Player2 Vs The Future Games Show Spring 2025 Showcase
The Future Games Show isn’t one we’ve constructed a Vs piece for in the past, however there were some big promises made about what players would get to see from this “Spring 2025” showcase, and so we assembled P2 editors, Paul James and Matt Hewson for this 90 minute deep dive into more than 20 new and anticipated titles. Buckle in for their thoughts
Lost Rift
Paul: As soon as I heard People Can Fly, I perked up a bit, because of course, if you’ve not heard the rumours, they’re working with PlayStation on an established Sony IP – this wasn’t it though. I’m quite surprised to see them working on something else already, but while the gunplay looked great, I can’t say that I was overly excited by the survival game elements. Keen to see how Lost Rift goes, but I’m looking more closely at what comes next
Matt: Survival games aren’t usually my thing, but this one intrigued me. Firstly because it is from People Can Fly studios, the cats behind some cracking titles like Bulletstorm and (in my opinion) the great but misunderstood Outriders. The second reason is, it seems much more action-focused than most games in the genre which makes sense considering the minds behind it. I could be tempted to try this one.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Paul: Clair Obscur has featured pretty prominently over the last 12 months so I don’t think I have much more to say beyond the boundaries of “I just really want to play it!” – this is my most anticipated JRPG of the year (based on what has dates anyway), so I’m locked in and ready.
Matt: Traditionally I haven’t been a massive JRPG guy, but recently I have been heading down that path a lot more. With that in mind, this looks like a cracker, and I am already in. Keen to jump in at this point.
Animal Use Protocol
Paul: This one seemed ridiculous at first, but very quickly I was super creeped out by the game. The game gives off some really atmospheric horror vibes and I very quickly pivoted my stance on the title – I’m ready to buy all that this game is selling.
Matt: Part Planet of the Apes, Part Alien Isolation this looks like a really scary game. Cool ideas abound and the interplay between the ape and the mouse is great. Horror game fans should be watching this one closely.
Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny
Paul: Look we’ve seen Onimusha 2 a couple of times now, and that’s more than enough now really. The original Onimusha remaster from a couple years ago was a bit lacklustre despite the game itself being good. I’ll check this one out, but I don’t think I need to see it anymore before the May release date
Matt: Onimusha is a franchise I missed when it originally landed and I have the remake of the first game sitting on my PC ready to play. I really should get into that because I hear wonderful things.
Nitro Gen: Omega
Paul: I really clicked with the visual style and flair of this one, as well as the musical backing which sounded like it could have been ripped out of Dragonball Super, although I’ll admit, the game itself didn’t click with me. Simply put they told us a lot about what the game does, but didn’t show anything. I’ll wait until we can see a dedicated chunk of gameplay
Matt: An interesting idea but the presentation aspects really didn’t connect with me. It felt too much like kiddie anime for my tastes. That’s not to say the gameplay won’t win me over, it just put me off with its look.
The Remake Of The End Of The Greatest RPG Of All Time
Paul: Lame name, cool game. I absolutely love the fact that the game begins at 99.53% completion and the mystery of identifying what the greatest RPG of all time is has me well and truly intrigued. The answer is Final Fantasy IX by the way.
Matt: What a name. At least people won’t mistake it for something else. It is a wild idea and I am not sure how it will play out but talk about something original.
I Hate This Place
Paul: I’ve spoken about style on a few occasions already, but I Hate This Place oozes it. I absoltuely love what the team is looking to do with this one. The horror edge with colourful art palette, and cool looking gameplay. Sign me up I reckon. Would love to see this one on consoles.
Matt: This looks very cool to me, something different in the horror genre. I’d imagine keeping the scares up in the isometric perspective will be a challenge but if that can nail that, this could be a bit of a sleeper hit.
Once Upon A Puppet
Paul: Very frame of this trailer oozes personality and I’m super interested to get into this experience. There are some “Midnight Walk” vibes which is interesting given the proximity of this game’s release to the more profiled “Midnight Walk”. Keen to see how this one shapes up, because it could be a low-key hit
Matt: Puzzle-platformers are hit-and-miss for me and I can’t really say why. This one has a great look though and that might be enough to get me through the door.
Revenge Of The Savage Planet
Paul: I absolutely hated this trailer, and for as much as I was interested by the original (but never got to it), this trailer did damage to my excitement for the sequel.
Matt: I had a great time with the first game but I am not sure if this one is leaning too hard into the comedy and that may be a miss for me. I hope not though.
Inayah: Life After Gods
Paul: Here we are, style again. I’m all about the visual and sonic language of this trailer. Of course, I’m a bit of a sucker for Metroidvania’s these days too. It’s on my watch list for sure.
Matt: A cool-looking Metroidvania title with a 90s Saturday morning cartoon vibe. This could be a winner because it feels like a little while since the last great game in the genre. Worth keeping an eye on I feel.
Deathground
Paul: Matt, you mentioned Alien Isolation earlier when it came to Animal Use: Protocol, but this set off similar vibes to me, but even cooler because, you know, DINOSAURS! I’ll all about it.
Matt: Well we aren’t getting a new Dino Crisis anytime soon so I guess this will have to do. Jurassic Park with friends is a cool concept and I am surprised no one else has tackled it before. It even has the more recent belief that a lot of dinosaurs had feathers which, is cool.
Kingmakers
Paul: Tonally I’m not overly keen on this one. Like, Kingmakers looks good on a mechanical level, however I just couldn’t get into the gunplay and driving systems against the backdrop of medieval combat. Its not for me, but I think many people will find a lot of fun in it.
Matt: I’ve seen this one a few times now and I don’t think it is something I am going to enjoy. There is just something about it that is putting me off. It’s not that it looks bad, I just can’t see myself jumping in. I can however see my son thinking this is the greatest thing since sliced bread so I am sure it has an audience.
Elsewhere Electric
Paul: I’m really on the fence about this one. First and foremost though, I’m not much of a puzzle game guy, but the tone of the dialogue was really intriguing to me. I think I’ll need to see more before I consider jumping into the experience. The obstacle of co-op VR is very much at the forefront of my mind too.
Matt: A really cool idea to have a co-op VR game with one in the headset and another on a phone. It should make finding players that bit easier for VR headset owners. Will it be fun though? It will all come down to the puzzles and the controls.
System Shock 2 Remastered
Paul: I really wanted to play the remaster of System Shock, especially given its importance to the Bioshocks of the world that came down the line, but I never got to it. If I can carve out the time to go back, then I’ll certainly go back for System Shock 2… too.
Matt: I love what Nightdive does and System Shock 2 is one of the formative games of my personal gaming history. It was a genuine precursor to Deus Ex and a classic that should be on everyone’s wishlist. Can’t wait.
GOG Preservation Program
Paul: Anything that is preserving the history of this medium is good news to me. The catalogue keeps getting bigger and while I’m not much of a PC guy, this news is undoubtedly huge for those who are PC people.
Matt: Love their work, always have and always will. It is so important to keep this history safe and available. Not to mention these games are DRM free which makes them perfect for offline portable PCs.
Mandragora
Paul: I backed this one on Kickstarter a couple of years ago because the balance of Metroidvania with hardcore 2D combat felt right on the money to me. I’m really eager to check out this one.
Matt: There have been a few attempts at a 2D souls-like but none have 100% nailed it. Will Mandragora be the game to do it?
Billie Bust Up
Paul: What? What is it? Why does this trailer exist? Why am I still talking about this game?
Matt: Hard to comment on this one except to say there is singing and dancing. Kind of pointless really.
Chains Of Freedom
Paul: Love the cel-shaded aesthetic, and I’ve really learned to love XCOM and Gears Tactics-type experiences in the last couple of years, so I’m pretty keen to jump in and check Chains Of Freedom out too. Generic as hell name, but I can overlook that
Matt: I do like me an Xcom-like and this one looks to have a few twists on the formula. I like the cel-shaded style too. I have added this one to my wishlist.
Shelf Heroes
Paul: I did like the look of Shelf Heroes, but at the same time I can see myself never playing it. Sorry
Matt: Can’t say this sold me. Not really any sort of info apart from it is a toy-themed FPS. Need more.
Bionic Bay
Paul: What a crazy cool looking blending of experience. I can get right into this, but Im also not sure if I have the brain capacity either
Matt: Looks like the lovechild of Limbo and Super Meat Boy with a touch of Trials for good measure. Could be fun.
Neighbours: Suburban Warfare
Paul: Is this in the same universe as the likes of Hello Neighbour? Without having looked into the developer/publisher pairing, that’s how it struck me. I don’t see myself gravitating to this one either way though.
Matt: Plants Vs Zombies: Garden Warfare by another name really. If that is your thing then this is your thing.
Hawthorn
Paul: Unlike the football club of the same name that I have the greatest level of disdain for, Hawthorn. It looks beautiful, and the various RPG systems that the game comes loaded with really speak to me. I’ll check that Kickstarter out.
Matt: A sandbox RPG that has cute by the bucketload. I can’t say it is my sort of thing but I can see this being a huge hit. So many people will dig this.
Industria II
Paul: HeadUp is having a really big presence on this showcase. Seeing the gameplay of Industria II does leave me wondering why I’m not aware of the original, but it makes it super clear why the game was the “one more thing” title from last year’s showcase. I’m ready to go looking for the original
Matt: I didn’t know there was an Industria let alone a sequel coming. I might have to go and check it out because I am digging the vibes. Getting some Half-Life feels which the world needs more of frankly.
Romestead
Paul: There’s a really fascinating blend of mechanics going on here that I really dig. At face value we see Stardew Valley, but then there’s tower defense and impending zombie hordes component that seems really cool. I could get right into what the team is developing here. I dunno how the Roman elements highlighted in the name come into the mix, but that’s just more to explore then huh?
Matt: Stardew Valley meets the Zombie Apocalypse, sure why not?
South Of Midnight
Paul: I presume that this will be the final time we see South of Midnight before launch, and it leaves us with a great taste in the mouth. I’m really hopeful that this game is going to be the acclaimed gem that I believe it’s capable of being. Now all we have to do is wait and see.
Matt: I got to play this one already and frankly I am all in. It has style to spare, the music is amazing and the platforming is great. Can’t wait.
Pioner
Paul: I can’t handle an MMO. I don’t have the time for it really. Pioner looks great, as soon as those MMO traits started to become apparent, I mentally bounced off the game.
Matt: I love the setting, but I am not keen on an MMO. They really are cribbing of S.T.A.L.K.E.R though… almost uncomfortably so. That said, I could be tempted to give it a go if it caters well for solo players.
Hellclock
Paul: Twin stick shooters are my jam! I also really love the look and feel of this one. I am tiring somewhat of roguelikes, however, this game feels like it has the right special sauce to hook me for a long time. I’m keen.
Matt: I like twin-sticks and I like rogue-likes. Keen to check this out, looks like a lot of fun. The key, as always in this sort of game, is the upgrade loop. If they can nail that, the it should be a winner.
Rivals: Hover League
Paul: Rocket League needs some competition, and with the massive flop of Destruction All-Stars, and subsequent postponing or cancellation of Twisted Metal, the vehicular combat genre is also lacking in spark. I liked the look of Rivals, and I’m keen to see more. Selfishly I hope that there is some kind of campaign because that’s my speed more than any multiplayer
Matt: It has been ages since a good car combat game so this could find a nice audience that has been missing this sort of thing. I hope there is a strong career mode though and it isn’t multiplayer only.
Finding Frankie
Paul: It gives off some Five Nights At Freddy’s vibes, which certainly bothers me, because those games are unadulterated trash, but for some reason, there’s something about Finding Frankie that just seems to capture my interest more than those other turds. I’ll wait and see how it goes, the game is out soon.
Matt: Five Nights At Freddy’s with parkour. Happy to pass on this one.
Mount & Blade II Bannerlord: War Sails
Paul: I didn’t play Mount & Blade II initially, so this expansion carries no interest to me. I hope the established fanbase is delighted with how it has come up though!
Matt: These sorts of historical games are a hard sell, but they have such a dedicated group of players that I am sure it will be a bit a of niche hit. Not for me, but it looks like a high-quality title.
Will: Follow The Light
Paul: When Nolan North mentioned Firewatch, I sat up a bit. These types of narrative-heavy walking simulators really hook me, and Will: Follow The Light seems to be having the same effect on me. I’m keen to see more, but they’ve gotta get the writing right.
Matt: So hard to see how a game like this will turn out from a trailer. So much is dependent on the writing. It looks great but without the words, it will fall flat quickly.
Cloudheim
Paul: I’m really tired of survival titles, but Cloudheim had a bunch of qualities that really spoke to me, especially the visual flavour. I’m all about the way this game looks and appears to play. I want to know more. Give me more.
Matt: Another survival game. Gosh, this genre is over-saturated at the moment. There is no doubt that Cloudheim has charm, but this type of game just doesn’t grab me without something really special. Is the combat enough? I am not sure.
Section 13
Paul: Rogue-likes! GAH! Why?! It works in some games, not in others, and I feel like Section 13 fits in the latter category. Why can’t we just craft a defined experience? There are plenty of good qualities here, but I’m not sure that Section 13 is the one to hook me.
Matt: Another top-down rogue-like. Keen to try but I am not quite as confident in this one.
Bandit Trap
Paul: I love the vibes here, and the game looks sensational. I love the Moving Out flavour with extra ludicrous action surrounding it. Keen to see how this one comes together
Matt: A cool idea for a party game. Hopefully, that cool idea is fleshed out.
Metal Eden
Paul: Coming out a week before DOOM: The Dark Ages feels like a death sentence, but I really love the look of Metal Eden. I’m going to be in the right headspace in May for this, so I think it’s going to get a lot of game time from me. Looking forward to it
Matt: Another game I have been lucky enough to go hands-on with, Metal Eden is shaping up to be a very solid bit of shooting action. It has a bit of a Titanfall X Doom feel with the parkour and the weapons are all satisfying to use. Worth keeping an eye on for sure.
Neon Abyss 2
Paul: I bounced pretty quickly from Neon Abyss, and I don’t see much in this sequel that might elicit a different response from me. There are some hard-to-describe elements of roguelikes that either click with me, or (like most games in the genre) don’t and, Neon Abyss 2 feels like a game from the latter group.
Matt: The first Neon Abyss was a solid rogue-like but it didn’t hold me like others in the genre. Hard to say much about the sequel with that small trailer though.
The Last Caretaker
Paul: The Last Caretaker presented so damn well, until all of a sudden we’re told that it is a survival game – I lost a bit of interest at that point, but it starts out strong, and that tone might at least get me to check it out before I make a decision.
Matt: Oh man… Another survival game. I was so hoping it was going to be story-driven because it is a really cool setting.
Into The Dead: Our Darkest Days
Paul: Into The Dead has been on the radar a bit due to its presence at PAX AUS, but I’ve never really stopped to check it out properly. I loved what I saw from this one, and it’s one of those games that seems to be striking the right chord with me in terms of its survival game and rogue-like systems. I’m keen for more
Matt: Ok this might be a survival game I can get into. That actually looks really great and I feel like it has rogue-like elements which I dig. Interested.
Locomoto
Paul: The zen energy that spewed out of this one won me over instantly. It’s going to be a nice chill experience with some really cool systems underpinning it. Consider me interested.
Matt: Hey, this is a game that will absolutely have an audience. That audience isn’t me but that doesn’t take anything away from it. It is a cool new idea that should make a lot of people happy.
Karma: The Dark World
Paul: I prefer sci-fi horror to traditional horror, but farrrr out, I dunno if this isn’t going to push my limits. I feel a hard pass coming on, but not because of the game’s quality.
Matt: Looks genuinely terrifying, sci-fi horror that might be too much for some.
Sizzle Reel: Eclipsium, White Knuckle, Weeny Wise, Paper Sky, Mother Machine, Artis Impact
Paul: A lot of really cool looking games here, that leave me wondering why they didn’t get a dedicated segment given to them. Was it a cash thing? Did they not have long enough trailers? I dunno, but I’m into them.
Matt: A solid little selection of titles. Mother Machine looked like the one that would grab me the most, but all had some cool ideas. Paper Sky deserves a mention too, it gave me Journey vibes.
Frosthaven
Paul: Board games tend to push me away, even when adapted into video game form, but there was something pretty cool about this. I’ll leave it to Stephen or someone to speak in more depth at some stage.
Matt: We need to make sure Stephen can play this one because he is going to dig it. Boardgamers unite, this looks like it is going to make your dreams come true.
Stand Alone
Paul: Why yes, I am most definitely excited for Stand Alone. I just want to see a prolonged chunk of gameplay to really see if it’s for me. Okay, next game, the sooner we’re done the sooner I can go deep dive!
Matt: A cool-looking action-platformer that moves at a fast pace. If that combat hits the sweet spot it could well be a winner.
Mecha Break
Paul: We’ve done a lot of Mecha Break in these kinds of showcases lately. I’m about done with it, and given we’re not talking campaigns, then I’m not going to keep talking about Mecha Break.
Matt: Its multiplayer focus has really put me off. Where is a new MechAssult game?
Fretless
Paul: If there’s one game in this showcase I can be sure that Matt’s going to love, I’m sure it is this one. Not sure if its for me, but that’s fine.
Matt: A metal JRPG. Sure sign me up. Will the gimmick grow old? I don’t know, but I am keen to find out.
Crown Gambit
Paul: Look there’s one type of game I dislike more than excessive survival or roguelikes, and that’s deckbuilder games. Hard pass for me
Matt: Deckbuilders can be a tough sell, but this one looks interesting. The story focus should help get some new players in and if the strategy is deep, yet easy to understand, it may just break out of the niche status most of these games sport.
Rae: Kingdom On The Distant Shores
Paul: I’m on the fence about Rae. It looks really nice, but I also don’t quite know if it’s my thing. There’s enough there for me to stick it out and check out more of the game, but style can only get you so far.
Matt: This one is giving me Settlers vibes, which is nice because not even Settlers gives me Settlers vibes these days. I shall be watching closely.
Reanimal
Paul: I wholeheartedly trust Tarsier to absolutely nail this one. Reanimal looks fantastic, through the perfect blend of accessible gameplay systems, and really creepy mood-setting. I love what Tarsier are up to and I’m keen to buddy up with someone and brave the horror together.
Matt: Creepy platformers are this studio’s bread and butter and Reanimal looks to continue that tradition. This one is co-op though so that should add a nice wrinkle to the formula.
FBC: Firebreak
Paul: I know Matt is rocking in his seat in excitement here, but low-key – so am I. I’m not an MP guy, but FBC: Firebreak has me intrigued, and I know that I’ll have an enthusiastic crew ready to play the game with. That makes an almighty difference, and with the game launching into PS+ Extra and Gamepass, the player base itself could be huge straight away. I’m hyped.
Matt: It feels like forever since someone has put an interesting spin on the Left 4 Dead formula but Remedy looks like they are doing just that. I am very, very keen to dive into this one with the P2 crew, Remedy is my favourite developer on the planet and this looks to be another banger.
Cronos: The New Dawn
Paul: Bloober Team has some spring in their step following the success of Silent Hill 2. We’ll see how much of it was the IP and pre-existing backbone of Silent Hill, or the improvements in their development pipeline now that we have Cronos on the way. Consider me intrigued.
Matt: Bloober back doing horror and this time they are tackling SCI/FI. Some serious Dead Space vibes here. Bloober has a lot of close-but-not-quite games, so hopefully, this one is a banger.
Painkiller
Paul: I’m stunned that we have a new Painkiller on the way. Boomer Shooters are in vogue right now, but this is a revival that really strikes a chord with me. Here’s hoping that 3D Realms can deliver.
Matt: The original Painkiller, along with Serious Sam, really brought the boomer shooter back into fashion, so it is great to see a full remake coming. It looks great and it should be a blast to jump in, especially in co-op.
Final Thoughts
Paul: Jennifer English and Nolan North kept things fun and interesting between announcements, the games were largely pretty good, but it also highlighted my biggest frustration with games right now, which is that there are too many Survival games and too many Roguelikes out there. Great showcase though, plenty to keep watching out for in the future.
Matt: A good selection of games on show here despite way too many survival titles. There are some truly interesting ideas coming down the pipeline and if this show did one thing, it proved that the smaller development teams are still not afraid to make something new and take risks. It warms my heart to see. I hope these games continue to get exposure and go on to be huge successes.
