5 Games We're Diving Into This Weekend

• Alan Wake is a psychological thriller with engaging gameplay.
• Playing the original provides context for the sequel.
• Astro Bot is a celebration of consoles and games.
• Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2 offers a robust multiplayer mode.
• Star Wars Outlaws is a massive open-world action game.

Is Alan Wake Worth Playing Before Its Sequel?

Alan Wake is a game that has garnered a dedicated following over the years. With its sequel on the horizon, many are wondering if it's worth diving into the original. The answer is a resounding yes.

Alan Wake offers a unique blend of psychological thriller and action gameplay that remains engaging even today. Its story, atmosphere, and characters make it a memorable experience.

Playing the original will not only provide context for the sequel but also deepen your appreciation for the series' intricate narrative and gameplay mechanics.

Streamers Visuals' Weekend Guide: 5 Games We'll Be Spending More Time With

The short week is over, and you've already reached another weekend. Because we love our job, we've decided to make this week's Weekend Guide all about the games we've had the pleasure of reviewing recently.

From the "Crappy Masterpiece" that is Star Wars Outlaws to the unfairly maligned Dustborn, we've spent time with games that may not be flawless but are certainly worth returning to.

1. Astro Bot: The Streamers Visuals Review

I cried at the end of Astro Bot. It really is more than anything else a celebration of the consoles and games that shaped many of us. It is a brilliant platformer in its own right, stuffed full of ideas that make it seem like Asobi Team is just getting started in this utterly endearing franchise.

However, there's also a slightly melancholy feeling that Astro Bot is putting the legacy and spirit of innovation under glass to be gazed upon as a relic of yesterday.

2. Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2: The Streamers Visuals Review

Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2 is a sequel I never expected. The original Space Marine was a fun action-focused shooter with just enough story and good ideas to keep you around until the credits rolled.

Now in 2024, we have Space Marine 2, which includes a similar linear campaign as the first game and a more robust multiplayer mode that might be the real reason to play this belated sequel.

3. Dustborn: The Streamers Visuals Review

Dustborn is like the people-pleasing friend you know means well but runs ragged trying to accommodate so many people's needs. Red Thread Games' adventure-rhythm-beat-em-up hybrid has its strengths and when it's functioning as a socially conscious modern version of a Telltale Games adventure, it is genuinely engrossing.

However, when it tries to be a below-average beat-em-up, it trades relationship-building for flimsy action combat.

4. Visions of Mana: The Streamers Visuals Review

There's no outfit in gaming with a stronger history of telling tales about picking fights with God than Square Enix. From Final Fantasy to Xenogears, a foundational narrative in which our heroes push back against a cruel, manipulative creator is like a spinal cord holding up many a juggernaut of Japanese RPG canon.

However, the Mana series takes the opposite approach, embracing the positive side of religion and mythology. These are games about unity, the healing powers of nature, and the virtuous pride brought from trusting in a benevolent higher power.

5. Star Wars Outlaws: The Streamers Visuals Review

As a big Star Wars fan and video game lover, I've long dreamed of a game like Star Wars Outlaws. A massive open-world action game set in the Star Wars universe that lets you freely explore every inch of a planet like Tatooine.

While it has some frustrating flaws, the experience Outlaws offers is worth it.

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