Gamescom 2024 has kicked off with a bang, and the first night has already given us a glimpse of some of the most anticipated titles set to release in the coming years. From gritty mob tales to post-apocalyptic rhythm games, here are FULLSYNC’s top picks from Night 1 of Gamescom 2024.
Gamescom 2024 Night 1 Top Picks
Borderlands 4: Return to the loot-shooting madness
First up, 2K and Gearbox Software dropped a bombshell by officially announcing Borderlands 4. Set to launch in 2025, this new entry in the legendary looter-shooter franchise promises to deliver everything fans love and more. The announcement teaser gave us a tantalizing look at an all-new planet where players will once again take on the role of a Vault Hunter in search of alien treasure, with more guns and chaotic action than ever before.
With the franchise having sold over 87 million copies, Borderlands 4 is already shaping up to be a massive hit. Gearbox’s Randy Pitchford has promised that this instalment will push the series to new heights, so fans have every reason to be excited. And let’s be honest. It can’t be as bad as the recent movie release right?
Dune: Awakening – Survival in the sands
Next on our Gamescom 2024 Night 1 list is Dune: Awakening, which captured the spotlight with a 5-minute exclusive gameplay reveal. Developed by Funcom, this open-world survival MMO is set on the perilous planet of Arrakis. Players will need to master the ways of the Fremen, expand their influence, and control the spice to survive the unforgiving desert.
The game introduces a dynamic system where guilds clash for power and control, all while dealing with the ever-present threat of colossal sandworms. Slated for release in early 2025, Dune: Awakening is one to watch for those who crave immersive, high-stakes gameplay. Wishlist now on Steam.
Joel Bylos, Creative Director at Funcom, said, “Revealing gameplay for the first time is always a big moment, especially in a game where the interplay between all these systems can create completely unexpected moments, but the team has done an incredible job and we can’t wait to see how the community reacts.”
REANIMAL: A new nightmare from Tarsier Studios
Fans of the Little Nightmares series have something new to look forward to with REANIMAL. Tarsier Studios, known for their unique brand of horror, is back with a game that promises to be even darker and more terrifying than their previous titles. In REANIMAL, players will navigate a twisted world as a brother and sister duo, working together to rescue their missing friends from a hellish island. With a focus on co-op gameplay, atmospheric horror, and a narrative that delves into the characters’ troubled pasts, REANIMAL is set to deliver chills and thrills in equal measure.
Mafia: The Old Country – Back to the Roots
2K and Hangar 13 have taken us back to the roots of organized crime with Mafia: The Old Country. Set in 1900s Sicily, this new entry in the Mafia franchise will explore the origins of the criminal underworld with a gritty, narrative-driven experience. The game promises to deliver the series’ signature blend of rich storytelling, authentic realism, and intense action.
With the Mafia franchise already having sold over 34 million copies, this latest instalment is set to be a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike.
Unawake – Unleashing brutal action
Rounding out our top picks is Unawake, a brutal action melee game from RealityArts Studio and Toplitz Productions. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, Unawake thrusts players into a dystopian apocalypse where they must survive the onslaught of angels and demons.
The game’s dynamic first-person combat, deep character progression, and immersive world design are set to create an unforgettable experience. Enhanced by cutting-edge technology like NVIDIA’s Audio2Face, which adds lifelike facial animations, Unawake is pushing the boundaries of what players can expect from an action game.
“Toplitz Productions is thrilled to be presenting games media with their latest look at Unawake at Gamescom. The visceral action-led gameplay, deep progression system combined with the power of Unreal Engine 5 and Nvidia’s Audio2Face technology is a true testament to pushing the boundaries of narrative and immersive experiences” said Matthias Wünsche, CEO of Toplitz Productions.
Night 1 of Gamescom 2024 has set the stage for what promises to be an incredible year for gaming. Whether you’re a fan of looter-shooters, survival MMOs, horror adventures, or intense action games, there’s something on the horizon for everyone. Stay tuned to FULLSYNC as we continue to cover the latest news and updates from Gamescom 2024.
For more coverage of Gamescom 2024 throughout the event, head over to our gaming news section.
