Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024 - All The Reveals and Trailers
A new month, a new Geoff Keighley showcase. This time, GamesCom is here, and Geoff and his team have arrived to launch the event in spectacular (?) fashion. Join Player 2 editor, Matt Hewson as he breaks down every reveal from GamesCom 2024’s Opening Night Live event.
The Preshow
Dave the Diver
I haven’t had the chance to give any time to Dave yet, but it is increasingly becoming urgent that I do so. A charming trailer with more updates that seem to becoming the norm with these upper-tier indies. I am more than ok with that.
Sniper Elite: Resistance
These are great games in small doses and each one is better than the last. There is always a bit of clunk about them but in that charming, happy-to-look-past kind of way. I am happy to check it out, but it feels like the perfect fodder for Gamepass or PS + if I am honest.
Begone Beast
Gauntlet with fuzzies? Ok, I’ll bite. These sorts of games live and die through co-op play so if you have the right crew, it could be fun. Let’s hope there is a bit of depth behind the silliness though.
Roadcraft
A super interesting premise for a game and something I am certainly curious about. I can see this hitting in a big way with a certain type of gamer and it become a huge obsession. I love that this sort of title is now a real thing, gaming for everyone I say.
Nikoderiko: The Magical World
I was lucky enough to see a big chunk of this a little while ago and it certainly speaks to my love of Donkey Kong Country. I am 100% keen on this because we don’t have enough games like this outside of Nintendo.
Entoria: The Last Song
Well, we got a few trailers in before the first soulslike… not bad really. Look, these games are becoming a dime a dozen at the moment and while I do enjoy dabbling in them, they are hardly my most wanted genre. Hard to get excited about this one.
Cairn
Rockclimbing games seem to be a bit of a trend of late. Cairn looks charming, interesting and challenging but I am not sure yet if it is fun. I will keep an eye on it but I am not sold yet.
We Harvest Shadows
First-person horror Stardew Valley… Well, you can’t deny it is an interesting pitch. I actually really liked what I saw here and I suspect the final product will be something truly unique. Very keen to see more.
Revenge of the Savage Planet
Loved the first game. It was a quirky survival title with a great sense of humour so I am keen to see if this one can iron out any of the wonkiness that was present in the original title.
Inzoi
It has been a long while since someone challenged the Sims at this sort of thing and there is no doubt this is upping the graphics level considerably. Not my jam but glad there is a new kid on the block for those who are interested in the genre.
Tribe Nine
Sorry, this one is really not for me and while I don’t want to seem dismissive, the fact it is coming to iOS and Android doesn’t fill me with hope. I expect it to be chock full of gatcha and not a lot of actual gameplay.
Directive 8020
Until Dawn in space! Hell yeah. With Lashana Lynch as well. I am down. Will be great with a group of friends and the lights off.
Street Fighter 6: Terry Bogard
I like Street Fighter, but not enough to pay the stupidly high prices for the DLC, so I won’t be picking up Terry until it hits the sales in about a year’s time. Shame though, he looks like a great addition to the roster.
The Main Show
Borderlands 4
I have to say, I’m a little disappointed it isn’t more Tiny Tina (I loved Wonderlands) but it is nice to see a new Borderlands coming. There’s not much in the trailer except some fancy CG though. I expect we will see more at the Video Game Awards.
Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6
This is exactly my kind of shit. I have always been of the opinion that Black Ops is the best COD and this is looking like the most Black Ops, Black Ops yet. Bonkers spy stuff, cool gadgets and the gunplay and movement looks sweet. I haven’t been this excited for COD since… well… The last Black Ops. Still don’t care about multiplayer though.
Goat Simulator Remastered
Super fun, absolutely bonkers trailer…but why are we getting this?
Persona 3 Reload – Episode Aigis
I would have thought the last thing any Persona game needs is more content, but here we are. Not my sort of thing, but for millions, it is so I can’t be upset.
Dying Light: The Beast
I love the Dying Light games and this looks like more of what I am after. Playing as the main character from the original game is super cool too and it looks to have a bit more of a supernatural bent to the gameplay which should help it stand out. Very excited.
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero
These games just keep coming, don’t they? There is nothing here that looks appealing to a non-Dragonball fan so I am going to let this one go through to the keeper.
King Of Meat
A more combat-focused spin on Fall Guys is a fun idea. There could be something to it. Once again though, it will depend on the crew that joins you.
Lynked: Banner Of The Spark
Shades of Bastion, a touch of Lara Croft and the Tomb of Osiris and a sprinkle of Stardew Valley. Call me very, very intrigued. I love the look of this and it could be a breakout indie hit.
Lost Records: Bloom And Rage
I really have to play one of these Dontnod games one of these days. This one could be it.
No More Room In Hell 2
Not much to speak of here. More of a mood trailer than anything. I need more to say anything meaningful about what’s coming.
Arc Raiders
I like the aesthetic, but once again, not much to talk about here.
Infinity Nikki
Everything about this trailer sets my teeth on edge. That said, I am a grumpy old bastard and I have no doubt that there is a huge crowd for this sort of game.
Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2
Predecessor
Not my sort of thing, but it does look like a tight product that multiplayer fans should probably check out.
Path of Exile 2
Now this is exactly my type of thing. I am very excited about this one and I hope that the team can take some of the confusion out of the upgrade paths that were in the first game. Coming to console is a huge win too, I have become accustomed to playing these sorts of games from the comfort of my couch.
Dune Awakening
I am not big on survival-type games but this has piqued my interest. It seems that there is more to it than the grind of resource gathering. I am going to keep an eye on it.
Reanimal
The creepy pig game from the THQ showcase is here. You can absolutely see the Little Nightmares DNA here but I also get a touch of Inside for good measure. This is looking like a freaky good time.
Monster Hunter Wilds
Just give it to me already. I don’t need any more hype, just serve it up.
Fatal Fury: City Of The Wolves
I’ve been playing KoF on my Ally recently so I am certainly keen for more Terry, Andy and Joe action. The character design still looks a bit suss, but I can look past it if the fighting is top-notch (which I suspect it will be.) The single-player mode looks like it could be a bit of fun, I just hope it has a good amount of depth.
Mecha BREAK
Not usually the sort of game that catches my eye, there is something about Mecha BREAK that has me keen to jump in. The gameplay looks super tight and intense and I dig the mobility. I will be watching closely.
Monument Valley 3
I have no doubt this will be a special game. Looks fantastic.
Civilization VII
It’s Civ, I don’t need to say more. I fully expect to put a million hours into this and still absolutely suck. But I will enjoy sucking and that’s what is important.
Starfield: Shattered Space
Starfield didn’t quite land for me. I appreciated it but didn’t love it. So I am not too hyped about an expansion, but having a buggy is going to make all the exploration so much better so it might be enough for me to jump back in.
Marvel Rivals
Even as a bit of a closet Marvel fan, there is nothing about this game that excites me. It looks like a cheap cash-in from the Xbox 360 era.
Secret Level
Such a cool idea. I can’t wait.
Age Of Mythology: Retold
Look, just stay tuned to P2 alright. Things are coming soon. But it is safe to say that Age of Mythology is going to be just as good as it always was.
Towerborne
I am loving what this is showing and I can’t wait to dive in with the P2 crew and check it out. Looks like it will be a tonne of fun.
Delta Force Hawk Ops
This looks like a game that will genuinely challenge CoD and Battlefield and I am down for that. It shows really well in these trailers and I am keen to see more.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
More of a story trailer with little in the way of gameplay. I still need a bit more to be excited about this one.
Batman: Arkham Shadow
A great-looking game that no one will be able to play. Not much more to say than that.
Little Nightmares 3
The king of the creepy platformers is back and looking as creepy as ever. Getting extra Tim Burton vibes from this one.
Herdling
This feels like it could be one of those amazing games that sits comfortably next to Journey or an absolutely frustrating mess, nothing in between. I hope it is the former.
Masters Of Albion
Old Pete is back and he is going back to the well, which I am fine with. Sure he has done bugger all since Fable, but if he can capture that classic Black & White/Populus feel I am all in. He does seem a little ill though and despite the waffle he has put out over the last 10 years, the old PC gamer in me is sad to see him not at his best.
Squid Game: Unleashed
Dear god does this scream cash in. It also is completely tone-deaf when you put it next to the show. Probably the biggest pass for the whole show from me.
Unknown 9: Awakening
I am super keen to play this one. I have a feeling it is going to be right up my ally. Also Yen! Good to see you!
Arena Breakout Infinite
Another extraction shooter that will hopefully find a crowd. I always worry about this sort of game succeeding. There is no doubt talented devs behind it, but it is such a tough market to break into.
Diablo IV: Vessel Of Hatred
Diablo expansions have always been fantastic and I suspect this will be no different. Keen for the new class as well and I am sure this will be what gets me back into Diablo IV once again.
The First Berserker: Khazan
I am not sure if this is a soulslike or a DMClike. Kind of digging the look but I need some hands-on to really get an idea if it is for me or not.
Ara: History Untold
A big chance here for Ara to get a jump on Civ. I hope it nails it because I love this sort of game.
Floatopia
Another Animal Crossing/Stardew thing and we are honestly getting almost as many of these as we are roguelikes and deckbuilders. I am starting to feel a little bit tired by the saturation at this point.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Mafia: The Old Country
Nothing really to show but boy am I excited. I love the Mafia games, even number 3 (though it did have its issues). Very keen to go back to where it all began.
Final Thoughts
As usual with a Kieghly gig, it was probably overstuffed and a little too long. That said, there were some true highlights and some nice surprises. I am not sure about the sustainability of these sorts of shows and I worry that it is going to burn out, especially when you compare running costs to something like a Nintendo Direct, but I will enjoy it while it lasts.
