Quiet Saturday night in? Having a lazy Sunday? Thankfully we're no longer tied to the opening hours of retail stores, and there's countless fantastic games available to download right now.
If you're looking for some recommendation, here's some for this week - two very different new releases and a very, very eccentric classic:
Ori and the Blind Forest (Xbox One, PC. Xbox 360 release later this year)
The first thing you have to contend with here is Ori and the Blind Forest's quite frankly astonishing presentation. Easily one of the most beautifully realised games of recent times, in motion Ori is like an interactive Studio Ghibli film (albeit on a 2D plane). Aside from the visuals, the game also makes a wonderful first impression, with a poignant, slickly told opening sequence that sets the game's narrative up with surprising emotional force.
Prologue over and done with, what you're left with is a traditional albeit surprisingly challenging 'Metroidvania' title. For those who don't know, that means a game with a single large map, with more areas (and secrets) becoming available to explore as you unlock more powers (a 'genre' kickstarted by Metroid and Castlevania titles). While undeniably derivative, Ori has been put together with unusual care and attention, and the platforming becomes more graceful and nuanced as your move-set grows. Be warned, however: the game's colourful visuals mask what is often a pretty unforgiving game.
Hotline Miami 2 (PC, Mac, Linux, PS4, PS Vita)
The hyperviolent Hotline Miami was a big sleeper hit back in 2012. With its tough but strategic gameplay, dark and surreal storytelling, and impeccable sense of style, it won many fans. The sequel has arrived with new characters (all adding their own twist to the gameplay), a more in-depth story, and plenty of additions to the original's core.
The sequel has divided fans of the originals - some welcoming the mix-up to the formula, others feeling something has been lost in the process. Still the foundation of Hotline Miami 2 remains rock solid, and if you don't like the changes at least the soundtrack is still absolutely incredible. The game is very much not for kids, though.
And for something a little different...
Deadly Premonition (PC, 360, PS3)
Deadly Premonition is great, isn't it Zach? The little game that could, Swery65's bizarre title is far more than the sum of its parts. Heavily inspired (to say the least) by Twin Peaks, Deadly Premonition boasts dreadful combat, pretty woeful graphics and various other low budget quirks. Yet thanks to the sheer weirdness of the writing and an unusually intriguing open world, it's well worth playing. No game has ever been so meme-friendly, and no game has ever had the 'whistle song' either.
The director's cut of the game - featuring a number of improvements, particularly to combat - is currently on sale for a pittance on Steam, and was recently one of the monthly PS Plus titles (so you might already own a copy). Now's a good time to visit Greenvale. So says Mr Stewart.
