Big Geoff had world premiers and new footage aplenty for the first in person presentation since the pandemic. Fresh gameplay, Epic cinematics and even an appearance from the long shelved Dead Island 2, that IS NOT on an island! Here is MY top 10:
10. Everywhere
A studio full of familiar faces in Build a Rocket boy, helmed by former GTA producer Leslie Benzies finally revealed a sneak peak of their new game that “Blurs the lines between reality and the digital world” in Germany. Details were scarce but we know it is a game that encourages players to build the world they want to play in. An ambitious project, no doubt but with a broad 2023 release date, could be her sooner than later.
9. Dune: Awakening
While a little bit of me died inside when “MMO” came up at the end, but there are few better worlds to get lost in than Frank Herbert’s Dune. The cinematic was epic and really captured the feel of the latest iteration of the movie with shades of Old republic’s famous cut scenes. May have hit the top three if it was a single player RPG.
8 .Wyrsong
Another brand new IP from a new studio. Very little was shown of the game but the tone and atmosphere was steeped in fantasy with the creepy voiceover. Knowing it is helmed by RPG vets from games like: Fallout 3, New Vegas, Skyrim and more was enough for it to make the list.
7. Sonic Frontiers
After the lukewarm reception to the first look at state of play, it was great to see Sonic’s new foray into 3-D looking in MUCH better shape here. The world looked far more full of life, locations busting with color and variety. Not to mention we even got some hints towards the story here. Blue Blur fans will also be delighted to know it stays on track for a November release.
6. Gotham Knights
Much like Sonic, Gotham Knights has looked good, bad and in between in each new bit of footage we have seen. Thankfully, the new footage shown in Germany looked CRISP. More gameplay mechanics revealed, combat looked more heavy hitting, graphics looked polished and we got glimpses of Harley and Mr. Freeze as the villains of the story. Enough improvements were visible to shoot it back up my most wanted list and the moving forward of the release date was also a nice surprise.
5. The Lords of the Fallen
Another non gameplay reveal and rather than simply calling it Lords of the Fallen 2, Hexworks has whacked a “The” on the front. What a cinematic it was though … a magical knight with a mystic lamp fighting some kind of demon on a three headed dragon as epic rock music plays. As a fan of the first, sign me up !
4. Atlas Fallen
A new IP from Focus Ent really caught the eye. A male and female protagonist suggesting we may see Co-op. Had serious RPG fantasy vibes as you fly across dunes of sand using your powers to fight monsters and fallen gods. Not much was revealed in terms of gameplay but what we did see in the final half of the trailer looked intriguing. Time well tell when it is released in 2023.
3. Callisto Protocol
Already one of my most anticipated games of the year and when Glen Showed up with the Blazer/Polo combo, you knew we were in for a treat. Much more gameplay was revealed as we got a look at enemy “mutations” where, left unchecked, can turn the tide of the fight as well as some GORY previews of the game over screens. The game looked super polished and thankfully remains on track for it’s December release.
2. Moonbreaker
Perhaps the biggest shock of the show was when Sunautica Devs: Unknown worlds, announced a complete left turn from Life sims to a Fantasy figurine, tactical board game. The world was crafted alongside famous author Brandon Sanderson and you can PAINT YOUR OWN TOYS! Not a genre I usually jump on but the premise and cool customization has it firmly on my radar with it coming later this year.
1. Lies of P
Whether it is soulslike fever post Elden Ring or the insatiable longing for a PC port of Bloodbourne, Lies of P stole the show in Cologne. An industrial revolution style gothic fantasy that mirrors the harsh Yharnam piques your interest instantly but that kicked in to overdrive when it was revealed your actually Pinocchio. Coming day 1 to Game pass and bagging the most anticipated PS game of the show suggested the conference was just as interested. We got some slithers of story and the slow methodically gameplay we have come to expect from soulslikes with Automatons taking the place of the Werewolves of Bloodbourne. The game is slated for a 2023 release.
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