It’s GamesCom time, and so Geoff Keighley returns with yet another lengthy showcase. Join two of our Player2 editors, Paul James and Matt Hewson, as the pair go through each of the games’ revealed, rendering their verdict on what was shown.
Player 2 Vs Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025
The Pre-show
Bubsy 4D
Paul: Wow. I loved Bubsy 1 & 2 as a kid, but that abysmal 3rd game should have killed the franchise. I thought it had, but it turns out that you just can’t kill that cat. I’d be shocked if this game amounts to anything of note, but I guess we’ll see
Matt: Far out, I woke up this morning, and the first email I saw was the press release, and I thought I had somehow woken up on April Fools’ Day. But it turns out it is real, and it sure does look like… something? The attitude was a little on the nose, but hey, a decent 3D platformer is always welcome.
Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes
Paul: I’m not really across the Battlestar Galactica universe, so this one fell flat for me, but I know that there’s a lot of love for that IP, so I’m sure they’re delighted by this reveal
Matt: I dabbled in Battlestar way back, so I know a bit of the lore, but what impresses me the most is the look of this title. It feels like the sort of game we got all the time on PC in the early 00s, but haven’t really seen since. Also, it is being made by Dotemu, who have a great track record with this nostalgia-based stuff.
Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster
Paul: I don’t have any history with Outlaws, so this Nightdive remaster, while cool, isn’t really for me.
Matt: Paul is showing his youth. Outlaws was bloody fantastic back in the day, and in a lot of ways was ahead of its time. It is great to see that Nightdive is continuing to do god’s work with these remasters.
Denshattack
Paul: I’m sorry, but what?! I tend to check out as soon as a game gets too ridiculous, and as soon as I saw a tram wall running, I was out. Sorry folks, enjoy this one without me.
Matt: Jet Set Radio meets Subway Surfers with a touch of Power Rangers for good measure. Weird, wild and strangely alluring. Not sure it is for me, but boy, I am actually keen to see more.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction
Paul: Another one that I don’t have any history with. But I could get into a brawler, though. I’ll keep an eye on this one
Matt: Once again, young Paul James up here. He-Man was a staple of my youth. Before Ninja Turtles, there was He-Man, and as such, I can get down with a new beat-em-up. In saying that, there have been a lot of good ones lately, so it needs to bring its A game.
Absolum
Paul: I was instantly smitten by this one, and having seen nothing of it before, I’m shocked that Absolum slipped under my radar. Either way, I can’t not play this when it launches in a bit over a month. Super keen to check out more.
Matt: Dotemu again, this time with another beat-em-up. As an added bonus, it looks like this one has more juice than He-Man and a few more modern touches to boot.
Long Gone
Paul: What a super cool idea, blending that wonderful art style, merged with cool point-and-click inspired exploration mechanics. I’m into it. Will wait and see what the game has in store when we can see more of it.
Matt: A classically styled point-n-click with zombies. Cool. These games live or die by their puzzles, though, so that will be the determining factor.
Valor Mortis
Paul: I sadly never played Ghostrunner as much as I would have liked to, but Valor Mortis looks really cool, and this is my opportunity to redeem myself a bit. I’m excited to learn more about what this game is, because stylistically, it looks really cool.
Matt: I am not usually a massive Souls guy, but with guns and in first person, it could get me over the line. Cool style for sure, and I can’t wait to see more.
PVKK: Planetenverteidigungskanonenkommandant
Paul: What a name, huh?! I don’t know what really to make of what we saw, but I just can’t get over that name. I’ll inevitably learn more and will reserve my judgment for then.
Matt: What a name. I am not sure that the game is for me, but wow, gotta hand it to them for thinking outside of the box.
Routine
Paul: This one gave me the creeps – no horror to be seen, but the mood really got under my skin a bit. I’m intrigued, though. I’m keen to see more.
Matt: This has a real found footage type feel, you know the kind of thing that Blair Witch did. I like that, it adds to the mood wonderfully. Looks creepy as hell.
Swords Of Legends
Paul: Can’t we just be done with the excessive number of Soulslikes? Like, sure, it looks pretty solid for what it is, but I just don’t care anymore, and surely the masses are beginning to feel the same way. It is just too much
Matt: I think there is room for a lot of Souls-style games, but I think we are getting so many with this East Asian setting that it is starting to be draining. That said, this one looks stunning, really good looking. Not for me, but that’s not a comment on the game itself.
Road Kings
Paul: This was a pretty interesting trailer. Seems like this guy is maybe a stormchaser of some sort? I definitely want to learn more about this game, but it has made a good first impression
Matt: It will be interesting to see if this is just another Truck Driving sim or if there is something more to it. From a solid studio, so either way, the quality should be great.
Sonic Racing: Crossworlds
Paul: If there was ever a time for this IP to grab some mindshare, it’s right now, because Mario Kart World hasn’t hit with the enormous splash that I think we all expected it would. Good luck, Sega, it’s still a huge climb, but not an insurmountable one
Matt: Having played a bit of Crossworlds, I can say it is shaping up nicely, and I am confident it will scratch that karting itch for those with and without a Switch 2.
The Main Show
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Paul: Oh, Geoff. I’ve gotten so angry with you in the past for your Silksong teases, but I’m in love with this one. Can’t wait for the next few days when Team Cherry gets in their bag to blow this one wide open.
Matt: Well, it had to happen eventually. What game are we going to scream wildly about before every new conference, only to have our hopes dashed now?
Call Of Duty: Black Ops 7
Paul: I’ll give Geoff and Activision some credit, the stage lightshow was cool, and the game looks pretty great too, and I could be seriously tempted to check out the Black Ops 7 campaign. I’m sure I should probably have some context for what’s going on that would stem from all the previous Black Ops titles, but that’s not going to happen, so let’s see how it all shapes up.
Sorry, was that a top-down, twin-stick shooter mode?!
Matt: I unashamedly love the Black Ops games, their stories are always so much more fun than the horah bullshit in the other CoD games. I really like how there are some almost Remedy-style touches here, which suits Black Ops to a tee. Co-op is a super welcome addition, and so is the new PvE mode. Hey, call me a sucker, but I am super keen.
Lords Of The Fallen II
Paul: More Soulslikes. I know there was a lot of love for the newest rendition of Lord Of The Fallen, but I don’t share that sentiment. I hope those who are into the IP, though, are satisfied with the sequel reveal.
Matt: Hey, at least it isn’t another one set within Asian Mythology. I would love a God of War style game in this sort of setting, but the Souls thing is just a step too far for me.
Sekiro: No Defeat
Paul: More Soulslike love, and some anime too. I’m a fan of neither, so I’ll pass on this one.
Matt: I could get behind this, a way to experience the story of Sekiro without the need to play it. Sure, why not?
LEGO Batman: Legacy Of The Dark Knight
Paul: Things haven’t been going smoothly for the LEGO game brand lately, so for them to leap back into the cowl of Batman is fantastic for all involved, and for the game to be leaning upon all types of Batman content, from film to comic, and games, I’m delighted. Keen to see more.
Matt: The Arkham games redone in Lego. Sign me up. It also came out that Bane is being voiced by Matt Berry, which is some kind of casting genius. Disappointed that Batman isn’t voiced by Will Arnett, though. The Lego Batman movie was amazing.
Warhammer 40K: Dawn Of War IV
Paul: Look, I’ve recently stepped into the Warhammer world with Spacemarine 2, but let’s not push it too much. Dawn of War looks cool, but it’s not my genre, so I’ll be passing on this one.
Matt: RTS is back, baby. Old PC nerds like myself are slowly dragging everyone back to the late 90s and early 00s, and there will be no escaping the coming tide. Bring it on.
Monster Hunter: Wilds X Final Fantasy XIV
Paul: Love Monster Hunter, love Final Fantasy, and so to see the two franchises collaborating again is awesome. I won’t be jumping into the XIV content because I don’t have time for an MMO, but I’ll be all over the content that comes to Wilds.
Matt: I haven’t got time for more Monster Hunter right now, and I have no connection to FF XIV, so sadly, this will sail by into the night.
Onimusha: Way Of The Sword
Paul: The franchise wasn’t born as a Soulslike, but the more I see Way Of The Sword, the more I feel like Onimusha is trending towards becoming a Soulslike, and I’m not at all about it. Please, Capcom, don’t ruin this IP on us! The game is looking pretty great, though. I just hope it’s not as Soulslikey as it’s projecting itself to be
Matt: I have no history with the franchise apart from playing the one with Jean Reno in it briefly (number 3, I think.) So I am not sure that this one will get me on board. It is looking solid, if a little too familiar to so many other games out there for mine.
Europa: Universalis V
Paul: There are five of these games, and I never knew the franchise existed! Another contender to the Civ throne, so I guess we’ll see how it goes, but I won’t be partaking. These types of games take more than what I have to give.
Matt: These games have never crossed my PC, though I am certainly open to the genre. I feel like the commitment it takes means that there is really only room for one type of 4X game in my life, and right now that is Civ.
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion
Paul: I didn’t have any real interest in the original game, and the sequel isn’t really floating my boat either. There are lots of mech fans out there, though, that I’m sure will love it.
Matt: I’ve never dipped my toes into the franchise, but I see there is a demo, so it might be now. I don’t hate a bit of fast-paced mech combat, so why not?
Void Breaker
Paul: A very fancy, modern-looking FPS roguelite. Now, I’m feeling a little burned out by the sheer number of roguelites that have been filling the market lately, but I must admit that Void Breaker looks pretty cool… and it’s out now!
Matt: Absolutely, my sort of jam, and it’s on GamePass. Look for some more coverage of some kind from me in the near future. Also, as a side note, this was built by one bloke.
Fallout Season 2
Paul: It is well documented that I’ve never been a fan of the Fallout games, but the Amazon adaptation I adored. I’m really keen on Season 2, and a trip to New Vegas has me pretty hyped. Bring on December!
Matt: I really have to get around to finishing season 1, right? I started it and was loving it, but my wife wasn’t so keen, so we stopped watching it. I need to fix that soon.
Indiana Jones And The Great Circle: The Order Of Giants
Paul: I was late to the party, given that I didn’t jump in until the game launched on PS5, but I’m ready and waiting for this DLC drop with baited breath! Also great to see the game is coming to Switch 2 as well!
Matt: One of my favourite games of last year, now with more stuff. Bring it on.
Deadpool VR
Paul: I’m not sure that this is going to be a good game, but I’m pretty stoked that it exists, and disappointed that it isn’t coming to PS5 as well. Maybe one day.
Matt: Don’t like it, sorry. Also, why not just get Nolan North to do Deadpool? No offence to old Doogie Howser, but Nolan has been killing it as Deadpool for years.
World Of Tanks 2.0 Update
Paul: Nope!
Matt: Look, I have to respect this game for continuing to serve a very dedicated and committed community. Not my type of thing, but that’s fine.
John Carpenter’s” Toxic Commando
Paul: After what the team at Saber did last year, I’m going to implicitly trust them that Toxic Commando is going to be a gem. It does look pretty great and super intense. I’m interested for sure.
Matt: Another shot at the Left 4 Dead title. Will it hang around, or will it fade into the background like so many other games have done before? Only time will tell
Death By Scrolling
Paul: Ron Gilbert is back, baby! What a cool idea, and while the execution will dictate the success of it and its longevity, I’m certainly into the core idea of Death By Scrolling. Keen to see more.
Matt: Looks like a fun little score chaser with a load of charm. It could be the perfect handheld title for fun on the go.
Zero Parades
Paul: Ah, so ZA/UM have sorted out their internal shitshow to get back to work. Hopefully, we won’t be seeing any more dramas, and the team can just get back to making games. In their previous life, they were a supremely talented studio, and I hope they still got the juice.
Matt: Interesting for sure, though I didn’t quite click with Disco Elysium, but I certainly appreciated it, so I will be watching this one closely. I am really digging the kind of techno-80s espionage vibes.
Unbeatable
Paul: This one looks kinda cool. Of course, the trailer was a tone piece, and so it’s hard to get a read on the gameplay, but I’m definitely hooked in enough to check out more.
Matt: I have seen a bit of this one now, and I really dig the vibe. I think our resident rhythm gamer, Stephen, will be in on the ground for this one.
Honor Of Kings: World
Paul: Oof, are we looking at an MMO here? That’s a level of time commitment that I simply do not have. That all said, the game looks absolutely fantastic, and in another stage of my life, I could be seriously tempted
Matt: In the immortal words of Austin Powers, “That’s not my bag, baby.” Nothing here is getting me interested, I’m afraid.
Ninja Gaiden 4
Paul: You’ve all heard Matt talk about Ninja Gaiden 4 in excess lately, and I suspect the fact that he has to type the game’s name again may well kill him through overuse, but the game is looking so cool. Really keen to see and play more, nice and soon.
Matt: If you want to know what I think… start here and work your way forward. TLDR. It’s great.
Cinder City
Paul: Mechs, and so I’m sure Ken Lee has perked up immediately with the reveal of this one, but I don’t have much to share. The game looks pretty cool, but whether I jump in purely depends on time. Good to see NCSoft up and about, though.
Matt: This is giving me Binary Domain vibes but without the cool characters. The gameplay looks a bit on the rough side right now, and there are clear tech issues in the trailer, so hopefully this one is a while off because it seems like it needs some serious polish.
Time Takers
Paul: NCSoft again! The resurgence is on! Cinder City, now this, and of course, Guild Wars 2 is still on the go as well. This team is storming back into a place of relevance, and I’m thrilled for them. Now… about that rumoured Horizon title?
Matt: So this is another Overwatch-like, huh? Hope it works out for you guys…
Silent Hill f
Paul: I dunno how my stomach will handle this one. We all know that I’m a bit of a wimp when it comes to horror games, and so I may well pass on this, but at the same time, Silent Hill f is looking bloody good for what it is.
Matt: I don’t know, something about this feels a little off. I can’t put my finger on it. Could be just me, though, so don’t read too much into it. I really like the classic Japanese horror tone it is going for, so hopefully the final product pulls it all together.
La Divina Commedia
Paul: It has been a long time since we got Dante’s Inferno, and I’m keen for a new take on The Divine Comedy. Very keen to see how this one shapes up, because it looks more character action, rather than Soulslike, and that already has me interested.
Matt: The Divine Comedy is such an iconic piece of work that almost everyone on the planet will have at least a passing familiarity with so it makes sense we are getting another video game version of the tale. This one is certainly leaning in a Souls-ish direction, but if it can stay on the God of War/Jedi Survivor side of that line, I would be keen.
Chronos: The New Dawn
Paul: We’re pushing it with this flurry of horror titles! Bloober Team are in good form following Silent Hill 2 Remake, though, so I hope for their sake that their own IP can now take off. Wishing them luck.
Matt: I’ve always been of the opinion that Bloober were a talented team that just couldn’t quite nail the final product. Their games have always been interesting, but they all missed something that would have taken them to the next level. That changed with Silent Hill, and hopefully that carries through to Chronos.
The Outer Worlds 2
Paul: Still kicking myself for not having played the original game, but it’s not too late to jump in and get ready. The Outer Worlds 2 is looking great, and so count me in when it releases in the coming months. The factions etc, shown here didn’t mean much to me because of the lack of prior context, but the gameplay is awesome, and the price coming back down to a reasonable level is hopefully going to win some people back.
Matt: I am all in, but that isn’t a shock because Obsidian are just about my favourite developer on the planet.
Moonlighter 2
Paul: I adored the original Moonlighter, and I’m so excited to go back for a sequel that embraces the “bigger, better, and more badass” mentality. I’m right here for it, but I’m disappointed to learn that this is an Early Access launch, and not the real deal.
Matt: I love a roguelike, but Moonlighter never clicked with me. Not sure number 2 will either, but I know many are like Paul and loved the original, so I am sure it will do well.
Vampire: The Masquerade: Bloodlines 2
Paul: Look, the visuals look less shit than they originally appeared years ago, but the game has gone through such a tumultuous development that I cannot help but be cynical. I’ll let others fall on the sword for me when it comes to this one.
Matt: So this is one I am going to disagree with Paul about, but that is mainly because I have been watching it closely through the dev diaries the team have been putting up. I think we could have a really fun Dishonoured-style action-RPG here. That in itself will upset fans of the very, very deep RPG that was the first game, but I am more than happy with a change in style if they nail it.
Enshrouded
Paul: Jason painted a really rosy picture of Enshrouded when he covered the game last year, and seeing it in action here makes me even more excited. I mean, I won’t be playing it unless it comes to console, but I love what I’m seeing.
Matt: I hear good things, but I just can’t get into these sorts of games. It might be one that I pick up on a Steam sale.
Age Of Empires IV
Paul: I think that with this, World’s Edge has pretty much fired all of their shots now, so it’ll be interesting to see where Microsoft goes next.
Matt: With AoE IV and now all of the old games having modern releases, we are probably at the end of current AoE content. Time for number V
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II: Legacy Of The Forge DLC
Paul: I need to revisit Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, but I struggle to get into these really realistic combat titles, because I just want to wildly swing and play recklessly. Maybe some new DLC is exactly what the doctor ordered for me, though.
Matt: Many, many people love this game. I am not one of them. I bounced off it hard, so the DLC won’t bring me back.
Cult Of The Lamb: Woolhaven
Paul: I love you, Massive Monster. Never stop. I’m eager to go back to Cult Of The Lamb, and this newest expansion is the catalyst that I need. Bring it on!
Matt: What more needs to be said about Cult of the Lamb? Bring it on.
World Of Warcraft: Midnight
Paul: I’ve said enough about MMOs today for everyone to know that this isn’t for me. That said, despite all odds, WoW is still ultra relevant, so congrats to Blizzard and their fans, because 11 expansions is wild, and few games could ever make this happen. WoW is the biggest and most acclaimed of all. Blizzard trailers always look awesome, so I love watching this if nothing else.
Matt: I never got into WoW and I already don’t have enough time to play my MMO of choice (ESO) so I won’t be diving in here, but it is super impressive to see Blizzard still keep this old beast rolling and relevant.
Project: Spectrum
Paul: This one has just the right levels of cinematic action, shooting, and spooks. I’m quite a fan of what we saw. It’s creepy as fuck, but I’m right here for it.
Matt: This really is giving me some F.E.A.R. vibes, perhaps with even more horror elements. Bring it on.
World Of Tanks: Heat
Paul: Geoff said it was different, but really, I just saw tanks shooting each other, this time in a future setting. Same, same, but different is what I took from that.
Matt: Future tanks. Sure, if that’s your thing, go for it.
Ghost Of Yotei
Paul: My most anticipated game for the remainder of 2025 is absolutely lighting it up right now. We recently got that massive State of Play, which gave me all the info that I needed, but we’re starting to ramp up the marketing now, so I’m keen to fill my boots with all the exciting updates and trailers. If Sony could let me preorder that controller, though, that would be great! But that sneaky drop of Yotei Legends at the end was wild! I’m in love!
Matt: I think I am at the point now that I don’t need any more info here. I know what I am getting, I know I will enjoy it, so I really don’t need or want any more trailers. Bring it on.
Resident Evil: Requiem
Paul: Loved the tone of the trailer, and Resident Evil as an IP continues to surge. There’s so much mystery around this game, and no punches are being pulled with the violence they’re depicting. Keen to see more of Grace and her mum (well, maybe not her mum based on this trailer) play out, while we fight off psychos and all other kinds of craziness.
Matt: I really have to fill this hole in my back catalogue. I still haven’t played VII or VIII. This looks great, and I am sure it will be a banger, but I think I should tackle the others first.
Black Myth: Zhong Kui
Paul: Enouuuuuugh, please! Just stop with the Soulslikes!
Matt: Look, if I were to play a Soulslike with an Asian setting, it would be one of the ones not developed by a chronically sexist douchebag.
Guests & Performances
Paul: Not many guests outside of the Fallout team, but they were great. The developers who came out to speak about their games did so with confidence and the occasional infusion of humanity. It wasn’t too over the top in this respect, so I enjoyed the flavouring on top of the games themselves
Matt: The song from Clair Obscure was beautiful, as expected, and it immediately brought me back to the game in ways that a good soundtrack does. Also great to see the cast from Fallout.
Final Thoughts
Paul: A pretty solid showing. Geoff pretty much tipped us off to all of the big hitters before the show even kicked off, which negated some surprises, but overall, it’s probably the best ONL show that he’s hosted to date. A little less of an indie presence than I would have liked, and still too many Soulslikes and anime slop games, but outside of those, I’m delighted by much of what we saw.
Matt: I have to say, there was nothing here that really wowed me in any major way. Quite a few things I found interesting, and there were some known quantities like Ghosts of Yotei that I already know I am going to enjoy, but nothing that really grabbed my attention. It all felt a bit flat to me. Maybe I am just getting too old and cynical for this sort of thing anymore, but it feels like this was a bit of a letdown.
