Summer Game Fest has become the focus of the gaming world since the disappearance of E3. This year’s edition featured a wide range of exciting games but something was not right — the absence of a single woman onstage, pointed out The Verge. During the almost two-hour showcase, host Geoff Keighley didn’t call on a single woman to the stage. But as far as games go, there were plenty of reveals. Here are some top moments.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
There’s a lot of new footage and clarity about the game. We caught a glimpse of Cloud, Aerith and the rest of the party traversing fields of the world outside of Midgar. They are riding Chocobos, exploring towns, and discussing Sephiroth’s return. And Red XIII is joining the party as a playable fighter. Arriving to PS5 in early 2024.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Peter Parker and Miles Morales battle a series of new enemies, including Venom and Kraven the Hunter. Parker also has the newfound black Symbiote suit, which begins to alter his personality. Game director Bryan Intihar has shared some information about one of the game’s villains, Kraven the Hunter. Intihar said that Kraven was unlike any character they’ve ever featured because he is not about superpower. Coming on October 20.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Ubisoft has a new side-scrolling action platformer called Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. Instead of taking on the role of the titular prince, Lost Crown wants players to rescue him as Sargon, a new hero, and part of a group called The Immortals. Release date: January 18 for all platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One, as well as on PC through the Epic Games Store and on Amazon Luna.
Mortal Kombat 1
Mortal Kombat 1 takes place in a new universe created by Fire God Liu Kang. This new trailer offers a look at Mortal Kombat 1 gameplay systems, including fatalities and the Kameo Fighter system. The latter is a second character selection screen. The extended gameplay showcases some gruesome fatalities and characters like Liu Kang, Sub Zero, Scorpion and Raiden. Launches on September 19.
Fortnite Wilds
Japanese cyberpunk is being replaced by a nature-themed season. The new season is called Wilds and it has a new jungle biome on the map and Optimus Prime is in the game now.
Sonic Superstars
Sonic the Hedgehog is returning with a modern look. The Sega Genesis mascot stars in Sonic Superstars, which a fresh take on the 2D platform franchise. The classic 16-bit graphics has been traded in for a fresh coat of paint. The game’s trailer begins with the cartoon hedgehog completing the Green Hill Zone in the 1991 original and then comes a split-screen view, bringing him to 2023. There is also the well-known supporting cast, including Tails, Knuckles and Amy Rose. The mission is to take down Dr. Eggman. Coming this fall.
Alan Wake 2
Alan Wake 2 is arriving in October. The gameplay demonstration had a creepy pace. One of Alan Wake 2’s marquee new features is the new playable character, Saga Anderson. She explores an abandoned general store in the woods near Cauldron Lake before taking on a Taken. The game launches on October 17 on the PC, PS5, and Xbox.
Like a Dragon Gaiden
The game is coming to PlayStation, Xbox, and PC in November, with a fighter pack available for those who pre-order. Once a legendary yakuza, Kazuma Kiryu faked his own death and abandoned his name for the sake of protecting his family. Now, he is thrust into conflict by a mysterious figure attempting to drive him out of hiding.
Star Trek: Infinite
The upcoming strategy game is set a few decades before Star Trek: The Next Generation and a full reveal for the game will take place on Picard Day, that is, June 16. The game will allow players to take control of one of the four biggest powers in the Star Trek galaxy. You can play as either the United Federation of Planets, Romulan Star Empire, Cardassian Union or the Klingon Empire.
The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria
We’ve had the first look of the co-op, survival crafting gameplay. Console versions of the game are in development for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S console systems and are scheduled to launch simultaneously with the Windows PC version via the Epic Games Store in fall 2023. The only survival crafting video game set in the Fourth Age of Middle-earth, the iconic fantasy world created by J.R.R. Tolkien, the game follows the Dwarves as they embark on adventures to reclaim and restore their Dwarven homeland of Moria.
Toxic Commando
John Carpenter is helping make a new game called John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando. What we gather from the brief trailer is that you will be taking on zombies — plenty of it — in a first-person shooter. It is set to launch in 2024 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.