S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: HEART OF CHORNOBYL Gets GAMESCOM Trailer

Having had a substantial presence at this year's Gamescom, GSC Game World certainly looked to generate hype for S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chornobyl, with the first-person shooter survival horror set to arrive November 20th. Between extensive gameplay reveals and in depth discussions, the developers have definitely done a tremendous job of advertising their upcoming release, dropping a brand new trailer in addition to all this.

The trailer sees the return of S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Clear Sky protagonist, Scar, with the iconic character giving us, and its new protagonist, an introduction to this bleak world. Explaining how the anomalies have spread beyond the Zone, Scar would later divulge the fact that there's two sides to the Zone. On one side there's the dark, which players ironically see all the time. On the flip side there's the light, which can't be seen.

Having been in development as far back as 2012, the game has been a long time coming, with various delays preventing its release. Now that the game is just around the corner, it is finally safe for fans to get excited, with everything we've seen from this year's Gamescom only adding to its anticipation. Whether the game will prove to be a hit or a miss is yet to be seen, but thankfully we won't have much longer to find out.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chornobyl is set to arrive on Xbox Series X/S and PC on November 20th, coming to Game Pass day one. 

KILLING FLOOR III Gets a Crawl Reveal at GAMESCOM

Are you ready to kill some zeds? Popular co-op survival horror, Killing Floor is set to return in the near future with its third instalment having been announced at last year's Gamescom. Developers Tripwire Interactive would return to the event this year, dropping a crawl reveal for Killing Floor III.

Introducing us to AS-06 (CRAWLER), the video gives us a look at the latest incarceration of these vicious foes. Being small, but mighty these grotesque creatures look as terrifying as ever, with their agile design sure to cause further problems for gamers heading into its latest instalment. The short clip also hints at a specimen being introduced, giving us a glimpse at specimen ID: RIT-6.

Over its prior two instalments, Killing Floor has proven to be a fast paced first-person shooter, with its round based system allowing players to mow down zeds to earn dosh (in game currency). This can then be spent between rounds to either upgrade current weapons or buy new ones, with ammo, armour and health supplements also being available at the trader. This latest entry looks to become its best yet, with the improved graphics and creatures designs making it a game worth adding to your wishlist. 

Killing Floor III is set to arrive on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC in 2025.

HARRY POTTER: QUIDDITCH CHAMPIONS Takes Flight in GAMESCOM Trailer

Ever wanted to fly a broomstick or catch the Golden Snitch for your House team? Well soon you can with Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions close on the horizon. In the build-up to its release, Warner Bros. Games and developers Unbroken Studios would appear at this year's Gamescom, dropping their latest trailer at the event.

Blending together gameplay footage and clips from the various films, the trailer explains exactly what this game is all about. From scoring goals as a Chaser, to battering the opposition as a Beater, and even catching the Golden Snitch as a Seeker, the game will allow players to immerse themselves into this wizarding sport. It's also set to feature various well known settings outside Hogwarts, with both the Burrow and Quidditch World Cup set to appear in the game.

The absence of Quidditch in Hogwarts Legacy was a massive blow to many fans, with the idea of a fluid Quidditch experience being something fans have dreamt of for years. Though it is yet to be seen whether this will be a House Cup winner or feel like getting hit by a Bludger, it is certain to entice fans, with its release, for many, not coming soon enough.

Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions is set to arrive on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC on September 3rd, coming to Nintendo Switch at a later date.

Powers Unveiled for LIFE IS STRANGE: DOUBLE EXPOSURE at GAMESCOM

Life is Strange is set to return later in the year, with a familiar face returning to the franchise. As we draw closer to its release, Square Enix and developers Deck Nine look to generate interest in its latest instalment, showcasing the new powers that Max Caulfield will have in Life is Strange: Double Exposure whilst at this year's Gamescom event.

Being all about gameplay, this video gives us an insight into the new powers that will feature in this fourth main instalment. Seeing the return of the series’ original protagonist Max Caulfield, the game will have players investigating the murder of her friend, using her chaotic powers in an attempt to undo this crime. This time around gamers won't simply be able to turn back time, but rather jump between alternative timelines.

As much as the series has continued to impress over the years, it's failed to capture the same spark that the original had. Hopefully the return of its original protagonist will see a change to this, with the new powers begging to be explored. What will be interesting about this shake up, is if all these alternative timelines will confuse the narrative, with the video itself highlighting that Max herself might forget what timeline she's in at any given time.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure is set to arrive on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and PC on October 29th.

STAR WARS OUTLAWS Gets Launch Trailer at GAMESCOM

We're a week removed from the launch of Star Wars Outlaws, with Ubisoft+ subscribers and those that have pre-ordered the Gold or Ultimate editions getting access three days early. Looking to maintain hype in the build-up to its release, Ubisoft have given us an official launch trailer, dropping it at this year's Gamescom event.

Displaying a mixture of cinematics and gameplay footage, the trailer does an amazing job of setting the tone for this upcoming game. Introducing us to the game's protagonist, Kay Vess, and her scavenger driven story, the video would also give us another look at the landscape of this open world, with the galaxy far, far away looking as gorgeous as ever. Mix in a bit of the games third-person perspective and we're left with a trailer that's sure to entice leading to the games imminent launch.

Since its announcement back in 2021, this has been a game on many Star Wars fans' radar, with the open world aspects being a refreshing change from what we were used to during EA's reign over the franchise. Though it's yet to be seen whether Ubisoft will succeed in their bold new direction, there is a lot of interest in the product, with its post launch DLC featuring fan favourites Lando Calrissian and Hondo Ohnaka sure to entice fans.

Star Wars Outlaws is set to arrive on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC on August 30th, being available 3 days early for Ubisoft+ subscribers and those that have pre-ordered the Gold or Ultimate editions.

NEW Trailer for RETRIEVAL at GAMESCOM

It's been a busy couple of days at Gamescom, with the event seeing an abundance of highly anticipated games featured. Amongst these we got another look at upcoming cinematic horror survival, Retrieval, with developers 333Studio dropping a brand new trailer at the event.

Visually speaking this is one of the best trailers at the event so far, with the gore practically dripping off the screen. Being entirely cinematic focused, the trailer shows the dark and dingy setting of Retrieval, with protagonist Hana finding herself stranded in a “mysterious retrofuturistic subway base.” It also highlights the horrors lurking within, with it sure to be a frightful fight to survive for Hana.

Though it is still unknown when this visually stunning horror will arrive, we do know that it will launch on both PC and console. Nevertheless, the product that 333Studios, with the help of NIVIDIA and PlayStation, have showcased at Gamescom shows tons of potential, being one that gamers should keep an eye on in the months to come.

Retrieval is set to arrive on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC at an undisclosed date. 

SNIPER ELITE: RESISTANCE Announced at GAMESCOM

Vive la Résistance, Rebellion announce a new Sniper Elite game is in the works. Having shared footage from their upcoming Atomfall game at Gamescom, the Oxford based developers would also unveil Sniper Elite: Resistance, dropping a trailer at the event.

Focusing predominantly on cinematics, the trailer gives us our first look at occupied France during World War II. It also showcases some of the gameplay mechanics, including the first-person perspective and slow motion kills that the series is known for. The game is also set to retain its x-ray kill cam, and will also include new Propaganda missions and online multiplayer.

The game is set to take place parallel to the events of Sniper Elite 5, seeing players take control of special operations executive Harry Hawkins as he travels through occupied France. On this journey gamers will once again fight against Nazis, in search of a powerful weapon that could secure victory for the Axis powers.

Sniper Elite: Resistance is set to arrive on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC in 2025, coming to Game Pass day one.

LITTLE NIGHTMARES III Gets Friendship Trailer at GAMESCOM

The release of Little Nightmares back in 2017 was a breath of fresh air for the puzzle-platform genre, as despite not quite breaking the mould, its charm and horror elements proved captivating beyond belief. Bandai Namco along with developers Supermassive Games are set to release the latest entry of the series, Little Nightmares III, next year, with the piblisher dropping a trailer at this year's Gamescom.

Focusing on the game's two main characters, the trailer highlights the co-operative nature of this latest release, showing how players must work together to overcome the various horrors. In doing so, it gives us a look at the various new gameplay elements, with the platforming and puzzle solving looking as mesmerising as ever. The bleak nature of the world our characters explore also looks darker and dingier than in prior instalments, with the developers doing an amazing job of balancing the lighting of this game.

Though the game is set to focus on co-operative gameplay, it will also feature a single player option, with gamers being paired with an AI companion instead. It does, however, look like it will be more enjoyable alongside friends, with communication and strategy sure to cause some friction. Though no exact release date has been announced as of yet, the game is expected to arrive at some point in 2025.

Little Nightmares III is set to arrive on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC in 2025.

FIRST LOOK at CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS 6 Campaign at GAMESCOM

Activision are in full gear with their ad campaign for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, looking to get gamers hyped prior to the release of its early access beta. Whilst at this year's Gamescom developers, Raven Software, would go one step further to generate interest, showcasing the “Most Wanted” level from the games campaign. 

Given the negative reaction that the Modern Warfare 3 campaign got last year, there was a lot of pressure on delivering a solid one this time around. If this example is anything to go off, it looks as if Raven Software will certainly deliver on this goal. Showcasing the fluid first-person gameplay that we've come to know from the series, the video definitely gives the impression that this will be a fun addition to the franchise. The slick cinematics and addition of a weapons wheel for supplements also proves enticing, being sure to leave gamers intrigued to jump into the beta at the end of the month.

Being a follow-up to Black Ops Cold War, this latest instalment will take place in the early ’90s, seeing the return of franchise favourites including Frank Woods and Russell Adler. The campaign will show the period of transition following the Cold War, with the rise of America as a single superpower.

In addition to Black Ops 6 gameplay, Activision would also announce a new operator skin for Modern Warfare 3 and War Zone, partnering up with The Crow. Arriving today, the skin comes just in time for the upcoming movie's release, allowing players to fight online as Eric Draven.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is set to arrive on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC on October 25th, coming to Game Pass day one.

KINGDOM COME: DELIVERANCE II Gets NEW Trailer at GAMESCOM

Having recently pushed the release date of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II to February 11th, 2025, Warhorse Studios would promise to have a presence at this year's Gamescom. Not being ones to lie, the Prague based developers would indeed make themselves known at the event releasing several video packages, including a brand new trailer.

The most noticeable aspect of the various trailers and videos that Warhorse Studios have released so far, is how impressive the graphics are in comparison to its predecessor. This is no different in this latest trailer, with the clip teasing how the war against the Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund comes to fruition. It also gives us a glimpse at the gameplay, showcasing some gruesome and bloody combat.

The game will once again follow Henry, a humble blacksmith from Skalitz, as he fights through 15th century Bohemia. Following in line with its predecessor, the game will give players the option to approach missions and tasks in various different manners, resulting in unique interactions with NPCs.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is set to arrive on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC on February 11th, 2025.

SPINE Gets Gameplay Trailer at GAMESCOM

What do you get when you put Cyberpunk 2077, Mirrors Edge and Christie Monteiro from Tekken in a blender? Spine, an upcoming game from developers Nekki seems to be all this and more, with the third-person shooter/beat ‘em up looking dynamic to say the least. Featuring at this year's Gamescom, the game would showcase various gameplay footage, with the studio dropping a trailer at the event.

Having a high octane and futuristic look to it, this trailer with the tagline “This is Gun Fu,” is sure to entice fans, showing tons of potential. Feeling like a combination of so many different action movies and video games, the video showcases a futuristic world that seems more exciting than its counterparts. It also displays a unique gameplay profile, marrying the best parts of several different styles.

Though there isn't a release schedule at the minute, we do know that the game will release on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC, with the developers promising to “immerse players in its world and story through action, not just cutscenes,” focusing on fluid movement and combat. 

Spine is set to arrive on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC at an undisclosed date.

ATOMFALL Gets a GAMESCOM Trailer

Ever wondered what a British set Fallout style game would look like? Though you can technically do this through the Fallout 4 mod, Fallout: London, Sniper Elite developers, Rebellion, looks to bring a more polished take on post-apocalyptic Britain in Atomfall. Though this isn't quite the same as Bethesda's beloved series, the studio appears to deliver something exceptional, dropping a gameplay trailer at this year's Gamescom. 

Inspired by real life events, the trailer shows the desolate Lake District setting, having been turned to ruin following a nuclear disaster. The video goes on to show various gameplay and cinematic aspects of the game, capturing the feel of Northern England perfectly. 

Having first been revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase in June, the game proves to be a massive swerve from what the developers are used to producing. Delivering a charming, yet bleak look, the game certainly looks to appeal to British gamers, with the slightly over the top accents adding to the rural tone of the game.

Atomfall is set to arrive on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC in March 2025, coming to Game Pass day one. 

2K Announce MAFIA: THE OLD COUNTRY at GAMESCOM

The Mafia franchise is set to return, with Hanger 13 and 2K Games currently working on the series first brand new entry since 2016's Mafia III. Making an appearance at this year's Gamescom, the developers would announce Mafia: The Old Country, dropping a teaser trailer for the upcoming prequel.

Now the trailer might not give us much, living up to what a teaser should be, but boy does it entice. Set in 1900s Sicily, the game will explore the “origins of organised crime.” Despite not giving us any actual gameplay footage, it does set the tone for this prequel, having a classic feel to it.

Having first announced development of a brand new entry in 2022, this latest project from Hanger 13 has been a long time coming. Much like with the Borderlands 4 announcement, 2K would reveal that Mafia: The Old Country is set for a 2025 release, launching during parent company Take-Two's fiscal year 2026. This means that the game should arrive sometime between April 2025 and the end of 2025. If the wait feels too long, however, 2K have you covered with the previous Mafia games currently being up to 80% off on both Steam and the Microsoft Store.

Mafia: The Old Country is set to arrive on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC in 2025.

DYING LIGHT: THE BEAST Announced at GAMESCOM

Having had their opening night showcase yesterday, Gamescom has already given us tons of games to get hyped for in the coming year. Another to add to that list is the officially announced Dying Light: The Beast, with developers Techland dropping their first trailer for the game at the event.

The trailer sees a tactical unit searching the woods before quickly cutting to the familiar face of Kyle Crane. Having been in captivity and experimented on for thirteen years, Crane finally manages to escape, looking for revenge on his captors. The trailer would then go on to highlight the mixture of first-person hack-n-slash/shooter and parkour gameplay that the series is known for, whilst displaying the enhanced graphics of this latest entry.

Originally scheduled as DLC for Dying Light 2: Stay Human, The Beast would evolve into something much bigger, with Techland deciding to develop it as a stand-alone game. Though no release schedule is known as of yet, we do know that it will allow both solo and up to four-player co-op gameplay, with shared progression. It has also been speculated that the game might be available free of charge for those that purchased the Ultimate Edition of Dying Light 2: Stay Human, given that it was originally scheduled as DLC, though the developer has since gone on the fence regarding this decision.

Dying Light: The Beast is set to arrive on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC at an undisclosed date.

FIRST LOOK at LOST RECORDS: BLOOM & RAGE at GAMESCOM

Don't Nod, the studio behind Life is Strange was at this year's Gamescom, advertising their latest game Lost Records: Bloom & Rage. Sticking with their narrative driven roots, the developer would give us a brand new gameplay trailer, announcing that the game will release in two parts on February 18th (Tape 1) and March 18th 2025 (Tape 2).

Taking place over the course of 27 years, the trailer shows how four friends; Nora, Autumn, Kat and Swann come together to form a band. Despite being sparse on divulging too much information, the clip does highlight that something questionable has clearly happened since this formation, with the friends reuniting to confront their past.

Having established themselves in this genre, Don't Nod look to have another winner on their hands. Continuing with a character driven narrative that we saw in the first two Life is Strange games and Tell Me Why, the studio looks to be putting even more control into the players hands. Not only will player choice dictate how the characters react to one another, but players will also have the ability to both ignore and interrupt others whilst they're speaking. As for the mystery behind our protagonists reuniting, that is yet to be explored. But it is sure to be worth exploring over the game's two part Tapes.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is set to arrive on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC on February 18th (Tape 1) and March 18th 2025 (Tape 2).

DIRECTIVE 8020 Announce Trailer at GAMESCOM

It's hard to believe that it's already been the better part of two years since the last main instalment of The Dark Pictures Anthology. Despite their Switchback VR coming out last year and the knowledge that Supermassive Games have trademarked several IP names for potential sequels, there hasn't been much news since then other than a brief teaser. That's all changed now, however, with the developers dropping their first trailer for Directive 8020 at this year's Gamescom.

The short video shows a change in direction for The Dark Pictures Anthology, with Directive 8020 going down the sci-fi route. In doing so the game will follow Brianna Young, an astronaut who crash lands on a planet 12 light-years from Earth. What she'll find there isn't likely to be pleasant, however, and if this trailer is anything to go off it appears creepy doppelgangers will be involved.

Having launched back in 2019 with Man of Medan, The Dark Pictures Anthology has proven to be an enticing horror franchise. The narrative driven gameplay, along with the influence that player choice has on its progression has made these games extremely interactive and replayable. What Supermassive Games has accomplished through this is truly breathtaking, with the bold way they explore the horror genre sure to have fans eagerly awaiting Directive 8020.

Directive 8020 is set to arrive on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC in 2025.

INDIANA JONES AND THE GREAT CIRCLE Finally Gets Release Date at GAMESCOM

Having first been announced back in 2021, developers MachineGames have given us plenty of teasers for their upcoming Indiana Jones and Great Circle game. Well now we finally have a release date, with the developers giving us a release trailer at this year's Gamescom. The trailer would reveal that the game will launch on December 9th, coming to Xbox Series X/S and PC. More surprising, however, is that the game will in fact get a PlayStation 5 release, coming to the console Spring 2025.

Narrated by Indiana Jones voice actor, Troy Baker, the video gives us a look at some of the gameplay mechanics, highlighting its first-person perspective. The trailer also showcases the various settings in which the game will take place, with Baker talking about his excessive at playing Indy and allowing fans to share in his dream.

The game will take place between the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark and Last Crusade, allowing players to take control of Indy as he investigates an ancient power that is connected to the Great Circle. On his journey, the gutsy archaeologist will take on Nazis and Blackshirts, visiting the Vatican, Egyptian pyramids, Sukhothai temples and Shanghai along the way. All he'll be hoping for is to avoid meeting any snakes.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is set to arrive on Xbox Series X/S and PC on December 9th, coming to Game Pass day one. It will launch on PlayStation 5 in Spring 2025.

BORDERLANDS 4 Announced at GAMESCOM

Gamescom 2024 is here, with the event hosting its opening night showcase yesterday. Displaying a plethora of video game trailers, with many more announcements still to come, the event has already given gamers plenty to salivate over. First up on the main show was an announcement trailer for Borderlands 4, with Gearbox Software looking to revive their franchise following the heavily criticised movie adaptation.

Now the trailer doesnt actually go on to reveal much, showing an Eridium fueled asteroid colliding into a planet, and a robotic arm picking up a Psychos mask. Nevertheless this is exactly what fans have been clamouring for, being the shot of positivity that the franchise needs to bounce back from the film.

Though no exact release date us known as of now, publishers 2K Games would reveal that it will launch in 2025, during parent company Take-Two's fiscal year 2026. What this means is that the game is expected to fall in a release window between April 2025 and the end of 2025. Though this means we'll be in for a bit of a wait, potentially, I'm sure that Gearbox Software and 2K will drop plenty of teasers and trailers to further elevate hype.

Borderlands 4 is set to arrive on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC in 2025.

NEO BERLIN 2087 Gets Gameplay Trailer Ahead of GAMESCOM

Gamescom is just around the corner, with up and coming developers Elysium Game Studio using the platform to showcase an upcoming project. The game in question is Neo Berlin 2087, a dystopian sci-fi thriller that promises to deliver a narrative driven story in a cyberpunk world. Though little is known of the project, so far, the developers look to generate hype giving us a brand new gameplay trailer.

Having a Blade Runner meets Deus Ex feel to it, this AA game doesn't appear to be shying away from the various movies, TV shows and games that have inspired it. In this two plus minute video alone it is easy to spot several similarities to other products, not including the two mentioned before. Despite this, the trailer does give gamers a taste of what's in store, showcasing the cinematics, as well as both the first-person and third-person options of this shooter. The fact that this is coming from a new developer also impresses, with the graphics being quite mesmerising given the limited budget it will be working off.

Though no update has been given regarding the games release window, we do know that it will be coming to Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC