate the addictive loop of roguelike progression but prefer the precise platforming and 2D perspective that games like Dead Cells offer, then The Rogue Prince of Persia is an absolute must-play. My own personal journey through the game has been marked by a few weeks of being heavily engrossed in Ghost of Yōtei, but I am now eagerly anticipating my return to The Rogue Prince of Persia. I’ve reached a point where the initial boss encounters feel like a manageable challenge, and I’m genuinely excited to hone my skills further and conquer the next formidable obstacle. The combat is responsive, the movement feels fluid, and the procedural generation ensures that each run presents a fresh set of challenges and opportunities for discovery. It’s a testament to the developers’ expertise in crafting engaging and replayable 2D action-platformers.

Discover the Charms of The Rogue Prince of Persia:

• Refined 2D Roguelike Combat: Experience fast-paced, fluid combat mechanics inherited from genre-defining titles.
• Challenging Platforming: Master intricate jumps, dodges, and attacks across dynamically generated levels.
• Deep Progression Systems: Unlock new abilities, weapons, and permanent upgrades that enhance your combat prowess and survivability.
• Developer Pedigree: Developed by veterans of the acclaimed Dead Cells team, ensuring a high level of quality and polish.
• Engaging Replayability: Each playthrough offers a unique combination of enemies, environmental layouts, and loot, providing endless hours of gameplay.

Looking Ahead: The Ever-Evolving Gaming Landscape

The video game industry is a constantly shifting landscape, with new titles emerging and established franchises evolving at a breathtaking pace. This weekend’s selections represent just a fraction of the incredible experiences available, but we believe they offer a diverse and high-quality set of choices for every type of gamer. From the intense action of Void/Breaker to the narrative depth of Consume Me, the competitive thrills of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds to the atmospheric horror of Silent Hill f, and the challenging roguelike adventures in Hades II and The Rogue Prince of Persia, there is something here to captivate everyone.

We encourage you to dive into these games with an open mind and a spirit of exploration. The joy of gaming lies not just in the final victory, but in the journey itself – the learning, the adaptation, and the sheer fun of engaging with well-crafted interactive worlds. We eagerly await your feedback on Monday. Let us know which titles you chose to play and what your experiences were. Your insights are invaluable to us as we continue to bring you the most relevant and exciting gaming content at Gaming News. Until then, happy gaming!