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Gamezebo was at Gamescom and were busy playing all<\/em> the games. And much more besides. Here\u2019s our diary of everything we played and saw during a busy few days in Cologne.<\/p>\n

Promenade<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

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We swung by the Red Art Games booth where they were showing off its extensive amount of releases \u2013 physical and digital \u2013 but there was one game that caught our eye.<\/p>\n

Titled Promenade it\u2019s the first game from a French based developer and has numerous influences from Mario 64 to Banjo Kazooie. Unlike those two it\u2019s not a 3D but actually a 2D platformer. However the way it asks you to explore the world is very open world. There are numerous fragments of gold you have to collect, but can gather them in any order you wish.<\/p>\n

It has similar mechanics to Klonoa in the way you grab and use enemies to jump further, for attacks, and sink basketball shots (yes, really). Although a little rough round the edges aesthetically it feels great to control and has a great range of challenges that aren\u2019t explained to you. Which is nice. Promenade will arrive on Switch and other formats in February next year.<\/p>\n

Mixi<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

We met Mixi and although it\u2019s working on a lot, it was all quite hush hush. It does have a interesting three player roguelike in the works for PC, but it doesn\u2019t even have a title yet \u2013 still we managed to play it and were impressed with the battle mechanics that really do require you to work as a team.<\/span><\/p>\n

Blaze Entertainment\/Evercade<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

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We got a hands on with Evercade\u2019s upcoming Super Pocket systems \u2013 both the Capcom & TAITO editions. Boasting a generous number of in-built games they also wisely allow you to play Evercade carts as well. They feel well made and sturdy considering they\u2019re lower price tags of \u00a349, and we think they\u2019ll do quite well in the competitive retro re-release market when they arrive in late October.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Evercade EXP was also available to try out, and is lovely to use. With smoother edges and a more sturdy feel than the original Evercade unit we\u2019re looking forward to giving this a proper test when it arrives later this year.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When it comes to game releases, the company has a lot of retro focused ones in the works \u2013 obviously. What we were impressed with is how focused Blaze is on bringing more exposure to the indie scene though. As Sean Cleaver, the Marketing Manager at Blaze Entertainment succinctly put it, \u201cwe do the expected.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

There are a number of indie games being released as one-off carts for the Evercade, with many titles developed for older systems (such as the Commodore 64) being ported to the system. Over eight games are already confirmed for 2024, with many more planned. One thing was made very clear after our meeting at Gamescom \u2013 the Evercade is has proven beyond all doubt it\u2019s not just a flash in the pan like many retro focused consoles\/devices we\u2019ve seen come and go.<\/span><\/p>\n

EPOS<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

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We got a look at the latest headsets and devices EPOS are working on and releasing, and there was a big focus on its BrainAdapt technology. This has effectively been the results of many tests (including studying eye dilation) and how this can result in better audio experiences for users.<\/span><\/p>\n

This was demonstrated with our brief time with the H6 Pro headset designed for the Xbox. It has a range of impressive features including Air Thru ear pads that make it comfortable to wear for long periods, flexible ear cups, and a mic that attaches via magnets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

EPOS have released a very aesthetically pleasing devices since it was founded in 2018, with a more adult and sophisticated look than most of the competitors in the gaming hardware scene. <\/span>You can find all our past coverage of various EPOS products <\/span>here too<\/span>, if you\u2019re interested.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nitro Deck<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

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We got our hands on this exciting new accessory for the Switch \u2013 even if accessory is perhaps selling it a little short. It\u2019s a device that you plug your standard Switch into, and effectively power it up.<\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s no joy con drift anymore, thanks to the thumbsticks using Hall Effect sensors rather than analogue ones in the Nintendo controllers. The analogue sticks on the Nitro Deck are also replaceable by simply twisting them off \u2013 see image below \u2013 which is a very simple but logical design choice.<\/span><\/p>\n

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It feels solidly made too, and the lock button that holds the console into the Deck seems pretty foolproof to us. The pricing seems sensible too, with the standard model costing \u00a359.99 and the Limited Edition (which includes a base, and another set of analogue sticks) marked up as \u00a389.99.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s an accompanying app and plans for limited editions too, but we\u2019ll look at this in far more detail when it launched on the 18th of September and we can get a unit for a full review. Stay tuned!<\/span><\/p>\n

Imperia Online JSC<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

This Bulgaria based team is celebrating its 18th birthday this year, and has built its success on its flagship title Imperia Online \u2013 which continues to be a massively popular desktop title.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s working on a range of other titles though, including idle RPG Crush Them All and a pool title that is looking to boast an interesting esport focus.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

NACON<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

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NACON was another accessory manufacturer we met during Gamescom, with it having an impressive array of different headsets, cases, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

The key accessory was the 600 PRO which Esther at the booth took great pride in showing how tough it was \u2013 twisting it to an impressive degree. See the picture above if you don\u2019t believe us. It also features low-latency 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth, and is compatible with Playstation, Xbox, Switch, PC and smartphones.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was also a range of Zelda themed accessories arriving soon for the Switch, all of which were quite subtle in their coloring and designs. Pictures above there was cases for the Switch console (including a sturdy flap to prop the console up) and even one for just a single pro controller. We\u2019ll hope to get all of these and the 600 PRO for full hands on pieces in the coming weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n

ININ\/United Games<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n