Summer Games Fest 2022 Recap, 2023 Looks Stacked

Summer Games Fest 2022 was mostly information on titles we've already heard from. But that doesn't mean there were no pleasant surprises. Here we have a detailed recap of the event!

Street Fighter 6: Guile is back!

We've already seen more of Street Fighter 6 at the PlayStation State of Play last week. And the newest entry in Capcom's cult fighting game might shape up to be the best one yet. But the roster is still looking somewhat sparse. The two newcomers Luke and Jamie represent the next generation of Street Fighters. And confirmed are also series mainstays the stoic fighter Ryu and former Interpol agent Chun-Li. But what is a Street Fighter without everyone's favorite American patriot? Guile is back, and from the looks of it, he has finally embraced the family men life himself. Sporting an uncharacteristically casual attire and a beard. But as long as the hair stands upright. And the Sonic Boom's and Flash Kicks come fast, I'm all for it.

Street Fighter 6 is expected to release sometime in 2023.

Reveal: Aliens Dark Descent

From Tindalos Interactive we get a new video game adaptation of the Alien franchise. This one is based on the second movie actually, Aliens. Here you'll adopt the role of a marine, fighting acid-spitting xenomorph hordes. Aliens and Marines let people of course think about the horrible state Aliens: Colonial Marines was released under, a title from 2013 by Gearbox. But since then we've also seen the release of Alien: Isolation by Creative Assembly. Probably one of the better horror games of the 2010s. But you will be surprised that Tindalos Interactives top-down squad shooter seems to be based on the Alien: Descent, a virtual reality attraction that was opened in the states in 2018. It could be a title to look out for.

The Callisto Protocol Gameplay and Extended Trailer

We finally got to see some gameplay for the Callisto Protocol! And what can I say, it looks like Dead Space never went away. And was never turned into a boring sci-fi shooter with a somewhat interesting story. I swear I'm not mad. Because from the looks of it, the Callisto Protocol seems to be the logical next step from Dead Space's best moments. Gory, visceral combat. A good amount of body horror and existential dread.

The Callisto Protocol releases on December 2, 2022.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 Gameplay

This year's Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2, promises to be bigger than ever. And since its reveal, it managed to impress at least graphically. While the campaign looks to be shaping up into the usual affair, of highly scripted intense military action. What definitely stood out was a firefight on a tanker during a storm. With lose cargo sliding across the deck while the player and enemies run from cover to cover. That tech is very impressive, but we're looking forward to seeing this in action on a multiplayer map. They also promised new information on the next installment of the Warzone battle royal mode in the near future.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 releases on October 28.

Flashback 2 Announcement

30 years ago, Flashback was a trailblazer in the video game industry. That distinguished itself back in 1992 with its cinematic platforming and fluid animations. And while the cult title has received a sequel and a remake. We're getting yet another follow-up to Conrad B. Hart's story. And we're delighted to hear at Microids, who is also working on the House of the Dead Remake. Are supported by some members of the original team behind Flashback. Including the visionary behind the title Paul Cuissent.
Flashback 2 is expected to release in the winter of this year for all platforms.

With a Nintendo Switch release planned for 2023.

Witchfire Gameplay Trailer

Think of Doom, but instead of hellish monsters and Sci-Fi.. think of dark fantasy. With witches, living armor and the undead. And then you have Witchfire which has been initially revealed in 2017. Since then, the Polish studio The Astronauts have been hard at work at this indie title, running on the Unreal Engine 4. More versed shooter fans might see the obvious connections to 2004's Painkiller by director Adrian Chmielarz. While combat looks engaging, something you'd expect given who's behind it. We've yet to see how the promised roguelike elements play into it.
The title is currently expected to go into early access later this year.

Fort Solis Reveal

Fort Solis is being produced by two European indie companies, Fallen Leaf and Black Drakkar Games. Both have their primary seats in Poland. While I couldn't dig up much on the teams behind the title. Two iconic voice actors are involved in the project, Troy Baker who's in pretty much every game you've ever played. And Roger Clark, who's also in pretty much every game ever. Troy Baker described the title to be an action-packed thriller and a mixture of Dead Space and the 2009 movie Moon. We've also spotted some similarities to Andrei Tarkovsky's movie Solaris. But its story and gameplay are still shrouded in mystery.

As of writing, Fort Solaris is planned to only have a PC release on Steam.

Routine Re-Reveal

Routine was first revealed back in 2012 and was supposed to be an answer to Dead Space 3's lack of horror. Yes, we also realize there has been a lot of Dead Space inspired games on the show. Good that sci-fi horror is making a comeback. Since then information has been sparse and since 2016 we haven't heard anything from Lunar Software. Many feared the title was abandoned, but apparently, it's not. The short trailer looks graphically impressive and reminds me of 2001: A Space Odyssey. But according to the team, the title had never been abandoned. For years they simply lacked the budget to develop Routine at the pace they wanted. And had to work on other projects to keep afloat. But thanks to cooperation with Raw Fury, they managed to secure funding to continue development full force.

While there is no release window yet, Routine is expected to release for PC and Xbox Series X/S

Outriders Worldslayer

People Can Fly's coop looter shooter Outriders is getting an expansion. Only one year after its release. Outrider Worldslayer promises to build on Outriders qualities and shake up the Endgame. If you're on PC, Xbox One, or Xbox Series X/S Outrider and its expansion will be included in the game pass without any additional cost.

Outriders Worldslayer releases on June 30 this year for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S

Reveal: Stormgate

Stormgate is an upcoming free2play RTS from some of the minds behind Warcraft and Starcraft and promises to be a return to form for the genre. While we don't know much about it yet, Frost Giant has big plans for their love letter to the genre. Not only do they promise a revival of the once-popular eSport, but also lots of coop and social features. And, what is probably even more interesting, they plan to make their tools publicly available. As some of you might know, Warcraft 3 was quite popular because of its map editor. And who knows, maybe we'll see the next DOTA spring from this.

While there is no release window yet, Stormgate plans to launch an early access beta sometime next year.

Reveal: Highwater

Now imagine that climate change already happened. Well, that's already the setting for Highwater. At least you can find comfort in the fact that the world ended on a sunny day. This is a strategy adventure game by Demagog Studio which previously released Golf Club: Wasteland. It looks visually stimulating and the music is quite soothing. We haven't really seen much gameplay yet, nor do we know much about the story. But it's one of the titles you should keep an eye out for.

Highwater is slated to release later this year.

Reveal: American Arcadia

A title by Spanish studio Out of the Blue Games. Which strikes us as a mixture of The Trueman Show and Limbo. The 2.5D sidescroller is set in the dystopian city of Arcadia, here life is broadcasted for the entertainment of millions. And now you need to make your daring escape with the eyes of the world on you, of course, you'll have help from the outside. We definitely dig the colorful 70's America look.

American Arcadia comes to PC and Consoles in the near future.

Reveal: Goat Simulator 3

For a moment, just a moment I thought we'd finally hear from Dead Island 2. But now I remember that I fell for a similar trick a long, long time ago. Goat Simulator is back, skipping its second installment and going right to the third. Now how do I explain Goat Simulator to someone who's never heard of it, well.. it is all in the title really. You play a goat and your goal is to spread as much chaos as possible, as goats do. In the first title you had access to all kinds of tools and satanic rituals, you know. Typical goat stuff.

Goat Simulator 3 will wreak havoc on the Epic Game Store in the Fall of 2022.

Marvel's Midnight Sun: Character Reveal

From the studio behind Civilization and XCOM, we get another look at Marvel's Midnight Sun. A title that promises to unite some of Marvel's greatest hero's in a squad-based strategy game in the vein of XCOM: Enemy Unknown. While the trailer doesn't show much new gameplay, we now have confirmation that everyone's favorite wallcrawler Spider-Man will join the X-Men, Ghost Rider and Blade in the fight against the demonic horde.

Marvel's Midnight Suns is slated to release on October 7, 2022, on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC.

Neon White Release Date

Neon White finally has a release date, and it's relatively soon. But you might be asking, what is Neon White? Well.. imagine if Devil May Cry, Persona and Doom 2016 had a wild night out on the town with all kinds of substances being consumed. And the following mistake resulted in Neon White. A fast-paced, stylish FPS that seems full of insane antics and daring stunts. And that's pretty much all I need to know. And if that doesn't convince you, the publisher Annapurna Interactive previously stood behind What Remains of Edith Finch and Outer Wilds.

Neon White will release on Switch and Steam on June 16.

Midnight Fight Express Gameplay and Demo

Midnight Fight Express is being developed by Jacob Dzwinel and it is.. a game. Yes. A top-down action title with some brutal combat. And from the looks of it, it wants to be the John Wick of video games. Improvise, adapt and kill your foes in style. And with the trailer doesn't convince you, you can grab the demo on steam right now! I've had a blast with it.
Midnight Fight Express will release on

August 23. For Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 and will be available on Game Pass day one.

Honkai: Star Rail Story Trailer

From Chinese studio, MiHoYo comes the sequel to their breakout mobile title Honkai: Impact. Yes, it's the same studio that shipped Genshin: Impact not long ago. But instead of being a grand open world now set in a Sci-Fi setting. Or an evolution of Honkai: Impact's stylish, fast paced combat. Honkai Star Rail, while picking up continuing the previous title's story. Will focus on the classic JRPG combat system. Exploration will also be limited to smaller zones compared to Genshin.

Honkai: Star Rail has no release window as of writing. But just recently held a closed beta test. The title will be available on PC and mobile platforms.

Zenless Zone Zero Gameplay Reveal

Well and here is MiHoYo yet again with another game announcement. This time we get to see some more gameplay for their upcoming new title Zenless Zone Zero. An urban, sci-fi hack n slash that seems to take some notes from Honkai: Impact's combat. And vows to improve it. And that's about all we know about it so far, fast combat and cool character designs.

Zenless Zone Zero has no release window yet, but can be expected to release for mobile platforms and PC.

Super People Final Beta Announcement

Surprisingly, the only Battle Royal title we got to see at the Summer Game's Fest this year. Super People promises to bring the fast-paced action the genre is known for and mixes it up with elements from the Hero shooter. And while Call of Duty Warzone did a similar thing with its agents, Super People's cast of characters attempts to be a little more outlandish with their abilities. The title is being developed by Korean studio Wonder People, probably best known for their action RPG Dungeon Fighter Online.

Super People will head into its final beta on August 17 on PC.

One Piece Odyseey Story Trailer

This title was announced just a couple of months back and will be a classical JRPG set in the universe of One Piece. Apparently, the title has been in the works for quite some time now and comes just in time for the franchise 25 year anniversary. With characters and monsters designed by One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda himself. The anime sensation never had much luck when it came to game adaptations. The Dynasty Warrior spin-offs by Omega Force and the more recently released One Piece World Seeker had been scratching that itch, but no one managed to capture the spirit and sheer joy of this titan of anime.

There is currently no release window, but One Piece Odyseey is slated to release

Metal: Hellsinger Demo and Release Date

This love letter to metal music is just the latest installment in the growing genre of fast-paced rhythm shooters. After Bullets Per Minute managed to develop a small cult following. So if you ever wondered what it would be like to play a Metal album cover, Metal: Hellsinger might be the title for you. And if you're willing to give it a go, a demo is available on consoles and PC right now.

Metal Hellsinger from The Outsiders will release September 15 2022 on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Nightingale Gameplay Reveal

This title by Inflexion Games was first revealed at the Game Awards last year and is the Canadian studio's break-out title. A new open-world survival game set in a fantasy steampunk world. World I said? I mean worlds! Was differentiates Nightingale is not only the impressive style of it all but also the ability to manipulate your procedurally generated enjoinments. You'll hop between realms to escape from your new circumstances. And thrive in your new enjoinment.

Nightingale is expected to release sometime this year and has only been confirmed for Steam and the Epic Game Store.

Warhammer 40K Darktide Gameplay Reveal

Vermintide brought a visceral coop experience to the Warhammer universe. The spiritual successor of titles like Left 4 Dead managed to impress with two entries for the popular tabletop franchise. Now the Swedish developer Fatshark is bringing their honed expertise to the Warhammer 40K universe. And it looks like what you'd expect from the grim dark Sci-Fi universe. Gorey combat with futuristic weapons against hordes of mutated horrors.

Due to the pandemic, Warhammer 40K has suffered a few delays. But is currently expected to release on September 13 for PC and Xbox Series X/S.

Layers of Fear Remake

There is something this year with the revival of horror game classics and a new energy for the genre. Layers of Fear is a remake of Bloober team's 2016 indie hit. Back then the title managed to convince with a strong art direction and compelling narrative. But arguably also played into the hype surrounding the mid-2010's indie horror game craze. A genre that faded into obscurity by now. It's left to be seen if Layers of Fears is just an overhaul with new fancy graphics. Or a reenvisioning of Bloober's break-out hit.

The title is currently planned to release sometime next year for both PC and consoles.

Gotham Knights: Nightwing Gameplay

Gotham Knights promise to be an open-world coop adventure, that lets the player fill the shoes of Batman's supporting cast. The title was first announced in 2020 and is being developed by WB Games Montreal, the studio behind Batman: Arkham Origins. But according to press releases, Gotham Knights stands separate from Rocksteady's series of Batman games. Nightwing is the first character that has received a proper showcase. With Batgirl, Robin and Redhood still to come in the near future.

Gotham Knights are planned to release on October 25 on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC.

The Last of Us Remake and The Last of Us Part 2 Multiplayer

A new generation of consoles, another remaster or rather remake of The Last of Us. Naughty Dog's critically acclaimed survival drama is receiving a facelift, coming relatively soon to PlayStation 5. The idea is to bring The Last of Us, now dubbed The Last of Us Part 1 to the technical standard that The Last of Us Part 2 set. We can also assume that most of the gameplay changes, and functions will also be carried over and the Left Behind DLC will be included. That being said, The Last of Us Part 1 is not a full remake. It is more of an asset overhaul. The team plans to leave level design, cutscenes and story untouched. This makes us wonder how The Last of Us Part 1 will play with the gameplay of its sequel. Oh, did we mention that this Sony flagship title is also receiving a PC release in the near future?

The Last of Us Part 1 will release on September 2 this year on PlayStation 5 and on PC in the foreseeable future.

But that was not the only news Naughty Dog co-president Neil Druckmann had. The team at Naughty Dog is working hard to deliver the promised multiplayer mode for The Last of Us Part 2. But apparently, that concept has spiraled so much out of the initial vision that they decided to turn it into a standalone title. Druckman promised that the size of the project has by now exceeded The Last of Us Part 2 and that they are excited to share more about it very soon.

This concluded our recap of the Summer Games Festival 2022. For more gaming and eSports coverage, visit us here on ESTNN.