Review
Like a Dragon: Ishin! review – crazy samurai action meets absurd humour
by Domagoj Belancic
Summer Game Fest: You shouldn't miss out on these games
16/6/2023
Translation: machine translated
The Summer Game Fest is over. We take a look back at the event and present our gaming highlights from the last few weeks.
Countless games were presented at the Summer Game Fest. The range of genres and exciting game mechanics was enormous. Whether you're into RPGs, racing games, open-world games or complex simulators - there was something for everyone at the numerous showcases.
Phil, Luca, Simon, Kevin and I have fought our way through the seemingly endless trailers and announcements. These are our absolute highlights from Summer Game Fest 2023.
Domi's highlights
"Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth": A yakuza in Honolulu
I am an absolute "Like A Dragon" fanboy. I was therefore delighted when the first trailer for what is now the eighth instalment in the Japanese game series was presented at the Xbox Showcase.
In the "Like A Dragon" games, you take on the roles of various (ex-)Yakuza and other criminals. In small open-world environments, you fight your way through hordes of enemies and complete absurd side quests and crazy mini-games.
And how cool is the name of the game? "Infinite Wealth" - sounds absurd, arouses curiosity and confuses. Just like the games themselves.
Speaking of awesome names: Another "Like A Dragon" game was announced at the Summer Game Fest Showcase. "Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased his Name" is designed as an appetiser for "Infinite Wealth" and continues the story of Kiryu Kazuma, the protagonist of the first six games.
What a time to be a "Like A Dragon" fan!
Released for: Playstation, Xbox, PC
Release: Early 2024
"Spider-Man 2": Two Spider-Men are better than one
I devoured the first "Spider-Man" game on the PS4 and the sequel "Miles Morales" on the PS5. Admittedly: The two Spidey games didn't do anything revolutionary with their conservative open-world structure. Nevertheless, the games kept me glued to the Playstation controller from the very first second until I unlocked the platinum trophy.
The combat system was flexible and felt extremely fluid. New York was realised in great detail in the game. Swinging through the city was perfectly realised. And the story is one of the best I've seen from the Marvel universe.
Graphically, the game is also impressive. The PS5 flexes its muscles with beautiful water surfaces and ray-tracing reflections, among other things. Thanks to the PS5's fast SSD, the two superheroes also move much more swiftly through the city.
I can hardly wait to swing through the urban canyons of New York with Peter and Miles.
Released for: Playstation 5
Release: 20 October 2023
Phil's highlights
"Starfield": Infinite expanses, hopefully without infinite bugs
Many years ago, Bethesda, together with Blizzard and Bioware, was one of the most outstanding game studios ever. I think we all know what happened to the three Bs. After a mediocre "Fallout 4" and the soulless "Fallout 76", my patience had snapped. The fact that game director Todd Howard made stupid jokes about his own inability to publish bug-free games was the height of audacity.
My expectations of "Starfield" were correspondingly low. After the 45-minute gameplay deep dive, I'm cautiously optimistic - even a little hyped. The worlds shown look breathtaking. From grey rocky planets to green, flourishing jungle worlds and densely populated "Blader Runner" cities, there seems to be everything.
For me, exploration is one of the most important elements of a Bethesda game and "Starfield" promises to fulfil this need completely. There is also a complex shipbuilding editor, a versatile combat system and hopefully numerous entertaining side quests. Perhaps Bethesda will find its way back to its old form after all?
Released for: Xbox, PC
Release: 06/09/2023
"John Carpenter's Toxic Commando": Zombie shooter meets towing simulator
Does the world need more zombie shooters? Not really. The shooting action against hordes of the undead with a humorous undertone looks solid. But that alone doesn't earn the game a place in my list of highlights.
It's only at minute 1:32 in the trailer that something happens that elicits a surprised "ha" from me. One of those armoured vehicles that you can use to mow down zombies is pulling another one through the mud. It looks just like in the towing simulator "Snowrunner". Coincidence? Of course not. Both games come from the same studio.
I'm so excited. I can already see hordes of zombies mowing me down from the turret of an upgraded ambulance while my mate pulls me out of the mud in his truck. If that's not a great combination.
Released for: Playstation, Xbox, PC
Release: 2024
Luca's highlights
"Star Wars Outlaws": My childhood dreams come true
I'm curious about precisely this immersion. Then there's the interesting historical timing of the game: between "Episode 5 & 6". The Empire may hold the galaxy in its iron grip, but crime syndicates such as the Hutt Cartel and the Pyke Syndicate are fighting for influence and power in the underworld. As aspiring villain Kay Vess, you try to gain influence with the right people and make your way through the galaxy as lucratively as possible.
Released for: Playstation, Xbox, PC
Release: 2024
"Assassin's Creed Mirage": Everything used to be better after all
Although "Mirage" sees itself as the next "Assassin's Creed" mainline instalment, it appears to be a shorter stopover before the next big spin-off. Ubisoft explains that "Mirage" is above all a homage to the original game. In other words: Smaller map. Fewer RPG elements. Less action. But more stealth and parkour elements. And: The game will probably not be sold at full price.
Super. I still vividly remember climbing from rooftop to rooftop in the virtual Jerusalem sun far too often during my summer holidays instead of jumping into the cool water of an outdoor pool. I was too captivated by this murderous assassin game, which offered me previously unknown freedoms with its parkour interludes. And all this in front of meticulously recreated historical cities.
Later on, "Assassin's Creed" didn't always develop the way I would have liked it to. My biggest criticism: too big worlds with too many tasks - average tasks. If I have to complete hours of boring side quests to collect enough talent points, the game is no longer fun. However, "Mirage" heralds a return to the strengths of the series: Less is more. Plus a good dose of nostalgia. Yep, the game could be tailor-made for me.
Released for: Playstation, Xbox, PC
Release: 12 October 2023
Simon's highlights
"Flight Simulator 2024": Pleasure and frustration ... and pleasure again
At the Xbox Showcase, the developers from Asobo showed a trailer announcing a comprehensive career mode. My joy was huge! Finally a DLC where I can climb into the Cockpit as a mountain rescuer, private pilot or firefighter!
Released for: Xbox, PC
Release: 2024
"Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon": We are the robots
The new game from "Dark Souls" developer From Software was initially conspicuous by its absence. The sixth instalment of the mech action game was not shown in any showcase. Yet "Armored Core VI" will be released at the end of August. Without any fanfare, publisher "Bandai Namco" then released a short gameplay trailer on Wednesday.
Released for: Playstation, Xbox, PC
Release: 25 August 2023
Kevin's highlights
"Sand Land": Wacky action in a Mad Max setting
I used to be a huge Dragon Ball fan. Today, the series only has a nostalgia bonus for me. Sand Land also evokes nostalgic feelings. The game was penned by Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama. The Dragon Quest series shows that his drawing style can not only make video games successful, but also good. The eighth part is still one of my absolute favourite JRPGs.
"Sand Land" is based on Toriyama's manga of the same name from the year 2000. After years of war and natural disasters, the world has dried up. Water is therefore a precious commodity. It is controlled by a greedy king. The main character Beelzebub and his friend Sheef are asked by the small-town sheriff Rao to help free the country from the water shortage.
Beelzebub has superhuman powers and telepathic abilities. The wise old demon Sheef excels as a thief. The characters are wonderfully bizarre and over-the-top. You explore the open world on foot or with various vehicles that you can modify. The trailer promises a racy game with lots of what-the-fuck moments. I am hyped.
Released for: Playstation, Xbox, PC
Release: tbd
"Final Fantasy VII Rebirth": Everything different, yet familiar
In any case, it's clear to me that the story in Rebirth will be very different from the original. Nevertheless, a lot will be familiar. I'm convinced that the gameplay and presentation will be brilliant, just like in "Final Fantasy VII Remake". The developers can't go wrong if they orientate themselves on the first part of the trilogy.
In any case, I can hardly wait to finally immerse myself in the world of Gaia again. Unfortunately, the game is no longer announced for winter 2023, but sometime in spring 2024. At least I can pass the time until then with "Final Fantasy XVI".
Released for: Playstation
Release: Early 2024
Are you more into indie games than highly polished AAA games? Phil has summarised all the exciting announcements away from the big stage in this article. There are some real hits among them. It's worth taking a look: [[marketingpage:28340]]
Phil has also summarised what Sony presented at the Playstation Showcase: [[marketingpage:27946]]
Here you can find a summary of the spectacular Xbox Games Showcase: [[marketingpage:28227]]
You can read all about what Ubisoft showed here: [[marketingpage:28246]]
An overview of all Summer Game Fest streams can be found here: [[marketingpage:28111]]
Which game are you looking forward to the most?
Domagoj Belancic
Senior Editor
Domagoj.Belancic@digitecgalaxus.chMy love of video games was unleashed at the tender age of five by the original Gameboy. Over the years, it's grown in leaps and bounds.
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