Gamescom 2025 was full of surprises, sequels, and brand-new IPs. After looking through the reveals, I’ve narrowed it down to the games that caught my attention the most. Below you’ll find my star ratings along with my personal impressions for each title.

★★★★☆ Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV (4/5)

Release Date: Expected in 2026.

What we know:
This RTS marks the franchise’s return after nearly a decade. Developed by King Art Games and published by Deep Silver, it’s set on Kronus and features four playable factions: Space Marines, Orks, Necrons, and Adeptus Mechanicus. The game promises branching campaigns, narrative depth written by Black Library author John French, and classic Dawn of War mechanics refined with modern systems. Expect co-op, Skirmish, Last Stand, and a revamped Sync Kill system that makes combat cinematic and brutal.

My take:
I skipped the earlier Dawn of War titles, but this feels like the perfect entry point. The strategy gameplay and rich campaign variety make it exactly the kind of RTS I enjoy.

★★★☆☆ Resident Evil: Requiem (3/5)

Release Date: February 27, 2026.

What we know:
The Resident Evil franchise continues to expand with Requiem, building on the survival horror legacy Capcom has refined for decades. While details remain scarce, it’s expected to lean into the atmospheric storytelling and intense gameplay the series is known for.

My take:
The franchise is still shining, but I feel a little fatigued. I’m still working through the remasters, and while I’ll likely play this one eventually, it doesn’t spark huge excitement right now.

★★★★★ Black State (5/5)

Release Date: To be announced.

What we know:
A brand-new sci-fi IP, Black State is a third-person shooter with strong stealth-action influences. Built on Unreal Engine 5, it showcases path-traced visuals and smooth performance, setting a high bar graphically. The premise revolves around an anomalous, portal-filled world where a secret scientist organization plays a central role.

My take:
This looks incredible—like a sci-fi Metal Gear Solid. The atmosphere and stealth-action concept hooked me immediately. If the gameplay matches the hype, Black State could become one of the most important new IPs of the decade.

★★★☆☆ Borderlands 4 (3/5)

Release Date: September 12, 2025.

What we know:
Gearbox is back with another entry in the iconic loot-and-shoot series. Expect the usual chaos, humor, and co-op-friendly mechanics that define Borderlands, though questions remain about how much innovation this sequel will bring after Borderlands 3.

My take:
I’ve always enjoyed the series with friends, but the formula risks feeling stale. I’m on board, but I’ll need to see something fresh to get truly hyped.

★★★★☆ The Blood of the Dawnwalker (4/5)

Release Date: Targeted for 2026.

What we know:
Developed by Rebel Wolves (ex-CD Projekt Red devs) and published by Bandai Namco, this open-world action RPG blends vampire lore with narrative-driven sandbox gameplay. Set in 14th-century Eastern Europe, players must balance their humanity by day and vampiric powers by night, all within a 30-day in-game cycle. Expect branching quests, immersive environments, and morally charged choices.

My take:
The 30-day mechanic adds urgency and tension, while the dark fantasy world feels massive and atmospheric. It looks like a bold and refreshing take on the RPG formula.

★★★★☆ Pokémon Legends: Z-A (4/5)

Release Date: October 16, 2025.

What we know:
The follow-up to Pokémon Legends: Arceus aims to expand the open-world Pokémon formula. Details remain limited, but the goal seems to be evolving the franchise beyond its traditional one-track gameplay loops.

My take:
I’ve always loved Pokémon, but the recent games have felt a little one-sided. If Z-A can offer more variety and depth, it could hold my attention far longer than recent entries.

★★★★★★ Crimson Desert (6/5)

Release Date: Expected in Q1 2026.

What we know:
An open-world action RPG with freestyle combat and ambitious RPG mechanics, Crimson Desert has been one of the most talked-about titles of 2025. Scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2026, it aims to bring a fresh approach to combat, exploration, and progression.

My take:
This one gets an off-the-charts score. The combat looks dynamic, the open world feels alive, and the RPG systems seem genuinely new. I can’t wait for this one—it’s easily my most hyped game.

☆☆☆☆☆ Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 (0/5)

Release Date: November 14, 2025.

What we know:
The next annual installment in the long-running franchise. Unfortunately, the trailer and early gameplay previews suggest very little innovation, sticking to the same formula with minor tweaks like jetpacks.

My take:
This was my biggest disappointment. The trailer felt flat, and compared to the energy behind Battlefield 6, Call of Duty feels tired. No hype here—zero stars from me.

Final Thoughts

  • Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War IV looks like the perfect re-entry into the RTS genre.
  • Black State has the potential to be a breakout hit.
  • Resident Evil: Requiem and Borderlands 4 sit in the middle ground—solid but uncertain.
  • The Blood of the Dawnwalker brings a refreshing twist to open-world RPGs.
  • Pokémon Legends: Z-A could revitalize the series if it embraces variety.
  • Crimson Desert is my most anticipated game by far.
  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is my letdown of the year.