Gamescom Opening Night Live 2022 - The P2 Verdict
Gamescom is back for another year and with it comes the master of video game ceremonies, Geoff Keighley. Geoff’s Opening Night Live has been and gone and Matt has taken the time to dive into each trailer and give his thoughts on just what games need your attention. Needless to say, there are some very good-looking games on the way.
Everywhere
Well, this has my interest. It seems to be touching on some of the themes that things like Ready Player One touch on (though hopefully with much more nuance) while at the same time dallying in F2P territory with clear comparisons to things like Fortnite. It is all very cryptic but I am keen to see this one become clearer.
Dune Awakening
A cinematic announcement so it is hard to get a read, but it is being developed by Funcom who also did the somewhat popular Conan Exiles game (seemingly a similar style of game) so we can probably draw some comparisons to that. It took a long time for Conan Exiles to get to the point of being considered a good game so I hope that is not the case here.
Playstation 5 - Dual Sense Edge
It is good to see Sony jumping onto the elite controller bandwagon. I am not sure how this will hold up and a lot will depend on price but as someone who thinks the Xbox Elite Controller 2 is the best controller ever made I am very keen to see if Sony can match that level of quality. Of course, the big deciding factor for many will be the price… any guesses folks?
The Calisto Protocol
As creepy and as gory as you would expect, The Calisto Protocol is shaping up to be an absolute cracking horror experience. I am usually not a horror guy, but I loved Dead Space and this is wholeheartedly coming across as Dead Space in all but name. Sign me up, my body is ready.
The Lords of the Fallen
Another cinematic trailer for a game I thought was long cancelled. Seemingly a bit of a reboot, The Lords of the Fallen is probably another Soulslike that I will dabble with and eventually bounce off. Digging the style and a killer choice of song for the trailer it must be said.
Moving Out 2
I still haven’t played the first one and the sequel is already coming. Don’t let my lack of friends put you off though, everyone sang the praises of Moving Out when it came out so I expect the second entry to be just as well loved and the addition of online gameplay is sure to help Neville no-friends like myself.
Hogwarts Legacy
It is such a shame that this is forever tainted by J K Rowling being a howling bigot because it looks pretty darn cool. For those that can separate this game from Hogwarts’ creator, it seems this will be a very cool experience, but it is totally understandable how people would want to avoid anything to do with Rowling.
Dying Light 2: Bloody Ties
I hope this is more than just some arena fights and there is a story behind it. It would be disappointing if the first major DLC for Dying Light 2 didn’t feature the exploration and city traversal that makes the main game one of my favourites from 2022.
Destiny 2 Lightfall
A new subclass is nice, but I think the biggest problem for Destiny 2 is that it is just so hard to keep up with everything unless you are playing it every week. I really enjoy the gameplay but every time I log back in I feel like I need some sort of catch-up on what has been happening so I am not confused. I hope they address this with this new expansion because at this point it is heading to Warframe levels of confusion and that may be a bridge too far for many.
Sonic: Frontiers
This is the first trailer for the latest Sonic game that has caught my attention. While I am still very wary, at least this looks like there could be something to the game. It was nice to see some more traditional Sonic elements and a real sense of speed. Here’s hoping right?
Under the Waves
Look, Quantic Dream has never been my thing. I think the writing is hamfisted at best, downright terrible at worst and David Cage, for all intents and purposes, seems to be a terrible human. So I can’t really get excited about this one. Each to their own and I am sure fans will be eagerly awaiting this one.
Goat Simulator 3
I am not sure what I watched, but it is exactly what I expected. Goat Simulator 3 is looking bananas and while I am not sure it will be for me, I just know my kids are going to get a massive kick out of it and it will make for a great game for Twitch Streamers
Return to Monkey Island
Anyone who thinks this art style is terrible clearly has their eyes painted on. It looks as charming as hell and as long as the humour holds out, I can see this one being a genuine old-school blast. Side note, abusing a dev because you don’t like the look of a game makes you a scumbag, simple as that.
Moonbreaker
A turn-based tactical recreation of tabletop gaming in a world written by none other than Brandon Sanderson? Holy hell, inject it into my veins. I am so keen to see how this one plays out and it is saying all the right things for me.
Friends vs Friends
Look I am not sure on this one, especially coming so soon after the excellent Neon White. There is something about the gameplay and style that looks off to me. That said, this is clearly pretty early footage so there is time to convince me.
Lies of P
A Soulslike where you take control of a steampunk Pinnochio? Well, it is certainly one of the stranger game pitches I have ever heard, so at least it has piqued my interest. The good news is it is confirmed to be coming to Gamepass on day one too, so that should help it break through the crowd at least.
Stranded: Alien Dawn
From the description, this one sounds a bit like State of Decay except in space, which I am ok with. I much prefer that style of survival title to the traditional Ark/Green Hell type of deal. Keen to see more because the trailer really doesn’t show too much in the way of gameplay.
Atlas Fallen
An impressive reveal but I need to see more gameplay. It is being made by Deck13 who made The Surge so I am going to assume there are Soulslike elements, but it actually feels like it will be a faster-paced experience than that. Very interested.
Homeworld 3
It is great to finally see some serious gameplay for this one. The Homeworld games have all been great and this one looks no different. Some impressive-looking RTS shenanigans going on here.
High on Life
Oddworld: Strangers Wrath crossed with Rick and Morty… that’s what we are getting. If that sounds amazing to you I think High on Life will be an absolute cracker. If not…well probably best to look away. I do like that a foul-mouthed knife/whip is an Aussie.
The Expanse: A Telltale Series
I think I am mostly done with the Telltale style of game, but I know millions aren’t and if you are a fan of The Expanse then this looks to press all the right buttons…rapidly…so you don’t fail the quicktime event.
Killer Klowns from Outer Space
Another asymmetrical horror title. These are getting more common than dodgy battle passes. Can’t say I am excited about one based on a very b-grade flick from the 80s
Scars Above
I am really digging the look of this one. It is giving me this “Tomb Raider in Space” feel that seems like an obvious setting for a game but I can’t remember it ever happening. I think there will be a bit of punishing combat in this one, but not quite to the level of a Soulsborne title. Keen to see more.
Wyrdsong
While there is not much to see, simply a reveal trailer, I am digging the aesthetic and the talent behind it certainly gets my attention. Give me more.
Gotham Knights
This game has been coming forever it feels like. I just need to play it now. I am keen, just kind of over the marketing. I did like the fact that we got to see some of the rogue’s gallery in this one. Clayface in particular looks like it could be an interesting battle.
Where Winds Meet
The Ghost of Tsushima influence is easy to see, but I think this is going to be something different to a Chinese Ghost game. It is a setting that isn’t explored much (outside of Muso titles) so I am going to keep a close eye on this one.
Park Beyond
You can hear my thoughts on Park Beyond in both a discussion with Paul and some gameplay I was lucky enough to play and record. But the short of it is, this one is looking promising.
Warhammer 40k: Darktide
More Darktide, which while understandable considering its nearing release date, is not really something that needs to be spruiked too much. I mean those that are keen are already convinced and those that aren’t probably won’t have their mind change.
Blacktail
One of the strongest trailers from the show I feel. I certainly like the premise and can see this being a bit of a sleeper hit. Hopefully, the gameplay matches up to the potential.
The Outlast Trials
Cripes, I hope you have a strong stomach. Not sure I am up for this one.
Dead Island 2
It’s a shame that this one leaked before the show because it would have been a real surprise to finish things off. Regardless I am always happy when a game that has been through development hell makes it to the finish line and all reports from those who have played it at Gamescom have been pretty positive to boot.
The Show
This was actually a much stronger show than Geoff’s Summer Gamesfest. I think it was tighter, less waffle and the games on show were much more varied and interesting. Still, 2 hours always feels like a long haul for one of these things so there is some fat that can still be trimmed, but overall a much more enjoyable outing for me.