Europe’s biggest gameshow is a beast. Spanning the halls of Cologne Messe, and with E3 now gone, Gamescom is a bigger deal than ever. The show also attracts thousands of public attendees, giving it a fairground twist. This year, Netflix dominated one hall with a faux One Piece ship, a sports stadium, a Wednesday-themed cafe, and a Stranger Things ice cream stall.
Elsewhere, while Nintendo had nothing new to show, it had plenty of Switch 2 consoles to convince the skeptics, and some of them even had Silksong. Microsoft also had a substantial presence, revealing an October 16 launch date for its Xbox Ally duo of handheld gaming PCs, though no price was given.
While you can find all the news and previews on our Gamescom page, we have gathered all the other games we tested during the show, several of which launch in the coming weeks.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
While the man who created Metal Gear moved on to other projects, Konami is more than happy to remaster the hits. This time, it is Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater.
I admit, Snake Eater was when I fell off the Metal Gear Solid train, undone by the camouflage system and difficult-to-navigate early areas. A tight demo meant I did not get to fully test the new control system that shifts crouch and action to separate buttons and adds camera control. But these are the quality-of-life upgrades to expect.
Of course, the graphics are a huge leap from the PS2 original, but the pulpy, occasionally camp dialogue remains. I look forward to getting through the opening scenes now that the game is out on PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S.
There Are No Ghosts at the Grand
What a weird game. Not in a bad way. Things start in the dilapidated Grand Hotel, renovating a room with PowerWash Simulator-inspired tools. You can scan for hints, while a naggy Scottish smartphone app tries to help. There is also a talking cat, Mr. Bones the Bastard, but he was not talking in this demo.
The early trailer teased a village mystery, and though I did not see it, I was soon checking out mysterious black gunk. The developers added voiced lines for the demo, teasing the protagonist being onboarded before interruption. Seconds later, I am riding a scooter with a cat, fixing a boat, and hearing a soliloquy from a woman who convinced me to drive into the sea. More songs are promised as new characters join. The demo started with sandblasting wallpaper. I am intrigued.
Resident Evil Requiem
We have a detailed breakdown elsewhere, but I also got scared. The headline feature is switching between first- and third-person perspectives. It revealed an uncomfortable truth: I am a total coward, and third person is much less scary.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword
Capcom’s return to its samurai vs. demons series is satisfying and fun, especially compared to punishing games like Sekiro. However, the early chapters have a basic attack flow, and I am keen to see how things evolve. At least they have a great villain to loathe.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
The long-running DLC-into-sequel-into-meme is almost here. The demo remained the most popular attraction at Microsoft’s booth. Two Xbox Ally handhelds ran it, which I tested. And I can say it still plays like a faster, slicker Hollow Knight.
Having played it six years ago, it is hard to discern differences beyond more elaborate lighting and details. I stand by my hands-on impressions from 2019, even if they are vintage now. But when is it coming out? September 4.
All the announcements from Gamescom 2025
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 arrives on November 14.
Xbox Ally handhelds will be available October 16, but we still do not know the price.
Xbox unveils its Handheld Compatibility Program.
Double Fine’s Keeper may have the most endearing video game double act since Banjo and Kazooie.
Sony Inzone launches new peripherals in collaboration with Fnatic.
Denshattack is a blend of Tony Hawk, trains, and shonen anime.
Battlestar Galactica might finally get the video game adaption it deserves.
Black Myth: Zhong Kui is the next title from Game Science Studio.
FromSofts Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is becoming an anime.
Fallout season two has a teaser trailer and a December 17 release date.