While E3 might be dead (for now, anyway), Geoff Keighley's Summer Games Fest has stepped into the breach, and while the event didn't quite match the scale of E3's of old, the showcase had a number of big reveals and surprises and didn't outstay it's welcome, which was pleasantly surprising.

But just incase you missed it, here's our helpful roundup of some of the most significant announcements from the show, along with some of my thoughts. We'll be writing some more in-depth articles on some of the biggest reveals from the show, and this weekend will also feature showcases from Devolver Digital, The Xbox Games Showcase and Starfield Direct, Ubisoft Forward, and the Capcom Showcase, so stay tuned to GameFront throughout this weekend for the latest reveals.

Mortal Kombat 1
The iconic Mortal Kombat series is getting something of a reboot with Mortal Kombat 1, but fear not; it'll still be jam-packed with violence, gore, and fatalities. While the reveal trailer showcased pure gameplay, the promise of a perfect combination of intense combat and brutal fatalities makes me eager to learn more. Despite the name, it's actually the 29th instalment in the series. Here's hoping that Mortal Kombat 1 can deliver a fresh take on that signature experience fans have come to love.

Sonic Superstars
Sega has tried to take Sonic back to his 2D platforming roots a few times, with mixed success - while Sonic the Hedgehog 4 was far from the 2D sequel of our dreams, Sonic Mania was a true return to form. This latest spin leaves the mixed bag of Sonic's 3D ventures behind and offers a refreshing blend of old and new elements. With a 3D "feel" reminiscent of Nintendo's Link's Awakening remaster, Sonic Superstars aims to reignite the thrill of the classic Sonic games, looking similar in style to the Classic Sonic stages of Sonic Generations or Forces. The trailer promises exciting new powers, a four-player co-op mode, and a release expected sometime in 2023 for multiple platforms.

Lies of P
Lies of P is an intriguing new game that introduces players to a fascinating world inspired by the story of Pinocchio. Developed by Neowiz, this game offers a Soulsborne-like experience set in a steam-punk-filled universe. Players assume the role of P, a puppet on a quest to find Geppetto and become human. The trailer grabbed my attention with its ethereal atmosphere and unique visuals. While the release was slightly delayed, Lies of P is set to launch on September 19 for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, and there's also a demo available, giving players a taste of the game's first two chapters, boss fights, and exploration.

Sand Land
From the legendary mind of Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, comes Sand Land—a new game based on manga of the same name. This open-world adventure features Unreal Engine 5, ensuring a captivating visual experience that complements the unique art style. Set in a world suffering from a severe water shortage, Sand Land promises an intriguing narrative. While details are scarce, I'm excited for more news from Bandai Namco regarding the release window.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Ubisoft surprised us with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown rather than the long-rumoured remaster of The Sands of Time I expected. Returning to the series' 2D platformer origins, The Lost Crown offers players "time powers" to manipulate a mythological Persian world filled with distinct biomes. With a slightly Metroidvania feel, this game hopes to capture the essence of the beloved 3D Prince of Persia games. Set to release on multiple platforms on January 18, 2024, The Lost Crown feels like a solid opportunity for the franchise to pivot into something new and fresh.

Spider-Man 2
Insomniac Games didn't disappoint with the, albeit expected, announcement of Spider-Man 2 during Summer Games Fest. Continuing the story of Peter Parker, this time teaming up with Miles Morales to clean up the streets of New York, which is now twice the explorable area. The big surprise was the release date, October 20th; the game also introduces exciting new gameplay elements and exclusive skins that will undoubtedly make fans eager to swing through the streets of New York City once again.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth was the final game announced at Summer Game Fest 2023, revealing gameplay and a launch window for the PlayStation 5 exclusive, but what caught my attention was the fact that the game will be released on two discs. While it's not unusual for big games to span multiple discs, Square Enix's emphasis on this detail has become a trending topic on Twitter, offering a shot of nostalgia for the original Final Fantasy VII, which also came on multiple discs, and even PlayStation joined in the fun by highlighting the two-disc feature in their tweet about the game.

There were plenty more announcements at Summer Games Fest, which you can catch here, but we'll be bringing more news and roundups on the biggest reveals throughout the weekend, so keep it locked here to GameFront!