What better way to celebrate gaming than a season of significant announcements and sneak-peak into upcoming titles? The Summer Game Fest gave us some significant insights into many new games. The event also gave some in-depth looks at previously announced games unveiled during the showcase, appropriately hyping us for the upcoming year and beyond.
Here are some of the biggest announcements.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
After a decade, we are receiving a new addition to the Prince of Persia series. A side-scrolling, action-adventure game called The Lost Crown appeals to Metroidvania lovers. This one may not be for everyone (especially older fans of the series), but it certainly holds a unique touch to it. There’s a more contemporary-looking protagonist, melee-focused fighting, loads of platforming, and several mystifying themes. The gameplay also reveals many mythological creatures. The game’s debut is scheduled on January 18, 2024.
Mortal Kombat 1
Mortal Kombat 1 takes a fresher and more modern spin on the franchise. The newest installment in the Mortal Kombat series seems to be a ‘new beginning,’ and the gameplay trailer certainly shows promise. We were shown many of our favorite characters, including Raiden, Sub-Zero, and Katana. A striking new feature is how players choose two characters from the roster (a primary fighter and a Kameo fighter). This gives a ‘tag-team’ trace to the gameplay and lets you call in special strikes. Naturally, the series’ recognizable fatalities and brutalities continue to exist with glorified graphics and new settings. The game’s release date is set for September 19, 2023.
Lies of P
For fans of soulslike games, Lies of P has been an absolute treat so far. We finally got a release date and 8 minutes of new gameplay footage. The game follows Pinocchio as he explores the plague-ridden city of Krat. The new gameplay shows us the game’s umbrella-parry system, hideous foes, and a whale submarine. We wonder what’s something like that doing in this kind of setting. Regardless, the more surprises, the merrier we are. Lies of P arrives September 19, 2023.
Alan Wake II
Alan Wake has returned. It has been 10 years since we last adventured across a horrifying setting and an absolutely gripping tale. Remedy Entertainment has shown much promise with the sequel’s first trailer, and we’re glad to see some more gameplay. The clip explored the new character Saga Anderson as she investigates a shuttered general store. On her way, she encounters a supernatural being wearing a deer mask. There’s gunplay here with a focus on detail. The new game will follow both Alan and Saga, with each character getting around 50% of the game’s runtime (according to the creative director). The sequel to Alan Wake will debut on October 17, 2023.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
From what we’ve seen so far, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 expands on everything its predecessor did right. In this sequel, Peter Parker and Miles Morales are back and working together. The game claims new opponents, a world twice the size of Spider-Man (2018)’s, and several new features. This includes a new system in which gameplay will be affected by Venom’s symbiote, as well as two manifestations of the famous hero. The game was a major highlight at Summer Game Fest. We got a better look at the game’s gorgeous box art and release date. On October 20, 2023, Spider-Man 2 will be available on PlayStation 5.
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is a new release from Dontnod. These are the folk that brought us Life is Strange. Strangely enough, the new game looks quite different and fascinating compared to their previous titles. Banishers is a fantasy narrative centered on Antea Duarte and Red mac Raith. These two lovers work together to chase ghosts in a world of supernatural creatures. But when one of their missions goes wrong, Antea is gravely injured and transformed into a spirit, forcing the two to deal with a problematic situation that may cause a rift in their relationship. Banishers will allow players to choose their own path as they experience this touching narrative, keeping the legacy of Dontnod games intact.
Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
This one’s for those who have loved the Yakuza games and those who are new to its style of gameplay. From the creators of the Like a Dragon/Yakuza series, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, this is a new spin-off title. The new title follows Kiryu as he hides in Daidoji Temple under the alias ‘Joryu’. This narrative roughly takes place between Yakuza 6 and Yakuza 8. The trailer shows us a glimpse of the story, along with some classic beat-’em-up action.
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We’ll keep updating this list as new games and areas of interest occur. Until then, let us know your thoughts in the comments down below.
