A flurry of major gaming announcements were made at Germany's annual industry summit Gamescom. Photo: Sascha Thelen/dpa
COLOGNE: The recent Gamescom in Cologne, Germany may have lacked some of the big game makers such as Sony and EA, but there was still plenty of exciting new titles showcased by other publishers. Here’s a selection of what gaming fans can expect to see in the coming months.
"Starfield" (Publisher: Bethesda)
The people behind "Fallout" and "The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim" are unveiling their next new game world – which actually consists of a great many worlds. Launching for preview access from September 1st, "Starfield" lets players explore the galaxy in the 24th century.
With 'Starfield', Bethesda is launching its first entirely new game universe in more than 25 years. — Photo: Laura Ludwig/dpa
Fans can expect a great sci-fi role-playing game. The story starts with the main character discovering a mysterious alien artefact that is accompanied by a vision. On September 6th the game will be released to everyone on Xbox Series X/S and PCs with prices starting at around €70/US$75 (RM239 in Malaysia).
"Quadroids" (Publisher: Cosmocover)
This is a game for people with multitasking expertise. In "Quadroids" you control up to four cute robots simultaneously on a screen that’s divided into four squares.
'Quadroids' is a game that combines a 2D platformer with diverse puzzle elements. — Photo: Laura Ludwig/dpa
Each of the squares is assigned a button on the controller. In this way, players navigate the small robots through the 125 planned levels, which become increasingly difficult.
The game by French solo developer Guillaume Crouzille is scheduled for release in late 2023 for consoles and PCs. A price has not yet been announced.
"Monster Hunter Now" (Publisher: Niantic)
Niantic, the developer behind "Pokémon Go," is venturing into a new yet familiar gaming world. "Monster Hunter Now" is reminiscent in very many ways of the mobile game that has been successful for years.
Players move outside with their phones, discovering – and fighting – monsters at special locations. New weapons and equipment can be created with the items gained in this way.
In 'Monster Hunter Now', from the developers of 'Pokemon Go', players can catch their monsters while out and about in the real world and then fight them at home. — Photo: Laura Ludwig/dpa
"Monster Hunter Now" places a focus on cooperation: large monsters can be hunted down together in a group. The free game, which is financed by in-game purchases, is scheduled to be released worldwide for iOS and Android on September 14th.
"Karma Zoo" (Publisher: Devolver)
An entire zoo of spirit animals is assembled in "Karma Zoo." In this cooperative online game, strangers work together to solve levels. Yet there is no form of communication – no chat, no pings and no voice connection.
Players collect karma points by helping others. And with those karma points they unlock new animals, each with unique abilities. A koala, for example, can climb, while a turtle can retreat into its shell to protect itself from bullets. A game round is expected to last 15 to 20 minutes.
'Karma Zoo' is a cooperative online game in which up to ten randomly selected players help each other. — Photo: Laura Ludwig/dpa
"Karma Zoo" is scheduled for release at the end of the year for consoles and PCs. The price hasn't been announced yet.
"The Darkest Files" (Publisher: Paintbucket Games)
"The Darkest Files" is set after World War II. Players take on the role of a young prosecutor whose task it is to solve Nazi crimes and bring those responsible to justice.
To do this, she interviews witnesses, works her way through files, and builds a case from the evidence and testimony that will stand up in court. The cases are based on real ones from the post-war period.
'The Darkest Files' is a historical investigation and courtroom game based on true crimes from the Nazi era. — Photo: Laura Ludwig/dpa
The game is scheduled for release for consoles and PCs later this year. You can already download a free demo on Steam.
"Headbangers: Rhythm Royale" (Publisher: Team 17)
Wacky pigeons competing against each other in music mini-games? That actually sounds less crazy than "Headbangers: Rhythm Royale" really is.
The multiplayer game packs in a fair amount of chaos and humour. In several rounds, a large number of players compete as pigeons. Round after round, the worst pigeons are eliminated and at the end, there’s a winner.
'Headbangers: Rhythm Royale' is a multiplayer game in which pigeons compete against each other in musical mini-games - round after round, the worst birds get kicked out. — Photo: Team 17/dpa
Everything revolves around music. For example, you have to recognise which costumed pigeon matches the music by listening to a melody. The game is scheduled for release for consoles and PCs on October 31st.
"Pizza Possum" (Publisher: Cosy Computer/Raw Fury)
In "Pizza Possum" the principle is simple: an opossum runs, together with a raccoon, through a nicely designed level and eats. Bread, apples, fish and of course, pizza.
In the process, you must not get caught by the dogs that guard the food. Players can flee from them, hide in bushes or use objects to distract them. In short, the goal is to eat a lot and not get caught.
Simple game idea: In 'Pizza Possum' you have to devour as much food as possible without getting caught. — Photo: RawFury/dpa
The game is scheduled for release in September for PCs via Steam. The price hasn’t been announced yet. – dpa
