Games we will play this weekend (January 17-19)

The week has been intense: the long-awaited announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 has arrived, we have bid farewell to David Lynch, and the global climate seems more complicated than ever. With the weekend in sight, it’s the perfect time to seek relief in video games, especially in a January that typically doesn’t offer many new releases. However, for those looking for something new to play, some interesting titles have recently been launched.

Here are three recommendations for newly released games to enjoy this weekend:

Dynasty Warriors: Origins
This is the first major release of the year, a title presented as a soft reboot of the Dynasty Warriors series. This action RPG adapts the famous work Romance of the Three Kingdoms into action-packed battles. Although it may be overwhelming due to the number of previous entries, Origins makes for an excellent choice for new players, as it presents its rich story and characters in a more accessible way, thanks to a greater emphasis on cinematic scenes. The essence of the game lies in its Musou combat that allows players to defeat thousands of enemies in exciting encounters. While the narrative may be somewhat uneven and doesn’t always align with the brutality of the action, it’s ideal for disconnecting and de-stressing. Dynasty Warriors: Origins is now available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

The Roottrees are Dead
For fans of deduction games like Return of the Obra Dinn, this PC game offers a compelling mix. The story begins with the tragedy of a famous family that dies in a plane crash. Players must not only identify the victims but also unravel the complicated family tree. This is achieved by searching for clues in the files of an old computer, leading to a family drama woven with decisions that have had repercussions over the years. Though I have just begun to explore this mysterious narrative, I am eager to continue the investigation. The Roottrees are Dead is now available for PC.

Skate City: New York
Aimed at Apple Arcade subscribers, this game adds to the assortment of new experiences available on the platform. As a sequel to one of the standout games at launch, Skate City: New York invites players to skateboard through two-dimensional landscapes of New York. Performing tricks is as simple as swiping your finger across the screen. Though its mechanics may seem straightforward, it creates a hypnotic gameplay experience that feels familiar to those who have enjoyed titles like Alto’s Odyssey. This game is perfect for playing on the couch and has been my go-to choice for relaxing. Skate City: New York is available on iOS devices through Apple Arcade.