I’ve had the opportunity to experience Pearl Abyss’s Crimson Desert multiple times, with my preview of the boss battles being the most in-depth interaction I’ve had with the game—at least until my time at gamescom 2025. After engaging with the latest demo version, I can firmly state that the Korean developer is creating something that commands admiration, patience, and possibly a notepad to keep track of all the combat combinations. Don’t misunderstand me: there are still numerous rough spots, but the fundamental experience is definitely worth diving into.

The demo quickly establishes its grand scale, starting with a brief tutorial to orient you before literally dropping you into the world. Players embark on their journey from a floating island, skydiving into the war-ravaged continent of Pywel below. This introduction encapsulates what Crimson Desert seeks to achieve—epic scale combined with visceral action that makes every moment feel cinematic. The shift from aerial descent to ground-level combat creates an immediate sense of immersion that few games attempt, much less accomplish effectively. And yes, it’s undeniably beautiful.

Once back on firm ground, I finally grasped what the gameplay experience would entail: quests, an expansive world, and more. Playing as Kliff, leader of the renowned Greymanes mercenary company, the focus is on defending a beleaguered castle from overwhelming enemy forces—and you can decimate groups of foes in manners seldom seen in RPGs of this nature. This is no ordinary skirmish.

Countless NPCs engage in chaotic conflicts across vast battlefields while artillery strikes rain down around you. Pearl Abyss has evidently prioritized spectacle, designing confrontations that feel continental in scale rather than personal altercations between small factions. Black Desert Online is already among the most visually striking MMOs available, but Crimson Desert elevates this, offering one of the most frenetic and visually breathtaking missions I’ve witnessed in an RPG for quite some time.

Crimson Desert seems like a game that rewards players ready to commit the time to master its systems.

We need to take a moment to address the controls and combat. This is, genuinely, both Crimson Desert’s greatest asset and its most daunting hurdle for newcomers. Every controller button serves multiple functions, creating what resembles a fighting game character’s full moveset condensed into a single hero.

Light attacks, heavy hits, elemental abilities, time manipulation, ranged combat, and environmental interactions all vie for the player’s focus through a complicated network of button combinations. It’s not to say you can’t enjoy the game simply by experimenting with the controls, but with so many ways to modify your attacks and different actions, avoiding the more intricate controls means missing out on some of the game’s more captivating components.

I’ll admit: even after an hour of gameplay and finishing the complete tutorial, I found Crimson Desert somewhat overwhelming. Many of the more engaging attacks were challenging to execute effectively when I needed them the most. The tutorial does its utmost to cover the basics, but mastering Kliff’s skills demands commitment that may discourage casual gamers. That said, Crimson Desert certainly feels like a game that benefits players willing to invest the time to understand its systems. Environmental takedowns enable players to leap off walls and land powerful kicks, while well-timed combinations can unleash moves so potent that nearby foes simply capitulate in astonishment.

Pearl Abyss has implemented substantial adjustments since my last hands-on experience with the game. The 2025 demo I played at gamescom showcased more approachable difficulty scaling and shifted emphasis from pure boss confrontations to extensive battlefield scenarios. This alteration allows players to appreciate the game’s Dynasty Warriors-inspired combat flow more effectively, where slicing through enemy ranks feels genuinely significant. It also facilitated a smoother introduction to the game’s many systems, gradually guiding players into its more ferocious elements. I’ve heard comparisons to Dark Souls, and while I comprehend the reasoning, I would slightly contest it. Make no mistake—the game, even in this latest demo, isn’t simple and absolutely requires some acclimatization.

While the controls might lean towards the overly intricate side, one area where the team’s attention to detail genuinely shines is in the presentation. Make no mistake—Crimson Desert is an utterly breathtaking game. Character models display intricate armor that catches the sunlight in a natural way, while diverse landscapes offer stunning backdrops for the chaos. Pearl Abyss has utilized its BlackSpace Engine to craft a world that appears and feels inhabited, where every battle scar and weather phenomenon enhances the overall atmosphere. The level of detail in every facet of the game is remarkable, and I was genuinely taken aback by how splendid everything appeared. It feels like a dynamic, living world that yearns to be explored.

However, with such an expansive world, certain aspects of exploration can seem monotonous. The open-world design includes respawning enemy patrols that can render traversal feel more like avoidance gameplay than authentic exploration. During the demo, losing a horse to enemy

CGMagazine had a trio of team members present on the gamescom 2025 exhibition floor, and with that number of individuals exploring the Koelnmesse halls, we accrued a multitude of gameplay demos. We have previously published our [Best of Gamescom 2025](https://www.cgmagonline.com/articles/features/the-best-of-gamescom-2025/), and we have released extensive coverage for several of the standout titles showcased, such as [The Blood of Dawnwalker](https://www.cgmagonline.com/articles/previews/the-blood-of-dawnwalker/), [The Outer Worlds 2](https://www.cgmagonline.com/interviews/the-outer-worlds-2-rpg-lover/), [REANIMAL](https://www.cgmagonline.com/articles/previews/gamescom-reanimal-horror/) and more, with additional reports still on the way. With that said, there are a few more games we wanted to ensure you are aware of!

The titles featured in this list made a significant impact at gamescom 2025. Whether it’s an endearing village simulator with a twist, a follow-up to an Xbox classic, or a new addition to the *World of Tanks* franchise, these games offered something unique to Cologne this year. Here is CGMagazine’s Gamescom 2025: The Best of the Rest!

## Black State

**Played By:** Brendan Frye
**[Game Link](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3051160/Black_State/)**

After getting wind of the game prior to Gamescom 2025, I was eager to uncover what *Black State* had in store and to spend some hands-on time with it. After around 20 minutes of gameplay, I felt it necessary to highlight it for its captivating mix of third-person action and bizarre, ever-evolving environments powered by portal doors. Developed using Unreal Engine 5 by the Motion Blur team, the game impresses with ray-traced graphics and cutting-edge NVIDIA technology, including DLSS 4 and Reflex 2, ensuring performance and quality typically associated with major studios. Even from the brief demo, *Black State* already demonstrated itself as visually striking. In under half an hour, it showcased innovative ideas and an engaging world, making it hard not to be excited about what else the game has to offer.

While the developers still have much to achieve, the alpha demo of *Black State* hinted at a world evidently influenced by *Metal Gear Solid* and *The Matrix*, where gadgets, brutal finishers, and a powerful arsenal—including the fusion gun—propel tense, strategic combat. Over 110 takedowns and distinctive boss encounters introduce variety and flexibility, while the ever-changing realms behind each portal instill a feeling of continual discovery. No release date or PC specifications have been established, but *Black State’s* ambition and technical flair make it one to keep an eye on from Gamescom, and even at this preliminary phase, it already seems promising.

## Bye Sweet Carole

**Played By:** Brendan Frye
**[Game Link](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2428980/Bye_Sweet_Carole/)**

It’s difficult not to be captivated when a game challenges the norms of modern gaming in both appearance and tone, achieving this through a uniquely presented concept. *Bye Sweet Carole* is a 2D narrative-horror adventure characterized by a striking Disney-inspired art style and moody, surreal landscapes that evoke the films of Don Bluth, such as *The Secret of NIMH* and *Anastasia*. Set in early 1900s Britain, the game follows Lana Benton as she explores the unsettling Bunny Hall orphanage, deciphering clues about her missing friend Carole and inadvertently entering the enigmatic world of Corolla, teeming with bizarre creatures and shape-shifting rabbits.

After spending approximately 20 minutes with the game in the indie section, *Bye Sweet Carole* unveiled a mix of slow-building horror tension akin to *Limbo* and *Inside* combined with classic point-and-click elements, including platforming, object gathering, and inventory management. Lana’s journey unfolds through cinematic, hand-drawn animation, with each move and threat illustrated with precision. It’s challenging to predict how the overall experience will materialize, but based on my playtime, I was left wanting more. Even judged solely on its animation and style, *Bye Sweet Carole* is visually stunning and makes you eager to unveil what else the game has planned. Penned by *Remothered* creator Chris Darril, *Bye Sweet Carole* is set to launch on Oct. 9 for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox, promising a uniquely haunting yet enchanting horror experience worthy of attention from Gamescom’s indie showcase.

## Blind Descent

**Played by:** [Dayna Eileen](https://www.cgmagonline.com/author/daynaeileen/)

TECNO is poised to make a noteworthy entrance at this year’s IFA ShowStoppers in Berlin, presenting its cutting-edge strategy of merging sleek aesthetics with robust technology. Under the slogan “The Thinnest Power Duo,” TECNO will unveil the ultra-slim Tecno Slim smartphone alongside the lightweight Megabook S14 AI laptop.

The Tecno Slim, initially revealed at MWC 2025, is now prepared for commercial launch. Measuring under 6 mm in thickness, it stands as the world’s thinnest 3D-curved smartphone, striking an ideal balance between sophistication and performance. It boasts a premium display and AI-driven features, designed to deliver both flair and practicality to users.

Making its debut, the Megabook S14 is recognized as the lightest 14-inch OLED AI laptop, weighing a mere 899 grams. It operates on either Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite or Intel’s Core Ultra 9, guaranteeing strong performance. Included in its AI capabilities are real-time meeting transcription and smart photo management.

Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO, reiterated the company’s dedication to innovation, asserting that the Tecno Slim and MEGABOOK S14 demonstrate that consumers no longer have to compromise between aesthetics and capability.

Moreover, TECNO will introduce its growing AI-powered ecosystem, featuring the Megapad Pro tablet, True 2 AI earbuds, Watch GT AI smartwatch, and AI Glasses Pro equipped with a 50-megapixel imaging system. The Megabook K Series laptops will also be showcased as a part of TECNO’s expansion into the European market.

Attendees at ShowStoppers on Sept. 4 at Berlin Messe will have the opportunity to interact with these devices at TECNO’s booth. The company guarantees hands-on demonstrations highlighting AI functionalities and seamless ecosystem integration, reflecting its “Stop At Nothing” ethos. Stay tuned to CGMagazine for further news from IFA.

In an unexpected development, Activision has reportedly turned down a Call of Duty project led by none other than Steven Spielberg, a filmmaker whose impact has significantly influenced the franchise’s trajectory. As per Puck News, Spielberg was eager to guide Call of Duty’s leap to cinema, but Activision hesitated over the deal’s conditions. Spielberg, celebrated for classic films such as Jaws, Schindler’s List, and Jurassic Park, was involved in a proposal from Universal that included offering him top-tier terms, final cut privilege, and comprehensive control over production and marketing.

Even with Spielberg’s iconic reputation, Activision decided to collaborate with Paramount, possibly influenced by the triumph of Top Gun: Maverick in 2022. The agreement was officially unveiled, with Paramount’s CEO, David Ellison, vowing to maintain the high standards anticipated by Call of Duty enthusiasts and provide a cinematic adventure that respects the franchise’s heritage.

Fans have shown astonishment at Activision’s choice to reject Spielberg, particularly in light of the significant effect of his film Saving Private Ryan on Call of Duty 2. Spielberg’s contribution to the series is indisputable, making him an apparently ideal candidate for a cinematic version. Nonetheless, the possibility exists for another director to effectively bring Call of Duty to the cinematic realm.

As the development moves forward, the Call of Duty film has yet to reveal a release date, writer, director, or cast. While adaptations of video games have evolved over the years, the result of this movie is still unknown.

Fresh off the heels of last year’s remake of Dragon Quest 3, the reimagined Dragon Quest I & II are just a little over a month away, and it appears there may be a significant surprise in store.

During a group interview at Gamescom, as reported by GamesRadar, producer Masaaki Hayasaka discussed the extensive effort that has gone into these remakes. Notably, it includes what Hayasaka describes as a “really big surprise” twist that even long-time fans of the series will not anticipate.

“We aim to astonish and please all Dragon Quest enthusiasts out there. Naturally, both myself and the original creator Mr. [Yuji] Horri engaged in detailed discussions about this because we aspire to deliver that surprise, that new twist.”

Additionally, Hayasaka mentions that the storyline for the two titles has been significantly expanded and enriched to a considerable extent. He states, “The initial version had tens of thousands of words on their own. We’re now in the millions for the remake.”

That remains quite vague, making it hard to determine what the new twist could involve, but it’s intriguing to ponder. Although they are the first two titles in the series, chronologically Dragon Quest I & II take place after the third game. The earlier remake added new narrative elements concerning Erdrick’s father, suggesting that DQ I&II could incorporate new threads related to Erdrick. In line with that, Horri has previously hinted, as reported by Automaton, that experiencing the trilogy in “chronological” order will unveil new revelations.

The series is indeed well recognized for its twists as well, such as the infamous one occurring midway through Dragon Quest XI that drastically alters the world.

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake launches on October 30 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.

As our gadgets become more demanding in terms of power, UGREEN unveils the MagFlow Qi2 25W series, showcasing improved charging rates and a modern, yet compact design.

Elevating magnetic chargers to a new standard, UGREEN has revealed the next generation of the MagFlow Series, incorporating Qi2 technology and 25W power to boost charging speeds. Launching today, the new MagFlow Series is an enhancement over the prior version, augmenting support from up to 15W to 25W, capable of charging an iPhone 16 Pro Max to 50% in roughly 30 minutes. It presents a stylish new look in a white and grey palette and is compatible with both Apple and Android devices, ranging from the latest Google Pixel 10 Pro XL to the forthcoming iPhone 17 series.

Leading the lineup, the MagFlow Magnetic Power Bank 10000mAh 25W can charge up to three devices via its charging pad, a built-in USB-C cable with 30W bi-directional fast charging, and a USB-C port for an extra device. In addition to its ability to charge multiple devices using Qi2 and UGREEN SmartCharge technology, the power bank is equipped with a real-time battery display and 13-layer Safety Protection.

For those on the go or at the office, the MagFlow 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger 25W features a compact and foldable cube-like form, with a Qi2-certified 15W-25W charging pad for iPhones and a 5W pad for charging AirPods or an Apple Watch. UGREEN also provides a MagFlow 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger 25W variant, which has a broader base suitable for charging Apple accessories and a foldable pad for the iPhone. Furthermore, both variants come with 8-layer Safety Protection.

While using your laptop or desktop, the MagFlow 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Desktop Chargers features a wider, weighted base with an adjustable 70-degree stand, allowing users to place their phones while charging and enjoying videos or keeping track of the time. Like the standard MagFlow 3-in-1 Wireless Charger, the Desktop version can deliver Qi2-certified 25W charging output as users charge their phones, smartwatches, and Qi-certified headphones, featuring 8-layer Safety Protection.

Finally, the MagFlow Magnetic Wireless Charging Pad 25W caters to those who prefer classic wireless pad designs, maintaining a clean and straightforward appearance, while benefiting from Qi2 technology to provide up to 25W as they charge their devices.

The UGREEN MagFlow Qi2 25W lineup is available today on Amazon US and Amazon UK, the UGREEN website, and the TikTok shop, with Best Buy expected to follow in October 2025.

It would be no exaggeration to assert that *Resident Evil Requiem* is among the most eagerly awaited games scheduled for release in the upcoming months. Following eight years of development in gameplay mechanics and environments, the *Resident Evil* franchise is intentionally returning to its survival horror origins with this installment, and it is completely spine-chilling. At gamescom 2025, Capcom provided journalists and fans with an enticing 20-minute sneak peek into what promises to be one of the most immersive entries in the series since *Resident Evil 7*, and my excitement couldn’t have been greater.

The demo unfolds within the cramped setting of the Rhodes Hill Chronic Care Center, where FBI technical analyst Grace Ashcroft finds herself after being kidnapped by an unidentified assailant. Right from the outset, you don’t feel as empowered as in earlier titles. This is not a return to the *Resident Evil 4* power-fantasy style. You are exposed, and the creatures pursuing you are terrifying. This clear limitation instantly reinforces the game’s dedication to vulnerability rather than empowerment, a design principle that has shaped the franchise’s most unforgettable moments.

As the child of investigative reporter Alyssa Ashcroft from *Resident Evil Outbreak*, Grace’s ties to Raccoon City are profound. Remarkably, it manages to connect the larger universe and previous games while still providing an experience that feels refreshingly unique. The demo was short, offering just a glimpse of what the full game could present, but it effectively sets the tone and atmosphere. I haven’t genuinely been startled by a *Resident Evil* game in years, yet I must confess this one is deeply unsettling—and it will certainly make you flinch.

*Resident Evil Requiem* is a breathtakingly beautiful game that portrays the franchise’s universe in gruesome detail. Even in the brief demo, I felt a strong impression of its tone, visual aesthetics, and character dynamics. Running on an RTX 5090, Grace’s performance expresses both emotion and fear with striking realism. When she extracts a needle from her arm, the precision is disturbingly acute, and when she cowers in dread, you can sense the weight of her anxiety.

This version introduces a notable new feature: the option to switch seamlessly between first- and third-person perspectives at any time through the menu. It may appear trivial, but it can significantly modify the gameplay experience—especially when being pursued by something genuinely terrifying.

Yet, the true highlight of the gamescom demo is *Resident Evil Requiem*’s unnamed stalking enemy, which upholds the franchise’s legacy of relentless pursuers, tracing back to Nemesis and evolving through Mr. X and Lady Dimitrescu. What distinguishes this new menacing figure is its three-dimensional hunting behavior, capable of emerging from walls, ceilings, and surprising vertical angles. Its intelligence seems more sophisticated than that of its predecessors, adjusting to player actions and creating a truly unpredictable atmosphere of fear. I won’t deceive you—it is intense. When the creature seizes you, it is unrelenting in consuming you, in all its graphic horror.

Fortunately, this is where the upgraded stealth mechanics in *Resident Evil Requiem* come into play, marking the first time in the series that stealth feels like a thoroughly developed system rather than a temporary escape. As Grace, hiding often feels like your only option aside from becoming prey. Players can utilize environmental cover and shadows, and can even execute silent movements when the chance arises.

The lighter you discover early in the demo serves a dual function: it offers illumination but also poses a risk, as its light can attract the stalker’s attention. This risk-reward dynamic transforms every decision regarding the use of light into a strategic gamble. Even moving when you believe you are safe can result in being caught. It is intense, but also incredibly thrilling.

As seen in many recent *Resident Evil* titles, environmental interaction plays a crucial role in gameplay in *Resident Evil Requiem*, featuring destructible environments and interactive objects that can be weaponized during encounters. We have not experienced this level of intricacy before in a *Resident Evil* game, and it feels like a welcome enhancement.

What truly shines through, however, is how completely realized the world is. *Resident Evil* has consistently provided nail-biting experiences, but the immersion here is stronger than ever. Being drawn into this universe, with its increased interactivity, amplifies the experience—both positively and negatively.

Naturally, given that this is a Resident Evil game, the puzzle aspects are more closely woven into the narrative framework. Rather than acting as arbitrary obstacles to progression, the puzzles in *Resident Evil Requiem* seem crafted to disclose story elements and character histories. The demo’s progression adheres to classic survival horror reasoning—locating item A to unlock item B to gain access to item C—but the execution feels more natural within the game’s universe.

The visual presentation showcases the RE Engine

Hideo Kojima, the celebrated video game designer, has once more provoked the gaming community with a recent post on social media that may have unintentionally validated enduring fan speculations regarding his title, “Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.” Kojima disseminated an article from Inverse entitled “10 Years Later, Hideo Kojima’s Unfinished Masterpiece Is Still Influencing Today’s Games,” implying that he accepts the game as an “unfinished masterpiece.”

This disclosure emerges alongside Kojima’s ongoing triumphs with “Death Stranding 2: On the Beach” and his publicly noted severance from Konami following his exit in 2015. In a 2025 interview with Ssense, Kojima jokingly refused to play the remastered “Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater,” despite developer Noriaki Okamura expressing enthusiasm for Kojima to experience the updated version and a desire to collaborate once more.

Kojima’s latest post has reignited debates among fans, who have speculated for years that “MGSV” was not complete. A devoted Reddit community persistently investigates what the game could have evolved into had Kojima remained with Konami. An article from Inverse likened “MGSV” to the contentious final season of “Game of Thrones,” underlining the difficulties of concluding a narrative without its creator’s participation—a sentiment Kojima seemed to reflect by sharing the article.

Although Kojima has signaled a wish to move past the “Metal Gear” series, his social media presence indicates persistent emotions regarding the incomplete state of “MGSV.” This situation adds another dimension to the intricate relationship between Kojima, his works, and his former associates at Konami.

**Fortnite’s Frantic Battles and the Tactical Benefit of NPC Hires**

Fortnite’s frantic battles and ever-evolving metas are well known. However, many players fail to recognize a surprisingly tactical resource that is right before them: NPC hires. These AI-driven allies may appear to be gimmicky companions, but when utilized properly, they can shift the outcome of a match in your favor.

So, how can you convert these assisting bots from mere targets into pivotal allies? Here’s an overview of the concealed strategy behind hiring NPCs — and how to enhance their effectiveness.

**Why Engaging NPCs Is Not Just for Casual Gamers**

At first glance, bringing an NPC into Fortnite seems like a novelty. You pay a small gold fee, and instantly, you have an AI ally following you. However, do not underestimate them. NPCs can shoot, distract foes, and even absorb damage that would otherwise hit you. In critical moments, they serve as additional health bars on legs.

Numerous casual gamers overlook NPCs, believing they are too cumbersome to assist. Yet, experienced players understand that in a hectic endgame, a single distraction can provide the opening required for a clutch victory. Therefore, grasping their behavior and positioning them wisely is essential to extracting the maximum value from a hire.

Just as redeeming a rare Fortnite skin code completes your gear, adding an NPC to your team offers your strategy an unexpected twist.

**Optimizing Your Hired NPCs Like a Pro**

Simply hiring an NPC isn’t sufficient. To truly leverage their potential, you must treat them as an extension of your team. Here’s how:

1. **Utilize Them as Damage Absorbers**

When moving through open spaces or advancing on enemies, send your NPC in front. They’ll draw attention, granting you valuable seconds to reposition or take shots while opponents focus on your AI decoy.

2. **Manage Their Aggression**

NPCs move into combat automatically, but you can influence this. Stay nearby when you want them to engage, or pull back slightly to avoid unnecessary confrontations.

3. **Conceal Their Limitations**

NPCs struggle with height and structures. Maintain confrontations in flatter areas where your bot won’t become stuck. Additionally, refrain from guiding them through intricate structures that could cause them to lose sight of enemies.

4. **Endgame Disruption Agent**

In late-game circles where everyone is entrenched, an NPC hire can unsettle rivals. Suddenly, there’s an additional target they must consider. Use your NPC’s aggression to leverage surprise edits or unexpected angles.

**Why Many Players Overlook This Strategy**

The majority of Fortnite players consider NPCs as background elements, resulting in a significant advantage for those who utilize them. Particularly in solos and duos, a timely NPC hire operates like having a third player without the threat of friendly fire.

With NPCs appearing in various locations each season, scouting the map and memorizing hire spots provides clever players with yet another layer of control over every match.

As Epic continues enhancing AI behaviors in updates, anticipate NPCs to become even more effective in future seasons. Astute players are already adjusting.

In a game where every advantage matters, Fortnite’s NPC hires are an undervalued yet potent resource. Whether absorbing damage, creating chaos, or supplying backup in crucial moments, these AI companions can easily influence battles in your favor when deployed correctly.

Just as selecting the ideal Fortnite skin code can help you stand out on the battlefield, mastering NPC hires enables you to excel strategically. While most players disregard them, you’ll be the one transforming hired bots into hidden champions.

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