Gamescom 2023 day 1&2. Starfield, Mortal Kombat 1, Payday 3 and more!

24 August 2023

The first two days of the world’s biggest gaming event have concluded, leaving us with a plethora of thrilling experiences. And now, without delay, let’s delve into a concise recap of Gamescom 2023 initial two days!

Pure Gaming Extravaganza

How would we describe Gamescom 2023? Hectic! With no time to rest, our unwavering passion for video games propelled us forward as we explored the entirety of the event.

The first day, comparatively quieter, allowed us to delve into some fantastic titles, including Tekken 8, Mortal Kombat 1, Payday 3, and S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chornobyl, to name just a few. Naturally, these games were swarmed by eager visitors, resulting in long queues that left our legs weary by day’s end. Note to self: Bring a chair next time!

What did we play?

S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chornobyl was more than great, and we really hope the sequel to the cult-classic game will be released without any delays. The 20-minute demo session showcased what made the series such a legendary title: the eerie atmosphere and the brutality of the zone. We saw the flagship feature as well: anomalies that make the atmosphere of this post-apocalyptic reality even weirder. Our Geiger counters were going off the charts and we’re sure that S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chornobyl will be an incredible experience once it’s released.

Mortal Kombat 1 offers an exceptional gameplay experience with its impressive visuals and captivating gameplay. The latest edition of this legendary fighting game introduces exciting new features, such as Kameo fighters. Before entering a duel, players get to choose two characters instead of one, with the Kameo fighters providing assistance and adding more excitement to your combos.

Additionally, the Opening Night Live event revealed two new characters joining the roster: Sindel and General Shao. It’s important to note that Mortal Kombat 1 is set to reboot the lore, offering a fresh perspective on the iconic characters.

We couldn’t resist checking out the highly anticipated Tekken 8, another exhilarating fighter game. If you’re a proud member of #teamtekken, get ready for something truly exceptional. Tekken 8 delivers an incredible experience with an even cooler roster of characters. While the game builds upon familiar mechanics, it elevates the distinct traits of each fighter to new heights.

Exclusive Starfield showcase

We couldn’t miss one of the most anticipated titles of this year, namely Starfield. Bethesda’s newest IP raises lots of emotions, so we simply had to take part in a showcase that presented the most important game features. What can we say about it? After being greeted by Howard Todd (not in person, unfortunately) we were taken to space in a theatre-like section.

  • Character creation is gorgeous! If you like spending hours on the creation menu, you’ll love Starfield right away. (Yes, the very person writing this article is grimacing mischievously.)
  • While we haven’t seen any variation in areas and locations, the showcased bit looked pretty neat. We also saw a glimpse of combat- we particularly liked open-space combat sequences.
  • Space looks STUNNING! As we sat in the theatre we did feel the vastness of space and honestly, it was one of the most mesmerizing features of the game.

So yeah, we are definitely excited about Starfield and hope that the game will be even better once it finally arrives on our platforms. How to play Starfield early? Make sure you pre-order the premium edition so that you can enter the space on September 1, 2023. Others have to wait until September 6, 2023.

Xbox dominated the venue

Xbox area was HUGE and we spent a great deal of time discovering every bit of their colored realm. Apart from the bigger titles like Starfield, we also played a fun action-adventure game from the Stoic Studio: Towerborne. It’s the studio that brought the award-winning Banner Saga trilogy. This title boasts quite an interesting character design and artstyle.

Among the new releases, we encountered some familiar names like The Elder Scrolls Online, promoting their latest DLC, Necrom, and Sea of Thieves, captivating visitors with their imaginative booth. We caught glimpses of remarkable temporary tattoos. Undeniably, it stood out as one of the most exciting and enjoyable activities for attendees!

Not only the big titles

Gamescom pays homage to the entire gaming industry, even the immortal retro titles. The bustling Gamescom Retro Games zone served as proof that classic games never truly fade away. Interestingly, this nostalgic haven attracted a considerable following among younger players as well. There’s just something about old games and funky music that captivates people of all ages.

This zone was also a paradise for those who want to lose calories as they play. We did have a chance to play Beats of Betrayal, a rhythm-based combat game that will soon hop on Steam Early Access. There were all-time classics too, including Taiko! and Dance Dance Revolution. Some brave people who decided to play them mesmerized the audience with crazy skills- unfortunately, our performance was rather poor.

Something for the soul

After an eventful day of exploring new games, a visit to the renowned merchandise area becomes an absolute must. Spanning across two expansive floors, fans are treated to a treasure trove of merchandise from almost every title you can imagine.

From collectible figurines, exquisite statues, and cuddly plushies, to delightful cosplay accessories and even full-fledged costumes – Gamescom 2023 boasts an unrivaled selection. Additionally, a dedicated section, showcasing the works of talented artists, adds an extra touch of allure amidst the sea of mass-produced merchandise.

Stay tuned for day three!

Is that everything? Of course not! We could spend hours describing everything we’ve seen and experienced. However, we need some sleep before Gamescom day 3 opens its gates for visitors. Tomorrow we’ll check other upcoming titles including Black Myth Wukong, The Crew Motorfest, Assassin’s Creed Jade, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, Cyberpunk: Phantom Liberty, and some indie titles.

Tomorrow we will share even more details and photos, so stay tuned and don’t forget to follow us on our social media to see Gamescom 2023 content right away including TikTok and Instagram!