COLOGNE: From gloomy survival horror and paranormal action to demanding samurai combat, space warriors and a family-friendly revival of a cult platformer: The range of exciting new games at this year's Gamescom at the end of August was once again vast.
The gaming trade fair offers players the perfect opportunity to get a glimpse of new and eagerly awaited titles before their release – if they are willing to plunge into the dense crowds around the spectacular exhibition stands and spend considerable time in queues that snake through every hall.
Here are nine upcoming games that drew some of the biggest crowds at the trade fair and that you can look forward to in the coming months:
Final Fantasy VII: Revelation
The biggest draw of all at Gamescom 2026 was likely Final Fantasy VII: Revelation, the final instalment of the role-playing game series. Naoki Hamaguchi, game director at developer Square Enix, announced the return of the Arma to the game: giant guardians that destroy everything in their path, friend and foe alike. Protagonist Cloud Strife and his companions must battle the Arma in the desert, underwater and in the air – though the toughest duels await near the end of the game.
Fans of the series can also look forward to a new creature called Typhon, exploration by parachute and grappling hook, and a bird-like fantasy creature called the Chocobo.
Also new in Revelation is the "W.E.A.R." system, which unlocks special abilities and roles inspired by classic Final Fantasy jobs through particular outfits. The game is due for release in spring 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC.
Silent Hill: Townfall
Silent Hill: Townfall is set in 1996. The remote Scottish village of St Amelia provides the perfect misty backdrop for which the survival horror series is known. For the first time in the series, the game uses an exclusively first-person perspective, making the Screen Burn title feel more intimate and claustrophobic than its predecessors. Outstanding sound design adds to the effect.
Summoned by the mysterious Richard and guided by the voice of nurse Zoe, which comes through a portable television called the CRTV, players take on the role of Simon Ordell. He must contend with a limited arsenal of weapons, story-based puzzles and nightmare monsters. "Silent Hill: Townfall" is due for release on Sept 23 for PlayStation 5 and PC.
Control: Resonant
Just under four weeks before its planned release on Sept 24, the action role-playing game Control: Resonant was playable in public for the first time at Gamescom. Players were given a glimpse of a distorted Manhattan on the brink of paranormal annihilation and were able to unleash the powers of protagonist Dylan Faden.
Faden is fighting for his existence in the face of a reality-warping cosmic threat. Fast-paced action sequences alternate with close-quarters combat, aided by Faden's supernatural abilities. Developer Remedy Entertainment appears to have pulled out all the stops, and the wait for the game's launch in late September (on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC) seems well worth it.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword
After a gap of two decades, Capcom is reviving the Onimusha series with a new game. As samurai Miyamoto Musashi, players use a magical gauntlet to fend off demons seeking to conquer the human world.
The game offers demanding yet entertaining boss fights for those who crave samurai glory. At Gamescom, visitors were able to test their sword skills at a stand recreating the dark Kyoto of an earlier era. Onimusha: Way of the Sword is planned for release on Sept 4 for PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch 2.
Alien: Isolation 2
Twelve years after the release of the acclaimed survival horror game set in the Alien universe, its sequel Alien: Isolation 2 is now waiting in the wings. Developer Creative Assembly initially broke the news to unsuspecting fans only quietly, via social media.
Things were anything but quiet at the off-world-styled Sega stand at Gamescom, where the title was playable for the first time. Many visitors experiencing the game's prologue there found themselves unable to hold back a scream.
Fable
Fable – yes, that game where you can hunt and kick chickens – is back. The latest instalment of the action role-playing series had its own stand at Gamescom, and players can discover what awaits them as they explore the fictional open-world kingdom of Albion.
Expect an abundance of quirky and head-scratching gameplay laced with dark humour. The game is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC, but not until Feb 23.
Rayman Legends Retold
Ubisoft is relaunching Rayman Legends from 2013 as Rayman Legends Retold, featuring 3D graphics, a new story and voiced cutscenes. Rayman, his sidekick Globox and their good-natured friends seek to restore peace to the Glade of Dreams, which has been beset by a mysterious threat. Alongside the classic platforming, players can expect a completely new sixth world, boss fights and a magical race of wise creatures known as Teensies.
The game can be played alone or in local co-op with up to four players. At Gamescom, Ubisoft offered couch co-op sessions featuring the first level, one of the new dragon rides and a popular music level – all under an oversized inflatable Rayman figure. Rayman Legends Retold is due out on Oct 1 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC and Nintendo Switch 2.
Star Wars: Zero Company
In Star Wars: Zero Company, developer Bit Reactor combines turn-based strategy with narrative punch. Players take on the character of Hawks, who leads a ragtag band of mercenaries during the Clone Wars. Their mission: to save the galaxy, which is threatened by a dangerous cult called Infinite Coil.
It is Hawks' band of outsiders that gives the game its appeal. The squad members can be assembled freely, develop social bonds with one another, yet constantly stare death in the face. Add to that the Star Wars feel – familiar species, exotic locations and bumbling battle droids – and the result is a compelling package. Star Wars: Zero Company was released on Aug 27 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. – dpa
