These are the highlights of the Summer Game Fest Showcase
The whole event lasted two hours. You can save yourself that time and pick out the most exciting game trailers here.
From bloody shooters to brightly coloured fantasy games and spooky underwater adventures, everything was represented at the Summer Game Fest Showcase. The E3 alternative event only had a few really big hits like "Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth" in its luggage. But there was also plenty to see away from blockbuster titles.
If you want to see our reactions to the trailers, you can check out our livestream here.
"Prince of Persia The Lost Crown"
With "Prince of Persia The Lost Crown", the series returns to its 2D roots. Although the platformer isn't really 2D either. Let's say 2.5D. There's a lot of jumping and at least as much fighting again. The oriental adventure continues on PC and consoles on 18 January.
"Mortal Kombat 1"
Series creator Ed Boon presented the first gameplay scenes from the next "Mortal Kombat". There are once again ultra-brutal Fatalitys and, for the first time, Kameo Fighters. They can be summoned in the game to carry out joint attacks. To be released on 19 September.
"John Carpenter's Toxic Commando"
Although I don't necessarily need any more zombie shooters, this trailer really appealed to me. Not just because the action against the hordes of the undead looks moody. The game comes from Saber Interactive, who are also responsible for the off-road simulator "Snowrunner". The trailer actually shows a towing scene through knee-deep mud. Together with the focus on vehicle-baller action and co-op mode, I'm so on board. Should be released soon.
"Alan Wake 2"
Sam Lake himself presented the new short trailer for the survival horror game. The creative director from developer studio Remedy didn't have much to say, but he was dressed to the nines. The trailer shows the new protagonist Saga fighting off a shadow monster. It looks very atmospheric and the action also seems to fit the bill. Released on 17 October for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series.
"Path of Exile"
For the first time in two years, there was a sign of life from the "Diablo" competitor. It was short but explosive and teased a major update for 28 July.
"Warhammer 40 000: Space Marine 2"
The co-op campaign of the bloody and powerful "Warhammer" shooter has been unveiled. So you can face the monster hordes with other Space Marines. And I really mean hordes - so much so that my mouse finger gets cramps just from watching. The game will be released at the end of the year.
"Under the Waves"
"Under the Waves" is an adventure game that is set exclusively underwater. In a fictional 70s scenario, you explore the depths of the North Sea. In the process, you also try to overcome a drama that awaits you on the surface. Looks original and atmospheric. Released on 29 August for PC and all consoles except Switch.
"Sonic Superstars"
A clear highlight of the show for Domi, Simon and me was the unveiling of the new 2D Sonic game. The colourful style and creative level design promise a lot of variety and a return to the classic game mode. It offers co-op and will be released in autumn for PC and all consoles.
"Baldur's Gate 3"
The role-playing game has been in beta for some time. Together with the introduction of Jason Isaacs as the antagonist Lord Enver Gortash, the release date was also announced. On 31 August, PC players will be able to start the finished version of the epic adventure.
"Lies of P"
One of the most impressive trailers was for the curious Pinocchio adaptation "Lies of P". The "Bloodborne"-like action role-playing game offers plenty of imaginative creatures that want to get at you. The game will be released on 19 September for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series. A demo is also available now.
"Sand Land"
I can't do anything with "Dragon Ball". "Sand Land" comes from the fantasy of the same creator - Akira Toriyama - but its playful world appeals to me. You play Beelzebub, Lucifer's son, and experience adventures in an inviting open world. Does not yet have a release date.
"Palworld"
"Pokémon" with guns and contemporary graphics. That's roughly how "Palworld" can be described. In a colourful fantasy open world, you hunt down cute monsters. Not only do they fight alongside you, you can also climb onto their backs and control them like a battle robot. Early Access starts in January 2024.
"Twisted Metal"
Although I'm looking forward to the series adaptation of the crazy car-fighting game, the trailer didn't really hit the spot. I remain hopeful because of cast members such as Anthony Mackie as John Doe and Will Arnett, who voices the psycho clown Sweet Tooth. The series starts in the USA on 27 July.
"The Witcher" season 3
Henry Cavill will play the Witcher one last time in the Netflix series. That's why he didn't attend the Summer Game Fest showcase in person. Instead, there was a short film with strange outtakes. In the third season, we will see, among other things, the mysterious Wild Hunt, which players know best from the third game. It starts on 29 June
Nicolas Cage in "Dead by Daylight"
Just as surprising as Keanus Reeves' appearance at the Xbox Showcase for "Cyberpunk 2077" was Nicolas Cage's visit to the Summer Game Fest Showcase. His digital likeness will soon be able to flee from killers in "Dead by Daylight". We have his son, who is a big fan of the multiplayer game, to thank for this. Even if the announcement itself wasn't new, the video is worth watching for the classically weird Nic Cage appearance.
"Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth"
At the end of the show came the highlight of the evening for most people: the first trailer for the second part of the "Final Fantasy 7" remake. It shows the well-known gang taking on purple tentacle monsters in their usual spectacular fashion. Also in the game is Red XIII, the talking dog with a flaming tail - don't ask. The game will be released for PS5 in early 2024.
The next big live event will be the Xbox Showcase on Sunday. Simon, Domi and I will be watching it together and commenting live.
Being the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.