Exciting Releases: Gamescom, GTA 6, and Folk Emerging in the Gaming Scene, Plus MGS4 and the Cake-Balancing Horror Game

Welcome, everyone! It brings me some disappointment to announce that the Maw is exceptionally cheerful this week. Its scales possess a nearly seductive sheen, flickering in and out of view as I observe from my perch above north London. The creature’s crimson coral coils and fins, covered in greenish-blue patina, reflect in the distant skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. Its teeth and hair create abstract patterns among the weary late summer clouds.

The Maw’s jubilation stems from the fact that this week is Gamescom week – a period filled with exciting video game news, making it a feast for extradimensional beings with a keen interest in headlines. Additionally, Rockstar and Netflix are set to stream a documentary on GTA 6 (27th August), sparking numerous articles like “50 intricately designed breakfast cereal shapes you may have missed in the new Vice City”. And as if that weren’t enough, there are several hefty new PC game releases to contend with. Here’s the latest rundown.

Monday 24th August

• Burned Horizons (early access) is a multifaceted game, blending hardcore military simulation with squad tactics and ‘no-XP’ customization. It unfolds in a fictional 2002 Europe engulfed in a war against Russia, serving as a cautionary tale about Putin’s imperialism. Developed by a team spanning Ukraine, the UK, and the USA.
• Money for Girls: Amortized is a horror detective visual novel crafted by acclaimed hypertext designer and former RPS columnist, Porpentine.

Tuesday 25th August

• 1666: Amsterdam (early access) is a time-traveling witch-themed game from Patrice Désilets, the creative mind behind Assassin’s Creed. Originally under THQ, the project changed hands amidst a conflict between Désilets and Ubisoft.
• Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 offers a thrilling xenomorph experience for 1-4 players, bridging the gap before the potential release of Alien: Isolation 2.
• Astral Court DX, a celestial bullet hell game, challenges players to tackle platform trials to avoid execution. Featuring 189 levels, it exudes a Y2K shareware aesthetic.
• Blood Dungeon, a frantic platformer with bullet hell elements, hails from the creators of Nidhogg. The default character’s perpetual panic adds a unique touch to the gameplay.
• Sokogram merges block-pushing mechanics from sokoban games with nonogram-style puzzles, catering to a niche audience seeking a specific gaming experience.
• Western Rye (early access) offers a twist on cowboy sims by incorporating survival elements like base construction, reminiscent of Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare.

Wednesday 26th August

Thursday 27th August

• the cabin game (early access) strands players in a haunted cabin, where card games add rooms while deteriorating the environment. Suitable for up to four players.
• Lou’s Lagoon presents a cheerful adventure platformer set on an archipelago, allowing players to enjoy a leisurely seaplane ride reminiscent of classic platformers.
• Star Wars: Zero Company, a squad tactics game set in the Ahsoka era, showcases the talent of former XCOM developers. The game explores strategic gameplay in the Star Wars universe.
• Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2 bundles MGS4 and Peace Walker in a remastered package, including archive materials like Metal Gear: Ghost Babel.
• Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy takes players to an island blending Middle Ages and ancient Minoan eras, featuring light-based puzzles and mysterious creatures.
• Captain Tsubasa returns to inject excitement into football gaming, offering a refreshing break from traditional sports simulations.

Friday 28th August

• Don’t Drop The Cake challenges players to balance a tray amidst conveyor belts and peculiar characters with daisy heads, providing a unique and engaging experience.
• Alice’s Gaze combines autobattling, Lewis Carroll elements, and mansion exploration in a spooky setting, promising a chilling adventure in a relaxed manner.
• A Little Age offers a stripped-down city management experience, perfect for unwinding at the end of the week.

This year, we’re approaching Gamescom differently. We’ve decided not to liveblog Opening Night Live or rush to publish news articles during the event. Our focus is on covering Gamescom at our own pace, emphasizing the most noteworthy games and stories. Our team will be on the ground in Cologne, conducting interviews and demo sessions. Meanwhile, our guides writers continue their work on various gaming topics. Remember, it’s okay to take a break from gaming and prioritize your well-being.