August 22, 2025, 12:46 pm | Read time: 6 minutes
Gamescom 2025 in Cologne was not only about new blockbusters and fresh brands–classic games are making a comeback too. From horror legends to quirky platform heroes: TECHBOOK reveals which games are returning to the big stage.
Overview
Silent Hill f – Japan Horror Reloaded
The cult franchise is getting its first new main series title in 13 years with “Silent Hill f.” The last game, “Silent Hill: Downpour,” the seventh in the series, received mixed reviews. Since then, only remakes and spin-offs have been released. At Gamescom 2025, “Silent Hill f” was already playable, and fans are lining up for the comeback title. This time, the setting is Japan in the 1960s, a departure from the previous titles set in Western locations. Producer Motoi Okamoto said in a Silent Hill Transmission in March: “It felt like the Japanese influence was fading.” The solution: “100 percent Japanese horror.”
However, the game begins in classic “Silent Hill” fashion: Fog rolls in, and suddenly the cozy small town of Ebisugaoka is unrecognizable. The developers heavily draw on Japanese folklore and horror aesthetics–emphasizing psychological elements and societal pressure.
The protagonist, Shimizu Hinako, must face grotesquely deformed marionettes and bloated giant creatures. Only melee weapons like pipes, blades, or even a traditional naginata are available. No firearms–take that, America. Exploration alternates between eerie “real” environments and a twisted otherworld shaped by Japanese mythology and Hinako’s psyche. Fresh air for the franchise and a promising revival for fans of the series.
“Silent Hill f” is set for release on September 25, 2025, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows.
Ninja Gaiden 4 – Bloody Hack’n’Slash at 180
After more than a decade-long hiatus, “Ninja Gaiden” returns with a new main series title. “Ninja Gaiden 4” continues the uncompromising battles of its predecessors, combining classic moves with modern mechanics, allowing fans to whirl through hordes of enemies in high-speed style once again.
The gameplay at Gamescom showed: The action is fast, bloody, and absolutely epic. The new protagonist, Yakumo, fights in the “Bloodraven” form. When active, two additional arms emerge from Yakumo’s back, slicing around. It also enables a powerful bloodbath kill when the blood meter is full. Yes, the game is mainly about blood.
“Ninja Gaiden 4” will be released on October 21, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows.
Bubsy 4D – Coyote or Italian Plumber?
Few games have waited as long for a sequel as “Bubsy 3D.” The notoriously quirky platform classic from 1996 is back with the creatively named “Bubsy 4D.” In the trailer, Bubsy is very self-reflective (“Are these more moves than an Italian plumber has?”). Many other references have made it into the game, such as the “OG Coyote Time” upgrade, allowing Bubsy to walk a few steps in the air before falling–just like Wile E. Coyote from the Looney Tunes. Even a “Bubsy 3D” outfit is available, making the hero look as pixelated as in 1996.
“Bubsy 4D” will be available for Switch, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation, and Windows–a release date has not yet been announced.
Also of interest: The trailer highlights of Gamescom 2025
Gamescom 2025 Trailer Highlights
Opening Night Live opens Gamescom with world premieres
Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era – the (g)olden Era
Once a cornerstone of the fantasy RPG genre, “Heroes of Might and Magic” was in good shape until the fifth title in 2006. Later titles, released under the name “Might & Magic Heroes,” failed to match the success of their predecessors. Mixed reviews for the seventh installment in 2015 sealed the series’ fate–until now. “Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era” aims to return to the franchise’s strongest points. As a prequel to the first three games, it brings back familiar characters like Octavia, making fans feel right at home.
We were told the mechanics are mainly based on parts 3 and 5. Those familiar with them should quickly find their way. For beginners, the complex game system poses a challenge. During testing, one of our heroes and their army were completely wiped out in just one turn–despite the battle being a “normal challenge.” However, the game rewards with many secrets and items to discover, which improve stats or provide money and XP.
Developer studio Unfrozen did not provide us with details on the release date of the comeback title at Gamescom. However, “Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era” will be released exclusively for Windows PCs.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV – Back to the Roots
It’s one of the best years for fans of the grimdark RTS series: Not only was the original from 2004 recently refreshed as a “Definitive Edition,” but at Gamescom 2025, publisher Deep Silver also unveiled the first trailer for “Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV.” It’s the first game in the series since “Dawn of War III” in 2017, which attempted to take the franchise in a new direction with its hybrid approach of real-time strategy and unit tactics. Instead, nothing happened for a long time–until now.
The fourth installment brings players back to Kronus–an imperial planet known from the “Dawn of War – Dark Crusade” expansion. However, Kronus is also a tomb world of the immortal Necrons, a tough and seemingly invincible enemy of the Imperium. In “Dawn of War IV,” the Blood Ravens chapter of the Space Marines faces the final battle on the planet.
In terms of gameplay, the developers have oriented themselves on the original from 2004, while parts 2 and 3 focused more on tactical micro-management of individual units. Part 4 brings back the classic base-building principle with headquarters and other buildings for specialized units. Requisition points and energy are once again the base resources needed for recruitment. This means capturing command posts is once again a central aspect. Players can choose from four factions, three of which we are already familiar with: Space Marines, Orks, and Necrons. Completely new, however, is the Adeptus Mechanicus–essentially the scientist caste of the Imperium.
The gameplay demo of “Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV” at Gamescom shows a strong return to the series’ roots. Space Marines, Orks, and Necrons play much like in “Dark Crusade.” Necrons have the ability to resurrect units, Orks can build strategic structures to fill their “WAAAGH!” meter. The Blood Ravens can quickly intervene in the battle with their Drop Pods. Classic tracked vehicles like Rhino and Predator have been replaced by newer models with repulsor drives. No surprise, as the story is set 200 years in the future, after the Eye of Terror has shattered the Imperium.
“Dawn of War IV” is set to release in 2026 for Windows PCs.