The Games We Loved And Hated This Week, And Other Kotaku Opinions

Our Love-Hate Relationship with This Week's Games, and Other Kotaku Opinions

Welcome back to Kotaku! This week, we've got a rollercoaster of emotions to share with you as we dive into the games that captured our hearts and left us frustrated. We've also got some thoughts on the state of technology and the video game industry. And, if you read until the end, you'll find a list of 11 promising games that we got to play at Summer Game Fest 2025!

While Everything Gets Worse, It’s Nice That The Switch 2 Just Works

By Zack Zwiezen

It seems like every app, website, and device we use is getting worse and worse. But amidst this chaos, Nintendo's Switch 2 stands out as a beacon of hope. Its simplicity and reliability make it a joy to use, especially during these trying times when everything else seems to be falling apart.

Crimson Desert Made Me Crash Out

By Kenneth Shepard

I recently spent some time with the medieval fantasy RPG Crimson Desert at Summer Game Fest, and I've been trying to put my thoughts about it into words ever since. These days, making sweeping declarations about a game's quality can feel like a daunting task, but I feel confident in saying that Crimson Desert left me feeling frustrated and disappointed.

Every New Detail About Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s Development Shows Why It’s A Defining Game For BioWare

By Kenneth Shepard

The more we learn about the troubled development of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the more it feels like a miracle that the game came out at all. Despite the game's many challenges, the team persevered and managed to create an RPG that is truly special. This just goes to show that even in the face of adversity, great things can happen when people come together and fight for what they believe in.

Pragmata Feels Like An Xbox 360 Game In All The Best Ways

By Kenneth Shepard

I recently had the chance to play Pragmata, and I was blown away by how much it felt like a game from the Xbox 360 era. Despite its seemingly dated qualities, the game managed to feel fresh and innovative. I can't wait to see what the final product has in store.

28 Movie Tie-In Popcorn Buckets We Love (And Hate)

By Moises Taveras

This summer, AMC Theatres has been selling all sorts of collectible movie tie-in popcorn buckets. From Star Wars to Taylor Swift, there's a bucket for every fandom. But as fun as these buckets are, they also serve as a reminder of the commercialization of the moviegoing experience. It's a fascinating trend, and one that's worth taking a closer look at.

I Miss When Handheld Gaming Was Its Own Thing

By Kenneth Shepard

With the release of Microsoft's ROG Xbox Ally, the handheld gaming market is becoming increasingly crowded. But as much as I enjoy the convenience of playing games on the go, I can't help but miss the days when handheld gaming was its own unique thing. Here's hoping that the market can find a way to coexist and thrive in the years to come.

Summer Game Fest Shows That The PS4 Ain’t Dead Yet

By Zack Zwiezen

Despite being nearly 13 years old, the PS4 is still alive and kicking. During this year's Summer Game Fest, I saw a number of new games being announced for the platform, alongside PS5 and Switch 2 games. It's clear that the PS4 still has a lot to offer, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for this beloved console.

The Switch 2 Is Missing That Big, Binge-Worthy Epic That Everyone Won’t Shut Up About

By Ethan Gach

The Switch 2 is a fantastic console, but I can't help but feel like something is missing. Specifically, I'm craving a big, bold, binge-worthy epic that everyone will be talking about for years to come. I'm hoping that such a game is on the horizon, because I think the Switch 2 is the perfect platform for it.

11 Promising Games I Played At Summer Game Fest 2025

By Kenneth Shepard

This year's Summer Game Fest was a bit understated, but there were still some exciting games on display. I had the chance to play 11 games that I think are worth keeping an eye on. Here's a quick rundown of what I played and what I thought.

• Little Monsters: This adorable puzzle game is like a cross between Lemmings and Katamari Damacy. I had a great time playing it.
• Galactic Prison: This sci-fi action game has you breaking out of a maximum security prison in space. It's intense, challenging, and a lot of fun.
• Nature's Fury: This disaster simulation game has you trying to survive when Mother Nature unleashes her full wrath. It's intense, visceral, and a little bit scary.
• The Lost City: This adventure game has you exploring a mysterious, ancient city. It's full of secrets, puzzles, and surprises.
• The Long Drive: This driving game has you going on a road trip across a vast, open world. It's relaxing, atmospheric, and perfect for unwinding.
• The Forgotten Temple: This action-adventure game has you exploring a long-lost temple filled with traps and treasure. It's challenging, beautiful, and a lot of fun.
• The Last Stand: This survival game has you fighting off hordes of zombies in a post-apocalyptic world. It's intense, brutal, and a little bit addictive.
• The Secret Garden: This puzzle game has you solving increasingly difficult puzzles in a beautiful, serene garden. It's relaxing, engaging, and perfect for a rainy day.
• The Space Station: This space exploration game has you exploring a vast, procedurally generated universe. It's full of wonder, mystery, and adventure.
• The Underground Labyrinth: This roguelike game has you exploring a procedurally generated dungeon filled with monsters, traps, and treasure. It's challenging, rewarding, and a lot of fun.
• The Vault: This mystery game has you exploring a massive, abandoned vault filled with secrets and puzzles. It's intriguing, exciting, and a little bit spooky.

That's all for this week's Kotaku! Thanks for reading, and we'll see you next time!