Ethan Crossfield 
Summer Game Fest has wrapped up, and this weekend’s best move is simple: stop watching trailers and start playing. From a free Onimusha demo to a surprising Star Fox 64 remake trial, there’s plenty to download now—alongside Switch 2 ports, early access prologues, and a tabletop Ravenloft book for groups who want something different.
What’s new to play right now (free demos and early access)
If you want to jump in immediately, three offerings stand out.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword’s free demo runs for about 45 minutes and gives a clear sense of the game’s direction. The preview doesn’t feel like a straight continuation of the first two Onimusha entries; instead, it leans into samurai action with demons. Even so, it’s enough to keep the excitement building—especially if you’re curious how the full game handles its Miyamoto Musashi premise.
Star Fox Demo is the opposite kind of recommendation: it started with skepticism, then flipped the moment the player actually got hands-on. The demo includes the tutorial (with team training interactions in VR) and the Meteo level, set in a dense asteroid field. Controls for Fox’s Arwing are described as feeling great, and the updated soundtrack is singled out as a highlight.
Finally, 1666: Amsterdam Prologue provides a free playable slice ahead of PC Early Access later this year. The prologue is more about setting up how Noa (the witch) and Aaron (the cat) meet than showcasing the trailer’s stylish combat, but that context is exactly what makes it worth trying—especially given the game’s long and complicated development history.
Who should jump in this weekend (and what to expect)
Different players have different “right now” needs, and this lineup covers most tastes.
RPG and history-of-port hunters should look at Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. The original Xenoblade Chronicles arrived on Wii in 2010 (Japan), then expanded to other regions before reaching North America in 2012. This Switch 2 version is positioned as the best-looking take yet, and it adds motorcycles to make long-distance travel less of a grind. If you missed it on Wii (or earlier Nintendo systems), it’s framed as an ideal entry point, with sequels also expected to get Switch 2 ports soon.
Action fans who want something lighter on narrative but heavier on moment-to-moment play can try 2 Fights 2 Tight Spaces. It’s a true sequel to Fights In Tight Spaces, with a stronger emphasis on cooperative play. The original’s deck-building identity remains, while the visuals shift toward more detailed environments—without losing the recognizable character silhouettes. There’s also a key “why now” detail: an early access build was shadow-dropped immediately after the announcement, so you can jump in right away.
If you prefer games that challenge your assumptions, Crushed In Time is the weekend oddball. It isn’t a direct sequel to There Is No Game: Wrong Dimension, but it follows secondary characters from that world and keeps the series’ refusal to stick to conventional puzzle formats. Instead of classic point-and-click interactions, you manipulate the environment by physically tugging elements to solve problems.
What comes next (ports, co-op momentum, and tabletop horror)
A few additional picks expand the weekend beyond “just one more demo.”
Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration is now available for Switch 2. It’s described as a port of a 2016 version that originally marked 20 years of Tomb Raider, and it includes DLC—specifically calling out Baba Yaga: The Temple of the Witch, where Lara encounters a Baba Yaga who lives in a house on giant chicken legs.
On the tabletop side, Ravenloft: The Horrors Within is a timely alternative. The new Ravenloft book builds on a horror legacy that dates back to the original module era, revisiting the setting with fresh artwork and organized content for both players and DMs. It introduces new subclasses (including a Reanimator) and species (including a Lupin), plus details on Darklords and Domains of Dread. There’s also an added cosmic horror angle via a Cthulhu locale, along with plenty of hooks to start a horror campaign.
Net effect: you can spend the weekend either testing what’s coming later (demos and prologues) or committing to games that are already fully playable—plus a tabletop option if you want a non-digital session.
What players should know
- Onimusha: Way of the Sword’s demo is short but specific: about 45 minutes, and it plays more like samurai demon action than a direct Onimusha 1/2 vibe.
- Star Fox Demo includes both a tutorial and Meteo, letting you test Arwing handling and updated visuals before committing to the full experience.
- 1666: Amsterdam’s prologue is free and sets up character meeting points, not the trailer’s featured combat style.
- 2 Fights 2 Tight Spaces shifts toward co-op with friends while keeping its deck-building identity and recognizable silhouettes.
- Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition adds motorcycles to improve long-distance travel and is positioned as the clearest “start here” version.
Expert View
This weekend’s lineup is strongest for players who like sampling before committing. The demos (Onimusha, Star Fox, and 1666: Amsterdam’s prologue) do more than hype—each one clarifies the game’s tone and structure. Meanwhile, the Switch 2 ports and early access co-op card sequel make it easy to pick a lane: action test, classic RPG jump-in, or immediate group play. The only caveat is that some picks are “best effort” based on previews—so your best bet is to download the demos first and let the feel decide.
