I was particularly interested in Ravenswatch because Passtech Game’s Curse of the Dead Gods was something that caught me completely by surprise—initially hooking me with an art style evocative of Darkest Dungeon and then reeling me in with an incredibly deep and satisfying gameplay experience. 

Passtech established itself as a confident crafter of captivating roguelike experiences, so naturally, CGM jumped on the opportunity to get an early look at Ravenswatch. Despite the preview being hands-off, the game and world that was presented definitely got me ready to play. 

In Ravenswatch, players enter the world of Reverie, where horrific creatures known as Nightmares are spreading across the land. To stop them, the Witch of the Forest, Baba Yaga, forms the Ravenswatch—a group of folk heroes dedicated to battling the Nightmares and restoring peace.

“One of Ravenswatch’s key selling points is its cast of heroes, all drawn from mythological figures.”

One of Ravenswatch‘s key selling points is its cast of heroes, all drawn from mythological figures. While some characters are based on well-known figures, the team at Passtech wanted to ensure these heroes stood out on their own and included lesser-known mythological characters.

This includes characters such as Scarlet (Little Red Riding Hood), Beowulf and Alladin but extends to characters like The Pied Piper, Sun Wukong and Melusine—who the Lyon-based Passtech felt it especially appropriate to include as a character from French folklore. The team specifically stated they wanted to include a wide array of folklore from various cultures to create a diverse cast and open players up to these unique figures.

This idea was further explored when we were given a sneak peek at the character of Carmilla, who was revealed during Gamescom 2024. Passtech explained that including a vampire in their world was thematically fitting. Still, they specifically wanted to focus on a lesser-known character, as most people typically think of Dracula when it comes to famous vampires.

“While many games borrow heavily from successful predecessors in the genre, it’s refreshing to see a game take unique approaches and interesting risks.”

This not only adds to the game’s unique storybook feel but also allows each hero to fill a specific role based on their characterization. Scarlet, for instance, is a unique warrior who embodies both Red Riding Hood and the Wolf, capable of transforming into a lycanthropic form to deal massive damage. Conversely, Gepetto functions as an engineer, creating puppets to fight for him and assist in battle.

One of the more interesting aspects of Ravenswatch mentioned during the event is that, despite being a roguelike, the game will feature four different difficulty modes. I’ve long moved away from the notion that games, even roguelikes, should be punishingly difficult just for the sake of it—especially since roguelikes are often associated with games like Dark Souls, which emphasize extreme difficulty.

While I was initially hoping Ravenswatch would offer optional difficulty settings, Passtech clarified that players will start at the lower difficulty level, unlocking harder ones with each successful run. They’ve implemented this in a particularly clever way: only four characters are available at the start of the game, with a new one unlocking each time players defeat the final boss. This provides a tangible incentive to improve, as the game becomes more challenging as you learn and grow.

With its dark comic book style, support for up to four-player co-op, and a development team actively tweaking the game based on player feedback, Ravenswatch is shaping up to be an excellent new addition to the roguelike genre. While many games borrow heavily from successful predecessors in the genre, it’s refreshing to see a game take unique approaches and interesting risks.

Ravenswatch will launch for PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S on Sep 26th, 2024 but will see a later release on the Nintendo Switch.

Another summer of gaming wraps up with the Gamescom ONL 2024. The largest international gaming event kicked off in Cologne, Germany, with beloved industry figure Geoff Keighly taking to the stage to announce some new games, including Borderlands 4 and new looks at already announced titles. Here’s everything that was announced at Gamescom ONL 2024!

Borderlands 4

The latest installment in the Borderlands franchise, premiered at Gamescom ONL 2024, showcased a wild, reality-bending trailer, promising more looting and shooting. While no specific release date for Borderlands 4 was provided, the game is tentatively scheduled for 2025..

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Players got an extended look at the new campaign mode for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 during ONL 2024, which featured a mixture of action and espionage. Players can also join in chat as creators get hands‑on gameplay experience with Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 at this year’s Call of Duty NEXT. on Aug 28th, 2024

Goat Simulator Remastered

Revealed at Gamescom ONL 2024, the remaster of the original Goat Simulator offers gamers a unique blend of video game tropes and gags. While no official release date was announced, Goat Simulator Remastered is set to arrive in 2024.

Persona 3 Reload Episode Aigis / The Answer

During Gamescom’s Opening Night Live 2024, ATLUS announced that a special challenge battle will be added to Persona 3 Reload next month as part of Episode Aigis -The Answer-. This final content release for the Persona 3 Reload: Expansion Pass is set to launch on Sept. 10, 2024.

Dying Light: The Beast

Techland announced Dying Light: The Beast During Gamescom ONL 2024, an 18-plus-hour standalone zombie adventure set in the post-apocalyptic Castor Woods. Later this year, Techland plans to reveal more details, including the release date.

Black Myth Wukong

The official launch trailer for Black Myth Wukong was shown off at Gamescom ONL 2024. Showcasing much of the game’s intense soulslike action. Black Myth Wukong releases Aug 20th 2024 ,you can check out our review of the game here.

Dragonball: Sparking Zero

At Gamescom ONL 2024, a new trailer for the highly anticipated Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO showcased more of the story mode and action, introducing the main protagonists of the Buu Saga, Ultimate Gohan and Super Buu, to the expansive roster of 163 characters. Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO is set to release on Oct. 11, 2024.

King of Meat

In a bizarre turn of events, Geoff Keighley was transported into the world of King of Meat during a segment of ONL 2024, where players can create their own dungeons and compete with others for ultimate bragging rights. No release date has been set for King of Meat.

Lynked: Banner of the Spark

Fuzzybot debuted the reveal trailer for their combination dungeon-crawler and town-builder, Lynked: Banner of the Spark. The game will release in Early Access on Oct. 22, 2024.

Lost Records: Bloom and Rage

Gamers received an extended look at the upcoming narrative experience from DON’T NOD during Gamescom ONL 2024, which highlighted the emotional and surreal journey of Lost Records: Bloom and Rage.

No More Room In Hell 2

Next at the ONL 2024 showcase, a new gameplay trailer for No More Room in Hell 2 highlighted the game’s approach to cinematic horror, featuring unique stealth mechanics and haunting new map areas. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, this co-op game with consequences is set to enter Early Access on PC this Halloween.

Arc Raiders

At Gamescom ONL 2024, Embark Studios broke the silence on ARC Raiders—the upcoming PvPvE third-person action-survival shooter—via a brand new trailer announcing the game’s launch in 2025, along with a playtest this fall. ARC Raiders will launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S in 2025.

Infinity Nikki

A new trailer for Infinity Nikki, the latest installment of the beloved Nikki series, debuted today at Gamescom’s ONL 2024. Registration for Infinity Nikki’s global Closed Beta Test and mobile pre-registration are open now.

Predecessor

Revealed at Gamescom ONL 2024, Omeda Studios has built upon Paragon‘s existing visual assets, overhauling the game’s maps, gameplay mechanics, characters, and more to create something new and improved that stays true to the heart of Paragon. Predecessor is available for free download on PC, PS4/5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Path of Exile II

Path of Exile 2 is a next-generation free-to-play Action RPG from Grinding Gear Games, featuring co-op for up to six players. Excited players will get to experience the Early Access release of the game on Nov 15th, 2024.

Dune Awakening

At Gamescom ONL 2024, players got an extended look at the extensive gameplay and RPG mechanics of Dune: Awakening. Highlighting the game’s unique combat mechanics, crafting system, and intense survival elements, Dune: Awakening is set to be released in early 2025.

REANIMAL

A horrific new look at the newest game from Little Nightmare creator Tarsier Studios. Featuring similar gameplay and equally terrifying enemies. No release date was set for REANIMAL.

Genshin Impact

The widely popular MMORPG Genshin Impact showed up at Gamescom ONL 2024 to show off the newest area: Natlan, as well its release on Xbox Series X/S coming Nov 20th, 2024

Monster Hunter Wilds

Capcom took to the stage at Gamescom OLN 2024 to show off new monsters, gameplay, a small glimpse of the new HUB area—and, of course, a new meat-cooking animation! Monster Hunter Wilds will be released for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, and Microsoft Windows in 2025.

Naraka Bladepoint X Tomb Raider

Lara Croft is coming to Naraka Bladpoint as an exclusive outfit for Matari. The DLC will be available on Aug 28th, 2024.

Fatal Fury City of the Wolves

A new look at the iconic Mia Shiranui both in combat and in her iconic outfit. FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves will be released on April 24, 2025, on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

Mecha Break

Amazing Seasun Games just revealed Mecha BREAK’s newest trailer, plus a few important updates. Additionally, Mecha BREAK’s first-ever Xbox Closed Beta test will be live from August 25-27.

Monument Valley III

The newest installment to the acclaimed Monument Valley series, which looks to feature more artistry and even more mind-bending puzzles. Monument Valley III will be released exclusively on Netflix Games on Dec 10th, 2024.

Civilization VII

Firaxis’ Ed Beach took to the stage to discuss what makes Civilization VIII so special, saying it’s the biggest and most ambitious Civilization to date. The gameplay shown demonstrates a much more expansive and active game than its predecessors. The game will be released on February 11th, 2025.

Starfield

The newest addition to Starfield, the Rev-8, is an all-terrain vehicle (quite literally). This free update came in addition to a small glimpse of the Shattered Space DLC, which will be released on September 30th, 2024.

Marvel Rivals

Showcasing two new heroes, Marvel Rivals showed off gameplay for Captain America and The Winter Soldier to their upcoming hero shooter. The latest map, the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda, was also unveiled. Marvel Rivals launches on Dec 6th, 2024.

Secret Level

A new anthology series from the creators of Love Death and Robots based on several video games such as Sifu, Megaman, Concord, and more. Secret Level comes to Prime Video on Dec 10th, 2024.

Age of Mythology Retold

Developed by World’s Edge and Forgotten Empires and published by Xbox Game Studios, Age of Mythology Retold is a remastered version of the original Age of Mythology. It will be released on September 4th, 2024.

Towerborn

The upcoming free-to-play side-scrolling action-adventure game developed by Stoic and published by Xbox Game Studios. While no release date was given, players can expect it in 2025.

Kingdom Come Deliverance II

Gamers got an extended look at the gameplay for Kingdom Come Deliverance. The game also recieved an official release date of Feb 11th, 2025.

Zenless Zone Zero

Hoyoverse debuted the newest area to the intense ARPG Zenless Zone Zero: New Eridu showcasing the new cityscapes, monsters and combat. No release date was set for the latest expansion.

Honkai Star Rail Chapter

Hoyoverse announced the “Tales of the Luofu: A New Chapter” for Honkai Star Rail, featuring the forthcoming character Feixiao, a formidable female warrior from the Xianzhou Yaoqing, set to become playable in version 2.5. Additionally, new details about the exciting collaboration with the Fate/Stay Night anime have been revealed.

Batman Arkham Shadow

Gamers got their first look at the gameplay for Batman Arkham Shadow, the newest VR experience where players can really feel like Batman. Featuring a mixture of combat, gadget use, and investigation, Batman Arkham Shadow will be released for Meta Quest 3 in October 2024.

Little Nightmares III

Supermassive Games showed off more of the cooperative gameplay for Little Nightmares III, featuring some mild combat and the physics-based puzzle-solving fans have come to love from the series. Little Nightmares III will launch on PC and consoles in 2025.

Herdling

Announced today at Gamescom ONL 2024, Okomotive announced Herdling, where players shepard a mysterious herd of animal companions while exploring gorgeous landscapes in this single-player adventure. Herdling will be released in 2025 on PC and consoles. 

Masters of Albion

In a surprise announcement at Gamescom ONL 2024, Masters of Albion was revealed as a combination of world crafting and third-person combat. The game allows players to create almost everything, often with hilarious results. During the day, players will craft their idyllic fantasy town, and at night, defend it from monstrous creatures. No release date has been set for Masters of Albion.

Squid Game Unleashed

In what looks like Fall Guys meets the critically acclaimed show, Squid Game Unleased pits players against each other in deadly games, both new and familiar. Players can play it “soon” on the Netflix App; however, no official release date was set.

Unkown9 Awakening

Developed by Reflector Entertainment and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., Unkown 9 Awakening is an action-adventure game that mysteriously twists a journey to find powerful knowledge hidden within the Fold. The game will launch on October 18th, 2024.

Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred

The upcoming DLC for Diablo 4 showed off the new Mercenary companions as well as the Spiritborn class. Brent Gibson took to the stage to talk a bit about the Mercenary companions as well as two new dungeons coming to the Vessel of Hatred DLC—the DLC launches Oct 8th, 2024.

The First Berserker: Khazan

NEXON and Neople released a brand-new cinematic and gameplay trailer for The First Berserker: Khazan at Gamescom ONL 2024. The trailer focuses on the title’s intense battle scenes and storyline. The game will be launching in early 2025 for Windows PC via Steam, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S

ARA History Untold

Ara: History Untold delivers an evolution in turn-based historical grand strategy, where player choices will define the world you create, your experience, and your legacy. The game will be released on September 24th, 2024.

Delta Force

The Gamescom ONL 2024 trailer showcases the new extraction map Brakkesh, and the weapons arsenal. During the trailer, Team Jade also announced that they updated the name of the game simply to Delta Force. Ahead of early access, players can expect Delta Force at Steam Next Fest in October with new reveals and gameplay details.

Dark and Darker Mobile

The unforgiving hardcore fantasy FPS dungeon PvPvE adventure from IRONMACE comes to mobile with pre-registration starting now.

Floatopia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9gLtSRnyWQ

showcased at Gamescom ONL 2024, NetEase’s upcoming game combines all the beloved elements of life simulation games—farming, fishing, logging, and decorating your dream home. Players can enter a whimsical world filled with toys, travel, superpowers, and floating islands. Here, you can enjoy a carefree vacation where you can relax, daydream, and fill your days with fantasy and laughter. Floatopia will launch on all consoles in 2025.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Taking to the Gamescom OLN 2024 stage, players got to see a bit of Troy Baker’s performance as the iconic Indiana Jones, as well as an expanded look at the combination of action and exploration gameplay. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle releases Dec 9th, 2024 and will be released for PS5 in the Spring of 2025.

Mafia: The Old Country

Set in 1900s Sicily, Mafia: The Old Country goes back to the origins of the Mafia. Although little detail was shown for this reveal at Gamescom ONL 2024, work has begun on this project, which hopes to capture what players love about the Mafia franchise.

I’ll be honest when I was given the option to preview Beyond Galaxyland I kind of assumed it was going to be a vastly different game than what I got. With a name like that, I figured it was going to be some sci-fi-themed Roller Coaster Tycoon—which would be awesome by the way. Once I looked into it further, I got an interesting and fairly unique turn-based RPG.

Beyond Galaxyland is the second game developed by Sam Enright and bears a lot of similarities to his previous title, The Greater Good. Enright has clearly found a solid foundation to build from and I definitely won’t fault the guy for developing from a familiar place—if you can do something well, then do it. However, there’s definitely a lot more going into Beyond Galaxyland. 

When talking about the game, Enright said, “I’m a huge fan of classic turn-based RPGs from the mid and late 1990s and some of my favourites, such as Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VII, have provided me a galaxy’s worth of inspiration when developing Beyond Galaxyland.” He continued, “I wanted to make a game that felt uniquely cinematic while being within a familiar genre. I hope when gamers play it they’ll appreciate how Beyond Galaxyland’s pacing will often feel closer to a movie than a videogame.”

“…worlds in Beyond Galaxyland are expansive and richly detailed.”

And that feeling is definitely present within the game. From how it starts with a bit of a mysterious misdirection to how it proceeds, the way the story unfolds in a way that’s slow-paced but high-drama. The story begins properly with a teenager named Doug getting whisked away to Galaxyland: an idyllic menagerie of planets run by the supposedly benevolent DreamCore. 

Despite being told that Earth was destroyed by a cataclysmic force known as “The End,” Doug is determined to return home, and before long, he is whisked away on a sci-fi adventure—flying between the various planets of Galaxyland, meeting new friends and allies, and potentially learning the truth behind The End and Dreamcore’s true intentions. This is rounded out by a unique cast of characters that run the gamut from mysterious and alien to downright adorable—like Boom Boom, the semi-sentient Guinea Pig.

Enright’s inspirations really stand out in the combat in Beyond Galaxyland, which is a unique blend of action turn-based and active turn-based with a few clever twists to shake things up. The basics are fairly common—players wait for their turn with different status effects potentially affecting speed, and attacking and defending require players to make some precise button inputs—it combines familiar elements of classic turn-based RPGs but finds a multitude of ways to stand out on its own. 

“Enright’s inspirations really stand out in the combat in Beyond Galaxyland…”

For starters, players have the ability to scan enemies while exploring each world in order to get an advantage during combat—allowing them to see enemy health and elemental weaknesses. Furthermore, players are given a pool of Ability Points, which can be used for each character’s unique Special Attacks, but there’s a bit of a twist. Standard attacks have a certain number of uses, which can be sacrificed for more Ability Points, while missing an opponent during a standard attack will actually drain ability points. 

It adds a unique layer to the combat I can’t say I’ve seen before and makes each fight feel much more tense and tactical. On top of this, Enright adds Pokémon to the combat, both in theme and application. Doug has the ability to capture weak creatures—literally using a drone that almost resembles a Pokéball—which can then be summoned during combat for unique elemental attacks. Summons can be levelled with repeated use and more battles, so there’s an incentive to experiment and go into every battle as prepared as possible. 

But what genuinely surprised me was how the game looks and plays. Despite having several worlds that require exploration, Beyond Galaxyland moves along a two-dimensional plane—while allowing players to jump between foreground and background. Despite this restriction, worlds in Beyond Galaxyland are expansive and richly detailed. This is helped in large part by the visuals, which land somewhere in the middle between the hyperdetailed 16-bit style of games like Blasphemous or Narita Boy, and old 90’s MS-DOS games like King’s Quest. 

Beyond Galaxyland looks primed to be a breakout hit when it releases later this year. Sam Enright has clearly put his whole heart into this, and it shows—especially after releasing a demo during Steam Next Fest and implementing changes based on player feedback. This is a passion project with an emphasis on passion and I get the feeling more players than I will agree.