Gamescom, the world’s biggest videogame conference, features some of the biggest names in the industry attending including Xbox, Nintendo, Bandai Namco, Ubisoft and Sega. This week-long event was filled with brand new videogame announcements and updates on some of the hottest games coming this holiday season. Let’s take a look at some of the games from Gamescom 2023 that we are excited to play!
Sonic Superstars
It’s no secret that Sonic Superstars is a highly anticipated game from Sega launching this fall. And, during Gamescom 2023, Sega announced that Sonic Superstars is launching on October 17, 2023. A brand new trailer was shown that gives us a closer look at local co-op and the game’s Battle Mode. One of the many features I’m looking forward to playing is the game’s campaign with up to 3 friends via local co-op play.
And, the game’s Battle Mode allows you to challenge up to 7 other players online or 3 players locally. Not a whole lot is known about the game’s Battle Mode. However, from what the trailer shows, it appears as if you play as robotic versions of your favourite characters from the world of Sonic.
You can pre-order Sonic Superstars now, and when you pre-order online, you also get some extra goodies included! Every Sonic Superstars pre-order online comes with Sonic Superstars Acrylic Display Stand, reversible cover sheet and LEGO Eggman in-game skin! This offer is available while supplies last, and there are limited quantities available. Cover sheet and in-game skin will be packaged inside the game box.
Pre-order Sonic Super Stars on Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4 and Xbox Series X|S / Xbox One
The Crew Motorfest
During Gamescom 2023, Ubisoft unveiled a launch gameplay trailer for the upcoming game The Crew Motorfest. In addition, Ubisoft announced that from September 14 to September 17, 2023 gamers will have the chance to play The Crew Motorfest for 5 hours absolutely free! This free 5 hour trial gives you time to check out the game. And, all of the items you unlock and your progression carries over to when you purchase the full game.
For those that might not know about The Crew Motorfest, let me fill you in. The game takes place in Hawaii on one of the main islands called O’ahu. It features volcano slopes, lush rainforests, big city streets and picturesque beaches. There are a series of short thematic campaigns that you can play as well as an open-world experience that you can play along with friends. And, The Crew Motorfest features more than 600 vehicles from car makers including Lamborghini, BMW, Lotus, Mazda, Ferrari and more!
The Crew Motorfest launches on September 14, 2023 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC and Amazon Luna. If you pre-order The Crew Motorfest, you will get bonus in-game content, included inside the game box, including the Liberty Walk Pack including the Toyota GR Supra 2021 LBWK Edition, car vanities, and the Liberty Walk outfit.
Pre-order The Crew Motorfest for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One
Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty and Update 2.0 new gameplay overhauls
CD PROJEKT RED showcased a brand-new “New Ways to Play” trailer during Gamescom 2023. This gave us glimpses of new features coming to Cyberpunk 2077 with the Phantom Liberty DLC and free Update 2.0. The trailer showed us some cool things including new clothes, weapons, and cyber-enhancements. That’s not all though.
There is a new Relic skill tree, which gives you a bunch of cool abilities that let you play the game in different ways and really make your character in the game unique. Moreover, we learned that the new DLC also adds a new place called Dogtown, and it’s full of all sorts of exciting things to do, like missions and events.
The trailer also highlighted the game’s redesigned perks system, showing off some brand-new perks that offer more impactful gameplay options and the ability to take down enemies in new and exciting ways. We also learned that enemy AI in combat will be improved, which results in fights being more dynamic and intuitive.
Finally, the trailer showed us a big change in how the police work in Cyberpunk 2077. The police are smarter now, and this means that they react more realistically. For instance, depending on what mischief you might cause, the police may set up roadblocks or try to crash into your car during chases. Moreover, there’s also a cool new driving mechanic. You can now shoot while driving and use hacking tricks on enemy vehicles when they’re in cars or on motorcycles.
The redesigned skill trees, overhauled police system, and vehicle combat will all be available for free as part of Update 2.0 for Cyberpunk 2077 on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty releases September 26th on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
Alan Wake 2
The long-awaited and highly anticipated psychological horror sequel, Alan Wake 2 received a brand-new trailer during Gamescom 2023. The game tells the story from the perspective of two playable characters: Saga Anderson and Alan Wake. The trailer showcases an early mission in the game, new gameplay, new characters, live action cutscenes and more. This new trailer called “The Dark Place”, shows FBI agent and writer Alan Wake trying to write his way out of a nightmare.
Alan Wake 2 is set to launch on October 27, 2023 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC—just in time for Halloween!
Pre-orders for Alan Wake 2 are coming to Best Buy soon
Mortal Kombat 1 new character reveals
During Gamescom 2023, Warner Bros. Games announced two new characters, General Shao and Sindel, to the main lineup in Mortal Kombat 1. These two new additions were showcased in a brand-new trailer called “Rulers of Outworld,” which gives us a first glimpse of how they play and their role in the game’s story.
From the trailer we learned that General Shao is the supreme leader of the Outworld’s army. His fighting style is all about overpowering strength and he has an unyielding determination. On the other hand, we are introduced to Sindel, the empress of Outworld. She fights fiercely to protect her family and her empire, using her mysterious hair, piercing scream, and the power to levitate to vanquish her enemies.
In addition, the trailer also introduces Motaro and Shujinko as cameo fighters. They can provide support during matches with a variety of helpful moves. Mortal Kombat 1 is scheduled to launch on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC on September 19, 2023.
Pre-order Mortal Kombat 1 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch
Tekken 8
Rounding out the top announcements and reveals of Gamescom 2023 was the announcement and launch date of Bandai Namco’s latest entry in the legendary fighting franchise, Tekken 8. The game is coming to PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC on January 26, 2024. The Gamescom announcement introduced a brand-new mode in TEKKEN 8 called Arcade Quest. It’s a mode designed for single players, offering a great way to train and improve their gaming skills.
In Arcade Quest, you get to create and customize your own character. And, you’ll “visit” various arcades to take part in matches that help you become a better player. As you progress through the game’s storyline, both you and your avatar will grow stronger, facing increasingly challenging opponents.
The trailer also revealed some familiar faces making a return to the 32-character roster in TEKKEN 8, such as Kuma, Leo, Shaheen, Steve, Dragunov, and Yoshimitsu. They’ve got updated appearances and moves. Plus, you can customize all the characters, including new options that let you change colours and adjust the size and position of accessories.
Pre-orders for Tekken 8 are coming soon to Best Buy
Click here to see the full line of video game software available at Bestbuy.ca
Click here to see digital video game downloads offered at BestBuy.ca
