Dark Light

Summer Game Fest Kickoff Live was hardly a blockbuster opening to the 2021 virtual expo season, but a few trailers did catch the eye.

The 90-minute long Summer Game Fest Kickoff Live was not a total bust, but genuine surprises were few and far between. Here’s our pick from the games Geoff Keighley had to show.

Elden Ring – Official Gameplay Reveal Trailer

Elden Ring promises a “meticulously handcrafted world, dripping in blood and deception” from the minds of George R.R. Martin and Hidetaka Miyazaki. At first glance, Elden Ring‘s gameplay debut trailer suggests a typically rote fantasy romp, but there’s just enough bizarreness around the edges to get us excited. Just. It’s coming to PC and console on January 21, 2022.

Planet of Lana – Reveal Trailer

Dust pink skies and sun-dappled forests enchant in this beautiful trailer for Planet of Lana. Wishfully’s debut title is a cinematic puzzle-adventure featuring stunning hand-painted visuals and animation. It’s set for release on Xbox consoles and PC in late 2022.

Metal Slug Tactics – Reveal Trailer

Publisher Dotemu and developer Leikir Studio partner on an isometric tactical war game based on the classic Metal Slug series. Franchise favourites Marco, Eri, Fio and Tarma reunite in this delightful trailer that features retro-style animation and some genuinely appealing gameplay. Seriously, this might have been our favourite game reveal from Summer Game Fest Kickoff Live.

We’ll also give an honourable mention to the new story trailer for Monster Hunter Stories 2, which continues to impress.

And yes – despite the cringe love-in between Geoff Keighley and Hideo Kojima – the trailer for Death Stranding – Director’s Cut was rather amusing. I’m a notoriously silent chuckler, and even I let out an audible giggle.


Make friends with the Thumbsticks team on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for a daily delivery of video game news.

Related Posts