What to play this weekend: Cute platformers and clashing pantheons

Happy Friday, Watchers! Is everyone bored of The War Within yet? We have weekend gaming suggestions suggestions for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned World of Warcraft player who needs a break or just someone looking for a change of pace over the weekend.

Let’s dive in to this week’s games!

Release of the week — Gimmick! 2

A long-awaited sequel to the 1992 NES classic, Gimmick! 2 is all the bright and colorful adventure players hoped for after the release of the classic title’s Special Edition. You are the precious little green yokai, Yumetaro, setting out again decades after his original adventures. Go forth with your powerful Star to aid you in activating switches, defending against enemies, and assisting with hard-to-reach places to explore your environment, conquer puzzles, trick your enemies, and earn treasure.

Like its predecessor, G!2 is an 8-bit platformer in a physics-based playground. You have two options for playstyle mode: the new-player-friendly assisted mode or the true-to-the-original challenge mode. Its hand-drawn artwork and soundtrack of nostalgic classics and new tunes are sure to delight. This title is a win for anyone who longs for the days of 90s console platformers, but don’t be fooled — it is just as difficult as you remember the original being.

Get Gimmick! 2 for $24.99 for Nintendo Switch and PC on Steam, with Xbox and PlayStation coming in the future.

Rockin’ Reboot — Age of Mythology: Retold

Age of Empires franchise fans are celebrating this week with the release of Age of Mythology: Retold. Retold brings beloved elements from the original AOM with stunning new visuals and modernized real-time strategy design. Choose from the Greek, Norse, Egyptian, and Atlantean pantheons for your power base and wield Zeus’ powerful lightning storms, Ragnarok’s Nidhogg dragon, or the nourishing rains of the Atlanteans to support your people. Conquer Troy, combat Frost Giants, cross the sands of Egypt, and more in 50 missions that take you across the mythical world. Perhaps you’re even the next god to join your chosen pantheon.

Get Age of Mythology: Retold for $29.99 for Xbox and PC on Steam.

Console cutie — ASTRO BOT

ASTRO BOT is a 3D platformer coming in as the third title in the Astro Bot franchise for PlayStation. You are the adorable Astro Bot, and it’s time for you to dive into your new “supersized space adventure” in response to the wreck of the PS5 mothership. Venture out on your Dual Speeder to rescue your stranded bot crewmates scattered all over the galaxies (across 50+ planets!). Enjoy the familiar moveset brought to life via your DualSense controller’s haptics, wield new supporting powers, and reunite with 100+ heroes from past PlayStation games to celebrate 30 years of PS history.

Get Astro Bot for $59.99 for PlayStation.

Steal of a deal — Epic Games Store End of Summer Sale

Finally, someone acknowledges that the best season is almost upon us and that the bane of higher temperatures is leaving the Northern Hemisphere. Epic Games is seeing off the heat with an End of Sumer Sale in its online games store. Check the full event catalog out from now through September 16, at 11 am eastern, for hundreds of titles discounted up to 75% off.

Now tell us, Watchers — what are you playing this weekend? Share in the comments below, and we’ll feature your new interest in next week’s round-up!