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Welcome back, gaming fans! I’m covering my second half of Gamescom announcements. It wasn’t the most exciting show, but there are plenty of games to discuss. Here are more games that caught my eye from the week of Gamescom 2024. Have fun!
Disney Epic Mickey Rebrushed Release Date: 9/24/25 I never played the original version of Epic Mickey, so this remake will be my first experience. It looks like Mickey Mouse is getting in a lot of trouble. Epic Mickey Rebrushed seems like a combination of Kingdom Hearts and various platformers. I read some early impressions from people who played the game at Gamescom and the reception appears to be mostly positive. THQ Nordic doesn’t have a lot of polish most of the time, but their games can be fun. I feel optimistic about this Disney adventure. Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero Release Date: 10/11/24 The gaming community loves the Dragon Ball games. Lately, I haven’t been impressed. However, Sparking! Zero looks like a return to form with 3D fighting matches, lots of flying, special moves, and destructible scenery. It’s going to follow major chapters in the Dragon Ball storyline, but you might have a chance to alter specific plot points and outcomes. Bandai Namco is marketing really hard for this game, which probably means they feel confident about the overall project. I just hope we can change the controls a little bit. Usually, I struggle with the flying mechanics in the Dragon Ball games because up is down and down is up. Eternal Strands Release Date: 2025 This action fantasy game looks pretty interesting. Eternal Strands is a brand new IP that features hack and slash combat along with magic. I’m not quite sure what franchise seems most similar. It might be somewhat like Dragon Age with an additional community building element. I’m also catching some vibes from Horizon Zero Dawn. So far, it seems like you can upgrade a variety of weapons, gain new magical abilities, build relationships with other characters, and flesh out a skill tree. It might not change the RPG or adventure genres, but I’m always ready for a new brand. Fatal Fury: City of Wolves Release Date: 4/24/25 If you’re looking for a modern fighting game, Fatal Fury will probably scratch that itch. It’s been a long time since a new entry was released in this franchise, so there’s a sense of novelty. Granted, it looks very similar to Street Fighter. Fatal Fury was basically SNK’s answer to the Street Fighter series. It might not be innovative, but everything looks pretty good at this point. We have a solid release date, which probably means the game is in the late stages of development. I had a really positive experience with the most recent Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, and Tekken games, so this one should be up my alley. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Release Date: 12/9/24 Earlier in the year, I felt worried about the upcoming Indiana Jones game. The footage from Gamescom looks very promising with a lot more polish. I still think it’s weird this game is under development from MachineGames, the team behind the Wolfenstein series. So far, it seems like Indie can use his whip, solve puzzles, engage in fist fighting, and maneuver through stealth sections. Guns have limited ammo and should be a last resort. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle should be a great addition to Game Pass and the only main release in December. I still don’t like the title. Infinity Nikki Release Date: 2025 You should watch the Gamescom trailer for Infinity Nikki. It’s the most absurd thing! Don’t let the trailer scare you away. I have a feeling this game is going to be unique and entertaining. On a surface level, it’s a dress up game with an anime style. Overall, Infinity Nikki is a large scale game with an open world environment. I think it will include combat, which seems unusual for a girly, whimsical game. The entire experience might be really weird, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. I just hope the experience is fun. Life is Strange: Double Exposure Release Date: 10/29/24 The new Life is Strange game is catching my attention. It’s been several years since Max was the protagonist in the original Life is Strange. Now she’s an adult who’s using new powers to help solve a friend’s murder. The latest installment looks pretty interesting with some unique mechanics that can add variety to the graphic adventure genre. However, I usually find this franchise somewhat slow and boring. Hopefully, Double Exposure will have better pacing. Lynked: Banner of the Spark Release Date: Early access 10/22/24, full release TBA This vibrant action game looks promising with different types of weapons, fast combat, and light town building elements. Lynked: Banner of the Spark might seem like an isometric Fortnite clone on the surface, but the RPG system looks solid and several elements appear to be outside the norm. The quality could go either way. It might be a really entertaining experience or a total bust. We’ll find out eventually. Ravenswatch Release Date: TBA I was a big fan of Hades, but other roguelike dungeon crawlers never measured up to this standard. Perhaps, Ravenswatch will break through a crowded genre that has too many mediocre releases. This isometric game has temporary and permanent upgrades with various enemies, weapons, stat bonuses, and interchangeable abilities. It was developed by the same team who made Curse of the Dead Gods, so this new title already has a decent pedigree. Ideally, Ravenswatch will be a compelling adventure that makes the repetitive gameplay worth it. Revenge of the Savage Planet Release Date: 2025 Truthfully, I never played the original Journey to the Savage Planet. I’m just not the target audience for No Man’s Sky, The Outer Wilds, and similar intergalactic survival games. Fortunately, Revenge of the Savage Planet is adding more adventure elements and traditional open world tropes. This sequel has a bigger emphasis on combat and exploration while toning down the hardcore survival component. A splash of The Outer Worlds and Fallout might be a good idea for this game. This game looks wacky, colorful, and unpredictable. It’s bound to make a niche audience happy. Sniper Elite: Resistance Release Date: 2025 I’m not very good at military shooters, but practice makes perfect. This upcoming sequel is going to be a day one release on Xbox Game Pass. So, I should give it a shot. I don’t think Sniper Elite: Resistance is changing or adding new elements to the franchise, but it might please the hardcore fanbase. People play Sniper Elite because they want to nail headshots from long distances away. Personally, I hope it has some leniency in the stealth sections and includes a compelling story. Spine Release Date: TBA It’s always nice to see a unique game. Spine appears to be a game that allows upgrades with cybernetic body modifications. The combat is similar to Sifu with hard hitting fist fighting. It might have some influences from MMA fighting with kickboxing and wrestling elements too. The gameplay looks a bit unfinished, which means we’re probably waiting a while before the game releases. Never forget to support indie games and their developers. We need more games from smaller studios. Spirit of the North 2 Release Date: TBA The original Spirit of the North didn’t work for me, but it’s still nice to see a sequel. The protagonist is a spirit fox is who exploring the environment, solving puzzles, and platforming through obstacles. I thought the opening trailer looked like an impressive step up from the previous installment with improved graphics, bigger environments, and possibly a more fleshed out story. It should be a laid back experience with some thought provoking puzzles. Spirit of the North 2 might be an enjoyable break from RPGs and shooters. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Release Date: 11/20/24 I will openly admit this type of game doesn’t usually fit my repertoire. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 requires careful inventory management, base building, survival techniques, and players will have limited ammo. All of those elements are typically a disaster for me. With that said, I want to check it out. The developer is living with a harrowing experience in Ukraine and it’s hard to believe this game exists. At this point, the game looks really intricate with great animation, an expansive RPG system, a huge open world environment, different kinds of enemies, numerous weapon modifiers, etc. This game is also debuting on Game Pass, so everyone should give it a chance. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II Release Date: 9/9/24 My experience with the Warhammer 40,000 universe is pretty limited, but I didn’t mind Boltgun. Space Marine II looks awesome with visceral and frantic combat. I’m catching some vibes from Gears of War and Doom. This game might be too difficult and frustrating for a less competitive player like me, but it looks super entertaining. Sometimes it’s fun to turn off your brain and go in with guns blazing. It also seems like you have a chainsaw in this game, which is an absolute necessity in such a chaotic battleground. Let’s go! Those are the games on my radar from Gamescom 2024. Don’t forget to check out last week’s post about Gamescom if you haven’t already. What did you think about Gamescom this year? Are you looking forward to any specific games next year? Leave a comment. September and October are very busy months for new games. So, I’ll post more reviews at some point. We’re also getting The Game Awards on December 12. That means we’re getting more gaming news, announcements, and release dates at the end of the year. Next week, I’ll give you something a little different. Maybe I’ll review the gladiatorial show called Those About to Die. I hope many of you have the day off for Labor Day. Take care of yourselves, treat each other with respect, and game on! Link to Announcements from Gamescom 2024: Part 1 www.stephaniekatoauthor.com/blog/announcements-from-gamescom-2024-part-1
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It’s time for Gamescom 2024! I watched and read the biggest news coverage for Gamescom; the most significant gaming event of the summer aside from Summer Game Fest. What caught my eye this year? I’m going to cover part of the announcements today and more next week. Let’s get started!
Avowed Release Date: 2/18/25 This massive RPG and Medieval fantasy is looking much better. The gameplay footage and graphics at Gamescom had a solid amount of polish and style. Obsidian gave a comprehensive gameplay presentation, which focused on mission structure, exploration, combat, boss encounters, and the overall RPG system. It definitely looks promising and intimidating at the same time. Avowed might be a good place holder for Elder Scrolls fans. Like all first party Xbox games, Avowed will debut on Game Pass. Atomfall Release Date: March 2025 Here’s another day one release on Game Pass. At the moment, Atomfall seems like a combination of Fallout, S.T.A.L.K.E.R., Metro, and BioShock. The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic version of England, circa 1957. We’ve already seen post-nuclear settings, but this one looks cool with an open world, resource management, several types of enemies, and a splash of magic or cosmic elements. This game looks more interesting during each presentation. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Release Date: 10/25/24 What’s going on? I’m actually getting hyped for a Call of Duty game. Activision provided an impressive showcase with a deep dive in combat, mission structure, and weapon assortment. I have to admit, this game looks quite fun with a number of zany enemy encounters and chase sequences. It’s not a realistic military shooter, which probably bodes well for someone like me. We also have the good fortune of playing it day one on Game Pass. Crimson Desert Release Date: Q2 of 2025 The video game industry has a strange fascination with Medieval fantasies. There’s a million of these settings on the market. Crimson Desert surprised me because it’s subverting my expectations. Currently, I would say it’s a blend of The Witcher, Dragon’s Dogma, and possibly the soulsborne genre. Is this game going to work for me? I can’t tell yet and the developer needs to show more gameplay during the next several months. Regardless, Crimson Desert appears to be a visceral, bloody, and intense experience that could prove very exciting. Borderlands 4 Release Date: 2025 2K revealed a short teaser trailer for the next Borderlands game. I can’t say the announcement was surprising because it was inevitable. Borderlands is probably 2K’s most profitable franchise. Honestly, I became disinterested with most of the Borderlands games. I enjoyed Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, but it’s a spinoff. The entire series focuses on the multiplayer fanbase, which probably contributes to my issues with the franchise. It seems like Borderlands 4 is aiming for a darker tone, so we’ll see if this one is a bit different than previous entries. Hopefully, it will be an entertaining ride. Date Everything! Release Date: TBA What a ridiculous and amusing premise. At first glance, this game appears to be a cozy renovation simulator. Nope! You can literally date all of the furniture and items in the house. I’m not sure how it works, but your character wears special glasses that give inanimate objects the ability to transform into people. At that point, you can have conversations, get to know these odd characters, and date them. Let’s just go with it. Date Everything! is worth a playthrough based on the absurd concept alone. Directive 8020: A Dark Pictures Game Release Date: 2025 The latest installment in The Dark Pictures Anthology seems like a considerable upgrade from previous entries. Directive 2080 is giving a lot of vibes from Alien and other deep space horror films. The teaser trailer showed a shape shifting entity than can mimic the astronauts. This game retains the dialogue choices from traditional choose-your-own adventures, but it also has a bigger emphasis on linear traversal, exploration, and puzzles. Usually, I enjoy this series, so the next installment will probably me a good choice for me. Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Release Date: 2/18/25 Naturally, this graphic adventure from Don’t Nod was delayed to 2025. I imagine the developer is trying avoid friendly fire with Life is Strange: Double Exposure. So far, it seems like Bloom & Rage features a group of teenagers in 1995 who are keeping a dark secret. Some time later, the kids are adults and their secret is in jeopardy. The aesthetic and story reminds me of Stranger Things. I have a feeling this game is going t0 have some Lovecraftian and cosmic elements. Mafia: The Old Country Release Date: TBA Apparently, we’re finally getting another Mafia game. The next entry is going to be a prequel that takes place in Sicily. 2K didn’t show any gameplay and I’m sure the project is in early development. I’ll bet The Old Country won’t come out for a couple of years. Can this next game make the Mafia franchise relevant again? I guess it depends on the game’s quality and the public’s general interest at the time. Something like GTA 6 might ruin the hype train for Mafia. Win or lose, I’m definitely looking forward to this game. Mouse: P.I. for Hire Release Date: TBA Mickey Mouse is public domain now, which opened the floodgate for a bunch of movies and video games. Mouse: P.I. for Hire is an action game and first person shooter with an animation style in the vein of Steamboat Willie. It’s also a violent and gritty noir game with guns, blood, mobsters, etc. Believe me. This game isn’t for kids. Granted, the violence is comedic and a clever parody of early Disney animation. It also makes me think of Bendy and the Ink Machine. I appreciate unique games, so this one is on my wish list. Neo Berlin 2087 Release Date: TBA I have mixed thoughts about this ambitious cyberpunk thriller. Neo Berlin 2087 appears to be an open world AAA game in the vein of Cyberpunk 2077. It’s also taking many aesthetic choices from the Blade Runner movies. The trailer showed cinematic cutscenes and gameplay, which seems visually impressive and rough at the same time. This game might be a decent showcase on current gen consoles and high end PCs. However, the combat looks underdeveloped and clunky. I shouldn’t be too critical because the game is probably deep in development. I would be surprised if it comes out any earlier than 2026. Star Wars Outlaws Release Date: 8/30/24 You’re probably getting tired of hearing about the upcoming Star Wars game. Ubisoft actually provided a very impressive showcase that redeemed some of my earlier concerns. For a while, I felt worried about the gameplay and exploration. Star Wars Outlaws just felt like another open world Ubisoft game. Now it’s looking much better with polished combat, an interesting faction system, and multiple story options. The protagonist is little more than a Han Solo clone, but that part doesn’t bother me. Let’s see how it goes at the end of the month. Unknown 9: Awakening Release Date: 10/18/24 We finally have a release date for this new IP from Bandai Namco. Unknown 9 is a bit difficult to explain. It’s a blend of sci-fi and fantasy with a linear structure. The game feels a bit like Shadows of Mordor with a gameplay system that allows the protagonist to teleport, possess enemies, and use spectral abilities. It could be magical fantasy setting on a desert planet like Dune. I’m still learning about this game, but it’s coming out in October. We don’t have to wait very long. We Harvest Shadows Release Date: TBA The developer called this game anti-cozy. I’ll let you think about that label. I would call it a survival horror game. We Harvest Shadows takes place on an abandoned farm. I’m not sure if the setting is post-apocalyptic or maybe the protagonist has a phobia of people. This game has quiet moments of storytelling, puzzles, and exploration. It also includes stealth sections, chase sequences, monsters, and maybe a little bit of combat. Are the monsters real or just a figment of the player’s imagination? I suppose we’ll find out when the game debuts. Will: Follow the Light Release Date: 2025 This game appears to be a post-apocalyptic walking simulator with similarities to Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture. I don’t believe it’s going to have combat. To my knowledge, this game has an emphasis on traversal, exploration, and moving the plot forward. It might have some puzzles, but we’ll see how it goes. If you like games that have a big emphasis on storytelling and character development, Will: Follow the Light might be a good choice. I just hope the story and ending isn’t too depressing. That’s all for today. I will give you more games and announcements next week. Gamescom was pretty solid, but most of the games were already announced earlier this year. The trailers and gameplay showed a lot of progress, so I’m feeling really good about the 2024 release schedule and part of 2025. I think 2025 is going to be another busy year for gamers. Thank you for visiting my blog and I’ll see you next week. |
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