Game director Jonathan Rogers sits with Sony’s Shuhei Yoshida, outlining numerous aspects of action RPG. It starts with the Mercenary and how they can utilize automatic projectile weapons and explosives to deal damage. The Warrior is arguably more intriguing, as players can mix different Slam skills for various effects (including repeating attacks).

Unlike Path of Exile 1, customizing and slotting in Support Gems for skills are much easier, but the combat has also evolved to accommodate mechanics like dodge canceling. Some Monk gameplay is showcased alongside a new boss fight in a gradually shrinking space. Another arena requires players to fight enemies in the shade to avoid direct damage from an energy source.

There’s also couch co-op and how it currently functions, right down to the class select screen having two survivors instead of one. With all the different ways for Skills to interact, imagine six players running around in co-op, causing mayhem.

Path of Exile 2 enters early access on December 6th for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The exact breadth of content has yet to be revealed, so stay tuned in the coming weeks for more details.

As with everything director Hideo Kojima works on, there were plenty of potential hints and clues for the story. Let’s delve into ten big things revealed during the event and what fans can look forward to when it launches next year. Mild spoilers follow for the first game, so be warned.

Tarman

Though we’ve seen him before, we finally learned more about Tarman, voiced by Marty Rhone and portrayed by George Miller of Mad Max fame. He’s not only a doctor (as seen when working with Fragile in a previous trailer), but also a geophysicist and the pilot and captain of the DHV Magellan. Furthermore, just like Fragile and Sam, he suffers from DOOMS (level currently unknown). How exactly he’s manipulating the Tar – if that’s what he’s doing – is a mystery. However, a tar cat perches on Tarman’s shoulder, which is somewhat cute.

Traveling Through the Tar With the Magellan

The Tar from the first game manifested most frequently while Sam attempted to escape or battle Beached Things. However, the DHV Magellan’s navigation console offers a direct connection to it, allowing the ship to travel through the currents, submerging just beneath the Earth’s surface. As convenient as it is, the downside is that the crew is bathed in Chiralium.

Can prolonged exposure to this cause Chiralium Contamination? Not in DOOMS sufferers like Fragile, Sam, and Tarman, but potentially in other characters. We’ve seen Ellie Fanning’s character remaining outside the helm in some screenshots, listening unbeknownst from a distance, perhaps to avoid contamination (though there are other ways to deal with it). It’s hard to say, but it’s still something to note.

Also, since Tar is essentially the Beach, could the Magellan encounter unique locations while traversing through it or even run into BTs? There’s a lot of potential for surprises, and we’re all for it.

Dollman

Of course, it’s unlikely that Chiralium Contamination affects puppets, particularly Dollman. As the second new character in the sequel, he’s voiced by Jonathan Roumie and portrayed by Fatih Akin. Fragile reveals that Dollman used to be a mystic but became trapped in his current body and lost his abilities. While the rest of his past is shrouded in mystery, he accompanies Sam and even has a run-in with Higgs later, as seen in the previous trailer. Based on his reaction, Dollman isn’t too fond of the latter, contorting his face in monstrous ways.

Tomorrow

The Tokyo Game Show Special Stage event also offered our first look at Tomorrow, voiced and portrayed by Ellie Fanning. She’s from the realm of the dead, per Dollman. Of course, eagle-eyed fans will remember the title of Episode 15 from the first game, “Tomorrow is in your hands”, leading to suggestions that she’s a grown-up Lou. How did she escape from the world of the dead? Does it have something to do with how Higgs returned?

Rainy

The other new cast member is Rainy, voiced and portrayed by Shioli Kutsuna. Aside from being pregnant, we know pretty much nothing about her. When she joins Tomorrow, Sam, and Dollman in singing “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on my Head”, it’s hard not to picture the Timefall, the rain which causes everything in contact with it to age. Perhaps Rainy’s connection to this is being named after the phenomenon but with a more sunny disposition. There’s also the question of the child’s father, which, as with many Kojima-related things, we’ll need to wait and find out for ourselves.

Heartman Returns

One of the bigger surprises from the reveal is that Heartman is back, that too, with heart-shaped glasses. What more could you ask for? Actor Darren Jacobs previously said he didn’t have a part to play in the sequel, but that seems to have been misdirection, as he returns alongside Nicolas Winding Refn, who lends his likeness to the character. This time, Heartman has a support unit – an exoskeleton of sorts which allows him to “sleep” standing up, meaning he can “die” as usual and remain in a safe position before being revived.

However, previous game players will remember that Heartman gave up visiting the Beach at the end, but here, we see him discussing an Upper Beach reference frame and providing coordinates. Perhaps there’s some new purpose to his beach visits. Either way, it’s also revealed to have been some time since he and Dollman interacted.

Photo Shoot Event

One of the more curious events in Death Stranding 2 is the Photo Shoot. Using what seems to be a Polaroid camera, Sam takes pictures of Fragile, Rainy, and Tomorrow in different locations. The three are just posing and having fun with some Cryptobiote plushies. While it may come across as something purely for laughs, Kojima said it can impact the story. How, as usual, is the question, but you have to admit – the animation work, lighting and shadows in the Photo Shoot are impeccable.

Separate Photo Mode Confirmed

Of course, there will be a regular Photo Mode, which is good news since the first game had to wait several months to get it in a post-launch update. Further details haven’t been revealed, but we have seen images where Sam and Dollman pose with Tomorrow, Fragile, and Rainy, though that could be part of the Photo Shoot event.

“Horizon Dreamer” and the Dancing Dollman

Another event involves Dollman and singer Daichi Miura. Essentially, if you go to a Private Room and perform a certain action, a group of Dollman will manifest behind the singer and dance together to the beat of “Horizon Dreamer.” The song has been created specifically for Death Stranding 2 and should be available on streaming services at this time of writing. It’s probably best to avoid questioning its purpose, especially given everything else in the game, but consider it a fun little interaction, if nothing else

Release Date Announcement in 2025

Of course, at the end of it all, one has to wonder: When is it out? Director Hideo Kojima addressed this, stating (translation via Gematsu), “While we haven’t announced the release date yet, we naturally already have one set. The plans are in place. Although production is progressing towards that goal, various factors could affect the timing of the release.”

While the exact window is unknown, he reiterated that it’s still coming in 2025. Furthermore, the actual date will be announced at some point next year. Kojima stated back in March that filming and recording are complete, with the title currently in the adjustment phase. At TGS, he confirmed, “Development isn’t done yet, but I feel confident, and it’s turning out to be an even weirder game than the first one. We’re making it with the sense of, ‘Is there really a game like this out there?’” Based on everything we’ve seen thus far, it’s safe to say that Kojima Productions has accomplished its goal.

Debuted in Monster Hunter 2, Congala is a Fanged Beast who usually doesn’t cause trouble. Enter their territory, and they’ll fly off the handle, on top of having a berserk state like Rajang. With the new Herd system in Wilds, there are also smaller Congalas to deal with.

Other noteworthy details include Venus fly traps that can eat birds and the tribe of Wudwuds exchanging items and cooking meals for the player. Monster corpses will decompose into bone piles, which you can check later for resources. Also, Monster Hunter World fans will be pleased that Decorations return as a reward for successful hunts.

Monster Hunter Wilds launches on February 28th, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Back at Gamescom, those who went hands-on with a demo revealed that it ran at 30 frames per second on PS5. While the current frame rate isn’t exactly stable, it’s a step up and could indicate the presence of two graphical modes on consoles. Capcom has yet to provide more information on the same.

Given that the demo is still a work in progress, it may reveal these details closer to launch. PC requirements are already available, confirming an RTX 2070 Super, RTX 4060, or a Radeon RX 6700 XT for hitting 1080p/60 FPS at Medium settings with Frame Generation. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming months.

Monster Hunter Wilds launches for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC on February 28th, 2025.

Thus far, we’ve seen him accompany Sam and even have a run-in with Higgs. But that’s not all. As revealed during the game’s Special Stage event at Tokyo Game Show 2024, performing a certain action in a Private Room will trigger a special event. It sees several Dollman serving as backup dancers for singer Daichi Miura, who belts out a new single, “Horizon Dreamer.”

The single will be available on streaming services starting September 30th. While the point of this in-game event is unknown, it certainly wouldn’t be the strangest thing that director Hideo Kojima has included in a video game.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is coming to PS5 in 2025, with Kojima noting that the release date would be announced next year.

#TGS2024
PlayStation Presents “DEATH STRANDING 2” Special Stage!

First public release of game footage.
Part 5: Dollman In-game Event Video.

The music of Daichi Miura that appears in the video “Horizon Dreamer” will be available midnight tonight, September 30th [JST]. Enjoy!… pic.twitter.com/iDVc9SmmXE

— KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS (Eng) (@KojiPro2015_EN) September 29, 2024

Though launching in 2025, the developer has yet to provide a definitive date. Director Hideo Kojima spoke more about this (via Okami13_ on Twitter), noting that the release date has been decided and the staff are working towards it. However, he reiterated the 2025 launch window and touted a release date announcement sometime next year. As for why it couldn’t be announced on the Special State at TGS, Kojima cited “unforeseen circumstances.”

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach will be available for PS5 at launch. While the game isn’t finished, it completed filming and recording in May, with the title currently in the “adjustment phase.” Stay tuned for updates and check out more gameplay from earlier this year.

Kojima confirms Death Stranding 2’s release date will be announced in 2025.

Release date is locked in for 2025 but couldn’t be announced today due to unforeseen circumstances.
#DeathStranding2 #TGS2024に来てマウス pic.twitter.com/erTfVo1vIR

— KAMI (@Okami13_) September 29, 2024

Rainy, Tomorrow, and Fragile will gesture and move around as you take pictures during the same. The Cryptobiote also returns, albeit as a stuffed animal, and you can even have Sam in the frame for shots. Various environments, from the locker room and hallway stairs to the hangar, are also showcased as potential shooting locations.

We’ll still need more details on filters, exposure, and whatnot in Photo Mode, so stay tuned. Interestingly, Kojima revealed that the event will have some impact on the story.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach launches in 2025 for PS5, with a release date to be announced. Check out the latest scenes featuring Drawbridge’s members, including a closer look at Tarman and Dollman.

#TGS2024
PlayStation Presents “DEATH STRANDING 2” Special Stage!

First public release of game footage.
Part 4: ‘Photo shoot event’ (Stuffed Cryptobiote also make an appearance).#DeathStranding2 pic.twitter.com/O3nrKcIvBW

— KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS (Eng) (@KojiPro2015_EN) September 29, 2024

First and foremost is Tarman, the captain and pilot voiced by Marty Rhone and with Mad Max director George Miller providing his likeness. Then there’s Dollman, the “puppet” seen in previous trailers, with Fatih Akin’s likeness and the voice of Jonathan Roumie. While Dollman is trapped in his current body, Tarman is a DOOMS sufferer, just like Fragile.

With Dollman at his waist, Sam meets Tomorrow and Rainy, other members of Drawbridge, played by actors Elle Fanning and Shioli Kutsuna. The former is from the world of the dead, and the latter is pregnant, with the four singing “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” for her baby.

Also, despite actor Darren Jacobs previously indicating otherwise, he’s confirmed to return as Heartman with Nicolas Winding Refn lending his likeness. Best of all, he now possesses special hardware that allows him to sleep standing up.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is launching in 2025 for PS5, though a release date has yet to be confirmed. Stay tuned for more details shortly.

#TGS2024
PlayStation Presents “DEATH STRANDING 2” Special Stage!

First public release of game footage.
Part1: Dollman & Tarman Member Introductions.#DeathStranding2 pic.twitter.com/ci2QP57CbR

— KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS (Eng) (@KojiPro2015_EN) September 29, 2024

#TGS2024
PlayStation Presents “DEATH STRANDING 2” Special Stage!

First public release of game footage.
Part 2: Tomorrow & Rainy Member Introductions.#DeathStranding2 pic.twitter.com/ElGZ62zSEQ

— KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS (Eng) (@KojiPro2015_EN) September 29, 2024

#TGS2024
PlayStation Presents “DEATH STRANDING 2” Special Stage!

First public release of game footage.
Part 3: Heartman TGS2024 Special Video.#DeathStranding2 pic.twitter.com/F0QlEPC6Dg

— KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS (Eng) (@KojiPro2015_EN) September 29, 2024

Though you can select the starting position in some maps, that won’t always apply. Upon entering combat, the classic Dynasty Warriors gameplay of slaying hundreds of enemy units in one fell swoop takes over. Of course, you can also give orders to allied units to reassign them to other places if necessary.

While it’s also possible to temporarily take control of companions, you can also initiate Extreme Musou Attacks. These team-up abilities are good for clearing out foes and great at dealing severe damage to enemy Officers.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins will be available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC at launch. Stay tuned for more details and watch even more gameplay from ChinaJoy 2024 here.

Though it doesn’t offer any combat, the gameplay showcases how incredibly detailed the remake looks. It also highlights the new third-person camera, available in the Modern control style, and other quality-of-life features like Quick-Dial for instantly contacting other characters. And for those hoping for a GA-KO cameo, it’s seemingly present with collectable figurines (though these could be demo-exclusive).

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is playable from start to finish, but Konami has yet to announce a release date. It’s coming to Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC and supports the PS5 Pro’s PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). Head here for more details, and stay tuned for updates.