The Video Games You Should Play This Weekend – May 15

I adored the original Subnautica, so I’m pumped that the third game (Subnautica: Below Zero still exists, guys) is finally here. I don’t often put much time into Early Access titles, but I’m looking forward to exploring Subnautica 2’s depths and enduring what will likely be several jumpscares from all manner of Leviathan-class organisms lurking below. It seems I’ll be far from alone given how massively successful the launch has been, so here’s hoping the game is nothing but smooth sailing throughout its Early Access period.

As the follow-up to my favorite racing game of all-time, taking place in my favorite travel destination on the planet, Forza Horizon 6 has a lot of pieces in place to appeal directly to me. However, it goes beyond that, as this entry continues to make a case for being the best racing franchise around. Speeding around Japan is an absolute delight, full of all the incredible vistas you’ve come to expect, and the open-world design has me constantly veering off course to discover new collectibles, vehicles, and events. After more than 30 hours in Playground’s gorgeous rendition of Japan, I’m still itching to jump back into the driver seat and explore more of what wonders still await.

Of course, all of that comes with the caveat that in order to play Forza Horizon 6 today, ahead of its official May 19 release date next week, you do have to opt in for the $120 Premium Edition, which includes a bunch of digital extras alongside early access to the game. It’s a hefty price tag that will be much lower next week, and even lower if you’re a Game Pass subscriber.

Game Informer’s Forza Horizon 6 Review

For long years, the one game you could count on to be loaded up on school and work PCs was Minesweeper. For many, it was a respite from boredom that was hard to beat. Infinity Sweeper takes that very old gaming concept and adds a roguelite twist. You’re still clicking on a big grid of numbers and trying to flag and avoid enemy mines, but playing and building score gives you the chance to unlock both single-run and permanent upgrades that improve your chances as additional traps and other complications. Is this the game that is going to change your world? No, it’s definitely not. But if you recall the way Minesweeper could offer an absorbing logical rabbit hole to climb down, it’s fun to see someone add a new twist.

If Jeff the Land Shark just wasn’t quite large and fierce enough for you, but you still are hoping for that “adorable apex predator” vibe in your multiplayer game, then the arrival of Devil Dinosaur into Marvel Rivals should be right up your alley. NetEase continues to offer one of the most consistent and regular approaches to game updates currently on the market; this new character is the beginning of a rollout this season that includes the arrival of X-Man Cyclops, a new map, and a whole host of new costumes and other cosmetics. As for our early matches playing as (or against) the infamous red T-Rex, our expert conclusion is that he’s…big.

If you’re looking to spend the weekend testing your smarts, Call of the Elder Gods offers a fun challenge. The Lovecraft-inspired adventure packs several well-designed and inventive riddles into a comfortably succinct runtime, allowing you to feel like a genius without devouring your entire weekend. And if you enjoy pulpy cosmic horror mysteries, the game has that in spades. I promise you’ll only go a little mad while playing it.

Game Informer’s Call of the Elder Gods review

I didn’t particularly like Directive 8020, the latest cinematic choice-driven game from Supermassive, the makers of Until Dawn. You can read my full review here where I voice complaints about the story, characters, and gameplay. But, my review was on the lower end of the critical pool, which is to say that just because I didn’t love it doesn’t mean you also won’t. Supermassive games also benefit from playing with a group, like you’re in a theater watching an interactive movie. There is definitely fun to be had in watching the fates of doomed astronauts play out with your input… it just didn’t particularly work for me. But maybe it will for you!

Game Informer’s Directive 8020 Review