It’s the most wonderful time of the year, the time for summer gaming events! And while E3 may be no more, there is still a mountain of gaming news that’s just come out thanks to Summer Game Fest and all the showcases that came with it. Kicking it all off, of course, was the Summer Game Fest Kickoff event. Gamers got close to 2 hours worth of gaming news, trailers, and reveals that had something for everyone. The showcase overall felt a little light compared to years past, but that by no means takes away from the excitement of what all was announced and shown off.
Let’s take a look at some of the highlights of what we saw at the SGF Kickoff Event:
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
The show kicked off with an awesome surprise: Prince of Persia is back with a brand new game! Gamers got their first look at a new side-scrolling game with a vibrant color scheme that expands on the Prince of Persia universe. This brand new entry in the Prince of Persia catalog launches on all platforms January 18, 2024.
Mortal Kombat 1
After its explosive reveal prior to SGF, fans got an extended look at the latest entry into the Mortal Kombat Series: Mortal Kombat 1. The game takes place in a brand new universe where familiar characters have new and different backstories. The fighting looks as brutal as ever and even features a new “kameo” mechanic that lets even more fighters get in on the fun. Check it out on PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S on September 19, 2023.
Nicolas Cage in Dead by Daylight
Seeing Nicolas Cage as a video game character and hearing his voice come out of it is not something I will ever get used to. This collaboration that brings him into Dead by Daylight as a playable survivor is somehow completely out of this world and yet makes total sense. Nic Cage is a larger than life character on his own and hopefully this won’t be his only foray into the world of video games. Maybe he and Keanu Reeves can do something together in this space.
Sonic Superstars
Everyone’s favorite blue hedgehog is back once again and this time, he’s back to doing what he does best. Sonic returns, along with his friends, for a new, 2D adventure. Play with up to 4 people as you race across levels in new and exciting ways that bring back the fond memories of classic Sonic with some modern enhancements. Sonic Superstars is coming to PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch this fall.
Lies of P
If you’ve ever wanted to play Dark Souls but in the world of Pinochio, I have some good news for you. If you think that sounds a little weird and you just want to play a dark fantasy game, I also have good news for you. Lies of P has a release date and a playable demo to check out. The premise feels a little odd but the gameplay and setting look incredible. Expect this one to blow folks away and be worth the time invested. Lies of P releases on September 19, 2023 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
Alan Wake 2
The highly anticipated sequel to Alan Wake is finally almost here. Gamers were treated to an extended look at gameplay as we see a 50/50 split between time as Alan Wake in the nightmare dimension and newcomer Saga Anderson, an FBI agent in the Pacific Northwest who is investigating a mystery. Alan Wake II launches on October 17, 2023 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando
If anyone told you they expected John Carpenter to be part of making a horror FPS game, I certainly wouldn’t have believed them. But that’s exactly what we are getting. Working with Saber Interactive and Focus Entertainment, the horror master is bringing us a co-op zombie shooter that looks like nonstop action and fun. Who would have thought? This one is coming to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S sometime in 2024
Spider-Man 2
Spider-Man 2 needs no introduction, but it did need a release date and fans finally got that. A cool new trailer and look at the official box art delivered the October 20 release date to much excitement and anticipation. It was also confirmed during this moment that the Venom in the game is not Eddie Brock. Just who is Venom in this new adventure? You’ll have to suit up and swing into the story on the PS5 come October to find out!
Twisted Metal
Put this one under unexpected but awesome ideas coming to life. Twisted Metal the TV show is coming out this July. A trailer showing Anthony Mackie’s character and the character of Sweet Tooth voiced by Will Arnett gave fans a preview of what the show is bringing. Expect action and humor and lots of car-on-car violence. Twisted Metal premieres on July 27 on Peacock.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Rounding out the show was a reveal that Geoff promised was huge and it delivered, at least to some degree. While it wasn’t an earth-shattering and totally unexpected title, the reveal of the next game in the Final Fantasy VII reboot trilogy was certainly a welcome surprise to fans. The trailer showed off gorgeous environments and Chocobo riding. It was confirmed the game is releasing early in 2024 and will be releasing on 2 discs for the PS5. Now that’s crazy.
There were quite a few other announcements and trailers mixed in throughout the show as well. Check out the list below with links to each trailer to see them all for yourself:
Path of Exile 2
Exoprimal x Street Fighter 6
The Witcher: Season 3 – Part 1
Witchfire
Honkai: Star Rail
Sand Land
Throne and Liberty
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Yes, Your Grace: Snowfall
Baldur’s Gate III
Palworld
Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis
Under the Waves
Xbox Series X – Porsche Edition
King Arthur: Legends Rise
Wayfinder
Stellaris Nexus
Space Trash Scavenger
Lysfanga: The Time Shift Warrior
Immortals of Aveum
Fortnite – New season
You can also check out the whole show in its entirety here.
Image from: Summer Game Fest
