For some us here at DualShockers, early December is a strange time of year, when calls 'from above' to provide our top 10 games of the year make us realise that we haven't necessarily played 10 games released this year that we really really liked (look, some of us like going back to play the classics, OK?). That means these final weeks of the year turn into a bit of a scramble, as some of us start binge-gaming on our weekends in the hope that we find a few more games to pad out our alarmingly sparse selections.

I can only hope that you, dear reader, aren't facing the same pressures. So what are you playing this weekend?

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Robert Zak - Lead Features Editor

everything on fire in hunt showdown

The forces of computing Chaos screwed me out of playing as much Darktide as I needed to during the pre-order beta (the game's a bit of a technical shambles), so I'll be trying to play enough of the game to have a firm and decisive opinion on it; at this point, I can tentatively say that it doesn't quite hit the spot in the same way as Vermintide did. Now that Pentiment's out the way, I can finally jump into intriguing top-down sci-fi horror game Signalis, which I have a sneaking feeling could be that elusive last-moment entry into my Top Games of 2022 list that I'm looking for. I'm very hyped by murmurs of it being a kind of sci-fi Silent Hill.

Finally, there'll be the obligatory Hunt: Showdown sessions - one of the most unique and atmospheric online shooters, as well as a hell of a stealth game.

Jeff Brooks - Evergreen Editor

Marvel Snap Cards Tab And Deck Tab And Spider-Man Variants

I'm continuing to obsess over Marvel Snap. I'm not usually much for mobile gaming, but this Marvel-themed deck builder has me hooked. I'm now into the bonus rewards for the Warriors of Wakanda season, and I'm eagerly awaiting the next season: The Power Cosmic, which features Silver Surfer as the title card. I can't quite say I'm particularly skilled at this game, but matches are quick, and a loss is easily forgotten in the wake of that next big win. Looking forward to putting together a Cosmic-themed deck when the next season drops on December 6th.

Elijah Beahm - Features Editor

The Callisto Protocol In-Game Footage

Callisto Protocol is staring me down like the most uncertain enigma of my entire year. It should be my most anticipated game of 2022, with all my hours spent playing Dead Space, but I've seen troubling things in the demos. Combat that seems uncertain if it's action or horror, rather than liquid smooth-action horror. Weird post-launch DLC plans that make very little sense. As I tear my way through both ends of the spectrum with Resident Evil 6 and Devil In Me, I can't help but wonder if Callisto will break the trend of hype disappointments, or be the biggest personal flop yet. It could be Glen Schofield's The Phantom Menace or The Last Jedi. Either way, I guess I'm finding out soon!

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Shivam Gulati - Evergreen Editor

Hanzo Combat Storm Arrows Screenshot Overwatch 2

After exploring the nine realms of God of War Ragnarok for several days, it's finally time for me to bid farewell to this masterpiece. Now, I'm ready to dive deep into the competitive world of Overwatch 2. I never got the time to play the original (because I was too busy playing Valorant), but with the release of Overwatch 2 I can finally experience its chaotic and thrilling gameplay. For now, there are 36 heroes in Overwatch 2, so I know playing and mastering every one of them would be a tiring task, but honestly, I'm up for the challenge!

Kyle Knight - News Editor

warzone 2

Bold of you to assume I've done all my Christmas shopping and have time to play games.

Ah, who am I kidding? I'll continue to brush my responsibilities to one side for another weekend. If I'm honest, any free time I do get this weekend is probably going to be spent on Modern Warfare 2. Call of Duty has always been my comfort game when I can't decide on a single-player game to get lost in. I did try my hand at Gotham Knights last weekend, but it really didn't click with me, the movement and combat just felt clunky and not what you'd expect from a next-gen game. But, I definitely didn't give it enough of a chance, so don't want to shit-talk it too much because Elijah loved it and will definitely beat me up if I do.

Matthew Schomer - News Editor

Pokemon Scarlet And Violet Split Image Eria, Atticus, Mela, Giacomo, and Ortega in rematch battle stances

While I haven't caught 'em all quite yet, I feel like my initial save file in Pokemon Violet has run its course. I've had my fun building from an extensive list of little monsters old and new, so it's about time I started playing the game on hard mode, and that means a Nuzlocke.

In truth, I've already started, and have taken down a couple of titans and gyms, but the open world concept and being able to see and encounter or avoid every 'mon on the map takes away the mystery aspect of who you'll be working with, so if you want to do like me, try only catching raid Pokemon — one in each named section of the map. Now, if you'll excuse me, it's about time to see if how my little Baboach survives Iono's Mismagius spamming Confuse Ray.

Jack Coleman - Lead News Editor

Warhammer 40K: Darktide Psyker Psykinetic single-target build

With Darktide now fully released, I reckon I'll grind it out this weekend to experience the full breadth of content. Happy with my Psyker for now but all the funny screenshots I've seen online of four Ogryns travelling to missions have made me want to try it, all four of us with lore-appropriate names of course.

I've also reignited my interest in Halo Infinite. After watching a re-run of the 2022 Halo Championship Series grand finals, I've wanted to pick the game back up again. It's time to don MJOLNIR armour once more as I capture the flag (or carry around a skull for as long as possible).

Chris Harding - Multimedia Editor

the walking dead saints and sinners retribution

It's more of the same for me this week as I hit the city streets in Police Simulator: Officer Patrol, and hide under the sheets in the escape room horror game Do Not Open. If I can shake this horrible flu, I'd really like to get inside the Quest 2 and try out The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners Retribution, which has crept up and released seemingly out of nowhere with little fanfare.

I imagine, though, that my weekend will be mostly spent on the sofa with a bottle of the good stuff, some rubbish on Netflix, and some oldies on a phone I've turned into a DIY Steam Deck, with inspiration taken from our Robert's recent feature. He's a smart one, you know.

Damien Lykins - Managing Editor

The Callisto Protocol Goes Gold

Much like our dear Elijah, I'll be doing my best to contract a dire case of the spooky space scaries with The Callisto Protocol shortly after clocking out of the thrilling day-to-day of keeping this rowdy lot in line (except for Chris, of course, being the behavioral angel that he is). I was a latecomer to Dead Space — as I am most things — but a fresh new property tapping into its distinct vein of visceral horror is no less tantalizing to me.

It's certainly had an interesting couple of weeks leading up to launch, what with the recent leaks (which I've avoided like the plague, I'll have you know) and some... interesting monetization strategies becoming a topic of discourse, but I'm going to be honest — it's been quite a while since I've sat down with a horror game I had any degree of anticipation for, so I'm unlikely to be a hard sell. I'll be keeping an open mind. And hopefully not an open chest cavity. Sounds like an awfully expensive death animation, and my wallet's hurting.

NEXT: The Success Of Single-Player Games In 2022 Buries A Longstanding Myth