Great games to play before GTA VI and Zelda launch: eight picks for the quieter weeks
A new Castlevania adventure
Belmont’s Curse comes from studios that worked on Dead Cells. Its intricate levels, challenging platforming, tough bosses and hidden secrets give players plenty to explore. The game can become difficult, but assist settings let players adjust the experience. The recommendation describes it as a new Castlevania game with demanding action and room to tailor the challenge.
Creative and cooperative picks
Dressmaker, made by South African developer Free Lives’ Cozy Lives team, focuses on designing and sewing dresses. Players take commissions, choose fabrics and accessories, and construct garments in a village shop.
Its creative options can keep players busy for dozens of hours, or suit relaxed half-hour sessions. Orbitals, meanwhile, is a cooperative puzzle game with a ’90s anime-inspired look, and its friend pass lets another person join without buying a copy.
Horror with familiar roots
Heartworm aims for the feel of an old PlayStation survival horror game, including limited inventory. Its camera works as both a flashlight and a weapon, while optional modern settings remove tank controls.
Silver Pines combines exploration, point-and-click-style controls and survival horror in a detective story with a Twin Peaks-inspired Americana atmosphere. Players spend fictional money to save and can drink coffee to increase stamina.
Key points
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake and Grand Theft Auto VI are due next month.
- Belmont’s Curse offers challenging platforming, bosses, secrets and adjustable assist settings.
- Dressmaker supports either long design sessions or relaxed half-hour play.
- Orbitals includes a friend pass, while Heartworm and Silver Pines lean into survival horror.