The 7 stand-out games from Gamescom that I added immediately to my wishlist

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, let me tell you about my top picks from Gamescom 2024! First off, I must admit, Starfield didn’t quite tug at my heartstrings as Bethesda’s previous titles did, but Shattered Space has piqued my interest. The horror themes and close-quarters combat have me eager to delve back into the world of space exploration.

A week ago, I was on the second day of Gamescom 2024’s exhilarating ride—a gaming conference so vast it seemed like I might as well have walked around the Earth. More than half of that distance was dedicated to navigating the Xbox booth, its largest yet. By then, I had already tried numerous games that were starting to blur together into a single, pixelated delirium. However, with some perspective gained since returning home, seven games in particular left an indelible impression on me when I was in Cologne.

Here are some of my favorite selections from the show – some I had anticipated enjoying, while others were completely off my radar until this journey, but they have definitely made their way onto my must-haves list now. With the exception of one item (it’s not a video game), all will soon be available on Xbox.

Monster Hunter Wilds

The 7 stand-out games from Gamescom that I added immediately to my wishlist

As a dedicated fan of the Monster Hunter series, starting with Monster Hunter World and later playing Monster Hunter Rise through Xbox Game Pass, I eagerly anticipated diving into Monster Hunter Wilds. So far, it appears to be an enhanced, tougher, improved, faster, stronger iteration of its predecessor – exactly what one would hope for in a sequel, and sometimes, predictability can be a good thing.

In summary, although what I was playing seemed somewhat familiar at first, there were enough updates to maintain interest. I can’t wait to explore further with the Bow build once Monster Hunter Wilds releases on Xbox in 2025.

Winterburrow

The 7 stand-out games from Gamescom that I added immediately to my wishlist

A delightful game titled “Winter Burrow” was an ideal conclusion to an eventful first day at the conference. Developed by Pine Creek Games, it’s a captivating survival adventure with a homely feel. The storyline is straightforward: you play as a cute mouse, working to restore your childhood home. To achieve this, you must bravely face the elements and gather essential materials. Imagine Ark Survival, but instead of dinosaurs, you’re whacking beetles with a stick. As I played, the tensions from the day gradually dissipated as I gathered wood and stone for my in-game residence.

As a researcher delving into Winter Burrow, I find myself savoring the leisurely pace as I restore my fireplace, create a comfortable seating arrangement, and gradually adorn my tree stump abode with additional furniture. However, as darkness descends, the game becomes increasingly precarious; lingering outside for too long in the cold may lead to a chilling consequence – frostbite. This situation necessitates crafting a jumper and some warm pants for an upcoming expedition into the harsh wilderness. While traversing this frozen landscape, I’ve encountered shopkeepers stocked with essential crafting materials. The developers have hinted that players who prefer to steer clear of the game’s riskier aspects can accrue coins and purchase necessary items from these merchants.

As my time as a mouse was about to end, I deeply wished I could bring the game home with me on my Steam Deck. It appears tailor-made for handheld gaming and is where I’d savor it best—yet the game will also be available on Xbox Game Pass in 2025.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Amongst all the games discussed, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 truly stood out at the conference as my top pick. In my comprehensive Expedition 33 preview, I elaborate on why its stunning visuals and distinctive combat system make it shine. Notably, this game is a debut from the small studio Sandfall Interactive, and if the final product lives up to the hype, it could be a strong contender for game of the year.

King of Meat

Prior to the quirky trailer at Gamescom 2024, featuring an animated Geoff Keighley being pulled into its chambers of torture, King of Meat was completely off my radar. Yet, it was the first stop at the Xbox stand I visited, leaving me yearning for more gameplay. The hack-and-slash combat immerses you in a dystopian game show as part of a 4-player team within a co-op setting. Reminiscent of Happy Wars on the Xbox 360, its art style captivated me. The objective is straightforward: destroy everything, find treasure, and receive rewards for efficient smashing and locating targets. The platforming aspects are designed to prevent frustration, making it an enjoyable loop of smash, collect, and watch your score soar. Ideal indeed!

Avowed

My enthusiasm for the game Avowed has fluctuated with each new unveiling. At first, I was extremely thrilled by the initial sneak peek, suggesting a grim fantasy landscape—a more refined Skyrim, if you will. However, as further details surfaced, I must admit my excitement dwindled. The art style didn’t align with what I had imagined for a dark-themed fantasy game. But after witnessing the latest private gameplay session, I’m back on the bandwagon. Besides noticeable visual upgrades in the setting, Avowed truly excels in its questlines and dialogues. Drawing inspiration from The Outer Worlds and Pentiment, I am confident that if Obsidian can deliver, they will craft an engaging narrative with your choices mattering significantly, as evidently demonstrated during the demo. A fortunate colleague who got to play shared their experience playing Avowed for the first time. Much like in the mission I watched, there were several different outcomes possible for a single quest, with decisions that could even lead to a character’s demise. The choices you make have profound effects, and this also applies to character development, where abilities and treasures significantly influence your gameplay style. Throughout the demo, we spectators were prompted to make decisions that shaped the story’s progression, so I’m certain everyone who entered the Avowed booth that day had a unique experience.

I’m really glad that Avowed’s release has been pushed back to February 18, 2025. This extended wait gives the game more time to stand out amidst the busy holiday season. I can’t wait to be among those exploring the world of Eora when it eventually comes out!

Starfield: Shattered Space

For the first time, Bethesda’s DLC expansion for their space exploration RPG, Starfield: Shattered Space, is set to release on September 30. If you want to get a head start, you can purchase the premium upgrade at CD Keys now for $25.19. The base game is currently available through Xbox Game Pass. In this new chapter of Starfield, the story deepens with a more somber atmosphere. Introducing a distinct area designed specifically for the House Va’ruun faction, a cult dedicated to space serpent worship – at last, the blend of fantasy and sci-fi I’ve been waiting for!

Let me clarify, I had a great time playing Starfield, but its narrative didn’t stir up the same emotional response within me as previous Bethesda games. Yet, I could see the potential in it. I believe Shattered Space will address those gaps. The storyline revolves around a vortex that has shredded reality, unleashing grotesque creatures and leaning heavily into horror elements. You’ll be tracing blood trails to locate your crewmates, and based on the latest trailer, the combat appears more frenetic and hand-to-hand, featuring melee weapons such as a space sword.

Instead of the procedurally-generated landscapes, the shift back to intricately crafted narratives for Starfield promises a fresh revitalization, and I eagerly anticipate immersing myself in this change.

Console Wars: The Card Game

I saved the best for last, and it’s not even a video game. Console Wars: The Card Game takes something that isn’t fun at all—dealing with console warriors—and turns the toxic practice into a hilarious game. Created by our friends over at Xbox Era, the Kickstarter hit its target with ease long before the game arrived at Gamescom, but you can still back Console Wars today to secure your pack of cards and help the team hit their stretch goals, delivering even more additions to the deck.

If you enjoy games like Exploding Kittens and Unstable Unicorns, you’ll love Console Wars. Four of us sat around the table, each representing a platform. With our cards in hand, we each collected games, trying to turn them into fully-fledged franchises, all while hoping we had enough fans in our pile to support those projects. In Console Wars, without fans, you’re vulnerable—and their value varies between Casuals and Hardcore, even the Grans and the Karens.

During the course of the game, our business ventures were consistently undermined by other players employing devious strategies to seize followers and brands. They manipulated the market using cards and even implemented Battle Passes to boost their earnings, making the game progressively ruthless yet amusing as each round unfolded. Xbox Era has fashioned these cards in a way that it’s instantly clear why Call of Shooty, with its multiplayer aspect, is more lucrative than the single-player game Alan Woke. Console Wars satirizes some of the less favorable aspects of gaming communities, and I’ve already pledged my support so that I can engage in a competitive match with my PlayStation- and Nintendo-loving family once I receive my cards. However, let’s keep it a secret that I’ve already played and hold an advantage…

Over to you…

At Gamescom 2024, I caught a glimpse of several exciting games, and it’s clear that everyone’s list of standout titles will vary greatly. Among my circle of friends, there was immense anticipation for Star Wars Outlaws, Space Marine 2, and the long lines at events like Assassin’s Creed: Shadows didn’t go unnoticed. Unfortunately, due to the sheer scale of the event, it was impossible to see and play everything. I’d be curious to hear about your favorite games, whether you were there in person or watched from home. Feel free to share your picks below!

2024-08-29 21:10