Words by Angelina Montez
One of the biggest trade fairs when it comes to video games, Gamescom 2014 serves host to the latest announcements for every major console. Companies from around the world come together to showcase its upcoming games and promote huge reveals that set the gaming community on fire with excitement. The event lasted up to five days, which means there’s a lot of games and news to catch up on. So for those out of the loop, believe it when we say you missed a lot. So we decide to help out, narrowing down the biggest announcements at the show. See which companies and titles garnered the most buzz at Gamescom 2014.
Quantum Break Gameplay Reveal
Leading its onslaught of awesome Xbox One announcements, was Microsoft official public reveal of the highly anticipated Quantim Break. Players will take control of Jack Joyce and Beth Wilder, ordinary people given powers that allow them to change time. Yep, the developers are making it possible to freeze scenes. The game looks to balance the gameplay mechanics of Alan Wake and Max Payne–combining stunning visual effects and with drama that’s so intense, you would think you were watching a big-screen cinematic.
Until Dawn Jumping to PS4
Until Dawn is a new horror game that was supposed to launch for the PlayStation 3, but is now being upgraded for the PS4. It will feature actors you may have seen before such as: Hayden Panettiere (Heroes) and Brett Dalton (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.). Gamers will explore a creepy world, where every choice they make will affect the outcomes of the game. Looking at how incredibly realistic the characters are in comparison to the actual actors is creepy in itself, demonstrating the amazing hardware of the next-gen console.
Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain Multiplayer Shown
We finally caught a glimpse of The Phantom Pain’s Mulitplayer mode and how it works. Konami takes us back to the Mother Base, where your base is basically your lifeline. Every weapon and piece of equipment you bring back will help you make the base bigger. There’s also a recruitment system in place where you’ll have to convince others to join the squad. Recruiting soldiers has its perks, as they’ll help support you in battles. Now other players will be able to raid a base, so setting up a strong one is necessary. Players will be able to steal your troops, equipment and more. Mother Base will play a big role in both single and multiplayer modes.
Sony’s Next Share Play Update
Sony announced its next major software update for the PlayStation 4. The “virtual coach,” a form of Share Play, will now allow you to give a friend control of your game, as well as allow them to jump into co-op sessions. Now the cool part is your friend doesn’t even need to have the same game as you in order to take control or join co-op. In order to obtain the new software update, one must have PlayStation Plus. Be on the lookout for the PS4 2.00 software update that Sony says will be available this fall.
Rise of the Tomb Raider Exclusive to Xbox One
Crystal Dynamic’s showed off the next installment in its action-adventure series, though there was one catch: it’s exclusive to the Xbox One. Ouch. The game will see a different Lara Croft, where the lead must use her survival skills, trying not to fight her destiny as the Tomb Raider. We’ll be able to take Lara across different locations throughout the world. Those who don’t own Microsoft’s console shouldn’t worry, as Darrell Gallagher from Crystal Dynamics did explain that they were not leaving out PlayStation on PC fans out in the dust. They did announce Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris coming to both platforms, plus the Tomb Raider: The Definitive Edition, which will be available for the PS4. The game is set for release Holiday 2015.
Assassin’s Creed: Rogue Gameplay Demo
The latest installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise will be set between the events of Assassin’s Creed III and Black Flag, which will only be exclusive to the PS3 and Xbox 360. Players will take control of a Templer, one of the more infamous baddies in previous AC games, who steps into the Seven Years War. Another character you’ll come in contact with is Shay, who was also a former Assassin. From what was shared, we know the game will feature a lot of sea combat with naval battles off the coasts of Canada and New England.
New Xbox One Bundles Coming
Remember when the Xbox One first dropped and we saw that very sexy white model, which was only reserved for Microsoft employees. Well, you’re in luck. Microsoft announced two brand new bundles hitting retailers this holiday season. The first bundle will be the console in white featuring the game Sunset Overdrive, where as the second is specially designed for the upcoming Call of Duty: Advance Warfare release, bundled with 1TB of memory and the game. So if you haven’t picked up the Xbox One yet, this might be a good time to do so.
Konami Scares Up Silent Hills
Konami not only announced the newest installment of the Silent Hill series, which is being headed by Guillermo del Toro and MGS creator Hideo Kojima, but debuted its official “teaser trailer” starring Walking Dead alum, Norman Reedus. After the trailer was shown, Kojima had this to say during the live stream: “We are aiming for the game that will make you s#*t your pants.” Clearly the game is looking to put fear into the heart of gamers, and why wouldn’t it—it’s a survival horror game. But to those who think it’s just going to be another subpar follow-up, those suffering from a heart condition are being warned in advance not to play the installment. That should tell you something. The demo is available for PlayStation 4 at the moment.
