Best New Games This Weekend: Ninja Gaiden 4, PowerWash Sim 2 & More
October has been an unrelenting, blockbuster month for video games, and this week is the grand finale. It feels as though every publisher decided to release their flagship titles in the same narrow window, creating a tidal wave of incredible new experiences. While our wallets may be feeling the strain, the sheer variety is a massive win for players. From the return of a legendary ninja to the supremely satisfying sequel to a relaxation phenomenon, there is truly a game for every mood and skill level.
If you're staring at your game library wondering what to dive into this weekend, we've got you covered. After countless hours of testing, reviewing, and deliberating, here are our top recommendations for the new games you should be playing from October 24-26.
Ninja Gaiden 4: The Dragon Ninja’s Brutal Return
After more than a decade of silence, the legendary Ryu Hayabusa has returned, and the wait was absolutely worth it. Ninja Gaiden 4 is a blistering, masterful showcase of action-game design that respects the series' heritage while modernizing its feel for a new generation. Make no mistake: this game is incredibly challenging. It demands precision, lightning-fast reflexes, and a willingness to learn from your many, many defeats.
Team Ninja has delivered a combat system that is both fluid and weighty. Every slice of the Dragon Sword, every acrobatic dodge, and every powerful Ninpo spell feels impactful. The enemy AI is relentless, forcing you to master blocking, parrying, and movement to survive even basic encounters. Boss battles are epic, multi-phase encounters that will test the limits of your skill and patience in the best way possible. For fans who have longed for a true, no-compromises action game that rewards mastery, Ninja Gaiden 4 is a dream come true.
Who is this for?
- Veterans of the action genre seeking the ultimate challenge.
- Fans of titles like Sekiro and Devil May Cry.
- Players who appreciate deep, complex combat systems that take time to master.
PowerWash Simulator 2: The Ultimate Zen Experience
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, we have the supremely relaxing and satisfying PowerWash Simulator 2. The original game became a surprise hit by tapping into the simple, meditative joy of cleaning grime off of dirty objects. This sequel takes that brilliant concept and expands on it in every conceivable way.
The core gameplay loop is as addictive as ever: you select a job, equip your favorite power washer and nozzles, and methodically blast away layers of muck to reveal the pristine surface underneath. PowerWash Simulator 2 introduces a host of fantastic new locations, from sprawling, rusty amusement parks and historical movie sets to futuristic space stations. The new career mode is more robust, and the co-op multiplayer has been expanded, allowing you and your friends to tackle massive cleaning projects together. If the intensity of other October releases has you stressed, this is the perfect digital escape to cleanse your palate.
Who is this for?
- Anyone looking for a low-stress, relaxing game.
- Players who enjoy simulation games with satisfying progression.
- Friends and families looking for a chill co-op experience.
Plants vs. Zombies: Bloom & Doom Brigade
The eternal struggle between flora and the undead is back and better than ever in Plants vs. Zombies: Bloom & Doom Brigade. This new entry is a triumphant return to the classic lane-based tower defense strategy that made the original a global phenomenon. While the series has explored other genres, Bloom & Doom Brigade feels like a direct, feature-rich evolution of the formula we first fell in love with.
You’ll once again be defending your lawn (and various other locales) from Dr. Zomboss's legions, but with a massive new arsenal of plants and a terrifying new roster of zombies. New mechanics, like environmental hazards and powerful team-up abilities for certain plants, add fresh layers of strategy. The art style is vibrant and charming, and the humor is as sharp as ever. It’s a game that is easy to learn but offers immense strategic depth for those who want to perfect their defenses. This is a must-play for strategy fans and families alike.
Who is this for?
- Long-time fans of the original Plants vs. Zombies.
- Players who enjoy tower defense and strategy games.
- Families looking for a fun, engaging, and kid-friendly title to play together.
Other Noteworthy Releases This Week
While the big three are dominating the conversation, this week also saw a handful of other excellent games launch that are well worth your time.
- Starfall Odyssey: A gorgeous, open-world RPG from a new indie studio that focuses on exploration and discovery in a lost, celestial kingdom.
- Wreck Rally: An arcade combat racer that combines demolition derby chaos with high-speed, technical racing. A perfect couch co-op game.
- The Crimson Scribe: A narrative-driven mystery set in a medieval fantasy world, where you play as an illuminary solving a magical crime using your powers of calligraphy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where can I play these new games?
A: All three of our main recommendations—Ninja Gaiden 4, PowerWash Simulator 2, and Plants vs. Zombies: Bloom & Doom Brigade—are available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Q: Is Ninja Gaiden 4 too difficult for new players?
A: While it is very challenging, the developers have included an "Acolyte" difficulty setting and a robust training mode. These features help ease newcomers into the complex combat system before they tackle the game's famously punishing standard difficulty.
Q: Is PowerWash Simulator 2 on Game Pass?
A: Yes! Much like its predecessor, PowerWash Simulator 2 was available day one on Xbox Game Pass for both console and PC, making it incredibly easy for subscribers to jump in and start cleaning.