Another year, another THQ Nordic Showcase, and I’m still trying to figure out how they manage to cram so many games into one presentation. I mean, it’s like they’re trying to give me a never-ending list of things to play, and I’m not complaining. This year’s showcase was a wild ride, with everything from mobile ports to medieval simulations, and even a few surprises thrown in for good measure.
The Mobile Invasion
The pre-show was all about the mobile games, because who doesn’t love playing games on their phone, right? We got a slew of announcements, including Epic Mickey Rebrushed, Gothic Classic, and Rat’s Quest: The Way Back Home Season 2, all of which are coming to the App Store and Google Play Store. Because, you know, we didn’t have enough Mickey Mouse games on our phones already. And, of course, both Epic Mickey and Rat’s Quest are only available for pre-order, because what’s a game without a little hype train to get on board with? Gothic Classic, on the other hand, is an App Store exclusive, because Apple users need something to make them feel special, I guess.
Wreckfest 2: The Car-Destruction Simulator
Then we got to the main event, and boy, did Wreckfest 2 bring the noise. This game is all about smashing cars into each other, and I am here. for. it. With its detailed driving simulator and wide array of modes, including races and all-out wreckfests, this game is shaping up to be a real treat. And, let’s be real, who doesn’t love customizing their cars with flame decals and rust spots? It’s like the developers knew exactly what I wanted in a game. The best part? It’s available in early access right now, so we can all get our car-smashing fix without having to wait.
The Rest of the Showcase
After Wreckfest 2, we got a bunch of other games, each one more fascinating than the last. Way of the Hunter 2 looks like a solid follow-up to the original, with its beautiful forest environments and co-op multiplayer. The Guild – Europa 1410 seems like a great way to live out your medieval fantasies, with its complex city-building and profession system. And Call to Arms: Panzer Elite is getting a major update, because who doesn’t love a good WWII-era tank battle? We also got Expeditions: Samurai, which looks like a great mix of strategy and action, set in 1600s Japan. And, of course, no THQ Nordic Showcase would be complete without a little Titan Quest 2, which is still trucking along in early access.
The Surprises
But the real surprises came at the end of the showcase. Road 96 is coming back, and I couldn’t be more excited. The teaser trailer was short and sweet, but it got me hyped for what’s to come. And then there was The Eternal Life of Goldman, a beautiful 2D Metroidvania with some of the most gorgeous animation I’ve seen in a long time. It’s wishlistable now, so go ahead and add it to your list, because I know I am. We also got a compilation of THQ Nordic games coming to the Nintendo Switch, including Epic Mickey Rebrushed and Destroy All Humans! Remake. Because, you know, the Switch needs more games, and who doesn’t love a good remake?
The Conclusion
All in all, this year’s THQ Nordic Showcase was a real treat. We got a bunch of new games, some surprises, and even a few updates to old favorites. And, let’s be real, 29 games in development is a lot, even for a big publisher like THQ Nordic. I’m excited to see what the future holds, and I’m sure we’ll be hearing more about these games in the coming months. So, until next year’s showcase, I’ll just be over here, playing all the games and trying to keep up with the never-ending stream of announcements. Wish me luck.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte, widely regarded as the “Shakespeare of Sh*tposts,” is a video game expert with a unique knack for turning pixels into punchlines.
Born in the small town of Respawn, Pennsylvania, Pixel grew up mashing buttons on an ancient NES controller, firmly believing that “blowing into the cartridge” was a sacred ritual passed down through generations.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte: proving that life, much like a buggy open-world game, is better with a little lag-induced chaos.
