Total War: Warhammer 2 Vortex campaign map screenshot from afar

Exactly one week ago Creative Assembly released the very first image of the new campaign map and all of the factions that inhabit it. While it was certainly exciting to see which territories made it in, the map was only a 2D image and such could not accurately convey what the world itself will look and feel like.

This is where today's gamescom video comes in to play! It not only offers a detailed look at all of the new Total War: Warhammer 2 regions, but it also shows off all of the starting positions for each of the Legendary Lords and factions. So if you have even a tiny bit of interest in Total War: Warhammer 2 I would recommend you give the video a look:

Dragon Ball FighterZ screenshot of Android 16 and 18

Dragon Ball FighterZ is an upcoming 2.5D fighting game that aims to bring the series back to its roots. You might also be glad to hear that its being developed by the famed Arc System Works, the studio behind Blaz Blue, Guilty Gear, and the upcoming BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle. In other words, there is actually a pretty damn high chance they will manage to pull this off!

If you have any doubts, or if you're just wondering what Dragon Ball FighterZ even plays like, you'll find the recently posted gamescom trailer right below. Its mostly focused around the newly announced Androids C16, and C18/17, but it should still give you a decent idea idea of just what kind of fighting game we're talking about here. But enough babble from me, here's the action:

Doom Slayer from id Software's Quake Champions

After a variety of closed betas Quake Champions has now finally arrived to Early Access, so if you ever wanted to give it a try you now have a chance to do so. As you might expect, there is a price attached, $30 to be specific. On the positive side, this purchase unlocks all current and future champions for you, so if you decide to grab it you will never again have to grind for any sort of gameplay elements.

In terms of content the Early Access build has brought with it 11 Champions to play around with (including the newly added Doom Slayer), 4 different game modes, a variety of maps, as well as a bunch of cosmetics to play dress-up with. Naturally, more content is planned for the near future, though the details have not been revealed just yet. What I can tell you, however, is that Quake Champions will be getting at least 6 new characters by the end of 2018, the emphasis here being on "at least".

Hearthstone cinematic Orc watching his burned board

Hearthstone has recently been updated with the Knights of the Frozen Throne, a 135 card expansion that saw some of our favorite heroes killed and resurrected as soulless servants of the Lich King. And what better way to follow that up than with a very Disney-like cinematic short full of vibrant colors, random nonsense, and plenty of signing!

The newly revealed Hearth and Home short might not fit thematically with the latest expansion, but its still well worth a look as Blizzard's animation studio has once again outdone themselves. I just wish the song lyrics were more memorable and interesting, but I suppose that's a minor complaint given the age group the short is targeting. Anyway, here's the video:

Screenshot of BRINK from the PC free-to-play version

According to its initial marketing campaign BRINK was going to be a revolution, an exciting blend between storytelling and team-based combat. It sounded far-fetched even back then, but with features such as parkour and massive levels to roam in many people were more than eager to overlook a couple of flaws as long as the gameplay was enjoyable. Unfortunately, BRINK ended up being a disappointment in pretty much every respect: combat, parkour, story, and PC port quality.

Very little has been heard of BRINK since its 2011 release date, yet for some reason it has now appeared on Steam as a fully free-to-play game! According to the user reviews the PC port is still in absolute shambles, but I would recommend you give it a look regardless, if for no other reason than to get an understanding of how brilliant BRINK could've been.

Overwatch and Junkrat running away from an explosion

While Overwatch is definitely trending upwards in terms of quality, the last two competitive seasons have created a bit of a problematic environment. Up until recently the report system was completely and utterly useless, which combined with the decay system essentially 'forcing' people to play resulted in more than a fair share of angry and otherwise disinterested players.

This is not something that's going to change over night, but you'll be glad to hear that Blizzard is implementing some great tweaks for Season 6 of competitive play. First and foremost, the seasons will now last two months instead of three. Competitive Points at the end of the season will be slightly reduced in order to adjust for this, but worry not as you will now be getting more Competitive Points per win which should help lower rated players get those shiny golden guns more easily.

Life is Strange: Before the Storm screenshot of Chloe and Rachel

Life is Strange: Before the Storm is a prequel to the original game set three years before Max returned to Arcadia Bay. As you might expect, you'll be taking on the role of Chloe Price as you explore her unlikely friendship with Rachel Amber, although there will also be a small bonus episode covering Max's initial departure. On a slight side note, it is important to mention that Before the Storm is not being made by the original developers as they are currently busy with the upcoming vampire RPG Vampyr.

If you're now wondering whether Before the Storm can live up to the original, and what exactly it even has to offer, you'll find the most recent gamescom trailer right below. It mostly covers Chloe and Rachel's relationship, though there are brief glimpses at various other events and side-stories. Have a look:

Final Fantasy XV screenshot from the 4K PC version

Back in April of 2016 Final Fantasy XV's director said that he was very excited about making a PC version, but that he couldn't promise anything given how much work still needed to be done for the console release. Furthermore, he stated if his team ever gets the chance to create a PC version of Final Fantasy XV they would make sure its more than a simple port.

As you'll see in the recently posted announcement, he was not joking! Final Fantasy XV will be coming to PC with support for 4K resolutions and HDR 10, as well as graphical options that can be configured to support resolutions up to a rather ridiculous 8K! Besides the graphical improvements, Final Fantasy XV will be arriving on PC with all of the free updates and paid DLC bundled together, as well as with a brand new first-person mode that lets you explore the world through Noctis's eyes.

Mei from the Overwatch animated short Rise and Shine

Earlier this week Blizzard released two new trailers for Overwatch, one a brief cinematic featuring Junkrat & Roadhog, and the other a preview for the upcoming payload map Junkertown. And just a few moments ago they have released yet another video, this time around the much rumored cinematic short starring Mei... and yes, its quite a-Mei-zing!

So if you don't mind taking a bit of time away from the apocalyptic wastes of Australia, you'll find the most recent cinematic short "Rise and Shine" right below. I would fully recommend you give it a look because Blizzard's cinematic department is one of the very best in the entire gaming industry. Have a gander:

Need For Speed Payback screenshot of a police ar

During the initial Need for Speed Payback reveal EA announced that it will be taking heavy inspiration from one of the most popular games in the series - Most Wanted. Very little has been said about it since then, but if the latest teaser trailer is any indicator they have definitely gone in the right direction with Payback.

While the video itself does not feature any actual gameplay, it will give you a pretty damn good glimpse at what sort of style Need for Speed Payback is aiming for, and more importantly, how it compares to the fan-favorite Most Wanted. Without further ado, here's the gamescom trailer: