Weekend Gamer Roundup (September 2026)

Ignite the Depths

I was sent an invite to test out the upcoming Ignite the Depths, which I accepted on account that I am a fan of dungeon crawlers. Judging from the landing page, it seems like this game was really geared for co-op adventures (up to 4 players), so based on that – it just seems like it wasn’t designed for solo or single player. So, I’m going to say that this game was very difficult on my playthrough. For example, two or three arrow hits will kill me. In a co-op, I’m assuming your friends will resurrect you or it’ll be easier to take down a swarm of skeletons with three other players.

There are four classes you can try, Fighter, Shield bearer, Priest, and Mage. Since the server test ended on September 14, I only got a chance to test out the fighter – so I can only speak on the way he plays. You start off with one longsword, with nothing in your offhand. Once you reach the first camping room, you can buy or upgrade to double-hand axes, which felt much better in combat. I wish I had the double axes to start with, as I was not a fan of the longsword.

There were no gear drops in my play – I mostly picked up coins. I am assuming they will add gear and unique or random equipment when the game launch.

It’s a 3D game so the developer (SK Studios) really took advantage of this by designing jumping puzzles. There is a parkour section in the game that I did not enjoy at all. This requires jumping on moving platforms, if you miss the timing, you fall to your death. Then there is the very narrow walkway, when you’re in combat and trying to dodge, you’ll accidentally fall to your death. Just not a fan of falling to my death. And seriously, why do people like jumping puzzles? Seriously, I hated in that last Doom game.

What I do like is that it seemed like everything was designed or programmed by one or two people. I like the dark atmosphere, but I hated the pixelation. By default, it’s pixelated. I hated this. I didn’t realize you can tone down the pixels in the settings, which looked much better once I turn it all the way down. I know the pixel thing is an art choice, but I don’t care for it.

I’ll keep an eye out on it when it comes out. I’m not sure what their launch price is, but I wouldn’t want to pay more than $30 for it. It’s for fans of real-time first-person dungeon crawler. Think of it like Fallout 3, but with fewer RPG elements.

Grand Theft Auto VI

Like everybody, I’ve been talking about Grand Theft Auto VI as one of the most anticipated games (it’s been in development for 12 years????) and I’m really not that excited about the game finally being released on November 19, 2026. The big controversy is that there are no physical discs, it’s all digital, baby. I think I read somewhere that the developer, Rockstar Games, said they didn’t want the codes to be leaked on the mastering discs and/or they know it will get a day-one patch. I’m not sure that they’ll even issue a disc, because, as I previously mentioned, Sony will no longer be releasing discs, starting in 2026, and I believe Xbox is heading in the same disc-less direction with the next Xbox.

Anyway, one of the cool things about all the Grand Theft Auto game is that you can listen to real music using the radio in your car. With that said, the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI: The Album is up for pre-order. Amazon has the exclusive pink with purple splatter vinyl, and looks very cool for your record collection.

The album will feature 34 original tracks (brand-new songs). Most of them are not yet revealed, but only six were released to be streamed:

While I probably won’t be buying Grand Theft Auto VI (it’s too expensive!), what I thought was really, really cool is that Rockstar gave me Red Dead Redemption for free – on account that I previously own other Rockstar Games, such as Red Dead Redemption II and previous Grand Theft Auto games.

Briefly: Steam

● Steam has a Party Based RPG Fest sale going on, until September 21, 2026. I am a big fan of the genre, so naturally I took a look at the sale to see what games I didn’t have in my library. There are too many games, but the ones that I’m looking at is Dverghold (early access), THYSIASTERY (the graphics looks bad), Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter (seems incomplete with “first chapter”), Sea of Stars (this looks really fun), Dungeon Dungeon! (a lot of negative reviews, so I might reconsider), and A Quest that Became a Legend (looks great). I did buy one game, and will re-look closer in a few days to see what other games I can buy.

● This independent game, The Alighieri Circle: Dante’s Bloodline, just came out (September 10) and for a limited time, you can get it for 10% off on Steam. It’s $20 regularly, which is a good price if you want to take a chance. Based on the screen shots, the graphics looks really good and seemed like it’s a puzzle game (like Myst) that was inspired by the Divine Comedy, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. I’m not a puzzle-guy, but if you’re into solving puzzles and riddles, this might be a great title for you.

● I got an email about Fantasy Online 2, but seeing as it’s a paid for early access on Steam (but free on Android), very pixelated art style, and it’s online-only as a MMORPG, I’m afraid it’s really not my thing. I’m sure you can probably ignore the pixel art, as the game seemed to be focused on equipment, skills, crafting, and quests. The Android version launched July 29 and is free with optional purchases. If that sounds good, head over to fantasyonline2.com and check it out.

● Deified is coming to Steam on September 21 for $15 (with 20% off the first two weeks). I love the art style (it looks like a knockoff of Hades). The game is a turn-based tactical roguelite with focus on relics. With these types of games, I don’t really have the patience, and I know I will die a lot.

● Also, if you have Amazon Prime, head over to grab Doom I and II from GOG for free via gaming.amazon.com. Too bad I already own this title (as well as all the Doom games), but it’s a good title for free.

Yours,