But there are also downsides to this entertainer from Three Fields Entertainment as it attempts to recreate the magic of Burnout Paradise. There’s no semblance of a story on offer here, which means that all of the mayhem you’re causing is left without context. The game’s controls and systems can feel obscure until you get the hang of what you’re doing in its expansive open world. And there are occasional performance issues that might have been forgivable if they didn’t interfere with the results of some very intense racing.

"The lack of assists like ABS or traction controls could put you off if you’re a casual racer."

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, and begin with why this one had me sinking hours into discovering new types of races and hunting down new cars to gain that extra edge when taking said races on. Wreckreation is just fun, plain and simple. Its no-frills approach to getting you started right off the bat might even justify the lack of a narrative to frame it all.

I found myself quite immersed in its gameplay loop within an hour after I booted it up, and spent the better part of a rainy weekend mowing down any opponents who happened to get between me and the License Points I needed for my next rank and a potentially new car for me to wreak havoc with. Those vehicles came in different types, with each one having its pros and cons based on the situation it was supposed to tackle.

Race cars, for instance, are good for tearing through tracks and staying ahead of your rivals with the occasional slam or side swipe in order to get them off the road. Bruiser-class vehicles take on a more aggressive role, which gets quite handy in body slam races that require you to eliminate opponents as quickly as you can before the timer runs out. There are off-roaders and hypercars thrown into the mix as well, and special races that require a specific class of vehicle before you can take them on.

"Wreckreation is just fun, plain and simple."

You unlock cars either by levelling up through winning races, each of which nets you a few Licence Points that count toward your next rank, or by finding them out in the open world and taking them down and adding them to your growing fleet. Each car handles well, and keeping them on the road feels challenging enough to keep you engaged without putting off the more casual arcade racing game fan.

The lack of assists like ABS or traction controls could put you off if you’re a casual racer, but for the most part, the game does a reasonably good job of keeping you on the road, provided you handle your car well. While collisions are generally encouraged between racers, hitting a civilian can result in you losing valuable seconds during a race. Crashes during the open world, however, are easily rectified by visiting the nearest gas station for a full repair of your vehicle.

There’s also the option to tweak your car’s looks and make each one stand out via the MixWorld system, along with the aforementioned menu that lets you create custom tracks and events. However, this is where things could get a little dicey for some players. Designing your own track, or rather attempting to, could feel unintuitive and messy for some players. Moreover, the lack of optional body kits, spoilers, and other such customization options made the menu feel a tad limited, although that’s not much of a downer. However, I can see inventive players with a little more determination come up with excellent designs once the game gets some traction.

"Designing your own track, or rather attempting to, could feel unintuitive and messy for some players."

What was a lot more annoying was the limited amount of Licence Points you get, even when you finish first in a race. It made the experience feel too grindy for a title that’s focused on getting you behind the wheel of new and more powerful cars as soon as possible. This was especially irksome since the races themselves felt like they were designed to put you on the back foot very early and then have you scrambling to catch up and take your place at the top of the pack.

Allow me to explain. You begin a race only to find that you need to generate Wreckage Points in order to use your nitrous. You get those quite easily via collisions with your fellow racers or by disobeying the rules of the road, but not fast enough to prevent the majority of your rivals from leaving you behind in a cloud of dust. Once you have enough boost, speeding through a track requires you to be nearly perfect if you want to catch up, as even a single crash loses you valuable seconds that could cost you the race. You could always repeat races and attempt to rank better on them for the remaining Licence Points, but that’s no excuse for the poor balancing on display.

It takes a little getting used to, and you’re still going to find that you’re left behind too often when the rest of the game makes you feel like the star of the show. I’m not against earning my place at the top of the podium, but I couldn’t help but feel like Wreckreation wasn’t giving me a level playing field to begin with. However, I will say that catching up to my fellow racers and systematically taking them out of the equation was a thrill and a delight, with Takedowns being suitably satisfying to pull off and witness.

"I’m not against earning my place at the top of the podium, but I couldn’t help but feel like Wreckreation wasn’t giving me a level playing field to begin with."

Sadly, those thrills were marred by occasional performance issues such as stuttering frames that sent me careening off the track, or a few memorable jumps off ramps where the ground beneath me seemingly vanished into thin air and left me falling into an infinite void until the game decided to put me back to the last place of safety, which was inevitably quite a disadvantage. It didn’t help that there were races where I had clawed my way to the front of the line.

The lack of any options to tweak graphic modes stuck out a little, although the game runs fine on its default settings on a base PS5 aside from the aforementioned issues. Loading times are also quite quick, with the game getting you back into the action quite rapidly any time you fast-travel.

Another issue I had with the game was its collectibles. You either crash through red gates or billboards, with the game promising you a reward in the event you manage to get them all. However, their sheer number and the fact that the billboards need a bit of acrobatic trial and error on each one had me ignoring them altogether, choosing to have fun blazing a way to glory on the streets instead.

"Wreckreation is a fun game to dive into when you feel like just getting behind the wheel and causing some chaos on the streets."

While I couldn’t try out the game’s multiplayer options, my time with it was entirely solo. I can see how the ability to have your friends join in on the fun or dive into another player’s creations can be quite alluring. I just hope that the game’s performance doesn’t get in the way of the fun. The lack of cross-platform play is a bummer, though.

I must give credit to the game’s visuals and audio design, while the soundtrack is also solid and keeps things fun. I was especially impressed by the way different engine sounds play out, as well as crash impacts sounding quite realistic and meaty. Overall, Wreckreation is a fun game to dive into when you feel like just getting behind the wheel and causing some chaos on the streets. As an arcade racer set in a sandbox world, there’s a lot to like about it. You might even ignore its issues if you just want to let loose and drive cool cars around.

But would I recommend it to anyone looking for value from their games? I would say yes, with the hope that there are going to be a few updates to iron out its performance and balancing issues. You could, and perhaps should, wait a while to see if Three Fields does a bit of tweaking, and perhaps even pick it up on sale if the timing’s right.

This game was reviewed on the PC.

Ghost of Yōtei

Easily the biggest game of the month, and certainly a contender for Game of the Year, but that’s to be expected. Sucker Punch Productions’ skill for creating engaging open worlds is on full display once more as Atsu scours Ezo for revenge against the Yōtei Six. There’s more variety and less repetition, while the combat system has been expanded to include more weapons, fresh mechanics like disarming enemies (and throwing weapons into their imminent carcasses), and a wolf that occasionally helps out. In a year where Sony desperately needs some PS5 exclusives, Ghost of Yōtei looks to be an incredible showcase for the console when it launches on October 2nd.

Battlefield 6

About four years ago, the Battlefield franchise suffered a slump that few thought it could ever recover from. But here we are with Battlefield 6, a combined effort between DICE, Ripple Effect, Criterion and Motive Studio, which could take the series to new heights of success. The return of an epic globe-hopping campaign is already fantastic, but even the multiplayer with its Classes, weapon feel, and grounded atmosphere has us excited. Even Portal and the new Battle Royale don’t look too shabby. Launching on October 10th, Battlefield 6 will be available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Game Freak’s latest Pokémon title also marks the series’ debut on Nintendo Switch 2 alongside the original Switch, but it goes even further by taking place in a single city. As a new trainer in Lumiose City, it’s your job to investigate the strange outbreak of Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon while having their wish granted in the Z-A Royale. Between new Pokémon and Mega Evolutions, a free-for-all competitive mode called Battle Club, and much more, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is certainly shaping up well. It’s out on October 16th for Switch 1 and 2.

The Outer Worlds 2

For a game that goes “bigger and deeper” than the original, with an overhaul to Skills and Flaws alongside much larger planets and a third-person perspective, The Outer Worlds 2 certainly feels like the underdog heading into October. Maybe it’s the sheer range of other big-name sequels to look forward to, but the new, more-serious story (which still packs moments of dark levity) looks intriguing, and there’s plenty of room for more niche playstyles. Whether you’re a team player or a solo operative intent on killing all NPCs, The Outer Worlds 2 could satisfy that role-playing fix when it launches on October 29th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger

Seven years after Cyber Sleuth – Hacker’s Memory, a new entry in the Digimon Story is finally upon us with Time Stranger. Launching on October 3rd for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, it was actually announced way back in December 2017 and offers a brand new story with time travel elements. Following an incident that would change the world, the player, as part of a mysterious organization, ventures back in time to try to prevent it. On top of over 450 Digimon to collect, players travel to Illiad in the Digimon World and attempt to unravel what’s going on. Will it end up overshadowed by Pokémon Legends: Z-A or stand out all the more? We’ll find out in the coming days.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2

Super Mario Galaxy has returned, and thankfully, it isn’t part of a compilation that’s available only for a limited time. This time, Nintendo Switch players can experience each title in the series for $39.99 separately or for $69.99 in a bundle. Switch 2 owners can play both games at 4K courtesy of a free update, and there are new features like more Storybook Chapters, amiibo support and Assist Mode. These are more like re-releases than remasters, but if you’ve ever wanted to play two of the best 3D platformers ever made, they may be worth checking out on October 2nd.

ARC Raiders

As if it isn’t competing for time with all the other big releases, Embark Studios’ ARC Raiders is sandwiched between two triple-A shooters (with Battlefield this month and Call of Duty in the next). Nevertheless, if the response has proven anything, it’s that it may very well hold its own. Launching with four maps with different conditions and challenging foes, the extraction shooter packs Embark’s sleek shooting with a distinct post-apocalyptic atmosphere. Between mastering different skills, competing quests, taking a shot at the leaderboards, or trying to understand the world as a whole, ARC Raiders promises a lot, and we can’t wait to dive in when it launches on October 30th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Little Nightmares 3

The heavyweight survival horror titles are already out, but there’s still Little Nightmares 3 to look forward to ahead of Halloween. Set in The Spiral, the story follows Low and Alone as they attempt to escape its hellish landscape. Between towering monsters, sentient puppets, and other horrors, it’s a tall task, but each packs unique tools like arrows and a wrench for puzzle-solving and self defense. And while couch co-op isn’t supported, there is a Friends Pass, meaning another player can join in without owning the game. All the better to spread the terror when Little Nightmares 3 launches on October 10th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

Keeper

You never truly guess what Double Fine Productions will pump out next, and Keeper, out on October 17th for Xbox Series X/S and PC, is truly unique. You control, of all things, a sentient lighthouse that ventures across the world to learn more about its purpose. Between encountering other strange entities in a wordless narrative and the trippy visuals, it’s certainly shaping up to be an adventure unlike any other.

Jurassic World Evolution 3

You kind of know what you’re getting with any Frontier Developments management sim, and Jurassic Park Evolution 3 is no exception. The usual campaign, sandbox and challenge modes return, but there are over 80 species, each with variants (including juvenile dinosaurs), and more complex creation tools to embrace alongside new attractions. Couple this with new locations, and there’s plenty to look forward to when it launches on October 21st for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Ninja Gaiden 4

One of the gold standards for incredible hack and slash action-adventures, Ninja Gaiden, is finally getting a new mainline title on October 21st for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC. Ninja Gaiden 4 follows Yakumo of the Raven Clan as he ventures to the remains of Tokyo to slay the Dark Dragon. The Order isn’t having it, though, and neither is series mainstay, Ryu Hayabusa (who’s also playable), leading to some bloody battles. While possessing an array of armaments, Yakumo also has Bloodraven Form to modify his attacks and even unleash Bloodbath Kills to maim several foes at once. Promising accessibility via Hero Mode and hardcore challenge courtesy of Master Ninja difficulty, Ninja Gaiden 4 could be the most epic title in the series yet.

Kingmakers

What happens when modern soldiers are sent back in time to fight medieval battles containing hundreds of units? You get Kingmakers, with its unique mix of third-person shooting, extensive military equipment and base-building, launching on October 8th for PC. When you’re not engaging in the battle, you can take an overhead view and command units. All this and co-op for up to four players? If nothing else, it looks like a fun bit of controlled chaos.

Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault

Nothing can stop a good merchant, especially one like Will, who ventures into dungeons to collect the wares himself. Moonlighter 2 directly follows the first game’s events, as you venture into The Endless Vault, collect valuable artifacts, and sell them in your store. The profits can be used to upgrade the town of Tresna, your own shop and even equipment to delve deeper into the dungeons for more profitable finds. With a jump to full 3D and new mechanics – like using your own backpack as a weapon – there’s plenty to look forward to when Moonlighter 2 launches in Steam Early Access on October 23rd.

Double Dragon Revive

The classic side-scrolling beat ’em up franchise returns courtesy of Arc System Works and Yuke’s when Double Dragon Revive launches on October 23rd for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC. Alongside Story Mode with support for up to four playable characters, there’s Extra Mode with more than 50 mission types and a uniquely separate story across multiple unlockable episodes. Between this and Absolum, it’s a great month for beat ’em up fans.

Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted

After botching Battle for Neighborville and Plants vs. Zombies 3, PopCap Games is going back to the drawing board. Or more specifically, to the first garden in Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted, an HD version of the tower defense that started it all. Fortunately, there’s a lot to justify that $20 purchase, from a new hardcore mode to the more forgiving but still challenging Cloudy Day Mode. You can even compete in local PvP as the zombies or defend together in co-op. Replanted launches on October 23rd for Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 1 and 2.

Tormented Souls 2

The original Tormented Souls didn’t push any boundaries, but for a title inspired by old-school Resident Evil, it wasn’t half-bad. Tormented Souls 2, out on October 23rd for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, continues the story of Caroline as she ventures to a mysterious yet sinister new location. While you’ll be shifting between realities, solving puzzles and fighting off new enemies, tank controls are still in effect, and you won’t have unlimited saves, just like the survival horror games of yesteryears, but you can enable assist mode.

Once Upon A Katamari

A new Katamari title that isn’t a remaster? Somehow, it’s true as Once Upon A Katamari launches on October 24th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. The Prince is once again tasked with fixing the sky after The King of All Cosmos destroys it yet again, and this time, you’re venturing through time, rolling up the Ice Age and other notable eras. With character customization, new tools and KatamariBall, a new four-player competitive mode, the good times may indeed be ready to roll.

Dispatch

What happens when Mecha Man no longer has his mech suit to fight crime? He does the next best thing, taking on a job as a superhero dispatcher. That’s only the start of Robert Robertson’s ordeals, however, as he works with ex-supervillains, dispatching them to different locations with unique consequences. Between unlocking new abilities and managing their various personality quirks, Dispatch is a unique mix of narrative adventure and hero strategy with a strong cast. The first two episodes debut on October 22nd, followed by the next two on October 29th for PS5 and PC, with the final four out in November.

Wreckreation

I’ll admit to being somewhat disappointed with Bugbear’s Wreckfest 2 (which has seen several updates after launching in early access), but Wreckreation, developed by the team behind Dangerous Driving, could fill that void. It’s out on October 28th for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, and introduces the 400 square kilometer sandbox that is MixWorld, which you’re free to build up and wreck alone or with others. With extensive customization tools and plenty to discover, it’s an interesting proposition, and hopefully one with a lot of staying power.

Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection

Have you ever wanted a definitive collection of all classic Mortal Kombat titles? Yes, even Mythologies: Sub Zero and Special Forces? Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection could be the answer as it contains Mortal Kombat 1, 2, 3, 4, Trilogy and much more with multiple versions, online play with rollback netcode and instant access to all secret characters. You can explore the lore of the series and its characters, and learn more about the franchise’s development courtesy of new creator interviews. Launching on October 30th for Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, it could very well be a must-buy for any fighting game fan.

That said, there are some excellent racing games coming this year, and the list we’ve provided here – which, for the record, is ordered via least to most anticipated – arguably displays more promise than 2024. Note though, racers we’d expect to see new entries for – namely F1 25, MotoGP 25, and possibly RIDE 6 – have been left out to give space for some lesser-known titles to shine.

Endurance Motor Series

Experience the slow-burning drama of endurance racing in Endurance Motor Series, upcoming from studio KT Racing who’re deviating from their usual fayre of WRC and MXGP games (glossing over Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown) to put you behind the wheel of the world’s most hardwearing motorcars. However, honing your stamina for long-distance racing is only half the experience. In a unique twist, in Endurance Motor Series you can virtually hot desk between the car and the pit wall, modifying race strategy via abundant data sources including a neat weather radar.

Set to the backdrop of classical music, the trailer for Wreckreation shows off some of the epic creations that are possible in the game, going on to explain how the game’s track creation tools can be used.

The trailer shows that, not only can players build the racing tracks of their dreams, but that players can also theme their tracks however they want by placing different props. The trailer also shows that collaborative track creation is possible between multiple players, and indicates that some players can drive through tracks that are currently in the progress of being created.

Wreckreation was first shown off last year with a trailer. Developer Three Fields Entertainment calls the game the “ultimate open-world sandbox experience” for fans of racing games.

Wreckreation doesn’t yet have a release date, but we do know that the game will be making its way on to PC.

Where the latter is concerned, previously-announced titles that have been confirmed for the showcase so far are survival horror reboot Alone in the Dark, open world science-fantasy action-adventure title Outcast 2: A New Beginning, and the recently-announced co-op puzzle platformer Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy.

THQ Nordic has a number of other announced titles in the pipeline, including the likes of AEW: Fight Forever, a remake of Gothic, Wreckreation, Jagged Alliance 3, and more. Whether or not any of these games will be highlighted at the Digital Showcase in August remains to be seen.

We’ll keep an eye out for new details, so stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks.

Another year, another line-up!

Be sure to save the date for our #THQNordic Digital Showcase live on August 11th, 2023

This year's showcase will not only include world premiere announcements but also updates and reveals for previously-announced games! pic.twitter.com/hDc04oWUjs

— THQ Nordic (@THQNordic) April 20, 2023

Forza Motorsport

Playground Games’ knocked it out of the park with Forza Horizon 5, and now the baton has been passed on to Turn10 for the next entry in the Motorsport franchise. Forza Motorsport 8 (or simply, Forza Motorsport) is set to serve as a soft reboot for the franchise – but fans can expect to get more of what they love with this upcoming title. The physics engine is going to be much more robust than before, and the visuals are already looking spectacular with immaculate attention to detail. Forza Motorsport is set to release sometime during Spring 2023 for Xbox Series X/S and PC.

The publisher is bringing a number of notable games to its booth, while it will also be streaming new gameplay, developer interviews, and more. A number of these games were, of course, recently shown off at the THQ Nordic Showcase.

For starters, Destroy All Humans! 2 – Reprobed, which is launching later this month, is going to be playable. THQ Nordic is also bringing survival horror reboot Alone in the Dark, as well as the likes of SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake, Outcast 2 – A New Beginning, and AEW: Fight Forever. 

Other games included in the publisher’s lineup for Gamescom 2022 are Tempest Rising, Wreckreation, The Valiant, and SpellForce: Conquest of Eo.

Recently, Microsoft also shared details on what you can expect from the Xbox booth at Gamescom, including titles such as Pentiment, Sea of Thieves, and more. Read more on that through here.

Of course, before Gamescom proper kicks off, we’ll also get Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 23. The 2-hour long live show will be hosted by Geoff Keighley and will feature over 30 games on-stage, including the likes of Hogwarts Legacy, The Callisto Protocol, High on Life, Sonic Frontiers, and more.

Designed to be the “ultimate open-world sandbox experience” for fans of driving games, Wreckreation will give players a 400 square kilometer world that is theirs to do with as they want. This world, dubbed a MixWorld, can be taken online to race around with friends.

The owner of a MixWorld is considered the main authority of that world in online play. This means that players can choose to either quickly whip up a new race course to play with their friends, or even figure out team-based stunt events. Other players can also be given temporary powers in a player’s MixWorld.

Customisation is a big theme in Wreckreation, with the ability to create insane race tracks, as well as customise cars with paint jobs, wheels, engine sounds, glass colours, tires, break lights, and even the option to switch between manual and automatic transmission.

When it comes to driving, the trailer indicates that it will allow players to go as crazy as they want, and destruction and general wreckage—as the game’s name might imply—are not only allowed, but encouraged.

Wreckreation doesn’t quite have a release date, but we do know that the game is coming to PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.