‘The Banner Saga 3’, ‘Silly Walks’, and more games to check out this week

The week’s best games include the final chapter of a popular trilogy, two collections of beloved classics, a significant update to a once-controversial game, and two unusual yet highly entertaining mobile games.

The Banner Saga 3

Beautiful, hand-drawn visuals, tactical roleplaying goodness, and an enthralling, Viking-inspired world await fans in the third and final installment of the critically acclaimed “The Banner Saga” trilogy.

The stakes are at an all-time high in “The Banner Saga 3.” The world is ending, after all, and every choice you make, no matter how seemingly trivial, can kill those closest to you.

But it’s not just the game’s interactive story that will challenge and devastate you, because the turn-based combat is as tough as ever. This time, after winning a battle, you’ll have the option to face a new wave of enemies, who drop precious artifacts upon defeat. Like most RPGs, you can develop your characters’ strengths, give them new abilities to learn, and equip them with powerful items. You’ll also have to manage your resources and caravan’s population if you want to make it through to the end.

With its harrowing tale and gripping battles, “The Banner Saga 3” is an engrossing experience. While it might be on the short side, the numerous possible branches the story can take will leave you wanting to replay the game after the end credits have rolled.

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch

Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 & 2

You don’t need to be a fan of old-school side-scrolling action platformers to enjoy “Mega Man X.” These iconic games have stood the test of time for one reason: they’re simply that much fun to play.

Two “Mega Man X” collections are out now: “Mega Man X Legacy Collection,” and “Mega Man X Legacy Collection 2.” The former comes with the first four titles in the classic series (including the 16-bit hit that started it all way back in 1993), while the latter boasts the last four titles.

Of course, the collections come with new features, such as the X Challenge mode, in which you fight two bosses simultaneously; a museum where everything from rare production art to old game commercials are on exhibit; a music player that lets you listen to the series’ myriad tunes; time trials, and more. There are even extra characters to play as and stages to fight through, and a newbie-friendly feature that reduces the amount of damage enemies deal.

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch

No Man’s Sky (a.k.a. No Man’s Sky Next)

Action-adventure survival game “No Man’s Sky” had a troubled launch in 2016, thanks to what players felt was a game that failed to deliver on the promises made by its developer, Hello Games.

But we have to give credit where credit is due: instead of giving up on the title, Hello Games spent the next two years working on and releasing updates for “No Man’s Sky.” The result of those efforts is “No Man’s Sky Next” — a game much closer to what fans were expecting in 2016.

“No Man’s Sky Next” comes with all previously released updates as well as a slew of new features. You can now create and customize your own in-game avatar, then join a party of up to 4 people to engage in a variety of activities together, such as exploring star systems and planets, fighting A.I. enemies, sharing resources, and going on quests. Bases can now be built almost anywhere — including underwater. You and your friends can even command a fleet of ships that will help you in your exploration of the galaxy. The game’s visuals have also been enhanced, thanks in part to new algorithms that generate more visually appealing environments.

Visit the official website for a full list of the “No Man’s Sky Next” updates.

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Golf Club: Wasteland

In the bleak future of “Golf Club: Wasteland,” the world has already ended. But that doesn’t mean we can’t put Earth to good use anymore.

“Golf Club: Wasteland” is a side-scrolling golf game where you, a human from Mars, visit mankind’s ancestral home to play golf. The courses take place in a variety of desolate locations, including abandoned construction yards, dilapidated skyways, parks, forests, and more.

To clear each level, you’ll have to find clever ways to use your ball and environment. For example, you can hit a button with the ball to open a door, or have the ball slide down a chute, or ride an elevator to reach your ball. You’ll even encounter animals and monsters in your journey, some of which won’t hesitate to get in your way.

The game’s minimalistic visuals are gorgeous. This, together with excellent sound design and a compelling story, creates an atmospheric, beautifully haunting experience.

Platforms: iOS

Silly Walks

In “Silly Walks,” you play as one of several food items. Your task? Survive walking through familiar but hazard-filled environments.

It’s as simple and ridiculous as it sounds. You can be a donut navigating a kitchen table and collecting items in one level, and in another you could be a taco running away from a vacuum cleaner. Sometimes, you’ll have to manipulate objects to move forward; for example, unplugging a pancake press machine is the only way you can safely walk across it and advance through the area. At other times you’ll be dodging knives, hammers, and other obstacles along the way. You’ll even encounter challenging bosses.

There’s a second mode that lets you race against the A.I. through absurd tracks located in otherwise mundane environments, from a gym to a yard. Whatever mode you play, there’s a lot of fun, and laughs, to be had in “Silly Walks.”

Platforms: iOS, Android — AT, GMA News