Summer Game Fest 2024 didn’t disappoint! From creepy horror to strategic empire-building, there was something for everyone. Let’s dive into the 10 biggest reveals that had gamers buzzing.
Top 10 Big Game Announcements 2024
10. Slitterhead: Body Horror Meets Intriguing Gameplay
While technically teased before, Summer Game Fest gave us our first real look at Slitterhead and, wow, is it something else. This game is pure nightmare fuel, diving deep into body horror – definitely not for the faint of heart.
But beyond the unsettling visuals, Slitterhead offers genuinely compelling gameplay. You play as the ‘Hiyi,’ an entity possessing people, with no memories and a single purpose: eliminate the monstrous ‘Slitterheads’ disguised as humans.
The gameplay trailer was refreshingly straightforward, letting the action speak for itself. It’s unclear how deep the mechanics go, but the premise alone has me hooked. Mark your calendars for November 8th, when Slitterhead infects PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
9. Phantom Blade Zero: Ninja Gaiden Meets Dark Souls in Style
Phantom Blade Zero is a visual feast. Imagine the fast-paced action of Ninja Gaiden blended with the deliberate combat of Dark Souls, all wrapped in a stunningly unique art style.
What makes Phantom Blade Zero even more interesting is its history. It’s considered a spiritual successor to Rainblood, a 13-year-old Chinese RPG Maker game. Seeing a project evolve from those humble beginnings to this level of polish is inspiring.
While a release date remains elusive, Phantom Blade Zero is confirmed for PS5 and PC, hopefully launching sometime this year. Consider me very intrigued.
8. No More Room in Hell 2: Expanding on a Classic Zombie Formula
Fans of the original No More Room in Hell rejoice! The Left 4 Dead-inspired zombie shooter is back for a second helping of cooperative chaos.
No More Room in Hell 2 ups the ante with eight-player co-op and a focus on extraction gameplay. While retaining its predecessor’s emphasis on survival, the sequel seems to embrace combat more readily.
Inventory management adds another layer of strategy, and the game draws inspiration from various sources without losing its core identity. Early Access kicks off on Steam this October – get ready to fight for your life (again).
7. Once Human: Redefining Open-World Survival
Forget the typical survival game tropes. Once Human throws players into a world ravaged by a catastrophic event triggered by humanity itself. Think Annihilation, but on a global scale.
With its unique premise and visually striking world, Once Human promises a fresh take on the genre. While details about the story and gameplay mechanics remain somewhat scarce, the presence of a ‘sanity meter’ suggests a focus on psychological survival alongside the usual resource management.
The good news is we won’t have to wait long to experience Once Human firsthand. It launches on Steam and the Epic Games Store on July 9th.
6. Lego Horizon Adventures: An Unexpected Crossover With Big Potential
Lego and Horizon Zero Dawn might seem like an odd pairing, but Lego Horizon Adventures somehow works. It leans into the playful charm of The Lego Movie while showcasing the iconic machines of Horizon in all their blocky glory.
Perhaps the biggest talking point is its release on the Nintendo Switch. Considering Horizon is a PlayStation IP, this move speaks volumes about Sony’s willingness to explore new avenues.
While aimed at a younger audience, Lego Horizon Adventures has the potential to surprise us. The dinosaur designs are fantastic, and the gameplay looks engaging for all ages. Look out for it on PC, PS5, and Switch this holiday season.
5. Alan Wake’s Night Springs: Delving Deeper into Remedy’s Universe
Fans of Alan Wake 2 (myself included) have a reason to celebrate! Night Springs, the long-awaited DLC, is finally here, and it’s available right now.
This time, we step into the shoes of Jesse Faden from Control, another fantastic entry in Remedy Entertainment’s interconnected world. Witnessing Alan Wake’s story unfold through her perspective, with her signature offbeat humor, is an absolute treat.
If you already own the Alan Wake 2 Deluxe Edition, you’re good to go. If not, the upgrade is available for a reasonable price. Trust me, it’s worth it.
4. Batman: Arkham Shadow – A VR Arkham Game With Potential
After the mixed reception of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and Gotham Knights, a VR Batman Arkham game wasn’t on my bingo card. However, Arkham Shadow has piqued my interest, mainly due to its developer.
Camouflaj, known for the excellent Iron Man VR, has a knack for translating superhero fantasies into compelling virtual reality experiences. While details are scarce, the teaser trailer hints at a blend of stealth and action, potentially incorporating elements from the A Plague Tale series.
Arkham Shadow is slated for a fall release exclusively on Meta Quest 3. Keep an eye out for this one; it might just be the superhero VR game we’ve been waiting for.
3. Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions – The Quidditch Game We’ve Craved
The mystery of Quidditch’s absence from Hogwarts Legacy is finally solved. Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions is a dedicated Quidditch game that looks like a ton of fun.
With single-player and multiplayer modes, Quidditch Champions features a vibrant, almost Fortnite-esque art style. While not a graphical powerhouse, the distinct character designs and fast-paced gameplay make for a visually engaging experience.
As someone who fondly remembers Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup on the PS2, I’m excited to see how this modern take on the sport shapes up. Catch it on PlayStation, Xbox Series, and PC this September 3rd.
2. New World: Aeternum – Breathing New Life into A Familiar World
Accompanied by a hauntingly beautiful orchestral rendition of The Pixies’ “Where is My Mind?”, New World: Aeternum immediately grabbed my attention. This expansion/update aims to reinvigorate Amazon’s MMO, expanding it to consoles for the first time.
While New World’s popularity has waned since launch, the move to new platforms could be precisely what it needs. The core gameplay loop of boss battles and PvP remains intact, offering both cooperative and competitive thrills.
Existing New World players who own the Rise of the Angry Earth expansion receive Aeternum for free. That’s a pretty sweet deal. Dive into the world of Aeturnum on PS5, Xbox Series, and Steam this October 15th.
1. Civilization 7 – The Return of a Strategy Giant
After eight long years, Civilization 7 is finally on the horizon. While it’s not reinventing the wheel, the prospect of guiding a civilization from humble beginnings to global dominance is as enticing as ever.
Details are scarce for now, with a gameplay reveal planned for August. However, we can expect the core tenets of the series to remain intact: diplomacy, warfare, city-building, and technological advancement all vying for your attention.
Civilization 7 is slated for a 2025 release. Until then, I’ll be brushing up on my history and practicing my diplomatic skills (or maybe just conquering the world in Civ 6 one more time).
Summer Game Fest 2024 was a whirlwind of exciting reveals, offering something for every type of gamer. Now, the real challenge begins: patiently waiting for these incredible games to launch. Which announcement has you most hyped? Let the countdown begin!
