Gamescom 2022 is an exciting event for the video game industry, where prospective players can learn all about new games on the way, but this year some titles look worse coming out of their reveals. Of course, it is hard to judge a game before it even releases fully, but having hype built up for a game is key for a successful launch. However, the response has been rather lackluster to a fair bit of the games showcased on Gamescom's Opening Night Live. Thus, it will now be up to the marketing of the games and initial release to build back up any excitement that may have been lost.

With a variety of large titles, smaller projects, DLC, and sequels, the opening night reveals from Gamescom 2022 were numerous at the very least, including some heavy hitters like Dead Space co-creator Glen Schofield's The Callisto Protocol, Hogwarts Legacy, and Gotham Knights. Some more minor but still highly anticipated titles like Rick and Morty co-creator Justin Roiland's High on Life and Goat Simulator 3 got gameplay trailers. Notable new games also got official announcements like New Tales From The Borderlands and the long-awaited sequel Dead Island 2.

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Overall there was a ton to unpack from the opening night of Gamescom, but suffice to say, many of the already known titles underperformed with their chance to shine. A considerable part of the excitement around Gamescom is the chance to see in-depth looks or extended gameplay demonstrations, but when those underperform, it hampers the enthusiasm for a game. There will always be winners and losers in premieres - one of the biggest winners of Gamescom being Goat Simulator 3's gameplay trailer - whether due to being outshone by another premiere or if one simply falls on its face. For many of the letdowns on opening night, the latter seemed to occur.

The Callisto Protocol: Dark, Dreary, And Boring

With many fans looking to experience once again horror and action akin to the original Dead Space, the gameplay preview for The Callisto Protocol brings mixed reactions. While the water slide run brings the possibility of exciting set pieces, such segments in other games are typically panned, and The Callisto Protocol's core gameplay loop seems one-dimensional as well. It may only stand out for the gruesome deaths it brings. The combat shown off appears rather bland outside of throwing enemies into environments that turn them into chunks. Perhaps it is the feeling the game wishes to bestow on players, as Callisto Protocol's combat will be different from Dead Space's, but the shooting and melee appears tedious at times. If enemies are going to take that many hits, players will just throw everyone into the far-too-prevalent grinders rather than risk death hacking away. Things could change as players grow stronger, or if the game is meant to be more about stealth and environmental takedown, but as of now, The Callisto Protocol gives off a lackluster feel.

High On Life: Voice Acting Galore, But Static Gameplay

Coming from one of the creators of Rick and Morty, fans have certain expectations for the comedy in High on Life, which may end up being divisive. The gameplay for High on Life, however, fell thoroughly flat. Viewers got to see one of the boss fights from the game, and outside the smooth grappling mechanics, the fight looks static. The boss was predictable and never really seemed to be a threat to the player.

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Different phases of the boss were easily avoidable, and while the bosses aren't weak, it doesn't feel like a significant achievement to take one down. Outside when the grappling is forced to be used, players staying out of harm's way still appears overtly simple. While a game from a Rick and Morty creator will bring the ridiculousness fans want, the critical gameplay side looks like it will disappoint.

Tortuga: A Pirates Tale Looks Bland And Uninspired

Pirate games have come to the fore recently, including the continued success of Sea Of Thieves, but Tortuga: A Pirates Tale is a strategy game hoping to take a different direction. While not copying the popular is a commendable start, the gameplay shown seems plain at best. The customization and strengthening of ships look appealing, but the macro viewpoint may take away from the immersion of being a pirate. Tortuga doesn't look like a massive leap ahead of the classic Sid Meier's Pirates!, but perhaps considerable innovation isn't necessary. How the gameplay and difficulty scales seems like it will be an important part of Tortuga's success, but this gameplay left a rather tepid impression.

Hogwarts Legacy: A Few Answers But More Questions

One of the most anticipated delayed games in Hogwarts Legacy gave players a closer look at some of its story and a bit more gameplay. Indeed, not as disappointing as the games above this, but as some answers were given, more questions popped up with fans. The story appears to explore the darker side of the Harry Potter franchise, with a direct focus on the Dark Arts. Of course, the world of Harry Potter carries immense popularity and has plenty to explore, but living up to the high standards fans are used to raises worries. However, it will be up to the game's core mechanics to make it shine. Brief gameplay from this new reveal shows off a static, duel-centric gameplay style, which could work great. However, the spell variety and difficulty of this combat style will need to be polished to make it not just entertaining but fair. Being young wizard students, as Hogwarts Legacy will have character creation, the chances players will be able to take many hits and want prolonged fights are unlikely, so the speed and style Hogwarts Legacy carries with it will be pivotal.

Overall, the opening night of Gamescom 2022 brought gaming fans a mixed bag of footage. For every announcement that brought excitement to fans, one would come along to hamper the show. It is impossible to grade a game before it is released, but first impressions are essential. Showcasing gameplay that already has fans checking out or becoming confused is not a good start for any game. Especially when they are big-name titles that have a high expectation for success. It will now be the ultimate challenge of each game to either correct their mistakes or prove players wrong.

Sources: Striking Distance Studios/YouTube, Squanch Games/YouTube, Kalypso Media/YouTube, Hogwarts Legacy/YouTube