What new games did you add to your wish list this week?

It’s been a big week for gaming, with The Game Awards airing Thursday night (congratulations to Baldur’s Gate 3 on winning Game of the Year) and with Day of the Devs and Wholesome Games showing off games on Wednesday. While I’d already been keeping an eye on some of the games shown, a good number of new games are now sitting on my wish list.

The new game I’m most excited for is Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, a “metroidvania” game steeped in Bantu mythology that’s releasing next April. The game looks simply gorgeous, and its theme of overcoming grief and loss is sure to resonate. While EA is publishing the game under its EA Originals brand, it’s being developed by the independent Surgent Studios. I’ll be honest: I didn’t add this to my wishlist — I’ve already preordered it.

Tales of Kenzera: ZAU isn’t the only game that premiered at The Game Awards that I can’t wait to play. Don’t Nod Games, the studio behind the original Life is Strange games, announced Lost Records: Bloom & Rage. While there are only vague details about the game so far, I trust the Don’t Nod team to give us a poignant and immersive story.

Sega had teased they were going to show off “New Era, New Energy” at The Game Awards and they certainly delivered with a trailer showing a glimpse of the return of several historic franchises over the next few years: Crazy Taxi, Shinobi, Streets of Rage, Golden Axe and the long-desired Jet Set Radio will be getting new installments. Crazy Taxi and Shinobi will probably be must-gets, but Jet Set Radio is a day one purchase.

Another game that was shown off Thursday night that I’m interested in is Windblown, developed by the team behind the popular “metroidvania” Dead Cells. This time, though, Motion Twin is creating an isometric 3d roguelite (similar to Hades) that focuses on speed and co-op play. While the game is in the early stages of development I have to admit it looks fun so I’ll be keeping a close eye on it.

The last game on my list is Loose Leaf: A Tea Witch Simulator. It looks like a cross between Coffee Talk and Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood, both games I enjoyed playing this summer. Kitfox games, the creator of Boyfriend Dungeon and publisher of Dwarf Fortress are an experienced Indie company with a strong resume so I think this will be the coziest game I play in 2024.

What about you? Any new games catch your eye this week?