Last week saw the UK’s biggest gaming event – EGX – descend on London’s ExCel Centre and see a congregation of gamers and cosplayers gather for a right good time.
We’ve chosen a selection the five finest things from the show below…
1) Final Fantasy 7 Remake
A treasured place in our hearts will always be reserved for anything Final Fantasy. Enabling gamers to get hands-on for the first time in the UK answered many outstanding questions – gameplay is slick, clean and super fun, incorporating fast-paced battle dynamics and old school turn based mechanics.
The hype around this game is both real and deserved, join the millions who cannot wait for its early March 2020 release.
2) Cyberpunk 2077
Hidden away from all the hustle and bustle in a purpose-built (air conditioned) auditorium, we were treated to a 45-minute live demo of Cyberpunk 2077.
An in-person commentary from the Design Director introduced us to the vibrant, sprawling, dangerous and dystopian world of Night City, steeped in complex and fascinating lore.
With a game this breath-taking, CD Projekt RED already have one hand in our collective e-coin purse.
Keep an eye out for this one in April 2020.
3) Capcom Pro Tour
Street Fighter will always be in the blood and being a big fan of the professional tournament scene, it was exciting to be at the UK leg of the Capcom Pro Tour’s worldwide travels.
Some of the biggest names and best players of Street Fighter V were hanging out and playing casually, all the while reminding folks why they are considered some of the best gamers in the world.
4) Retro Gaming
Think of any gaming console released in the past 30 years and it was here, and available to play. With hundreds of units and old-school CRT TVs, the retro gaming corner truly had something for everybody.
From 1982’s Pitfall on the Atari 2600 to X-Men Vs Street Fighter on the Sega Saturn, Duck Hunt on the NES and recent releases like Gears 5. It was a great opportunity to explore the rich and storied history of gaming, literally witnessing its evolution over the decades.
Despite getting schooled by a skilled stranger playing Marvel vs. Capcom 2 on the Dreamcast, the whole nostalgia blast was exciting and genuine old-school fun.
5) Indie Games
The sheer variety of independent titles was reassuring that the future of gaming is in safe hands. AAA games of course have the lion’s share of market (and marketing) real estate and are at the forefront of the minds of many, but indie development has come a long way.
There was lots of fun to be had seeing the vast array of games available, but also the chance to speak to some of the developers was enlightening. Seeing the pride and passion poured into their various projects was truly inspiring.
The Best of the Rest
Ending with a couple of honourable mentions – Death Stranding looks like it could be an interesting addition to the Hideo Kojima catalogue of deep storytelling and great gameplay.
There were also various panels and discussion throughout the week featuring industry insiders sharing talks and insight, which is a nice change of pace.
Lastly, the overall community feeling – far and away the best part about EGX was being able to spend time with like-minded fans who extract and exhibit the same kind of joy and excitement from gaming as I do.
Find out more here, and get set for next year!
