The 2020 VGA Reveals: A Glimpse Into The Future
The video game awards have come and gone and while the focus of this event was deciding what games were the best of that year (something I and many others looked forward to), many of the announcements were either for newly revealed IP's or games that have had at least one reveal prior. Let's take a deep dive into my favorite VGA 2020 announcements!
Nier Replicant: Ver 122474487139
Yes, that is what it's called and yes, I typed all that out. Nier Automata came out a couple years ago, and was one of my favorite modern action games. It was a wonderful blend of action and RPG crafted by Platinum Games and Square Enix. Nier Replicant is a version of the original Nier released on the PS3, but with some alterations to the main character and story. Neir never came out overseas, so this is exciting not only for fans of the original title, but for players like me that entered with Automata. The story is about a boy trying to save his sister who is burdened with an illness. The series also takes place long before Nier Automata. While the game previously had trailers and gameplay demos, the VGA's debuted a brand new trailer.
From PlayStation: Nier Replicant:ver.122474487139
This reveal showed the protagonist going through beautiful vast landscapes, tearing through enemies and using similar weapons and spells that Automata players are accustomed to. The game looks and sounds gorgeous from this trailer and I admired the main character's design, but, comparing the combat of the original Nier to Replicant, its night and day. The combat looks smoother, faster, and more precise with the visuals of course receiving a massive upgrade. Nier Replicant is coming out on PS4, Xbox One, and PC, and I look forward to playing it on my PS5 on April, 23rd 2021.
The One Winged Angel arrives to Smash Ultimate
This was, hands down, my favorite reveal and part of the show. I'm not sure if that says little for the VGA's or if it says a lot for Final Fantasy 7 and Smash Bros.. The 2018 Game Awards revealed Joker for Smash Ultimate, and last year had none, so when this year's reveal graced us with Final Fantasy 7's iconic villain, Sephiroth, the trailer was simply beautiful. Sephiroth demolishes Galeem (one of Smash Ultimate's antagonists) in one slice, right after Galeem destroys a good chunk of the roster. Cloud, with his PTSD, calls out Sephiroth, and with many quotes and shots from Final Fantasy 7 Advent Children playing throughout, there was an iconic shot that makes it seem as if Sephiroth impaled Mario on his blade.
Gameplay wise Sephiroth has many far reaching sword attacks, as well as staple abilities like Shadow Flare (the dark fire) and potentially Scintilla (the counter). It's pending if he's a speedy or power character from the trailer (though I'm thinking somewhere in the middle). His Final Smash seems to involve his “final form” from Final Fantasy 7, and I predict he'll unleash his ultimate attack, Supernova. Being a huge fan of Sephiroth and Final Fantasy 7 Advent Children, this reveal left me in shock and awe. As soon as “One Winged Angel” started playing, I let out a huge “WHAT?!”. This reveal is all the more interesting due to Sephiroth being the first, third party villain.
This is also the most excited I've been for a Smash reveal since 2018, and I can't wait to get my hands on one of my favorite video game villains in Smash Ultimate, later this month.
From Gamestop: Sephiroth!!!
Evil West: The Spooky John Wayne Movie?
One of the games that was revealed to the world for the first time was Evil West, developed by Flying Wild Hog. It featured a vampire hunter named Jesse Rentier, taking down monsters with various guns, as well as various gadgets and powers from his fist. It takes place in a dark fantasy version of the wild west, and it's said to be an action game. Evil West can also be played in co-op which should be fun as well. This stood out to me because one, it has something that isn't too common, dark fantasy and the wild west and two, it reminded me of the first person shooter I played back in the early 2000's, Darkwatch.
What further fueled my curiosity for this game was that I'm currently playing a game called West for Dead, which features a supernatural setting in that same setting. Seeing gameplay for Evil West would have increased my excitement for the title, as a lack of it is common with many game reveals. The concept, however, seems interesting and that's enough for it to be on my radar. Evil West is set be released on both PlayStation, Xbox (Cross Gen) as well as for the PC in 2021.
Evil Dead: The Groovy Reveal
While I'm not the biggest fan of Evil Dead, I've become a follower in recent years and was awaiting either a new video game tie in, or Ash Williams appearing in Mortal Kombat 11. Although, the latter appears to not be happening, the VGA's graced us with something better: a brand new video game adaptation to the iconic series, Evil Dead: The Game. For this reveal, it started with a CG trailer showing the four playable characters: Kelly from Ash vs. Evil Dead, Sir Arthur from Army of Darkness, Scott from Evil Dead, and the king himself Ash Williams with a transition into gameplay with these four, blowing deadites away with guns and melee weapons in third person. Yes, Bruce Campbell is back reprising his role as Ash and his CG model looks exactly like him from the earlier movies. My only concern with this game is that it only mentions multiplayer. While I will give this game a chance, I sincerely hope there is a campaign with these characters or at least challenge bots. The game will be released in 2021 for all consoles.
From PlayStation: Announcing Evil Dead: The Game, coming to PS5 and PS4! Take on all comers in co-op and PvP action - Come Get Some in 2021!
Honorable Mentions and Closing Thoughts
Three other announcements that stood out to me as teaser trailers were Perfect Dark (after so many years), a Left 4 Dead spiritual successor called Back 4 Blood and it was also great to see another trailer for Scarlet Nexus, an action game from developers Bandai Namco.
While there were other enjoyable reveals at the VGA's, I still feel there was room for improvement. Many of these announcements seemed focused on either mobile games or zombie-like shooters, with many trailers not showing gameplay footage at all. While I understand the game industry and their need to present new IP's, it would've also been great to see trailers from more established franchises with upcoming games like Bayonetta 3 or Gotham Knights.
Considering how disappointing last year's VGAs were and considering the state of the world we’re living in now, I would be lying if I said these reveals did not exceed my expectations.
