It’s an exciting time for the gaming industry as June marks the summer video game showcase season. To kick things off Summer Game Fest showcased some amazing titles and experiences from a variety of developers. Host and creator of the event, Geoff Keighley took to the stage to share exciting titles to look forward to. Along with blockbuster games like Mortal Kombat 1, Spider-Man 2 and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, SGF had a diverse line-up titles. Jon Scarr has the top highlights of these titles covered here. This year’s event featured a diverse collection of games, ranging from highly anticipated sequels to innovative new IPs. In this article, I’ll be delving into some standout titles that have captured my interest. Let’s dive into my top picks for the most interesting and unique titles coming out of SGF 2023.

Alan Wake II Gameplay at Summer Game Fest

If you enjoy survival horror games with more of a psychological edge, you’ll love the Alan Wake series. I’m a huge fan of the original game released in 2010, the psychological thriller was an incredible ride. Fans of the original game have eagerly awaited a sequel for over a decade. It looks like it’s shaping up to be something special based on what was shown. During SGF we got the very first look at gameplay, and it was both eerie and stunningly detailed. The short sequence showed Saga Anderson an FBI agent exploring an abandoned shop. I won’t spoil too much but there are some great jump scares that left me wanting more.

Alan Wake II looks to blend elements of action, adventure, and psychological horror, when it’s released this October. With its gripping narrative, updated controls and atmospheric visuals, Alan Wake II is shaping up to be a must-play for fans of the original and newcomers alike.

Alan Wake II is coming October 17th, 2023 to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X | S and Microsoft Windows

Dead By Daylight DLC: Nicolas Cage takes the stage at Summer Game Fest!

The popular asymmetrical multiplayer horror game, Dead By Daylight, is no stranger to incorporating iconic characters from pop culture. The latest addition of superstar Nicolas Cage was teased right before Summer Game Fest. Little was known about exactly how Cage would be deployed in the game. Fast forward to the showcase and Keighley stunned the crowd by bringing Cage out live in person on stage! There Cage explained how players will be able to use his in-game character.

In this unique crossover, you get to step into the shoes of Nicolas Cage himself as a new survivor. Many thought he’d appear as a killer, instead, Cage will be on the other end trying to save himself. We got to see his virtual likeness in action and he’s looking like an interesting addition. Another exciting detail shared is that Cage will be doing all the voice acting for his virtual role.

This will undoubtedly create some hilarious, viral gaming moments. I think these crossovers are great, bringing some incredible talent into titles we love. It also opens the door for a wider audience as Hollywood A-listers continue to cross over to major gaming franchises.

Cage is coming to Dead By Daylight this summer on July 25th, 2023

Street Fighter 6 Exoprimal DLC

Hot on the heels of the stellar Street Fighter 6 launch Capcom continues to pull no punches. The iconic fighting game franchise is set to expand its horizons with the upcoming Exoprimal themed-DLC. This bold new addition will introduce a unique roster of prehistoric fighters, in the trailer we saw Ryu take on a Triceratops and a T-Rex.

The Exoprimal DLC also promises to bring a fresh visual flair to the series, with Ryu and Guile getting cyborg-style skins. The new character models and environments look awesome. The trailer noted that this is “Collab 1” opening the door for future drops like this. It looks like Street Fighter 6 is ready to take the franchise to some exciting new places with this upcoming content.

The SF6 collab is coming in Fall 2023 but you can jump into Street Fighter 6 today.

Crossfire Sierra Squad coming to PC and PS VR2

One of my long-awaited titles, Crossfire Sierra Squad is coming to Steam and PlayStation VR2. Previously it looked to be only coming to the PS VR2 but at SGF they shared it is also coming to PC. The brand-new arcade shooter aims to deliver intense, fast-paced action in virtual reality with a plethora of weapons. In the game, you assume control of an elite paramilitary fireteam, tasked with completing dangerous missions in a variety of hostile environments.

With its diverse array of weapons, gadgets, and abilities, Crossfire Sierra Squad looks poised to offer a unique fun challenge for fans of the tactical shooter genre. As shared by developer, Smilegate Entertainment the game will feature: “39 types of weapons including pistols, rifles, throwable – and throw back-able – grenades and sniper rifles with revolutionary scope mechanics give you plenty of options to dispatch 17 types of enemies. You’ll also engage with heavy artillery like helicopters and LAV’s in full 360° VR space, so be sure to keep your head on a swivel.”

Crossfire Sierra Squad was given an “August 2023” release window at Summer Game Fest

Bandai Namco Announces Sand Land

During the showcase gamers also got their first glimpse of Sand Land an imaginative and visually stunning new game. The title is based on the manga with the same namesake by Dragon Ball’s Akira Toriyama. The action RPG transports players to a vast, mysterious desert world filled with dinosaurs and other mysteries. The early highlight for me is Sand Land’s striking art style completely built within Unreal Engine 5. We only received an early look but Sand Land is shaping up to be a standout title in the world of open-world RPG games.

Sand Land is coming to PlayStation 4, PS5, and Xbox Series S | X no timeframe for release was given.

Lies of P release date and new demo available

Inspired by the classic tale of Pinocchio, Lies of P is a dark and twisted Souls-like action RPG that takes place in a grim, dystopian world. As a sentient puppet with a mysterious past, players must navigate a treacherous city filled with dangerous enemies and deadly traps to uncover the truth about their existence. Just like in the story you’ll be seeking out Geppetto to finally become human.

Lies of P features a deep, intricate combat system that allows players to customize their abilities and playstyle, as well as a branching narrative that offers multiple paths and outcomes based on the choices they make throughout the game. With its haunting atmosphere, engaging gameplay, and interesting premise, Lies of P has captured my interest and if you like a challenge, keep this one on your radar.

Lies of P is coming September 19th, 2023, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Steam.

Summer Game Fest brings the heat!

This year Summer Game Fest once again delivered an exciting lineup of unique and innovative titles that are sure to delight gamers of all tastes and preferences. From highly anticipated sequels like Alan Wake II to bold new IPs like Sand Land, there’s something for everyone to look forward to. Keep your eyes peeled and your controllers at the ready—these are games you won’t want to miss.

Enter the Play at Best Buy contest for an opportunity to win incredible gaming prize packs

Make sure to bookmark and visit the Best Buy Blog as well as our Play at Best Buy gaming hub. Here we will have special offers, including pre-order links to new games, contests, and the latest news. Click here to find out how to enter this amazing contest and check out the list of the prizes that you could win! Good luck!

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Matthew Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things tech related since the start of the digital era. He shares his passion for technology in his day job as a teacher and via multiple media platforms. As a long-time veteran of the video game and tech industry, he's covered interactive entertainment and esports on the web, in video series, podcasts, and on international television. You can follow Matthew's tech-venture filled lifestyle on twitter, instagram @dapper_tux.

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