Ethan Crossfield 
This weekend’s biggest story isn’t just another release—it’s a wave of comebacks and new angles on familiar favorites. Halo returns with a modernized campaign, Splatoon pivots toward story-driven solo play, and Capcom’s Onimusha finally gets the spotlight again after a long absence, making this an unusually good weekend to catch up on games that feel both nostalgic and newly reimagined.
What happened this week: Halo, Splatoon, and Onimusha in the spotlight
Halo: Campaign Evolved is the headline revival. The remake of the original Halo campaign has launched with early access already underway, while the broader release is set for later this week. The game is positioned as a way to revisit the classic ringworld experience with modern updates—without losing the core chaos and relentless action that made Halo a household name.
Splatoon Raiders brings a different kind of momentum to the series. Instead of leaning into the competitive multiplayer Splatoon is known for, it focuses on single-player content. It also takes inspiration from looter-shooter structure and wave-based Salmon Run-style raids, whether you’re going solo or teaming up with three others.
Then there’s Onimusha: Way of the Sword, which has a major presence beyond gameplay. Game Informer’s issue coverage includes a cover reveal for the project, alongside deeper pieces explaining why the franchise is returning after a 20-year gap and how Capcom chose Miyamoto Musashi as the protagonist. In other words: the weekend isn’t only about playing—it’s also about seeing the long road back to Onimusha finally start to take shape.
Why it matters now: revisiting classics, changing modes, and trying new formats
Halo: Campaign Evolved is notable for how broadly it’s meant to be experienced. Players can enjoy it on Xbox or PS5, and it’s also available on PC, though the source notes that some staff had mixed technical experiences on PC. The most important design takeaway is that the release strips out competitive play, pushing the experience toward campaign-style action rather than esports-style focus.
Splatoon Raiders matters because it challenges the assumption that Splatoon’s best moments must be multiplayer-first. By centering satisfying gameplay feel, deep customization, and a challenging post-game, it aims to keep players engaged even when they’re not chasing competitive rankings. The raid structure—solo or with a squad—also gives it a clear weekend-friendly rhythm.
Onimusha’s comeback is the industry-level story here. A franchise returning after two decades signals confidence that there’s still an audience for its brand of action, and the emphasis on historical inspiration (Musashi) suggests Capcom wants the next iteration to feel grounded while still distinctly Onimusha.
What to watch next: open betas, free relaunches, and tabletop strategy
If you want something to jump into immediately, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls has an open beta running this weekend. Arc System Works’ tag-fighting approach leans heavily into larger team combat (four-on-four) and mechanics that capitalize on extra hands. The early play impression described is that it’s more approachable than it looks, with intense moves that can be simplified through single-button inputs or auto-combos.
For mobile players, Poinpy is back in a big way. The game was previously tied to a Netflix subscription but was unavailable for the past year; this week, Devolver relaunches it for free. The gameplay loop centers on collecting fruits and vegetables to make juice for a hungry beast chasing you upward—complete the recipe before touching the ground, and chain leaps, bounces, and enemy head-jumps across multiple biomes.
Finally, tabletop fans get EvenGlow, a newly released light strategy project. It’s designed to be welcoming for less experienced players: alchemists manage two separate mirrored gardens at once, forcing balance as plants must be placed in corresponding positions.
Weekend takeaways
- If you want Halo this weekend, treat Campaign Evolved as a campaign experience—competitive modes aren’t part of this release.
- Splatoon Raiders is a strong pick for solo or co-op players who want raids and customization rather than competitive multiplayer.
- Onimusha fans don’t just have a game to anticipate—this week’s coverage also explains the creative choices behind the return.
- Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls is a good “host-friends” option thanks to its tag-fighting structure and open beta accessibility.
- Mobile option: grab Poinpy for free on iOS and Android now that it’s been relaunched.
Expert View
The standout theme of the weekend is mode philosophy. Halo is explicitly steering away from competitive expectations, Splatoon is swapping multiplayer dominance for single-player raids, and even Onimusha’s comeback is being framed through context and creative direction rather than hype alone. For players, that means fewer “grind to stay relevant” decisions and more “pick up and enjoy” energy—exactly the kind of release mix that keeps a weekend playlist feeling fresh.
