Not to be outdone by Sony’s State of Play, Xbox rounded out the Summer Game Fest weekend with a showcase of its own. The Xbox Games Showcase was crammed with world premieres and previously announced video games reemerging with fresh footage. There were also big surprise announcements, like the reveal of the long-rumored portable console, which turned out to be the ROG Xbox Ally. 

Of course, games were the highlight, and there was plenty to see. If you missed the Xbox Games Showcase, I’ve selected the 10 most impressive gameplay trailers revealed during the show.

Ninja Gaiden 4

The Ninja Gaiden series finally gets a sequel after nearly 13 years. Ninja Gaiden 4, co-developed by Team Ninja and Platinum Games, has two protagonists: the young, bombastic Yakumo and the brutally efficient veteran Ryu. You hack through the demon-infested Tokyo streets to put an end to a dark dragon’s machinations. I love the Ninja Gaiden games for their brutal finishers, deep fighting game-like mechanics, and intense challenge. And Platinum Games’ penchant for flexible, free-form combos is on full display.

Beast of Reincarnation

Developed by Game Freak (yes, of Pokémon fame), Beast of Reincarnation looks like a fascinating blend between Nier: Automata and the anime Princess Mononoke. The upcoming game tasks you with slaying massive, corrupted beasts in this distant future. I adore Monster Hunter, and this teaser offers a taste of that action. The distinct Japanese aesthetic reminds me of Omega Forces’ Wild Hearts. The visuals are excellent, and the gameplay looks extremely promising.

The Blood of Dawnwalker

Vampires seize control of 14th-century Europe as bloody conflicts and plague ravage the continent. You play as Coen, a cursed man tainted by vampiric power, and choose your path amidst these dark tidings. Developed by Rebel Wolves, a team composed of key former CD Projekt staff who worked on The Witcher 3, The Blood of Dawnwalker is a dark fantasy sandbox title with a rich RPG narrative. I’m a huge Witcher fan, but I always wish the action had a little more flourish. Dawnwalker is poised to deliver that over-the-top flair.

Cronos: The New Dawn

This time-skipping survival-horror game pits you against undying amalgums of flesh. Defeated monsters can be absorbed by others, making them even harder to kill and further straining your limited resources. I got strong Dead Space vibes from the trailer, and the reviving enemies remind me of Resident Evil 4‘s Crimson Head mechanic. The unique time-traveling plot and Eastern European setting add a fascinating dynamic. 

Mudang: Two Hearts

Mudang: Two Hearts is a third-person, stealth-action title set in a near-future Korea on the cusp of reunification. The game follows a North Korean soldier and a K-Pop idol who are embroiled in a conspiracy sparked by a terrorist attack on South Korea’s National Assembly. This Korean TPS blends sci-fi elements with infiltration and third-person combat. You alternate between the two protagonists from radically different backgrounds, with equally unique play styles.

Clockwork Revolution

In this time-bending, first-person RPG, you discover that the steampunk metropolis, Avalon, is the product of meticulous time manipulation by the ruling elite. You get your hands on the tech and travel to the past to change the city and the narrative. The trailer is a bit long-winded, but it offers an in-depth look at the hectic shooting and time mechanics, which give Clockwork Revolution a unique blend of Fallout and Dishonored vibes.

Super Meat Boy 3D

This gameplay-packed trailer tells you everything you need to know about Super Meat Boy. You play as an adorable cube of meat who’s off to rescue his girlfriend from a weird jar baby, and navigate brutally violent platforming challenges. Saw blades, grinders, and spike traps stand between you and the goal. The platforming is breakneck, and the gore is comically over the top.

Gears of War: Reloaded

Gears of War has ballooned into an expansive, multi-game franchise, but there’s a special place in my heart for the first title. Gears of War: Reloaded offers the definitive experience of the iconic third-person shooter. Enhanced with 4K resolution and 120fps support, Reloaded delivers cross-progression and cross-play across all platforms, which is genuinely impressive. All post-launch DLC is included as well.

Invincible VS

Invincible VS is a three-versus-three, tag-based fighting game that pits heroes and villains from across the Invincible universe in bloody and brutal fisticuffs. I see a promising fighting foundation in the reveal trailer, which teased just a handful of the playable roster. With NetherRealm Studios ending Mortal Kombat 1 support, this might be the ultraviolent fighter to watch.

There Are No Ghosts at the Grand

Yes, the weird musical elements and cartoonish visuals make the first half of this trailer a bit cringey. Hear me out, though. The second half more than makes up for it with its blend of intrigue, supernatural weirdness, and light-hearted tone. Think Powerwash Simulator meets Luigi’s Mansion. Renovate your hotel, investigate paranormal happenings, and fend off eldritch abominations.

For more on Xbox, check out the best Xbox Series X and S games you can play right now. For in-depth video game talk, visit PCMag’s Pop-Off YouTube channel. Also, check out the best video games coming out in 2025 to see what the rest of the year has in store.

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About Gabriel Zamora

My career has taken me through an eclectic assortment of fields, and connected me with people from all walks of life. This experience includes construction, professional cooking, podcasting, and, of course, writing. I’ve been typing up geeky takes since 2009, ultimately landing a freelancing position at PCMag. This blossomed into a full-time tech analyst position in 2021, where I lend my personal insight on the matters of web hosting, streaming music, mobile apps, and video games. 

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