Every Game We Played At Gamescom 2026

Introduction

Gamescom 2026 is officially underway, and the editorial team has been navigating a relentless schedule of back-to-back appointments. From high-profile blockbusters like Control Resonant to eagerly anticipated updates such as The Witcher 3’s upcoming Songs of the Past expansion, we are working tirelessly to deliver our firsthand impressions straight to you in this comprehensive roundup.

Whether focusing on modest indie gems or massive AAA spectacles, be sure to bookmark this hub. Select titles will receive dedicated, deep-dive preview articles for a closer examination. No matter where your browsing takes you on the site today, you will discover insightful coverage straight from the heart of the convention floor in Germany. Without further delay, let’s dive into the highlights…

The Standout Games We Hands-On Tested At Gamescom 2026

The following titles are presented in chronological order based on our scheduled appointments. For effortless navigation, please utilize the Table of Contents menu.

About Fishing

About Fishing

By Eric Van Allen

Developer The Water Museum has consistently carved out a unique niche within the indie sphere. While their 2024 release, Arctic Eggs, pushed the chaotic physics of frying food to absurd extremes, their latest project, About Fishing, applies that same eccentric design philosophy to the tranquil pastime of angling.

Blending nostalgic PS2-era aesthetics with remarkably responsive mechanics, the demo proved to be an absolute delight. The delicate tension between angler and aquatic prey is wonderfully realized; casting a line precisely along a river’s natural current becomes deeply absorbing, while advanced techniques—such as anchoring a line around a submerged rock to combat strong currents—reward player ingenuity.

Intriguing narrative breadcrumbs elevate the experience beyond a simple mechanical novelty. About Fishing pairs compelling gameplay with enigmatic storytelling, securing a prominent spot on our radar. We strongly encourage downloading the Steam demo if you have any appreciation for inventive indie throwback projects.

Agni: Village of Calamity

Agni: Village of Calamity

By Wesley LeBlanc

Crafted by Indonesian developer Separuh Interactive and heavily influenced by regional horror cinema, Agni: Village of Calamity is a chilling survival horror experience. Players step into the shoes of Agni as she searches for a missing companion in an isolated village, encountering surreal, Remedy-esque phenomena, grotesque entities, and a relentless stalker intent on dismemberment.

While the mechanical framework remains faithful to genre traditions, the distinct cultural setting and atmospheric folklore infuse the adventure with a fresh perspective. We are eager to uncover more.

Control Resonant

Control Resonant

By Wesley LeBlanc

To be completely transparent: as an ardent fan of the Remedy Connected Universe, I am profoundly excited for Control Resonant, though I have yet to secure controller-in-hand time with it. Unfortunately, that trend continued at Gamescom 2026, where our presentation of a brand-new slice of the game was strictly hands-off. Given that this entry introduces a bold structural shift toward melee combat and robust RPG elements, missing the chance to test it firsthand sparked slight hesitation. Nonetheless, watching a Remedy developer navigate the demo proved thoroughly captivating.

Fortunately, my colleague and senior associate editor, Marcus Stewart, managed hands-on time back at SGF and walked away with overwhelmingly positive impressions, keeping optimism alive. With that background established, here is what we witnessed.

Dylan Faden—brother of original protagonist Jesse—has broken free from Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) containment alongside the chaotic forces of the Hiss. While previous trailers hinted at the Hiss’ expanded presence, this developer-led walkthrough unveiled a Manhattan park corrupted by virulent blue mold and populated by mutated adversaries. Dylan’s primary objective is to track down a Resonant, serving as one of the title’s major bosses.

Interestingly, Remedy noted that while the introductory and concluding boss encounters remain fixed regardless of player choices, the intervening Resonant targets can be hunted in any preferred sequence. Our target here required an unusual prerequisite: consuming local mold samples to gather intel.

According to the development team, the substance is remarkably “delicious” and virtually impossible to resist. Consequently, Dylan navigates past numerous civilian bodies paralyzed in a euphoric trance from voluntary consumption. En route, we passed an FBC Field Content Research outpost before manipulating gravity to scale a vertical wall surface.

Beyond lay a cluster of fungal hostiles. Standard mobs fell quickly, serving primarily to farm “Dominance”—a combat modifier tied to Dylan’s kit that amplifies offensive output following an enemy elimination. With Dominance secured, we engaged a bulky, garlic-bulb-shaped mini-boss that deployed hazardous spore mines across the arena. This elephant-sized creature lobbed projectiles from a specialized appendage while testing our tactical spacing.

Remedy highlighted that equipped Dual Blades possess critical-hit modifiers, whereas the drill configuration for the transformational Aberrant weapon excels at inflicting massive Falter damage. Every enemy features a distinct yellow Falter gauge positioned beneath their red vitality bar, acting essentially as a stagger meter. Once fully depleted, players can trigger a visceral execution by pressing L3 on the PlayStation 5 controller.

Following this skirmish, we resumed our search for the required sample. Along the way, a malfunctioning traffic barrier glitched rhythmically—a subtle environmental cue denoting a nearby world event, though time constraints prevented us from investigating further.

When queried about whether real-world Manhattan landmarks feature in the game, developers clarified that locations are entirely fictionalized, designed instead to evoke the spirit of New York through Remedy’s signature surrealist lens. Further skirmishes showcased shoulder-button abilities: R2 triggers fire damage via “Ignite,” L2 unleashes “Barrage” to pummel foes with environmental debris for increased Falter accumulation, and R1 executes a classic telekinetic “Push.”

Notably, traditional blocking and parrying mechanics are entirely absent, replaced by a responsive evasion system where precise timing yields time-dilation and bonus damage. Remedy explicitly encourages aggressive playstyles; health recovery is achieved exclusively by collecting blue restorative orbs dropped by vanquished enemies.

Reaching the target mold prompted branching dialogue choices. Developers noted that while conversations will not alter the singular main narrative conclusion, certain side quests offer divergent outcomes, and NPC demeanor will dynamically reflect your conversational standing.

Consuming the substance provided tracking data for the targeted Resonant, dubbed “The Collective,” located deep underground. The entity manifested as a colossal mass of mold contoured into haunting facial expressions. Direct attacks proved ineffective initially; players must instead utilize gravity shifts to traverse wall surfaces and sever anchoring tentacles. Simultaneously, the boss barraged the arena with projectiles and summoned auxiliary minions. Once all tentacles were disabled, vulnerable weak points emerged.

While the demo concluded before the battle’s climax, the encounter offered a refreshing spin on traditional weak-point boss design. True to developer form, Control Resonant promises an abundance of bizarre, atmospheric moments upon release.

Control Resonant arrives digitally for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on September 24, with physical editions following in October and a Mac port scheduled for a later date.

Cosmo Tales

Cosmo Tales

By Wesley LeBlanc

Developed by Czech studio Bohemia Interactive, Cosmo Tales emerged as an unexpected highlight after roughly twenty minutes of hands-on time. Hitting Early Access next week on September 3 ahead of a full 1.0 launch early next year, the concept is wonderfully straightforward: a retro-futuristic 1980s space shooter where players dart through vibrant arenas, obliterating robotic threats with lasers and rockets.

As a roguelite, successful arena clearances reward players with potent upgrades—such as electrifying Tesla coils or elemental fire payloads—while end-of-run experience points unlock vessel enhancements. Notably, each spacecraft design draws inspiration from classic automobiles, notably Czech manufacturer Škoda. Combat mechanics are intentionally accessible, as Bohemia Interactive designed the experience to serve as an ideal entry-level roguelite for younger players.

Do not mistake approachability for a lack of depth; it delivers a breezy, exceptionally entertaining experience underscored by a stellar groove soundtrack. Following next week’s PC Early Access debut, the team plans to bring the title to PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 for next year’s 1.0 launch.

Crimson Moon

Crimson Moon

By Wesley LeBlanc

Developer and publisher ProbablyMonsters’ Crimson Moon offers a streamlined take on the Soulslike genre. Rather than striving for massive, FromSoftware-scale proportions, the project focuses on tight, repeatable co-op sessions at an accessible $19.99 price point. Our 30-minute demo reflected this scaled-down, focused ambition.

Combat hits familiar notes with light and heavy strikes, blocking, parrying, and evasion, supplemented by devastating special skills and an ultimate transformation that turns your acolyte knight into an angelic warrior wielding a massive halberd. Visually and mechanically, the pacing evokes memories of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. The heavy-metal fantasy aesthetic, infused with classic World of Warcraft styling, proved to be the demo’s standout feature—offering a refreshing, vibrant alternative to the genre’s typical grimdark palette.

While the primary hook centers on cooperative play—which we unfortunately could not test—we learned that sessions launch from a shared hub and loot distribution is instanced individually rather than shared. ProbablyMonsters confirmed online co-op is currently in development. Despite the multiplayer emphasis, isolated linear mission structures ensure the solo experience remains entirely viable.

The build exhibited minor rough edges, though final polish may address these before next week’s launch. For players seeking an affordable co-op action RPG, Crimson Moon warrants attention.

Hellraiser: Revival

Hellraiser: Revival

By Wesley LeBlanc

A first-person shooter adaptation of Hellraiser initially sounded unorthodox, but spending thirty minutes with the latest build completely won us over. The environment is wonderfully decrepit—mangled corpses litter a luxury apartment occupied by a deviant cult, with fresh gore staining the corridors.

Gunplay relies on scarce ammunition for pistols and shotguns as players neutralize gagged, leather-bound adversaries while navigating locked doors. In a brilliant survival horror twist, interacting with LeMarchand’s Lament Configuration puzzle box allows players to telekinetically hurl scissors, blades, or open flames at targets.

Midway through the demo, players are transported to the Labyrinth to solve a spatial platforming puzzle before entering a residential sequence clearly paying homage to Hideo Kojima’s P.T. Traversing looping hallways in search of subtle environmental clues effectively communicates the protagonist’s desperate quest to rescue his girlfriend from the clutches of the Cenobites.

Targeted for an October 8 release with a runtime of 10 to 12 hours, Hellraiser: Revival is shaping up to be an essential seasonal horror experience.

Kingdom Hearts Collection I~III on Nintendo Switch 2

Kingdom Hearts Collection I~III on Nintendo Switch 2

By Wesley LeBlanc

For veterans and newcomers alike, experiencing the overarching narrative of Kingdom Hearts on Nintendo’s new handheld hardware is a welcome treat. Square Enix is not reinventing the wheel here, focusing instead on delivering faultless performance across the entire trilogy. There is an undeniable nostalgic charm to playing these sprawling adventures on a Nintendo system, given the franchise’s rich history on portable devices.

With Kingdom Hearts IV on the horizon for next year, the Switch 2 collection provides an accessible entry point for newcomers to join Sora and company alongside iconic Disney and Final Fantasy figures.

Kumarn: The Wandering Spirit

Kumarn: The Wandering Spirit

By Wesley LeBlanc

Developed by Thailand-based WereBuff Studio, Kumarn: The Wandering Spirit adopts a Little Nightmares-inspired platforming structure infused with supernatural Thai folklore. Players guide a young child spirit through an ancient, menacing world.

While traversal mechanics feel familiar, the distinct cultural backdrop elevates the adventure. Adding to its appeal is an adorable, rotund animal companion destined for fan-favorite status. While a release window remains unannounced, horror enthusiasts should keep this atmospheric journey on their radar.

Locator: The Search for Abigail Lidari

Locator: The Search for Abigail Lidari

By Eric Van Allen

Certain demos possess an uncanny ability to dissolve hours in an instant. That occurred multiple times while experiencing Locator alongside developer Empty Exhibit at Gamescom 2026. Best described as Return of the Obra Dinn meets GeoGuessr, the game tasks players with tracing a missing space explorer using photographs, personal logs, and topographical maps.

Information arrives in batches, requiring players to pin locations on a relief map based on visual cues. Effectively acting as an interplanetary investigator, you piece together Abigail’s journey, discoveries, and ultimate fate.

Fans of deductive mysteries, atmospheric sci-fi akin to Scavengers Reign or Outer Wilds, or narrative geography puzzles will find Locator to be an exceptional addition to the genre.

Mega Man: Dual Override

Mega Man: Dual Override

By Kyle Hilliard

The first crucial detail learned while playing what is effectively Mega Man 12 is its official subtitle: “Override,” not “Overdrive.” The second takeaway is that the game feels exceptional, serving as a worthy successor to 2018’s Mega Man 11. Progressing through three stages culminating in a boss showdown against Twinkle Girl, the defining mechanical addition is the “Dual Override” system. Triggered automatically when health drops critically low, it unleashes a flashy, skippable cinematic before granting temporary offensive buffs. While it doesn’t eliminate the inherent danger of low health, it provides a dramatic psychological boost during tense encounters. Look for an in-depth preview soon.

Murals

Murals

By Wesley LeBlanc

As an admirer of Dlala Studios’ work on Disney Illusion Island (detailed in our review here), anticipation was high for Murals. The new action title reimagines classic fairy tales in the vein of traditional adaptations. Our hands-off Gamescom demonstration focused on their unique interpretation of The Little Mermaid.

The presentation oozes British wit, painterly warmth, and gorgeous visual fidelity, complemented by a sweeping orchestral score from returning composer David Housden (even in its preliminary MIDI arrangement phase). Combat draws clear inspiration from Hades, though it incorporates intentional environmental hazards and spatial blocking to vary consecutive arena encounters. Given Dlala’s strong track record with character control, expectations remain high. A dedicated preview will follow soon.

Nekome: Nazi Hunter

Nekome: Nazi Hunter

By Wesley LeBlanc

Ever since discovering initial trailers for Nekome: Nazi Hunter earlier this year, its Grindhouse-styled approach to cathartic Nazi elimination felt instantly appealing. Following a 30-minute hands-on demo, that sentiment doubled.

The game unapologetically brutalizes the 1940s Nazi regime. The narrative opens inside a palatial estate where high-ranking officers feast and gloat over the establishment of death camps. Protagonist Vano Nastasu infiltrates the banquet disguised as a butler, wheeling out a silver platter containing a decapitated officer. Utilizing a blade engraved with “Nekome”—signifying vengeance in Yiddish—Vano swiftly dispatches the leadership before we took control, painting the ballroom red with relentless slashes.

Combat prioritizes visceral bloodshed over mechanical complexity, featuring parries and guard breaks. While the pre-beta build displayed minor roughness, it failed to detract from the sheer satisfaction of combat.

A subsequent flashback explores Vano’s childhood trauma at the hands of “Hitler’s Hyenas,” culminating in the execution of his parents and a forced, tragic ultimatum between brothers reminiscent of The Dark Knight. Flashing forward to 1940s New York City, Vano trains under a gruff butcher mentor named Harold. Following an attack by American-German Bund sympathizers that claims Harold’s life, Vano embarks on a relentless urban crusade. Utilizing efficient stealth mechanics in alleyways, the core loop proved consistently engaging.

We look forward to continuing our campaign when the full game launches early next year.

No Law

No Law

By Wesley LeBlanc

While final deliberation is ongoing, No Law—the cyberpunk immersive sim / FPS hybrid from The Ascent developer Neon Giant—is a strong contender for our Gamescom 2026 Game of the Show. Eschewing the conventional dystopian gloom of the genre, the Mediterranean-inspired city of Port Desire radiates warmth and vibrancy, complete with neon-lit avenues and gentle rainfall.

Though compact compared to sprawling metropolises like Cyberpunk 2077’s Night City, Port Desire boasts incredible density. NPCs follow daily routines, dynamic weather systems affect civilian presence, and environmental factors alter tactical opportunities—such as rain driving guards indoors and clearing direct pathways.

Neon Giant supports both direct shooter playstyles and deep immersive sim exploration. Standout immersive sim interactions include shopkeepers closing permanently if eliminated, stackable crates for alternative vertical traversal, and repurposing store security units into improvised proximity mines when attached to grenades. The execution is remarkably ambitious, and we are eager to see if the systems harmonize successfully upon release next year.

Persona 4 Revival

Persona 4 Revival

By Wesley LeBlanc

Newcomers to Persona 4 Golden are in for an extraordinary experience when Persona 4 Revival launches in February. Returning fans will similarly appreciate the revitalized presentation. Adopting a modern art style aligned with Persona 3 Reload and Persona 5 Royal rather than original character models, the remake feels polished and responsive.

Exploring rural Inaba provides a wonderful thematic contrast to urban settings in later entries. Interacting with local townsfolk and revisiting the iconic Junes department store (complete with its unforgettable jingle) proved delightful. Delving into dungeons tied to Yukiko Amagi’s castle confirmed that the series’ signature combat mechanics remain as engaging as ever.

Showa American Story

Showa American Story

By Wesley LeBlanc

Rooted in speculative 1980s economic lore regarding Japan’s global influence, Showa American Story is an action RPG set within an American landscape colonized by Japan, where Hollywood has been rebranded as Neo Yokohama. Protagonist Chigusa Choko traverses this bizarre alternate history on a cross-country search for her sister.

Combat mechanics draw inspiration from Ryu Ga Gotoku’s Yakuza series, pairing over-the-top violence with comedic flair. Within our 30-minute demo, we utilized an array of unorthodox weaponry—including a BioShock-style power drill, a massive American flag, katanas, and firearms—to dispatch foes in Tarantino-esque fashion. Developer Nekcom Entertainment confirmed Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill served as a primary tonal reference.

The action is brutal, graphic, and uproariously funny. Exploratory interactions added to the absurdity, such as giving players the conversational choice to inquire about a debtor’s physical well-being or the state of a tree after local enforcers rough him up. Expect further impressions in a dedicated preview.

State of Decay 3

State of Decay 3

By Brian Shea

It has been a tumultuous journey for Undead Labs. Following its 2020 announcement and years of radio silence amidst corporate restructuring, the studio fortunately survived industry contraction phases under new ownership. Securing hands-on time with the long-awaited State of Decay 3 at Gamescom was a rewarding milestone.

The signature tension-filled survival gameplay remains intact, augmented by refined mechanics and deeper simulation systems. Notable additions include dynamic Plague Heart networks that spread corruption between settlements, fortifying enemy strongholds while pressuring player positions. Most excitingly, shared save files now allow friends to seamlessly integrate into your world and progression. While State of Decay 2 debuted in a rough state, Undead Labs approaches the sequel with newfound confidence built on iterative updates and early community testing.

For a deeper dive into our hands-on experience, read the full preview here.

Stranger Than Heaven

Stranger Than Heaven

By Wesley LeBlanc

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s century-spanning action brawler, Stranger Than Heaven, put us through three escalating combat encounters. While we did not spot Tupac or discuss his rumored appearance (despite querying RGG back in June), there was no shortage of street thugs to pummel using fists, metal pipes, knives, and machetes.

RGG continues to innovate within the brawler space. Controls map the protagonist’s right side to RB/RT and the left side to LB/LT. Crucially, players must execute defensive blocks corresponding to the incoming attack side. Reading enemy animations to parry left- or right-hand strikes introduces a rhythmic, fighting-game nuance to traditional street brawling that feels phenomenal.

Demanding and punishing, successfully chaining defensive blocks to defeat a katana-wielding foe on the historic streets of 1943 Osaka proved exhilarating. January launch expectations remain high for the combat, though broader narrative systems await scrutiny.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Songs of the Past

The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past

By Eric Van Allen

Over a decade after Geralt’s initial journey concluded, and ahead of Ciri’s starring role in The Witcher IV, CD Projekt Red is tasking the legendary witcher with a fresh investigation in Songs of the Past, a narrative expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

Our preview showcased a storyline dispatching Geralt to Dandelion’s hometown of Lettenhove. Following a family bereavement, Geralt accompanies the bard to his estate, only for Dandelion to vanish mysteriously after a night of festivities, drawing the monster hunter into a perilous mystery.

The core tenets that defined The Witcher 3 remain intact: rewarding investigative preparation, Geralt’s stoic delivery, and immersive fantasy storytelling within a sprawling open world. Songs of the Past benefits further from quality-of-life enhancements arriving in next month’s Remastered Edition, including refined combat and a novel chain weapon expanding tactical options. Fans have ample reason to return to the Continent.

Total War: Warhammer 40,000

Total War: Warhammer 40,000

By Eric Van Allen

Creative Assembly’s grand strategy titles have always relied on immense battlefield scale. With Total War: Warhammer 40,000, that scope reaches interstellar heights, delivering appropriately over-the-top explosions, carnage, and zealous proclamations of loyalty to the Emperor.

Our hands-on demo transitioned from commanding small Space Marine squads to orchestrating planetary invasions. Confronted by overwhelming hordes of Orks chanting battle cries, our forces established defensive perimeters under intense fire.

Beyond aesthetics, advanced weaponry differentiates this entry from fantasy-based predecessors. Space Marines seamlessly switch between bolters and melee options while heavy armor units plow through infantry lines. Tactical positioning remains paramount, with futuristic maneuvers—such as orbital drop insertions from capital ships overhead—shaping engagement strategy.

While a 50-minute session merely scratches the surface of the ambitious campaign and faction variety, the sheer spectacle leaves us eager to see if Creative Assembly achieves their grand vision.

When Sirens Fall Silent

When Sirens Fall Silent

By Wesley LeBlanc

When Sirens Fall Silent is an upcoming psychological horror thriller set in 1990s Italy, developed by LKA (the studio behind Martha Is Dead). While Martha Is Dead left mixed impressions as a horror title (detailed in our Game Informer review), the studio’s talent for environmental authenticity was undeniable. Florence-based LKA channels that same fidelity here, casting players as a rookie officer investigating ritualistic murders on the periphery of Rome.

True to its title, aquatic folklore underpins the narrative. A brisk 15-minute demo highlighted exceptional atmosphere and retro survival-horror puzzle mechanics. Fans of 1990s horror and regional folklore should monitor its progress closely.