A new action game called Blood Message, reminiscent of Ghost of Tsushima, The Witcher 3, and Uncharted, was unexpectedly announced with a stunning trailer by NetEase and 24 Entertainment. While the trailer showcases impressive visuals, most of it is pre-rendered, leading to cautious optimism among gamers who are waiting for more gameplay details. The game aims to be a narrative-driven, linear single-player experience and will be available on all consoles and PC upon release.
The Quarry, a narrative horror adventure game, has been added to Xbox Game Pass, allowing subscribers to experience a murder-filled evening of partying and survival. Developed by Supermassive Games, the game puts players in control of a group of teenage counselors at a summer camp, facing murderous locals and darker forces. With 40 achievements and estimated 50 hours of gameplay, it offers a cinematic horror story with choices that impact the outcome. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can also stream it via Xbox Cloud Gaming, and upcoming Game Pass additions include Diablo IV, Evil West, and Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged.
Stig Asmussen, the game director of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, has announced the formation of his new studio, Giant Skull, which aims to create a premium AAA narrative-driven single-player action-adventure game. The studio, based in Los Angeles, currently consists of around 30 people, many of whom are veterans of Star Wars Jedi and Fortnite, and offers flexible work arrangements. While the studio has secured significant funding, it remains open to partnership opportunities with global publishers. Asmussen hinted at the possibility of developing an original IP for their first game but did not rule out the potential for a licensed game.
The upcoming Star Wars game, Eclipse, developed by Quantic Dream, will feature a unique gameplay element where the story continues regardless of which characters die, a departure from traditional Star Wars games. The action-adventure game set in the High Republic era will retain the narrative-driven style of Quantic Dream's previous titles, offering intricately branching narratives and the ability to play as different characters. This level of freedom and lack of a game over screen presents a new challenge for the Star Wars community in determining what is canon.
Lies of P is a narrative-driven action RPG that breathes new life into the Soulsborne genre by allowing players to shape the world and fabricate their own truth with the characters they meet. Set in the Belle Époque era, the game follows Pinocchio, a puppet with the ability to pretend to be human, as he navigates a city plagued by an unknown frenzy. The game features time-based conversation decisions, a karma system, and a unique combat style reminiscent of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. While the combat can be derivative, the game's strengths lie in its gripping story and the agency it gives players over Pinocchio's character development.
Still Wakes the Deep, a narrative-driven survival horror game, was previewed at Gamescom. Set on an oil rig off the coast of Scotland, players assume the role of an offshore worker who must survive a natural disaster and a hostile creature emerging from the depths. The game combines elements of maritime disaster and sci-fi horror, drawing inspiration from movies like "Annihilation" and "The Poseidon Adventure." The alpha footage showcased interactive gameplay, stealth sections, and a terrifying monster with harrowing sound effects. Still Wakes the Deep is set to release in 2024 on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PS5, and will be available on Game Pass.
GameMill Entertainment and AMC have announced The Walking Dead: Destinies, a third-person, narrative-driven action-adventure game for PC and consoles. Players will have the opportunity to reshape the story of seasons 1-4 of the TV show by making key choices that can determine the fate of characters. The game will feature over a dozen characters from the show, each with their own unique abilities, and players will need to manage resources and weapons. The expected price for Destinies is $49.99.
Oxenfree II: Lost Signals is a solid sequel that stays true to the formula of the first game. With a new cast and location, the narrative and characters carry the game, allowing players to shape the story through dialogue choices. The gameplay includes light puzzles and exploration, with the walkie-talkie and radio mechanics returning. The upgraded dialogue system and visuals enhance the experience, although frequent load screens can be annoying. Overall, Night School Studio has created a worthy follow-up that both fans and newcomers can enjoy.
Star Trek: Resurgence, a narrative-driven game developed by Dramatic Labs, is set to release on May 23 for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X. The game follows two characters stationed on the U.S.S. Resolute and aims to provide a more substantial, story-driven entry than current Trek titles. The game draws from the experience of Telltale Games veterans and revisits the tradition of narrative-driven adventure games set in the Star Trek franchise.
Techland, the studio behind Dying Light 2 Stay Human, has released new concept art for its upcoming unannounced fantasy RPG. The game is described as a narrative-driven epic with an exotic open world ready to be explored. Techland aims to create a compelling story-focused AAA title that combines and refines the best aspects of gameplay that the studio is known for. The game is still untitled, and more details are yet to be revealed.
