The Bomb 12 has a new game in the top 3

I’ve been hitting the pavement and hanging out behind 7-Elevens to get the scoop on the 12 games that matter to people who are really playing games. And I’m happy to report that I’ve hit paydirt — similar to Donkey Kong, who is still the champ this week.

Donkey Kong Bananza has had a strong reign and will be forever associated with The Bomb 12. I think it’ll still be No. 1 next week, but let’s see what happens as the big holiday season kicks off.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is actually my game of the week. I got back on board after taking a break, and I’ve played 10 hours in the last few days. That sure is one hell of a playable game. I’m also surprised at how funny it is. It really nails that Super Nintendo-era silly JRPG (J’RPG/RPOui) tone, and I wasn’t expecting that.

The rest of the chart looks pretty similar, but we do have a new addition to the top three. Sword of the Sea is the latest game from some of the folks that made Journey, and that is pretty obvious when you look at it. This one sets itself apart by really emphasizing cool locomotion. On the Bombcast, Dan Ryckert said that riding the sword feels like classic 3D snowboarding games, so yeah — I’m downloading it right now.

Before we get out of here, nice try, Jesse Vitelli, but I’m onto your shenanigans. If you want Viva Piñata back on this list, it’s going to have to earn it.

If you have a game that you’re ready to submit for next week, then we are ready to hear about it. Here is the form for The Bomb 12 for t5he week of August 25 — just please try to submit the full game title.