What should you play this weekend? Be a Ninja, grab a Magnolia, nothing is Final and it’s not that Deep this week!

It’s an excellent week for gamers, with a major Final Fantasy title releasing on PC, a new metroidvania, a surprise remake of a popular action title, and a beautiful 2D souls-like to play (and talk about)! The lull in new releases that we had after the holiday season has come to an end, and we’re back to glorious gaming bliss, so let’s jump right into the best games to play this weekend.
Action RPG: Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth
Final Fantasy 7 likely needs no introduction, but if you thought you knew the plot because you played the original game on PlayStation you’re sorely mistaken. Set after the events of Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade, Rebirth has you taking on the role of Cloud Strife as he and AVALANCHE deal with the fallout of the first game. Rebirth has you leaving the city of Midgar to step out into the world, bringing with it some open world exploration as you run from the military might of the corporation ShinRa, while trying to figure out what to do next. Half remake, half new story, Rebirth is an interesting blend of what a developer can do with a remake to keep everyone on their toes. Oh, and the in-game card battle — Queen’s Blood — is addicting, so jot that down.
Get Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth for $49 on Steam.
Swashbuckling Metroidvania: Mark of the Deep
Mark of the Deep seems to somehow have completely slipped my radar, but the theming and design caught my eye. In this metroidvania, you play as Marcus “Rookie” Ramsay, a pirate whose crew has gone missing on a cursed island known only in myths. Fully voice acted, with branching narrative paths and multiple endings, this game may have you coming back a few times over. Today’s the official release date, so ready your pirate hats and get in there to save your crew — the Angry Mermaids — from the residents of the island, only known as the Old Folks.
Get Mark of the Deep for $25.50 on Steam.
Surprise Remake: Ninja Gaiden 2 Black
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black was a title that was extremely well received back in, oof, 2008 as an Xbox exclusive. A year later, an altered version of the game called Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, was released for the PlayStation 3; I bring this up because Sigma 2 was divisive due to massive changes to enemy placement, bosses, and difficulty. This version of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a weird mix of both games. Made in Unreal Engine 5, this remake has most of the original game’s layout, but is missing much of the bonus content from the original. With all of that said, if you’ve never played it, that won’t make a difference to you! Take on the role of ninja Ryu Hayabusa and dismember your way through the evils of the world.
Get Ninja Gaiden 2 Black for $50 on Steam.
2D Souls-like: ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist
ENDER MAGNOLIA is the sequel to ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights, a 2021 souls-like metroidvania that was known for its beautiful artwork and interesting design choices (in a good way) — but don’t let the fact that it’s a sequel stop you from playing this title if you didn’t play LILIES. In MAGNOLIA, you play as Lilac, who is known as an “Attuner,” someone who has the power to save the Homunculi, who are artificial lifeforms created in order to save the kingdoms of the Land of Fumes that have since been corrupted and gone mad. With somehow even more gorgeous 2D art than the original title, MAGNOLIA also has one of the best maps I’ve seen in a metroidvania title, and musical artist Mili (known for the opening theme to Goblin Slayer) has returned to once again work on parts of the soundtrack.
Get ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist for $25 on Steam.
There’s plenty to play here, but if you’re looking for a good deal you can’t beat this week’s freebie on the Epic Game Store: Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery, a hand-drawn puzzle game that’s all about the vibes. Whatever your preference, have a great weekend gaming, everyone.
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