GAMESCOM 2025 ENDS AT MIDNIGHT!
We just had Gamescom 2025 and we are here to give you the cliff notes on games thought really stood out! First up is Fellowship, it’s WoW without WoW! Then Harrowlands: it’s RimWorld with magic! Next up is Time Takers, it’s a new take on the arena brawler where time is your most important resource. Then we have Absolum, a new side-scrolling co-op beat-em-up! After that, we have Outlaws, a remake of a little-known LucasArts remaster. Then we have WoW WITH WoW in World of Warcraft’s new expansion: Midnight!
Gamescom 2025 Highlights: The Standout Games You Need to Know About
Gamescom 2025 has wrapped up, and the gaming world is buzzing with announcements and reveals. From daring indie homages to long-awaited remasters and a massive new MMO expansion, this year's show had something for everyone. Here are the standout games that caught our attention.
- FELLOWSHIP: The Ultimate "WoW-Like" Dungeon Crawler
If you've ever wanted to play World of Warcraft but only for its iconic dungeons, Fellowship is your game. Described as "WoW without WoW," this title streamlines the MMO experience into a pure, focused dungeon-crawler. The resemblance is uncanny—from the hotbar-based combat and damage meters to the enemy health bars and Deady Boss Mod-style warnings. It features skillshot-based and targeted attacks, familiar-looking environments, and practice dummies. It’s the perfect entry point for players intrigued by WoW's PvE content but intimidated by its massive scope.
FELLOWSHIP - FELLOWSHIP is a multiplayer online dungeon adventure set in an exciting fantasy setting, with endlessly scaling dungeon runs. - Chief Rebel (Steam, Oct 9th 2025)
- Harrowlands: A Magical, Medieval RimWorld
For fans of deep simulation and emergent storytelling like RimWorld and Dwarf Fortress, Harrowlands offers a fresh take set in a dark medieval fantasy world. Magic is baked into the core system, with villagers possessing unique spells and abilities. The game promises base-building, feudal politics, monster threats, and the ability to send villagers on quests into the untamed wilderness. While the art style is still early, the potential for a rich, narrative-driven experience from Bashful Wolf Studios has us intrigued. Keep an eye on this one for its planned 2026 release.
Harrowlands - Harrowlands is a medieval fantasy colony sim where you shape a thriving settlement in a vast, mystical realm. Master intricate base-building mechanics and guide your inhabitants through the complex social bonds that define their world. - BashfulWolf Studio (Steam, 2026)
- Time Takers: Where Time is Your Ammo
This free-to-play, third-person team-based shooter puts a novel twist on the battle royale/extraction genre: time is your currency. You drop in with a set amount of time, which is spent on abilities, upgrades, and weapons. You gain more time by eliminating other players. The concept is unique, and the game boasts a vibrant, Overwatch-like aesthetic with a cast of quirky characters. However, as a free-to-play title, its success will hinge on a fair microtransaction model that doesn't offer pay-to-win advantages.
Time Takers - Time is your resource to stay alive or to grow your strength. Gather it, use it strategically, and survive intense combat. No fixed roles - every match is built on your choices in Time Takers. - Mistil Games (Steam, “Coming Soon”)
- Wild Blue: A Love Letter to Star Fox
Calling all fans of classic arcade shooters! Wild Blue is an unabashed and loving homage to Star Fox. Featuring humanoid animals piloting R-wing-like ships in cel-shaded glory, the game captures the spirit of its inspiration perfectly—from the on-screen comms with animated characters to the classic targeting reticle. It’s a bold, nostalgic trip that aims to fill the void left by a long-dormant franchise.
Wild Blue - Wild Blue reimagines the classic on-rail adventures of the '90s. Join Bowie Stray and the Blue Bombers as they soar through the skies on a mission to save the world in this action-packed, nostalgic journey! - Chuhai Labs (Steam, TBA)
- Absolum: A Gorgeous, Modern Side-Scrolling Brawler
From the creators of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge and Metal Slug Tactics comes Absolum, a stunning new IP in the side-scrolling beat 'em up genre. With a dark fantasy, comic-book-style aesthetic, the game promises tight mechanics including animation canceling, parries, and dodge rolls. Early demos have reportedly captivated players for 20+ hours, and it features light roguelite elements and co-op play (potentially up to 4 players). This looks like a must-play for fans of Golden Axe, Streets of Rage, and Castle Crashers.
Absolum - Fight as the outcast heroes of Talamh in a fierce battle to retake magic from Sun King Azra’s grasp in Absolum, an original roguelite beat ‘em up by Dotemu. - Dotemu (Steam, Oct 9th 2025)
- Outlaws: Resurrecting a Classic LucasArts Gem
In an era of remasters, it's exciting to see developers dig into the deeper cuts. Outlaws is a remaster of a lesser-known 1997 LucasArts first-person shooter set in the Wild West. Known for its hand-drawn cutscenes and compelling story, this quirky title is a perfect candidate for modernization. This remaster will allow a new generation to experience a unique piece of gaming history with updated controls and visuals.
World of Warcraft: Midnight - Expansion Deep Dive
Blizzard chose Gamescom to announce the next chapter in the Worldsoul Saga: Midnight Expansion. Set in a revamped Quel'Thalas, the story begins with a Void attack on the Sunwell. Here are the key takeaways:
New Level Cap & Zones: The level cap increases to 90. New zones include the redesigned Eversong Woods, a corrupted Zul'Aman, the fungal jungles of Herendar, and the chaotic Voidstorm planet.
New Allied Race: The plant-like Haronir will be available to both Horde and Alliance.
The Prey System: A new opt-in, zone-wide PvE difficulty system (Normal, Hard, Nightmare) that makes open-world content more challenging and rewarding with cosmetics, mounts, and housing items.
Player Housing & Neighborhoods: A highly anticipated and robust housing system where you can decorate your home for buffs and even choose your neighbors.
New Story Catch-Up Mechanics: New and returning players will benefit from streamlined tutorials and "story mode" experiences for Dragonflight and The War Within to quickly get up to speed for Midnight.
World of Warcraft: Midnight - Official Opening Cinematic Trailer
Midnight Gameplay Reveal | World of Warcraft
Gamescom 2025 proved that the future of gaming is bright, blending bold new ideas with respectful nods to the past. Which of these games are you most excited about?
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