Three Fantastic Games to Enjoy This Weekend

You can dive into Wanderstop on your PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or PC, and quite simply, your mission is to brew a decent cup of tea. Now, why am I buzzing with excitement about trying out Wanderstop, especially considering it’s described on its Steam page as a game about “change and tea”? Well, for starters, it’s the debut release from Ivy Road, a studio established by Davey Wreden. If Davey Wreden doesn’t ring a bell, he’s the creative mind behind the innovative games The Stanley Parable and The Beginner’s Guide. Both of these titles are celebrated for their originality and commitment to unique storytelling.

Wanderstop’s trailers sell it as a cozy, laid-back experience, where you manage a tea shop and bask in the relaxing ambiance—a rather typical setup for comfort games. However, knowing Wreden’s track record, I can’t shake off the feeling that there’s a twist waiting just around the corner. Ultimately, that’s what draws me in: the potential for a surprise, something unexpected that completely flips my anticipation on its head.

Equally intriguing is the game’s diverse critical reception, ranging from mild admiration to enthusiastic applause. I’ve deliberately avoided reading these reviews because I prefer to dive in without preconceived notions, but it’s telling that opinions are so varied. In my view, games should inspire a broad spectrum of reactions. Unfortunately, mainstream criticism often leans heavily towards consensus, so when a game manages to break that mold, it’s a signal that it’s doing something out of the ordinary.

Now, this doesn’t mean I’ll necessarily fall in love with it; if anything, I might find it interesting even if it turns out to miss the mark. I value games that dare to be different over ones that follow a safe, albeit successful, formula. However, there’s always the chance that Wanderstop will captivate me completely. I’m set to discover its charms this weekend. But for now, the anticipation is thrilling—standing on the brink of a new adventure, without any clear idea of what’s waiting for me in the tea leaves. —Carolyn Petit