GamerEscape

New York Comic Con 2024 is in the books! In the not so distant past multiple video game companies would attend NYCC – using it as a New York City stop to showcase upcoming AAA games akin to a PAX or E3. In recent years, however, such showings has been sparse to say the least. This year we saw a small return – with Bandai Namco showcasing the upcoming Little Nightmares III (releasing 2025) and Capcom showing off Monster Hunter: Wilds (releasing February 28, 2025). With more than 200,000 people attending NYCC, and long lines to play both of these titles, we certainly hope that this trend continues.

Little Nightmares III

The third in the series, Little Nightmares III was being demoed on the PS5 at NYCC and we got about 15 minutes in what seemed like the beginning of the game. Having not played either of the prior installments in the series, we came in blind, but quickly became very excited about this title. A co-op, puzzle-based action-platformer with amazing graphics? Sign us up. 

You play as either Low or Alone, with Low wielding a bow and arrow and Alone a wrench. For this demo I played as Alone, with Low being computer controlled (although co-op play will be available). The demo consisted of moving through the world and solving environmental based puzzles, which were, at this stage, understandably simple. In this opening sequence we had to, for example, move a crate to sit on a pressure plate to open a door. Or use our wrench to turn a gear, to lift a weight and unfurl a bridge, and then wait for Low to shoot down the weight so that we could cross. Nothing earth shattering from a puzzle perspective, but to be expected in what was essentially a tutorial stage. Other standard actions were also available, such as picking up and throwing a variety of items strewn around the environment, sprinting, jumping, grabbing ledges, etc. Notably, we did not encounter any enemies or battles in our short time in the game, but given that you would swing a wrench in a violent manner, we assume it will exist. Gameplay was standard, but in a good way. The buttons and in-game interactions did what you expected them to do, which led to an extraordinarily clean, smooth, and enjoyable experience. 

Apart from the gameplay the main takeaway from this limited play was really the graphics – a 10/10 in all respects. The backgrounds were dark, mysterious, and detailed. The movements of Alone and Low were natural and smooth. It was simply a joy to inhabit the world and we’re looking forward to release so that we can get back in and explore to our heart’s content. 

Little Nightmares III is expected to be released in 2025 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Windows PC, and Xbox One and X/S.

Monster Hunter: Wilds

We should start by saying that, while Gamer Escape as an outlet has covered the Monster Hunter series quite a lot, including recognizing prior installments as being in our Top 5 reviewed games in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022, I have not really played the prior Monster Hunter installments. I’ve tried them out at various other conferences, but beyond that have simply not gotten into the series. This installment is, like prior installments, an action role-playing video game and the direct successor to 2018’s Monster Hunter: World. And if you liked World, I suspect that you will also enjoy Wilds. The world is beautiful and massive – as are the monsters. The sheer volume of actions was daunting for someone not entirely familiar with the gameplay. The demo essentially threw you into a co-op hunt with three other attendees, but with 14 weapons to choose from, each with their own actions and combos, and without any tutorial, ultimately this felt a bit more like a hack and slash experience and an action RPG The hacking and slashing was smooth, but it was hard to really experience the intricacies of the gameplay. 

Showcased at NYCC was the new addition of the new mount – Seikret, who can be called and mounted with a quick button press, and then will auto-track monsters and even be used in combat. This was a lifesaver, as Seikret could quickly get you back in the fight when the monster would run away or you somehow lost your party.

The good news about Monster Hunter: Wilds is that you don’t have to take our word for it for much longer! Capcom recently announced the following open beta tests: 

• PlayStation 5
  • PlayStation Plus Early Access: October 28 at 8:00pm PT – October 30 at 7:59pm PT
  • Non-PlayStation Plus Subscribers: October 31 at 8:00pm PT – November 3 at 6:59pm PT*
• Xbox Series X|S**: October 31 at 8:00pm PT – November 3 at 6:59pm PT*
• Steam: October 31 at 8:00pm PT – November 3 at 6:59pm PT*
  
  *Time Adjusted for Daylight Savings Time
  **Game Pass Core or Ultimate subscription not required for OBT access

The Open Beta Tests will include three separate experiences: 

• The character creation tool with data that will be transferable to the full game upon release.
• A “Story Trial” where players can experience the opening cutscene of the game along with basic tutorials while hunting a Chatacabra.
• The free-roaming “Doshaguma Hunt”, where players can pursue the Alpha of a Doshaguma pack or explore the Windward Plains. 

Both the Story Trial and Doshaguma Hunt can be experienced solo, with other online players, or with assistance from NPC Support Hunters.

Published by Capcom, Monster Hunter: Wild is set to be released for Windows PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on February 28, 2025.