NBA Bounce preview (Gamescom)

Basketball games tend to fall into two camps: the serious simulations that cater to die-hard fans, and the lighthearted arcade experiences that focus on fast fun and flashy moves. With NBA Bounce, Outright Games and Unfinished Pixel are clearly aiming for the latter. Designed to be accessible to all ages while still offering a surprising amount of depth, the game brings NBA flair to a colorful arcade package. It’s a different approach than the hyper-realistic sports titles we usually see, and it immediately stood out at Gamescom as a family-friendly way to bring the sport to consoles and PC. Continue reading “NBA Bounce preview (Gamescom)”

Island of Winds preview (Gamescom)

It’s not often that a game takes us to Iceland, let alone one that draws so deeply from its folklore and natural landscapes. Island of Winds, developed by Parity Games and published by ESDigital Games, does just that. We had the chance to check out the game at Gamescom, and walked away impressed by its atmosphere, its unusual approach to magic, and its distinctive cultural identity. While there are still questions about how well it will hold players’ attention over the course of a full adventure, what we’ve seen so far suggests a project with plenty of heart and originality. Continue reading “Island of Winds preview (Gamescom)”

Reach preview (Gamescom)

Virtual reality has long promised to put players at the heart of thrilling action-adventure, yet few titles realize that potential as vividly as Reach. Developed by nDreams Elevation and published by nDreams, this cinematic VR experience throws you into a world where your every move shapes both the story and your sense of presence. At Gamescom, we got hands-on time with the Meta Quest version – and it didn’t just deliver on immersion; it made being in the game world feel almost cinematic. Continue reading “Reach preview (Gamescom)”

Sudden Strike 5 preview (Gamescom)

World War II has long been fertile ground for strategy games, but few franchises have explored the battlefield quite like Sudden Strike. Known for its tactical depth and tense engagements, the series has built a reputation among fans who prefer careful planning over sheer spectacle. Now, about eight years after the last mainline entry, Kalypso Media and Kite Games are preparing to bring Sudden Strike 5 to players. At Gamescom, we had the chance to see the game in action and came away with the sense that this new entry is both a reinvention and a return to roots. Continue reading “Sudden Strike 5 preview (Gamescom)”

Deer & Boy preview (Gamescom)

The indie scene has always been a fertile ground for heartfelt stories told in unexpected ways, and Deer & Boy looks ready to carry that tradition forward. Developed by Lifeline Games and published by Dear Villagers, it is a game that immediately draws comparisons to the likes of Inside and Limbo, while carving out its own identity through a warm, silent narrative about companionship and growth. At Gamescom, we spent some hands-on time with the game and came away intrigued by both its visual charm and its potential as a puzzle-platforming adventure. Continue reading “Deer & Boy preview (Gamescom)”