Beyond the Buzz: Our Weekly Gaming Roundup is More Than Just Hollow Knight: Silksong

The past week in the gaming world has been dominated by one story and one story alone: the surprise release of Hollow Knight: Silksong. After years of a legendary wait, the game has finally arrived, and the collective sighs of relief and the subsequent flood of praise have been deafening. It’s a wonderful moment for indie gaming, and a massive win for Team Cherry. However, as the world of gaming keeps spinning, a number of other major stories have been breaking that deserve your attention. From a highly-anticipated RPG hitting Game Pass to the quiet death of a beloved Japanese racehorse, it’s been a week of immense highs and devastating lows. Here’s what we’ve been playing, and what you should be paying attention to, beyond the buzz of Pharloom.

Hades 2 on Game Pass: A New Kind of Underworld

While the world was getting lost in the winding tunnels of Pharloom, Supergiant Games delivered a surprise of their own. As of September 19, Hades 2 has officially joined Xbox Game Pass for Console, PC, and Cloud. This is a monumental addition to the service and a major reason for subscribers to log back in. The sequel to the genre-defining roguelike is not a simple rehash of its predecessor; it’s a new chapter in the story of the Olympian gods, with a new protagonist, new combat mechanics, and a fresh take on the classic Greek mythology. For those who may have been overwhelmed by Silksong’s demanding platforming, the fast-paced, fluid combat and intricate narrative of Hades 2 offers a welcome change of pace. The game’s inclusion on Game Pass is a huge win for both Supergiant Games, which gets a massive new audience, and for players, who can now dive into this critically acclaimed title with their subscription.

A Sad Farewell to a Gaming Icon

The gaming world also took a moment this week to mourn the passing of an unlikely hero: the Japanese racehorse Haru Urara. For those unfamiliar, Haru Urara was a thoroughbred mare who gained an international following for a remarkable reason—she never won a single race. She was an inspiration to millions, a symbol of perseverance, and she was immortalized as a character in the hit game Umamusume: Pretty Derby. The news of her death at 29 was a moment of reflection for many in the gaming and racing communities. It was a reminder that even in the world of competitive media, the most enduring and beloved stories are often not about winning, but about the spirit of the journey. Her story, now a part of gaming history, will continue to resonate for years to come.

The Quiet Comeback of a Beloved Franchise

Another major story that might have flown under the radar is the release of Tales of Xillia Remastered, which is now available for pre-order ahead of its October 31 release date. The remaster of the classic JRPG from the PlayStation 3 era is a welcome return for a beloved franchise that has been relatively quiet in recent years. This is a big win for fans of the genre, who have been waiting for a new, narrative-driven RPG with a classic feel. The remaster not only brings the game to modern consoles but also provides a much-needed boost for the franchise’s visibility. It’s a clear sign that Bandai Namco is looking to capitalize on the renewed interest in JRPGs, and it’s a perfect title to get lost in after you’ve finished with your Silksong playthrough.

As the gaming world continues to be a whirlwind of news and events, it’s important to remember that there’s always something new to discover, even if it’s not the biggest story of the week. From highly anticipated new releases to touching tributes and major console deals, the industry is a vast and ever-changing landscape. So while everyone else is still talking about that one game, there’s a whole world of new experiences just waiting for you to dive in and explore.