Top 3 Exciting Games to Enjoy This Weekend

Play it on: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Objective: Craft the perfect cup of tea.

I can’t wait to dive into Wanderstop, a game intriguingly described on its Steam page as exploring “change and tea.” My excitement stems from several reasons. Firstly, it’s the debut title from Ivy Road, a development studio established by Davey Wreden. He’s the creative mind behind The Stanley Parable and The Beginner’s Guide — both incredibly unique games that stayed true to their visionary concepts. From what I’ve gleaned in trailers, Wanderstop may initially appear like a typical “cozy game,” where you leisurely soak in the ambiance while managing a quaint tea shop business. But considering Wreden’s involvement, I suspect there’s something unexpected lurking beneath the surface — a twist or turn that might catch me by surprise. That’s precisely what I’m after! I crave surprises that keep me on my toes and challenge my expectations.

Another compelling reason for my anticipation is the diverse range of feedback the game has garnered. Critics have been all over the map, from lukewarm nods to outright admiration. Now, I’ve intentionally avoided diving into these reviews because I want to experience the game with fresh eyes, but the variety of opinions suggests that Wanderstop is stirring up some interesting conversations. I actually wish more games received such a range of critical responses; the gaming community often aligns around a consensus, so when a game provokes such mixed feedback, it usually means it’s doing something out of the ordinary.

This doesn’t guarantee that I will love it; however, even if Wanderstop doesn’t hit the mark for me, I’d rather engage with a game that dares to be different and falls a bit short than one that plays it safe and scores a predictable win. Who knows? I might end up adoring Wanderstop. I’m eager to discover which way it goes for me this weekend. But for now, this moment of anticipation — on the verge of starting something new and having no idea what lies ahead — is truly exhilarating. — Carolyn Petit