The 10 best video games of the week, with can’t-miss deals!

What do you do when it’s too cold to do anything? You load up on the best video game deals you can find and play hard with family and friends, of course. Save big on some of this year’s smash-hit titles like Pokemon Violet and Kirby and the Forgotten Land. The weekend is almost here, so it’s the perfect time to find a game that will keep you glued to your screen. Besides, who wants to brave that winter chill?

For years, Fire Emblem fans sat through a long drought with a lack of any real content, but now? You just can’t get enough! Fire Emblem: Engage brings back all the classic strategy gameplay that fans know and love, but introduces a new element in the form of Hero Summoning. Have a classic character you love, like Roy or Marth? Now you can bring the full force of their powers to bear against your enemies.

There’s no review of this one — mainly because it releases January 20th, and at the time of writing, that’s one day away! But early reviewers can’t seem to get enough, so if you enjoy Fire Emblem, this one should be on your list.

Start your engines! If you need a game that’s approachable (and appropriate) for all ages, look no further than Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Originally launched on the Wii U, this hit cart racer is back with a huge amount of content. The bonus map packs bring back courses from a wide range of Mario Kart games and ensure you won’t get bored anytime soon.

“This is by far my son’s favorite game on the switch. The graphics are amazing and the choices of cars and characters is fantastic. There so many more courses and so many variations — it is simply awesome. Highly recommend this game,” said one dad.

Will you choose the Fire Croc Fuecoco, the Water-type Qualey or the Grass-type Sprigatito? All three are adorable, and all three are viable options. Whichever you pick, you’ll get a similar experience with both Pokémon Violet and Pokémon Scarlet. There are a few differences between these games, but that’s part of the fun!

“This new open world Pokemon game is awesome! I’ve been so busy exploring, that by the time I hit my second badge my team was already in the level 60s 🤣. There’s three story lines…Highly recommend this new gen,” said one gamer.

If you’re a fan of Sonic-style 3D platforming, this is the game for you. If you’re a fan of Sonic-style 2D platforming, this is also the game for you. It’s got a bit of something for everyone, and it’s a brand-new interpretation of Sonic the Hedgehog in an open world setting.

One fan called this a new era of Sonic. “I’m still in the middle of playing this game, but the level design is mostly well thought out and the character interactions are so much better now than in years past. There are true connections from Sonic to each one of the characters, and the boss fights are an interesting, outlandish take. However, it works well with what this story conveys. Highly recommend!”

Like Lego? Like Star Wars? Then putting the two of them together is a surefire win! Play through the story of Star Wars and experience every planet in a whole new way. Explore different lands and pilot all the different vehicles with one of literally hundreds of playable characters.

“Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is one of those games that you pick up and don’t want to put down…. like ever! The newest game in the long running Lego series offers players the chance to play across nine Star Wars movies. Travel across 20 iconic planets with hundreds of unlockable characters and vehicles as well as action-packed battles and epic cut scenes!” said one ecstatic fan.

With nine characters to choose from, you can build a team of three to help you fight the forces of evil and save the galaxy by rescuing the scattered Sparks. Utilize cover, employ unique abilities and think through every move — you can be sure your enemies will, too!

It’s even impressive to people who aren’t fans of strategy games. “This game was loads of fun. I never played the first one and thought that I’d be lost and clueless on certain aspects of the game but it’s its own standalone story. Each of the characters and star sparks have unique abilities so playing is a breeze. Turn-based strategy usually bores me and feels like a drag but this game was fun and accessible.”

Calling all Kirby fans! Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a new take on the franchise that encompasses all the fun and adorable-ness (is that a word?) of the Kirby series. Save all the different Waddle Dees and help rebuild their town, find secrets and upgrade your abilities. It’s also a two-player game, so you can sit down with someone special and experience it together.

“Gorgeous and really fun game for Kirby’s fully 3D adventure. I think they found a great balance with the difficulty. Kirby isn’t known for being hard of course. Coming from a 27-year-old fan of this series, it was fairly easy on Wild Mode while still being challenging enough that you can’t totally let your guard down and breeze through — and that’s all I can ask for,” said one fan. “There’s plenty of challenge in the special challenge worlds and a steep difficulty spike toward the end. This was a great new entry and a good game to play when you’d just like a time out from school/work/life while still being engaged in the adventure.”

Anyone that’s a fan of Fire Emblem: Three Houses can get more of the universe they love in this musou-style interpretation. Fight your way across massive battlefields with action-adventure gameplay. Don’t worry, though; it doesn’t do away completely with that classic Fire Emblem strategy, employing unique twists on gameplay to keep you on your toes.

One player said, “This game is a fantastic addition to Fire Emblem Three Houses Lore. If you enjoyed Three Houses, and don’t mind a small mixture of warriors gameplay, this is a must play. This game also would have been welcome as a mainstream Fire Emblem title.”

With five classic playfields from previous Mario Party games, Mario Party Superstars has plenty of nostalgia for long-time players along with tons of new content to experience. You can play online with friends across the globe — or on the couch sitting with your family. It’s a blast for everyone, no matter their proficiency with a game controller.

One player said their entire family loved it. “Mario Party Superstars has a great mix of classic Mario Party games. Everyone from my 5-year-old to my husband can find a game they like. Some games are very simple and others require more skill. We’ve had a lot of fun family game nights with this one.”

Seems like people are feeling creative this week! Minecraft has been around for a long time now, and it only gets better with age. I remember playing the earliest releases of the game when there was little to do, but the amount of content available to players now is mind-boggling. If you had to have one game to take with you to a deserted island, Minecraft would be the one to pick.

One player called it an excellent purchase. “Do I even need to write a review? It’s Minecraft….what else can I say but……IT’S MINECRAFT! BUY IT! Well worth the money.”

If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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Originally published January 19, 2023, 10:40 AM